Starting from Cagliari we follow the direction Elmas-Airport Iglesias (ss130) riding a wide 4 lanes (recently re-paved) road. After the Airport we reach Assemini (where I live) then Decimomannu (NATO military base) and Uta. After some kms after Uta we turn right for Siliqua leaving the wide ss130 and taking a narrow road till Siliqua, a small village 35 kms far from Cagliari. When into the village we follow the direction Giba-Sanluri and the flat road begins to go up.

After 4-5 kms we reach a crossroad: on the right there's a road that leads to Villamassargia (15 kms from here), a village which is well-known in the whole island for its characteristic traditional hand-made carpets. Before reaching Villamassargia there's Zinnigas, a spring of mineral water but forget you'll be able to refill your waterbottles...this spring is always overcrowded. On our left there's an alternative road that leads back to Cagliari (we'll take this when going back) while going straight we find, on a small solitary peak, a famous old castle, the Castello d'Acquafredda where some centuries ago a well-known Earl (Conte Ugolino) liked to spend his Sardinian holidays. We can take some rest and visit the castle (forget your road bike...only by foot or by mtb) and from the top of the peak take some nice photos.

Back on the saddle we go straight were the road goes up seriously (you can't go wrong... head for the mountains). The uphill leaves us some time to breath and enjoy the scenery since it's not always steep and it has some little descents too. After we pass a tunnel (watch out for cars) some tight turns (the 180 degrees ones...) warn us the uphill is becoming steeper till the pass called Bau Pressiu (or Cantoniera de S'Acquacadda) (300m). From now on the road changes its *shape* very frequently: short steep uphills are followed by short downhills and this *nervous* profile doesn't allow to keep up a tempo while reaching Nuxis (200m).

Here you can find a nice small church and a fresh water fountain. Remember to refill the water bottles now! Time to go back now. Same road as before till the old castle were we turn right on the alternative road already cited (Pedemontana). Here we can relax again (totally flat) till a short steep (600m 7-8%) uphill called (you won't find this in a map) S'Arcu 'e su Cevru (the Arc of the Deer). At the end of the subsequent downhill we find at our left a narrow lane that leads to an ancient Romanic (XII century) church. If you're interested in this kind of things it's worth a visit. The last kms of this road are badly paved and plenty of huge potholes. Some extra care is needed to save your rims and your...saddle from serious damages...

At the end of this road turn right to reach again the ss130 and then Cagliari after less than 15 kms.

Copyright © 1995 Lucio Cadeddu

Starting from Cagliari we take the road ss125 called "Orientale sarda" 'cause it runs along the East Coast of the island. The first kms are almost totally flat but the asphalt isn't in good comditions and, given the fact it's a two lanes hi-traffic road, some extra care is needed to run along the right side (even at the right of the white line, if needed), avoid some potholes and watch out the cars. Luckly there are many trees along the road so, during Summer, we can avoid a bonk due to hi-temperatures (not joking, the Sardinia sun could be very...hot)

After 10 kms (more or less) we are able to see the hill we're going to climb. The uphill is 6 kms long with some steep points that force us to put a larger cog... if we still have one. The mountain (?) pass is called Arcu Neridu (Campu Omu) and has an elevation of 430m (don't forget we start from the sea level). Once conquered the top the ss125 goes down towards Muravera, while turning right we can visit the Natural Park of the Sette Fratelli (Seven Brothers). The funny name comes from the presence of seven mountains that surround the Park. This is a must-see area for mountain biking (no land-access problems) plenty of singletracks and fast downhills.

Since we have a road bike now we turn LEFT instead taking the road that will lead us till Burcei. Actually the mountain pass we have reached wasn't the very end of our climbing. The road goes up again for 7 kms even if, after all, it's less steep than the previous one. A final short downhill lead us to Burcei (650m), well known for the typical "Sagra delle Castagne" (Chestnuts Feast) in November. This nice village is sorrounded by the some mountains, the highest being Monte Serpeddì (1067m).

