Grande Raccordo Anulare delle Bici (GRAB)

Exploring Rome by bike can be a fantastic way to interact with the city and cover a lot of area in a short time. This adventure, however, isn't a typical bike rental that spends an hour or two cycling in a park or around the Coliseum. This tour is 46-kilometer loop that crosses some of the most beautiful places and parks in Rome, combining sightseeing and physical challenge. Known informally as the Grande Raccordo Anulare delle Bici (GRAB), this route is still under development in terms of bike lanes in some spots, but that shouldn't stop you from piecing the route together on your own for a scenic and challenging tour of Rome.

Indeed, keep in mind that the Eternal City is full of ups and downs, and some uphill travel can get steep and long. The reward, of course, is a unique perspective on a place where the sights can sometimes feel crowded; and of course, some of the spots you'll be visiting, such as the city center and some of the parks, are filled with tourists. However, this loop gives you the opportunity to visit places you likely wouldn't visit otherwise and that are well off of the standard visitor itinerary. 

What you get to see: 

• Parco degli Acquedotti
• Parco di Tor Fiscale
• Parco della Caffarella
• Appia Antica
• Terme di Caracalla
• Circo Massimo
• Colosseo
• Fori Imperiali
• Piazza Venezia
• Via del Corso (here you can take a quick detour for the Pantheon if you like)
• Villa Borghese
• Villa Ada
• Riserva Naturale della Valle dell’Aniene – here you can stop at La Torre to eat and drink something before the last sprint

The starting and ending point for this particular ride was a bike shop called Centocicli, in Via Filippo Arena 26, Centocelle, Rome, where they also rent bikes. The nearest metro station is Gardenie (Metro C). Because this is a loop, however, your starting and ending point is up to you, and the exact route may vary; however, maps of basic route can be found on many websites, including here.