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8 segments from The Long Circle South / 2026. Filter the full log with the same tag.
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.
A technical descent from Etna’s volcanic highlands into the softer interior of southeastern Sicily, where precision riding gradually gives way to flow. The stage resolves at sea level in Syracuse, completing the transition from raw elevation to coastal calm.
After days of rain, reroutes, and volcanic roads, the expedition slowed down along Sicily’s southern coast. By 14:00 the camp was set near Agrigento — finally back in the tent, feet in the sea, and the journey briefly running exactly as intended.
From Greek temples in Agrigento to the rough inland roads of Corleone and Camporeale, today became a ride through Sicily’s deeper layers of history and identity. After dust, detours, and disappearing roads, the expedition ended in Palermo with a family reunion beside the cathedral and UNESCO heart of the city.
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.
