The plains are a place where cyclists find peace and relaxation. A place where they can look up and enjoy the views, limiting themselves only where the eye can't see. La Puglia It enjoys the second largest plain in Italy, this geographical area is called Tavoliere delle Puglie: 4.000 square kilometers bordered to the west by the Dauni Mountains, east of Gargano and from Adriatic SeaA natural table, in fact, which It hosts itineraries and a culture that has its roots in agriculture.
High and Low Tavoliere
Geographically, the Tavoliere is usually divided into the Upper Tavoliere and the Lower Tavoliere, areas that are distinguished by a series of characteristics. The Upper Tavoliere is characterized by a series of terraces and a continental climate. The Lower Tavoliere is almost entirely flat., with very gentle slopes. A cyclist's paradise.
History tells us that Frederick II of Swabia emphasized the beauty of this place, so much so that he said that if God had known about this plain in Puglia, he would have stopped to live right here.
In the Middle Ages, this area of Puglia was abandoned due to agricultural monitoring and river regulation activities, so much so that it was subsequently used for centuries as winter grazing land. Today this flat area is cultivated and among the Apulian products obtained from it stand out wheat, beetroot, tomatoes, and also olive groves and vines. which allow the production of fine wines and oils.
A rich plain
The French novelist, René Fallet, said in one of his works “Those who ride bicycles know that nothing in life is ever flat.” A quote that demonstrates a profound interpretation of multiple concepts. Cycle tourists know this is one of the truths encountered every time they get on their bike.
«Tavoliere is a unique place – former pro Giuseppe Muraglia tells us – cycling and moving between the Alto and Basso Tavoliere areas is a spectacle. There are routes suitable for everyone and the views are beautiful. Being a flatland, it's not uncommon to encounter wind. A condition that can be a cyclist's friend or foe. When the Giro d'Italia passed through these parts and encountered the wind, it found itself facing a tough but fascinating race, as demanding of tactics and effort as a Dolomite stage.
«For those who come to Puglia to enjoy a cycling holiday – concludes Muraglia – Cycling here is a discovery that leaves no one indifferent. Plains where you can ride with any bike to discover traditions and gastronomy that always offer something new just 5/10 kilometers away."
Strolling across borders
On one side, the Gargano and the sea, on the other, the Dauni Mountains. Cyclists have everything they need to explore routes to enjoy on the saddle. Like the one that From San Severo to Foggia: 33 kilometers with 100 meters of elevation gain, suitable for everyone, including families. A first approach to the Tavoliere where you can test the smoothness of your bike in harmony with the culture and a great reality like that of Foggia.
Or, From Foggia to Canosa. A longer route covering 73 kilometers with just 300 meters of elevation gain. Bike-friendly roads pass through towns and cities like Cerignola. A municipality perched on a small hill overlooking the vast plain. Finally, arriving in Canosa, nicknamed the "little Rome”, due to the seven hills. An opportunity to admire and cycle on the Roman Bridge (opening photo by Daniela Binetti) built between the 1st and 2nd century AD along the route of the Via Traiana, which was also an important road junction and crossing point of the Via Francigena, the pilgrims' route to the Holy Land which arrived right in PugliaAn iconic work that crosses the Ofanto River and unites the provinces of Barletta-Andria-Trani with that of Foggia.
From Gargano to the Dauni Mountains, there's a route that encompasses the areas we've been telling you about so far. From Manfredonia passing through Biccari up to Roseto Val Fortore: 75 kilometers, from the plain to the mountains for a total of 1165 meters of altitude difference that wind through the beauties of a Puglia to be experienced by pedaling.
The tradition that resists
The nature of the Tavoliere delle Puglie enclosed between two rivers, Fortore and Ofanto, it is known to most for its unmistakable aesthetics. Tradition, however, is one of the aspects that still keeps this place alive and renowned over the years. The area has been nicknamed the "granary of Italy," although it isn't only famous for this product, but also for the many other vegetables and fruits of this fertile land, which produces truly noteworthy specialties. Typical products are the real protagonists.
Once off the bike, the cyclist has the opportunity to sample the gifts of the earth and the gastronomic delicacies. In fact, it will not be difficult to come across patronal festivals and fairs, including tastings, moments of relaxation, music, dancing and much more. Panoramic points from which to admire the Tavoliere, such as Lucera, holding a glass of “Cacc'e mmitte“. Or stop in Cerignola to taste the largest table olive in the world, the “The Beauty of Daunia DOP” excellent to taste as part of a Puglian aperitif.
