18.6
PDI
10.5 mi
DISTANCE
3,291 ft
GAINED
6 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. Calascio climbs 16.8 km (10.5 mi) at a 6.0% average, gaining 1003 m (3291 ft) from 376 m (1234 ft) to 1380 m (4526 ft).
The first kilometer along the valley floor averages only 3.4%, then the grade rises to 5.8% and 7.2% as the SP98 leaves the Tirino valley. From there to Calascio the road holds remarkably steady: every kilometer between 3 km (1.9 mi) and 12 km (7.5 mi) averages between 5.4% and 6.4%.
The steepest stretch comes in the climb through Calascio village, where the 14th kilometer averages 7.9%. Beyond the village the Via della Torre eases to 5-6% for the last 2.8 km (1.7 mi) to Rocca Calascio.
Steepest 0.5 km (0.3 mi): 8.9%. Steepest 1 km (0.6 mi): 8.2%. Steepest 2 km (1.2 mi): 7.4%. Steepest 5 km (3.1 mi): 6.4%.
Roadway: Paved throughout. The SP98 delle Vigne climbs out of the Ofena basin in a string of hairpins - riders describe it as a fun, technical descent on the way back down - and joins the SP8 below Calascio. Above the village, the Via della Torre to Rocca Calascio is narrow, with little room for two cars to pass. Snow is possible on the upper road in winter.
Traffic: The SP98 is a quiet provincial road through vineyards and open hillside. Traffic builds at Calascio, because Rocca Calascio is one of Abruzzo's most visited sights: on summer and holiday weekends, cars park along the narrow upper road and passing can be tight. Ride early or on a weekday for the quietest finish.
Parking: There's no village at the start, which sits on the SR602 at the Ofena junction; Ofena and Capestrano are each about 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 mi) away. At the top, cars can't drive to the fortress itself - visitors park at the entrance to Calascio village or in the designated car parks below the Rocca and walk up, and in busy periods a paid shuttle runs from Calascio. On a bike, you can ride to the hamlet at the end of the road and walk the last few minutes to the castle.
Provisions: There's nothing on the SP98, so start with full bottles - the Ofena basin is nicknamed the "oven of Abruzzo," and summer temperatures in its vineyards can reach about 40°C (104°F). Calascio has bars on its main street, including Bar Al Nido del Falco and Bar Calascino, and at the top La Taberna di Rocca Calascio and the Rifugio della Rocca serve food below the fortress.
Gear: Standard compact gearing handles the steady 6% grades. The lower slopes offer little shade, so sunscreen and an early start help in summer, and carry a layer for the descent - the finish is more than 1000 m (3281 ft) above the valley floor.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
Rocca Calascio rewards an unhurried visit. The fortress, built of local white stone with a central keep, four round corner towers and a curtain wall, is free to enter. Just below it, the octagonal church of Santa Maria della Pietà, built in the 16th and 17th centuries and tied by legend to the locals' victory over a band of brigands, completes the classic view. The hamlet was abandoned after earthquakes and restored from the 1980s, and many of its stone houses are now guest rooms and taverns - the Rifugio della Rocca offers rooms, a restaurant and a bar right below the castle.
Calascio village is the place for a proper meal: Ristorante da Clara, at the top of the village on Via Plaja, is known for homemade lentil soup and local lamb, and Pizzeria da Maria for handmade pasta. Book ahead in July and August.
Down at the start, the hot Ofena basin produces some of Abruzzo's most noted wines, including organic Pecorino and Montepulciano d'Abruzzo from the Cataldi Madonna estate. For the Campo Imperatore plateau and Santo Stefano di Sessanio, see our Gran Sasso d'Italia pages. To see other climbs nearby, or build a custom route from here, try our Routes in the Area tool.
ROUTE MAP
MEMBER RATING
CURRENT WEATHER
PJAMM TRIPS ADVENTURE STARTER BUNDLES
Check out PJAMM Adventure's prepackaged (self-guided) cycling trips. They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure.
NEARBY CLIMBS (0) RADIAL PROXIMITY
FROM No Climbs Found
MEMBER REVIEWS & COMMENTS
Let us know what you thought of this climb. Signup for our FREE membership to write a review or post a comment.
Already have an account?
LOG IN HERE
