The best road cycling routes around Torricella Del Pizzo

A 2019 art installation by Giuseppe "Giupi" Boles: a large "window" framing sunsets over the Po. It is located in the Lido Po Park, in the floodplain area facing the city: a perfect resting point for those cycling along the riverbank, with an open view of the river, floodplains, and riparian forests. In summer, the "La Baia" bar is open just a few dozen meters away; there is parking and access to the trails of the Golena del Po Intermunicipal Park.

refreshment point at the landing

Nestled in the tranquility of the Lombardy plain, Ostiano Castle is an unmissable stop for lovers of cycling and gravel. Along this trail, you cross dirt roads and suggestive paths that wind through fields and small villages, offering a perfect mix of history, nature and adventure. The castle, with its medieval charm, represents a unique point of interest, ideal for a panoramic stop and an immersion in local history. There is no shortage of technical and fun sections that make the route stimulating, perfect for those looking for a complete and engaging cycling experience.

Isola Dovarese is a gem set along the course of the Oglio River, a village that proudly preserves its historical soul. Walking along its streets means immersing yourself in a past made of Renaissance architecture and atmospheres of times gone by, where every stone tells of ancient glories and community life. The beating heart of the village is the splendid Piazza Matteotti, a large quadrangular space surrounded by porticoes, designed by the architects of the Vignola school. Here, every year, the Palio di Isola Dovarese brings the seventeenth century back to life: an event that transforms the village into a large open-air theater, among period costumes, flags in the wind and historical reenactments. But Isola Dovarese is also nature and slowness: the Oglio River embraces the village and invites contemplation, the discovery of paths that wind through woods and countryside. A place where history meets quiet and where every journey becomes an experience. (Anna)

There are very few rest areas on this long stretch of very well-paved road. So we were very happy to find this bench with a bike repair station. In summer, it's probably almost unbearable in the sun here.

In the small hamlet of Sonarolo Monasterolo, there is a hostel in the former rectory. There are single and double rooms, as well as a dormitory for groups. Advance reservations are required. By chance, there were women there who welcomed us and very hospitably provided us with water. So we were able to drink tea and rest in the small dining room. They apparently serve breakfast, but we don't know whether you can cook your own meals or whether they serve food. It would certainly be a very quiet place for one or more nights, about 30 km east of Cremona. https://www.ostellolacanonica.it/

If you have a little more time it is certainly worth stopping to visit the very beautiful courtyard, always full of modern sculptures to admire. You can also stop at the bistro to taste excellent food or make small purchases of some typical products of the area. You can continue on gravel or MTB passing behind the courtyard along a small road that will then reconnect to the bank of the Po to observe the fauna and vegetation a little more closely. If wet the ground in some places could be quite muddy.

Square where they hold the goose palio