We go back to Cagliari trying to raise the average speed of our cyclecomputer thanx to the fast 13 kms of continuos descent. Because of some tight turns it's difficult to reach very high speeds (90 kmh and more) but 70 kmh are pretty normal. Unlucky this road is well suited for fast (car) driving too so one should pay a special attention to these Schumacher wannabes, especially during Summer weekends when this road is crowded with tourists going to the beaches.

This tour is well suited for everyone with average climbing capabilities and medium distance (80kms) training.

Copyright © 1995 Lucio Cadeddu

Starting form Cagliari we follow the road ss554 till we reach the detour for the road ss387. After 13 kms (almost flat, slightly uphill) we discover Dolianova (200m) where we can visit the S.Pantaleo church built in three different periods from the 12nd to the 13rd century. Into the church you can see a small altar built in the 5th century (the only one in Sardinia).
Starting from the church we follow the sign for the Dolianova Water Springs. After some kms with some short uphill it starts the real first uphill of the trip that leads us till the Springs (600m). This uphill isn't very steep nor long (8kms) and it allows us to pick up a tempo to reach the top where we can relax a little bit to refill our water bottles with the fresh water of the Springs. Also the hilly scenery deserves some minutes of rest.

A fast downhill (watch out for roaming animals) leads us to the crossroad (367m) for S.Nicolò Gerrei. Turning on our left we face the steepest uphill of the trip, the famous uphill of Pranu Sanguini (transl. Bloody flat land (?)). This uphill isn't really long (7 kms) but it has some steep (>10%) walls that make us wish an extra lower cog...and since this isn't the last uphill of the trip it's better to not waste precious energies. We reach the top at 623m and head for the (very) fast downhill that leads to S.Andrea Frius (280m).

After this small village we have to climb a little bit more but for few kms only. The last downhill (till Serdiana, 170m) and the subsequent flat are a joy to ride spinning some big-ring gear.

This trip (100kms) is well suited for those Pantani-wannabes while the roads, without traffic even in Summer, are a real joy for the common cyclotourist. Those of us who don't climb like mountain goats should be prepared to use a 39/23 combo while the speed maniacs should clean their rims and brake pads carefully before starting.

Copyright © 1995 Lucio Cadeddu

Once taken the ss554 we turn left for sestu and then Ussana. after Ussana we take the road sp128 for Senorbì, a small village 40 kms far from Cagliari. This first 40 kms aren't very interesting being almost totally flat. Only the trees at both sides of the road keep our helmets cool even under the hot Summer sun.

Once reached Senorbì we follow the signs for S.Basilio - Silius while the road starts go up gently. While climibing the scenery becomes more interesting and, in some periods of the year, the colors of the landscape can be very unusual. Once reached S.Basilio the uphill goes on till the pass at 630m. Now a discontinuos downhill leads us to Silius where we can take some rest and some nice photos. Leaving Silius we follow the sign for S.Nicolò Gerrei (see previous trip) and then we climb till the Water Springs of Dolianova.

Some words about the dowhill till Dolianova. These 7-8 kms can be very fast (80 km/h) but some turns could be dangerous due to the gravel on both sides of the road. Fortunately the traffic is almost absent so we can choose the best way to pick up those turns w/o worries.

Once reached Dolianova we have less than 20 flat kms to ride to go home.

Many cyclotouristic races have taken place along these roads and these hills.
These are 100 kms of genuine biking fun.

