Mountain Biking Collection by Emiliano Manzan
Cycling through the origins of Sardinia – Sulcis Loop
3 days
6-9 h/day
263km
5,280m
5,280m
This little-known region is the setting for the Sulcis Loop, a circular route that winds along 240 kilometres (149 mi) and 4,500 metres (14,764 ft) between modest hills, Mediterranean landscapes and countless historical sites. The version of the Sulcis Loop that I propose is inspired (with some deviations) by that of Lieven Loots. Matteo Mariotti talks about it in the following link: bikepacking.it/itinerari/sulcis.
Humans have inhabited Sulcis since ancient times and have left traces of their passage, such as the menhirs of Villaperuccio, the archaeological site of Pani Loriga, the prehistoric tombs known as Domus de Janas, and numerous remains from the Nuragic, Roman and medieval civilisations. In more recent times, the House of Savoy founded small agricultural settlements in Sulcis called "medau" in Sardinian and, during Fascism, towns and mining establishments were built, whose economy revolved around the extraction of coal and other minerals.
In this Collection, I have divided the Sulcis Loop into three stages and I suggest overnight stays in Margherita di Pula and Carbonia. There are a few other towns along the route; you could plan your own itinerary, but I advise you not to improvise along the way. Book accommodation in advance, and carry extra food and water in your backpack, as it is common to walk long distances without being able to refill your bottle or buy snacks.
The route is mostly on unpaved roads and easy trails that don't require any special technical skills so a gravel bike is ideal. However, although the relief of the Sulcis is moderate and only a few peaks are over 1000 metres (3,281 ft) high, the cumulative elevation gain of each stage is considerable. For this reason, the route is only suitable for those with good levels of fitness and stamina.
You can reach Uta, the starting point, by car or train. If you arrive by car, Uta is only 30 minutes from Cagliari on the SS130. The train takes just over 15 minutes to reach Assemini station, after which you cycle about 5 kilometres (3 mi) to Uta.
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Sulcis Loop
238km
4,860m
4,860m
Last updated: November 4, 2024
Do it yourself!
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Ready to get going? Create and customize your own version of this adventure using the full route below as a template.
Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.
Activities
1. Stage 1: Uta to Santa Margherita di Pula - Sulcis Loop
81.9km
08:17
2,060m
2,020m
Expert mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
2. Stage 2: Santa Margherita di Pula to Carbonia - Sulcis Loop
80.2km
06:48
1,440m
1,390m
Expert mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3. Stage 3: Carbonia to Uta - Sulcis Loop
101km
09:09
1,770m
1,870m
Expert mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
Collection Stats
Activities
3
Distance
263 km
Duration
24:14 h
Elevation
5,280 m
5,280 m
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