On the 6th June 2010, The Sardinia Bike Rally sets off for the third year, crossing unique landscapes, ranging from mountains to the seaside on the dramatic east coast of Sardinia. The Spanish rider Joan Llordella Prat, who won here last year, won the Giant PowerBar Marathon BTT 2007, as well as placing third at the Titan Desert 2008, will be the favourite of this challenging race through the Ogliastra Area on dirt roads and tracks. But, of course, other Italian and foreign bikers are not backing out from the challenge, after confirming their participation in the race. The third Rally di Sardegna Bike provincia Ogliastra is starting from Arzana on 6 June and is ending by the coast at Cardedu-Gairo, faithful to its slogan “from the mountains to the sea”.
This year the MTB Rally is an important occasion for bikers, team managers, companions, journalists and supporters to discover Ogliastra, at the beginning of summer. “There are the most wonderful periods to see the island by bike, if you’re not just looking for beaches, even though the beaches are beautiful at this time of year. Ogliastra offers visitors, in the old town centres, charming stone houses; and the chance to watch people engaged in traditional handicrafts and as well as taste typical products of the genuine local gastronomy, and discover the secrets of a thousands of years’ old culture with the backdrop of a very wonderful unspoilt natural beauty. We believe that the development of the territory should include discover of the local products, typically produced by small business. Above all the authenticity and the genuineness of this ancient civilization. And being part of an ancient land, with its authentic soul, with harse and soft connotations which together transport the visitor for a few days into an almost dreamlike dimension, far from the clamour of modern life. Suspended between sea and mountains.
To explore this area of Sardinia, Just Sardinia offer the Hotel Nascar in Santa Maria Navaresse with prices from £399pp per week with b&b. Situated in the small town of Santa Maria Navarrese on the dramatic east coast of Sardinia, approximately 100km from Cagliari, Hotel Nascar is a beautifully restored small town hotel just 50m from the beach. The hotel is located right in front of the beautiful 11th century church in this small coastal town where there are a selection of shops, café bars, restaurants and pizzerias. Daily boat trips are available from the marina to the renowned beautiful beaches along the east coast including Cala Goloritzè, Cala Mariolu, Cala Sisine and Cala Luna and there are guided trips into the Supramonte mountains which provide a dramatic backdrop to the town. The larger town of Tortoli is about 8km away and the scenic 'Il Trenino Verde' narrow gauge train can be accessed from Arbatax which is a similar distance.
Just Sardinia also offer Leisure Cycling Tours so you too can experience the freedom of the roads, coast and countryside, warm sunshine and fantastic views that Sardinia has to offer and see more of this beautiful island. Cycling is environmentally friendly, good for fitness and enables you to get a real taste and feel of the island, to meet the local people, stay in family run accommodation and to get off the beaten track and experience the real Sardinia by bike. Choose from 3 self guided tours or we can tailor make other itineraries to suit you, your family or your party’s requirements. A typical tour will include airport transfers, custom made tour bike, all equipment needed (excluding bicycle helmets which you can rent if you don’t bring your own), route guide and maps, accommodation in personally chosen hotels and agriturismi on a B&B basis and transfer of your luggage between your accommodation. Prices from £489 for 4 night tour including b&b (excluding flights).
For further details call Just Sardinia, the island specialists 01202 484858 or visit and book online at www.justsardinia.co.uk
