On the roads of the Freccia Geotermica Silvia Parietti

Ampio anello di oltre 90 km e 1350 m di dislivello in salita, sospeso tra le provincie di Pisa e Siena e tra le valli dei fiumi Cecina, Elsa, Merse e Cornia. Il percorso tocca quota 700 m s.l.m. nei pressi di Castelnuovo Val di Cecina ed abbraccia il vasto territorio variegato delle Colline Metallifere, a tratti quasi montano, scarsamente abitato, connotato da un paesaggio agricolo e pastorale alternato ad ampie zone boscose con castagni e querce che convivono mirabilmente con il  paesaggio tipico dell’area geotermica di Larderello.

Il percorso ricalca più o meno il giro lungo della Freccia Geotermica, una competizione ciclistica realizzata in collaborazione con il COSVIG (Consorzio per lo Sviluppo delle Aree Geotermiche) ed intitolato a Silvia Parietti, ex campionessa italiana di ciclismo. Dopo aver attraversato la Val di Pavone con i borghi di San Dalmazio e Montecastelli si spinge più ad est in Val d’Elsa con i borghi di Monteguidi e Mensano, con strade ondulate e quasi deserte, per poi entrare nel territorio di Radicondoli  e piegare verso ovest; attraversato il fiume Cecina ed il Torrente Pavone si risale nuovamente in territorio geotermico con qualche tratto più impegnativo passando da Castelnuovo Valdicecina ed dal borgo di Sasso Pisano con le sue peculiari manifestazioni geotermiche naturali di fumarole e putizze, il paese più meridionale della provincia di Pisa. Segni dell’uomo e del suo rapporto millenario con la natura, luoghi dove il medioevo convive con il futuro legato alla risorsa geotermica.

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.