Copyright © 1995 Lucio Cadeddu

Starting from Cagliari we go to the Poetto beach and for almost 10 kms we follow the four lane flat road that runs along the beach. Once reached the Margine Rosso (an area plenty of nice villas) we turn right taking the two lanes road to Villasimius. Going on we reach the touristic villages of Flumini and Capitana and, after the beach called "Terra Mala" (=nasty landscape) we encounter the first uphill of the trip, the "famous" uphill of Cala Regina. Here bike racers, weekend warriors and adrenaline-addicted bikers usually fight together to reach the top trying to drop everyone. Actually this uphill isn't long (3 km) nor impossible (5%) but the scenery you are given is unbelievable. The road goes up following the coast shape and from the top you can see the sea down under blinking with colors that vary from the deep blue to the emerald green. A nice place to take some photos.

The following descent (watch out the cars) leads us to the Cala Regina beach, another place worth a short stop. From now on the road assumes a nervous profile with short steep uphills follwed by short descents. It's quite impossible to pick up a tempo going on with a constant effort. Some descents are very nice and could be very fast. The road is in good conditions and a safe grip is assured. Needless to say that some potholes are well hidden after some tight turn so ...keep your eyes wide open!

The road still follows the coast and we encounter many little beaches eithr sandy ones and rocky ones. The color of the sea still varies from deep blue to emerald green. Once reached the smallish tourist village called Solanas we have still 12 kms to go. A final FAST descent leads us to Villasimius, a nice touristic village where one can find almost everything from typical souvenirs to bike spare parts (but don't expect to find some Ti gizmo or hi-$$$ clinchers). Now we have some different possibilities: going back to Cagliari or going on to follow again the coast discovering other gorgeous beaches. Among these take in mind Costa Rei (20 kms from Villasimius) where you can find some wild and rocky beaches together with wide sandy ones. A must-see area.
But, if you've had enough (after all it's an almost 100kms-trip) you can be pretty sure the sun and the sea will offer you a blinking show once again. The best period (=best sea colors) is from March to October even if during Winter it's easy to have a nice sunny weather.

Copyright © 1995 Lucio Cadeddu

Our starting point will be Ghilarza, a 10,000 people village which is very easy to reach by train (Abbasanta station) or by car (ss131 bis). Starting from Ghilarza we take the 4-lanes road ss131 bis (towards Nuoro) and after few kms we reach the bridge over the Omodeo Lake. This big artificial lake (the biggest artificial lake in Europe till a couple of years ago) becomes TOTALLY empty in some periods of the year and it gives a very unusual sight.

Some kms later we leave the ss131 bis to go up till Sedilo (283m). The uphill is short and easy and it leads us to the village where, instead of going on to the center, we turn right (follow the signs, 2kms down the mean street) to visit the famous S.Costantino natural amphitheater with the homonymous church.
In this natural amphitheater takes place, on the 6th of July, a famous horse race (well, not exactly a "race"): S'Ardia di San Costantino (Santu Antine).
Also, thanks to the natural beauty of the place with a gorgeous sight of the lake (Omodeo) surrounded by the mountains, it has been choosen for some great gigs in these last years (Peter Gabriel among the others).

We take now the main street again (2 kms uphill, same previous direction) following the signs for Ottana - Nuoro. Some kms of downhill (plenty of potholes!!!) lead us to the ss131 bis again. Here we go on for 8 kms and then we leave the 4-lanes turning right for Olzai.
Here the road begins to rise and the landscape becomes more characteristic with this narrow ols road that goes up surrounded by low mountains and scented with Mediterranean bushes.
Olzai is 20 kms far and 470m high so the road gently runs along the landscape going up seriously only in few occasions. The paved road is in good conditions so that the 20 kms seem less than we expected (looking at the map).

After Olzai the road rises again and this time the slope becomes serious (8-9%). After 7 kms of continuos and very panoramic (a view on the valley of the river Tirso) ascent we reach the highest point of this trip (700m) and then we go down for two kms till Sarule (630m). On our right we can see the highest mountain in this area: S.Sebastiano (1040m).

After a short visit to Sarule we go back till the crossroad for Ottana where we arrive after 8 kms of straight downhill.
Ottana is an industrial (chemical) center at the very center of the island. From here we can take again the road ss131 bis that leads us back to Ghilarza after 35 kms (totally flat but a final 3kms uphill).

