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7 segments from The Long Circle South / 2026. Filter the full log with the same tag.
The route leaves the Amalfi Coast and commits early to the Cilento interior, trading coastal flow for sustained mountain engagement. Cirella marks the transition back to broader southern progression after a technical inland traverse.
The route leaves the coast early and follows Calabria’s inland spine, delivering sustained, technical riding through dense and irregular terrain. Tropea marks the return to open coastline after a long phase of contained mountain progression.
The stage transitions from mainland flow to Sicilian structure, crossing the Strait and moving quickly inland toward Etna. Arrival at Castelmola marks the return of elevation and technical riding above the eastern coast.
The expedition slowed intentionally today with an easier coastal ride north through Calabria and an early campsite setup by midday. Before continuing, the BMW R1300 GSA received its 10,000 km service and rear brake replacement at Barletto Moto Service — a reminder that long-distance travel depends as much on maintenance and preparation as on movement itself.
Today’s loop pushed further south than planned: Lecce, Otranto and finally Santa Maria di Leuca — the southern edge of Puglia. A day of baroque cities, crusader symbols, fortress towns and Adriatic roads under clear skies.
Yesterday’s Long Circle South chapter traded motorcycle miles for wind, dunes, and a long Adriatic beach walk with Annick, Norman, and Enzo under red-flag coastal conditions. By evening, the rest day had transformed into music production: an ode to Enzo was written, released, and launched onto Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, and beyond.
The day began with a true northbound transition out of Carovigno, riding between the Adriatic and the salt pans after deliberately skipping the trulli villages already seen southbound. After lunch, Gargano delivered a beautiful second stage — until a giant boulder blocked the road and forced a return through the same spectacular coastal curves.
