LAC CECITA - LORICA
Skirting Lake Cecita, the Ciclovia lands in the village of Campo San Lorenzo with its beautiful little wooden church reflected in the waters of the lake basin. Reaching the Casa Cantoniera at Km 13.6, the cycle route begins to climb through the cultivated Camigliatello Silano countryside with gradients that at times touch 13%, in a route of rare scenic beauty that alternates between green glades and dense pine forests. Having reached the crossroads of Croce di Magara, which is only 3 km from the Giants of Sila Reserve, the cycle route continues in the direction of the hamlet of Sculca (1360 m), with slight ups and downs until Km 24.7, near the historic Calabro-Lucane station of San Nicola Silano, not far from Silvana Mansio, the pleasant village of wooden chalets at 1470 m altitude. Having resumed the SP211, with gradients of around 9%, at Km 29 we reach 1565 metres, which coincides with the highest point of the Ciclovia dei Parchi, on the slopes of Monte Altare. Shortly afterwards, the long-awaited descent begins, reaching Rovale and then, after a slight uphill stretch, resuming its descent to Lorica and the magnificent Lake Arvo (1290 m).
ITINERARY AND DESTINATIONS
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Places you must visit
Camigliatello
Camigliatello Silano, located at an elevation of 1,300 m above sea level, is one of the Sila areas that has the greatest number of tourists no matter the season. It has a modern ski lift for skiing in the winter and the summer. It departs from the station located in Tasso and takes you to Monte Curcio, at an elevation of 1786 m.
I Giganti di Fallistro-Biogenetic Nature Reserve
The Nature Reserve located in Fallistro in the area of Spezzano della Sila and near Croce di Magara is about 5 hectares. Its forest has centuries-old pine trees, some of which are over 40 metres tall, and they stand before a nearby spinning mill that dates back to the 17th century. In addition to the 53 specimens of “giant” larch pine, you will see specimens of beech, sycamore maple and white poplar.
The village of Silvana Mansio
The village of Silvana Mansio, built in the 1930s in the municipality of Casali del Manco and located at an elevation of 1470 m is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots in Sila. It has managed to preserve the natural habitat intact, and 90% of homes look like wood cabins with an almost fairy-tale like ambiance. They fit in perfectly in the context of the one hundred thousand square metre forest.
climate
A predominantly high-altitude stage reaching 1565 m, not recommended in winter due to the presence of snow, although the roads are still passable and the reception facilities functional. From April to October, the climate is temperate. The route is mostly shady and cool even during the hottest summer days.
Food, drink and accommodation
Farmhouses, hotels and B&Bs can be found on Lake Cecita, in the Camigliatello area and in Lorica, where restaurants and trattorias offering local products and typical cuisine abound. The Ciclovia crosses mostly woods and green areas, where water sources are always available.
Clothing
Cycling gear varies depending on the season. In autumn, it’s important to use the right gear to keep you dry and warm on rides, as the temperatures can be very cold in the mountains; in spring, you don’t need thermal gear but don’t forget to wear the right windproof and waterproof clothing. In summer, you can wear a t-shirt and bermuda shorts, but always bring a jacket for high-altitude rides.
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It is recommended to use a bike suitable for long distances, a gravel or mountain bike, also with pedal assistance. It may be appropriate to fit off-road (or mixed) tyres in the case of gravel. Although the route is on asphalt, it is a good idea to provide a set-up that allows you to safely tackle sections in the woods that may have mud and gravel in bad weather.
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If you want to travel with a tent, you can stay in tent camping sites or campsites, agritourism and bivouac areas. To learn more please visit the Parks’ websites.
