Motorcycle tour of Sicily (to the boot of Europe)
Day 3 (through the Abruzzo region)
Length: 212 km

After a chilly night at 1300 meters altitude, we get on our motorcycles early and set off into the mountains of Abruzzo. We ride for a few kilometers along a lake, catching some final stunning views. We leave the lake plateau and 15 minutes later we plunge into the Abruzzo mountains. A barren landscape of meadows and green hills unfolds before us. Free-roaming horses, donkeys, and herds of cows add splashes of color to this mountain scenery. After about 40 kilometers, we reach the access road to the summit. We roll towards a mountain panorama that ranks among the most beautiful in Italy. A high plateau stretches out before us at 1600 meters. All around, numerous two- and three-thousand-meter peaks rise up, together forming the famous Gran Sasso massif. Herds of cows and horses graze in the meadows, a picture-perfect scene that we try to capture. For kilometers, the ribbon of asphalt leads us across the plateau, sometimes gently curving, sometimes perfectly straight. The road then climbs in wide, sweeping switchbacks to an altitude of 2130 meters. For motorcyclists, this winding route is something special, but the end of the dead-end road—a large parking lot with an abandoned hotel—is rather underwhelming. Returning to the junction, the route continues across the plateau. Eventually, in the middle of nowhere, we reach a barbecue area and a popular motorcycle meeting point. Afterward, the road descends in a series of curves over a small pass. If needed, you can refuel your motorcycle at the gas station in the village. The descent into the valley leads through a fantastic series of hairpin bends. In the valley, you immediately notice the dramatic temperature difference. Where it was 15 degrees Celsius at 2130 meters, it's now well over 30 degrees. After a short, busy section, the route leads through another national park. A highlight is a gorge spanned by a bridge, a popular spot for bungee jumpers. Wide curves, a gentle cruise over another pass (1282 m high) heralds the end of the mountain landscape.