Medium level route “Green Fondo Paolo Bettini La Geotermia”

Oltre 80 km con 1000 metri di dislivello in salita, è il giro di media difficoltà della competizione Gran Fondo amatoriale dedicata a Paolo Bettini. Attraversa il territorio geotermico toccando il suo centro vitale e storicamente più importante, Larderello, ma anche altri antichi borghi medievali ricchi di vapori e di tranquille strade piene di curve e saliscendi quali Serrazzano e Canneto. Dopo aver attraversato la selvaggia e lussureggiante Val di Sterza su strada pianeggiante e lineare che separa la foresta di Monterufoli dalla Foresta di Caselli, il percorso si movimenta con la salita verso Montecatini Val di Cecina, borgo medievale ancora dal fascino autentico di un vero e proprio Castello, paese della miniera di rame più ricca ed importante d’Europa dell’800. Da segnalare sul finale del giro il muro del Cerreto con uno strappo al 18% che conduce su un crinale ondulato dove si rientra a Pomarance fra lievi saliscendi che attraversano grandi tenute con le ville padronali incorniciate in parchi e viali alberati, agriturismi, poderi ed il caratteristico borgo di Montegemoli di stampo chiaramente medievale, dominato dal castello con la sua particolare torre cilindrica. Un paesaggio agrario “disegnato”, di rara bellezza, che dialoga però anche con boschi e aree naturali ancora ben conservate. Una sosta nei borghi o nelle aziende consentirà di assaporare gli straordinari prodotti di queste terre e di essere accolti dal calore della sua gente.

Hiking difficulty scale

T - Tourist

Itineraries on small roads, mule tracks or easy paths, with clearly evident routes that do not pose uncertainties or problems of orientation. They generally take place below 2000 m and usually constitute access to mountain pastures or refuges. They require some knowledge of the mountain environment and physical preparation for walking.

E - Hiking

Routes that almost always turn on paths, or on traces of passage in various terrain (pastures, debris, stony ground), usually with signs. They require a certain sense of orientation, as well as a certain experience and knowledge of the mountainous territory, walking training, as well as appropriate footwear and equipment. Normally the difference in altitude is between 500 and 1000m.

EE - Expert hikers

Routes not always marked and which require a good ability to move on various mountain terrains. They can be paths or even faint traces that wind over rough or steep terrain, with steep and slippery slopes, scree and short snowfields that can be overcome without the use of climbing equipment. They need a good mountain experience, firm footing and good physical preparation. It is also necessary to have adequate equipment and equipment, as well as a good sense of direction. Normally the difference in height is greater than 1000m.

EEA - Expert hikers with mountaineering equipment

Routes that require the use of via ferrata equipment (lanyards, harness, heat sink, helmet, etc.). They can be equipped paths or real via ferratas. It is necessary to know how to use the technical equipment safely and have a certain habit of exposure and mountaineering terrain.

MTB difficulty scale

TC - Tourist

Route on dirt roads with a compact and smooth surface, suitable for vehicles.

BC - For cyclists with good technical skills

Route on very bumpy dirt roads or on mule tracks and paths with a rather bumpy but fairly smooth surface or compact but irregular, with some natural obstacles (eg rock steps or roots).

OC - For cyclists with excellent technical skills

As above but on very bumpy and / or very irregular paths, with significant presence of obstacles.

EC - Maximum level for the cycle excursionist

Path on very irregular paths, characterized by steps and obstacles in continuous succession, which require trial-type techniques.