This trip (90kms) allows us to unveil one of the most characteristic areas of the island. We can think to make the ride a little bit longer (and interesting) going on after Sarule till Orani (521m) and Oniferi (476m) from where we can take the ss131 bis again to go back.

Copyright © 1995 Lucio Cadeddu

Our starting point will be Ghilarza (290m) where, among other interesting things one should remark the home where Antonio Gramsci (one of the fathers of the Italian Comunist Party) lived and an ancient tower (the Torre Aragonese) in almost perfect conditions.
From Ghilarza we follow the road signs for Sorradile and, after few kms, we turn right to visit Zuri, a tiny village with a strange history.
Once this village was located in another place. When the Lake Omodeo was created (it's not a natural one) the water was going to submerge the village. So the inhabitants decided to save their beautiful church dismantling it brick by brick. Then the village was rebuilded far from the lake and the church returned to its original splendour.

After the visit to this strange village we go back on the main street to Sorradile reaching, after a short descent, Boroneddu and then Tadasuni (185m).
Now we pass on the bridge over the lake (blood freezing scenery...) and take on our right the road that will lead us from the 114m of the lake till the 421m of Ardauli.

The ascent is 7 kms long (more or less) and the scenery is unbelievable since the road follows the coast of the mountain for a while leaving the lake hundreds of meters down under.
This ascent isn't paricularly steep (5-6%) and there's also a water spring on our left after the first kms.

Once reached Ardauli we go on (and down) towards Neoneli. Once reached the lowest point of this road at 380m we are facing the second climb of this trip. In less than 2 kms we reach Neoneli at 554m. A little visit to this small village could be worthwhile to take some characteristic pictures and enjoy these beautiful sights.
On our left we take the main road for Nughedu S.Vittoria (496m) climbing till the mountain pass at 610m while the subsequent downhill we reach the village.
This area is plenty of isolated country churches (S. Maria de Torana among others) that deserve a visit.
A super fast downhill leads us to Bidonì (249m) from where we take the main road which starts from the bridge over the lake. from now on we're on the way back home.

This road trip is short (50 kms) enough that everyone could ride it. Only some kms are a little bit difficult for the novice rider but a 39/23 combo will be enough for (almost...) everyone.

Copyright © 1995 Lucio Cadeddu

As for other trips in the heart of the island we'll start from Ghilarza. From here we head for the mountains going towards Santu Lussurgiu (550m). After 10 kms of flat road the real climb begins. It'll take our lower gears busy for almost 5 kms, though nothing terribly serious.
Santu Lussurgiu is a nice village surrounded by the nountains of the Monti Ferru and it offers various possibilities for challenging bike tours. One could decide to climb a little further till the La Madonnina (880m), a tiny rural altair not far from the main road and then Cuglieri (480m).
This two lanes road is famous (direction Cuglieri-La Madonnina) for an annual uphill car race..so better watch out for those weekend-warriors-Schumacher wannabees.

We decide for the second option, that is to climb till the water springs of St.Leonardo. We go up for 4 kms till the mountain pass at 750m then we shift to 52/12 while downhilling to the springs (684m).
These springs are well known in the whole island for the freshness of the water and for the wild beaty of the place. If you're going to take some rest THIS IS the right place.

The next 15 kms till Macomer (550m) are almost flat and offer us a nice view of the Planargia, the area of the center of the island where Macomer is the main town. After a visit to this small town we take the fast descent till the 4-lanes main road ss131 that we carefully avoid to ride (there's a speed limit but somehow...you know things are different in real life...).
We turn left for Borore (400m) instead passing on a bridge over the infamous four lanes. We don't visit Borore because we take on our right before reaching that village. Our goal is to discover and visit those famous prehistoric buildings called "nuraghi". They look like big towers (more like cones without the higher part) and they use is still not completely understood. Some seem to have been built over strategical places (military use, maybe) while some others seem to have been used as houses for several families.
Since they seem to be unique in the world they deserve a prolonged visit. One of the best "nuraghes" in this area is the "Nuraghe Losa" that can be reached taking the ss131 from Abbasanta in the direction of Cagliari.

