Celano, Ovindoli + Aielli Mountain Biking Loop

This is a beautiful and rather committing mountain biking route that starts from the town of Celano. If you will be riding in a clockwise direction, which is recommended, the route heads northwest toward Ovindoli, continues east and then south over a doubletrack jeep road toward the town of Aielli, and the returns to Celano.

The ascent is constant for the first two thirds of the loop as you progress from Celano to Ovindoli and beyond. The view over Gole di Celano and the surrounding area of Sirente Velino Natural Regional Park is completely worth the effort of the hardest sections. Expanses of wild saffron can be admired along the way, as well as beautiful woods of firs and beeches.  

Relief from the ascent finally comes in the last section of the trail as the route pushes through a pass roughly halfway between Ovindoli and Aielli. From here the ride is generally downhill, and in some places it can become quite steep and bumpy (hence the recommended clockwise approach to the loop). 

Note that there may be obstructions on the trail, especially in spring. Snow and fallen trees are not uncommon and may require you to carry your bike in some places.