CANOLO - GAMBARIE
The route starts at the Canolo junction at the height of the Passo del Mercante (942 m). From here the cycle route turns in the direction of Zomaro, at an altitude of about 1,000 m, where the Visitor Centre and Botanical Museum is located, telling the wonders of the flora and fauna of the Aspromonte Park. Continuing towards Gambarie, we reach Passo Cancello (946 m) and after a few gentle ups and downs, Villaggio Moleti nestled among centuries-old beech and fir trees. From here the Ciclovia proceeds along the SP36, crossing the road leading to the Mundu and Galasia waterfalls, between Villagio Trepitò and Molochio, and faces a long uphill stretch that at Km 18.4 reaches Piani dello Zilastro (1061 m), the point where the Sentiero Italia joins up, crossing magnificent pine forests and clearings bordered by giant ferns. At Km 22.8, the cycle route arrives at the crossroads for the former Sanatorio di Zervò (1152 m), today a hostel and guest house. After passing the Church of the Madonna della Salute, from Km 34 we ride for kilometres through an enveloping and solitary pine forest where we encounter Pietra Salva, one of the cyclopean boulders that characterise the Geosito dell'Aspromonte, in a landscape that to the east, in the direction of San Luca, holds other gigantic monoliths such as Pietra Cappa, not far from the ancient beech forest of Valle Infernale. After continuous ups and downs in altitude, having reached 1378 m, we descend on the SP3 and, having passed the Sant'Eufemia junction, we find ourselves near the Park with the Cippo and the Mausoleo di Garibaldi, now close to Gambarie (1324 m), the renowned Aspromonte ski resort overlooking Reggio Calabria, which we reach after a last slight asperity at Km 56.8.
ITINERARY AND DESTINATIONS
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Places you must visit
ZOMARO BOTANICAL MUSEUM VISITOR CENTRE
Located in the Central-North area of the Park, within the municipality of Cittanova, at about 1,000 m above sea level, this museum features educational activities and information about Aspromonte’s unique flora. The Centre is equipped with a herbarium of about 200 types of flora from the Aspromonte area, with exhibits explaining the park’s landscapes, models of cells, plants, and parts of plants that can be useful for research. There is also an interactive multimedia whiteboard.
GARIBALDI’S MONUMENT
In Sant’Eufemia d’Aspromonte, 7 km from Gambarie, a centuries-old pinewood still has the giant tree that a wounded General Giuseppe Garibaldi leaned on, on August 29th, 1862. There is also Mausoleum that the citizens built in his honour. The Mausoleum is in remembrance of the Landing of the Thousand and the Redshirts, led by the Italian hero of the two worlds, in 1862. A memorial stone indicates the exact spot, and you can still visit the pine tree that the hero leaned on after he was hit.
MUNDU AND GALASIA FALLS
The landscape surrounding these clear lakes, with water that falls over granite rocks that have narrow gorges, is characterised by rich vegetation consisting of oaks, holm oaks, beeches, large lianas of vitalba and rare varieties of ferns including the European chain fern (Woodwardia radicans). The torrent produces considerably large waterfalls. The most beautiful are the Mundu waterfall and the Galasìa which is at a higher elevation.
climate
It is a high-altitude stage that is recommended from April to October, as there is usually snow in the winter season. In spring and summer and in the first part of autumn, the climate is pleasant, always travelling protected by dense vegetation.
Food, drink and accommodation
Along the route between Canolo and Gambarie, totally immersed in the nature of the Aspromonte, there are only a few refuges and one hostel, so it is preferable to book in advance. One encounters many green areas equipped with water sources but no inhabited centres, so it is advisable to equip oneself with food at the start.
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.
