SP370 Cinque Terre: La Spezia - Manorolo s(u)
When I approached this area, I was really anxious about the
traffic, because south of here, along the coast, traffic was
hell. But once you are out of La Spezia this is a fantastic
bike ride, not just because of the scenery, but also because
of the traffic, or its bearability anyway. Continuing
further north it just gets getter. The other section of the
Cinque Terre road ( Sp51
Cinque Terre: Manorolo - Monterosso a Mare ) has even
fewer cars.
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1.(20m,km00.0)
START-END EAST: western corner of La Spezia harbour
front
2.(300m,6.8km) summit tunnel entrance
3.(300m,7.9km) summit tunnel exit
4.(260m,10.0km) jct with spur to Riomaggiore
5.(140m,14.3km) profile turns off terrace road, down
to Manarolo
6.(20m,15.6km) Manarolo west side, the last part is a
footpath wit stairs
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Approaches
From South. This side doesn't really have
to do much with Cinque Terre, except that the name figures
prominently on the road signs. But there is more to do than just
anticipate the other side. The views of the regular grid pattern
streets of La Spezia, neatly laid out around its harbor are an
extra bonus. The large bathtub of a cruise ship, parked in
the middle of this scene, looks like some gigantic intrusion
from outer space. There are several variations of this view,
which just keeps getting better as the road climbs. The road
reaches a high point at the entrance to a 300 meter high tunnel.
It is pretty well lit, depending on how many lamps are broken -
often many.
From North. (described downwards) After emerging from
the tunnel, there is a map of the Cinque Terre area next to the
road, and an ocean behind the sign, but not much else happening.
But then after the first turn, bikers, mechanical and motorized
alike, seem to just have to stop at the first guard rail, that
offers a view of Riomagiore. Ocean cliff views follow. Below you
can make out the railroad burrowing through the mountain like a
marching parade of prarie dogs. The terrace road reaches a low
point at the turnoff to Manorola, and the profile descends to
the village
A dayride with this point as intermediate summit
is on page: Sp51 Cinque
Terre: Manorolo - Monterosso a Mare

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