After Borore 6 kms of flat road leads us to the crossroad for Aidomaggiore, a very particular tiny village with a beatiful nuraghe 1 km far from it.
Aidomaggiore is a village built on one side of an hill so we have to go down to reach it and still go down to go away from it. The scenery is enjoyable and very particular.
The final downhill leads us to a bridge over the Lake Omodeo ie to the 4-lanes ss131 bis (this one is less dangerous than the main ss131).

The final uphill leads back to our starting point, Ghilarza, after 70 kms of pure biking fun.

Copyright © 1995 Lucio Cadeddu

Ring itinerary that mixes, with a little effort, sea and continental Sardinia landscapes. I suggest to follow it counterclockwise, as described here, in order to enjoy the pleasant climb from Alghero to Villanova.

From Alghero follow the signals leading to Villanova (from the city center just follow the sea promenade to the south until you reach the signal);
the road goes up slightly for a couple of Km. then it starts climbing the steep hill with many hairpin bends but with moderate slope (4/5%) until cantoniera Scala Piccada (10 Km.), from which you can have a great view over Alghero bay and Capo Caccia;
not to miss also the view over Valverde (green valley) and its sanctuary, visible 200 meters below you, on the left, while climbing the last hairpins before Scala Piccada.
From there keep on sweetly climbing 15 more Kilometers (with short descents too) until Villanova Monteleone, 567 m. above sea level, the highest point reached by the itinerary (you'll come across a couple of springs a few kilometers before Villanova, on the right).

From Villanova your eyes can range over a relevant part of North-Western Sardinia, from Porto Torres to the north till Marghine and Goceano ranges towards south-east. Don't miss the view over volcanic pudding-shaped hills of Monteleone Rocca Doria and Monte Minerva, visible from the south end of Villanova.

In Vllanova the itinerary bifurcates: if you want to spare your legs and shorten the course by 27 Km. then follow the road (Sassari direction) that goes steeply down (and then up again) to Putifigari (267 m.) and from there keep on following the Sassari/Alghero direction until, after some steep descents, you reach Strada Statale 127 bis a few kilometers below Cuga river dam (19 Km. from Villanova).

If, conversely, your legs seem to be able to stand 60 more Km. of pedaling, then follow the road leading to Pozzomaggiore/Padria/S.S.131 and go down the smooth hairpins that bring you near Temo river basin from which you'll surely can't help climbing the impressive 2 Km. hairpin road that leads to Monteleone Rocca Doria village, 200 meters over you.

Once returned over the main road, keep on cycling for a couple of kilometers until you reach the crossroad leading to Pozzomaggiore and Romana ways; choose the way to Romana on the left and, once reached Romana village itself (15 Km. away from Villanova), take the road to Ittiri. The road climbs smoothly until 478 m. and then goes down following a very pleasant valley that alternates stony hills to green meadows (maybe not in summer) and olive trees.
After 12 Km. a complex cloverleaf crossroad puts you over S.S. 131 bis leading to Ittiri which lies 3 Km. away.
Get out from the town of Ittiri following the signals (a little ambiguous somewhere) leading to Alghero: 13 Km, of slightly downhill road drive you to cantoniera Scala Cavalli, near Cuga river basin, then a short and steep descent brings you to the place where you'll meet your lazier friends who chose to pass through Putifigari.

From here the way to Alghero (14 Km.) is straightforward; the prehistoric hypogea you'll come across in a couple of Kilometers on the right are worth a stop, as well as the impending conical hill from whose top you can have a overall look to the surrounding valley.

Copyright © 1996 Andrea Cesari