• Meals: Dinner

Following your arrival into Cagliari (CAG) in the south of the Island, we will transfer to the first nights’ accommodation near Olbia in the north. Once here we check into our hotel and after organising our bikes for the journey ahead sit down to our first delicious Sardinian meal

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Ascent: 1,250 Metres Approx.

Your mountain biking adventure begins south of Olbia, in the small town of Lode. A short section on tarmac will bring us to start the first climb on a pine forest road. We are entering the limestone territory of Mt Albo.

A gradual but stunning climb through the oak forest will lead us up to a height of 770 metres. Our award is one of the most beautiful singletracks on this part of the island, 6 km of real fun. A tarmac section will lead you toward the hills and then a dirt track to the coast.

Our journey progresses along the coast as we ride narrow trails and country lanes over granite hills that lead us to the sea. From here we start heading south again, on a fun coastal roller-coaster ride though a dense pine forest towards Capo Comino promontory, passing granite rocky outcrops and some of the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia. Heading into the Baronie region, you will notice the black of its basalt rock and that the riding terrain changes again. This will be your last chance to take in the stunning sea views, before heading inland toward Orosei, our overnight stay and another succulent Sardinian dinner.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 950 Metres Approx.

With a less strenuous day ahead, we can allow a little bit more time over breakfast before we get ourselves on our bikes. Leaving Orosei, we follow the coast line on a mixture of off-road trails and singletrack, through a landscape of low Mediterranean shrub, lagoons and long sandy beaches. Reaching the basalt promontory of Osalla, a short technical climb will lead you to a Nuraghe (bronze-age dwelling) from where views of Orosei open up ahead of you. Down on the beach, a short singletrack from Cala di Osalla to Cala Cartoe will keep everyone entertained and hopefully on their bikes! Heading inland towards Dorgali we embark on an amazing singletrack descent and time permitting, stop off to visit the impressive Nuraghe Mannu, perched at the top of the Fuili Gorge.

The final singletrack descent to the coast and Cala Gonone is a special treat and ends today’s ride in style. Tonight we will be staying at a small hotel close to the beach / sea front. With the evening meal taken in town, it’s time to try out one of the many good restaurants and celebrate the ride so far in one of the bars.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Ascent: 2,100 Metres Approx.

From Calagonone, we embark on a difficult days riding, leaving the coast behind and gradually climbing into the oak forest of Givine. The climb is initially on paved road, through some of the most stunning limestone mountains you will have ever seen. Then it becomes tougher as the loose gravel track become steeper. The reward is the technical single track leading onto a tarmac road, from where the climbing is gradual. From sea level to 1,000 mt in 22 km! A coffee stop at the little café at the pass is a must before we head off onto our next off-road section into the Supramonte di Urzulei.

Here it feels like entering the wild west, wild pigs and horses graze freely in a barren landscape of rock and pastures, as birds of pray hover above our heads! Luckily a hard climb is always rewarded with a stunning descent! After a last glimpse of the east coast in the far distance from a panoramic view at 1,400m the fast descent on stony, loose gravel trail will lead us to the oak forest, smiling of course!

Just a final 10 km up and down and you will be treated to some fantastic Sardinian cooking.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,200 Metres Approx.

Lake Flumendosa is soon ticked off the schedule as we head towards Perda Liana. Climbing gradually, the rocky peak of Perda Liana will edge closer before finally reaching its base. Leaving the bikes behind a short walk will take us to the panoramic view spot from where the highest mountain ranges in Sardinia, as well as the ranges to the south you’ll will be crossing in the next few days are visible.

Moving on we have a fun challenge for you all as we ride down a steep fire break section. Riding on, a ‘carefree’ descent on forest trails leads us to the forestry land of Monte Arbu National Park. More singletrack through the forest before a gravel road takes us to the ‘Ogliastra Tacchi’, whose large limestone peaks are covered by dense oak wood. Up and down from one peak to the other we head to Ulassai. Located at the bottom of a limestone cliff with views to the sea, this small mountain village a great place to end the day.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 1,700 Metres Approx.

Our journey continues south with an easy start descending to the rivers below before winding back up. The unspoilt nature of this area makes it a fascinating area for naturalists and bikers alike. It is an area that most vividly reflects the ancient character of the island. Shepherds trails, huts and ancient Nuraghi litter the landscape and villages perch over steep sided valleys in the far distance.

Leaving the village of Perdasdefogu behind us (after a coffee stop!) we ride along the Quirra plateau. The landscape changes yet again as we ride up and down the valleys across this vast plateau, with the highlight of today’s ride the narrow and technical track from the plateux to the Flumendosa river.

Reaching San Vito we settle into our accommodation.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Ascent: 1,300 Metres Approx.

We’ll continue our journey today through the mountains of the Sarrabus region, taking an ancient mining trail which was used to connect the village to the mines of Villasalto. Then an nice section, riding on a mountain road contouring Mt Genis. The climbing is far from finished! After lunch we have a raod section heading downhill for a few kilometers and then up on a challenging gradient.

The last climb is the best of Skedaddle Italia challenges, the gradient is 33%! The award is a 360° view, being able to see the whole range of mountains we crossed in our Sardinia Traverse journey, all the way back to our first day riding! In few kilometers along a beautiful singletrack will bring us close to our destination for the day, Dolianova.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 800 Metres Approx.

A grand finale on our last riding day as we ride through pine forests on series singletrack trails that whilst not overly technical are great fun!

After another delicious lunch, we continue towards Cagliari, your final destination after eight days of challenging riding in Sardinia. Which ever thrilling route we take it’s down to the south coast and the beach where we celebrate our achievement with a chilled Ichnusa beer.

Our accommodation is a short transfer away, with a celebratory meal on the cards to celebrate our epic biking journey through Sardinia!

• Meals: Breakfast

Following breakfast it’s sadly time to head to Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG) for return flights. Depending on flight times, there may be the option of exploring Cagliari prior to checking in for your flights.

If you have a day or two to spare why not extend your trip with some trekking or sea kayaking exploring the picturesque coastline and sandy shores which stretch along the coast to the east of Cagliari. Our local team can join you for a day’s guiding or we can provide the information and equipment to allow you to enjoy the routes self-guided, just give us a call for further info.