Italy 2025 – Ep 8

Mountain Zigs, City Zags, and a Pit Stop in Imola: Three Days of Curves, Covers, and Checkered Flags

Dates covered: 31.07.25 to 02.08.25

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Day 22 – 31.07.25

Six Passes, a Gravel Driveway, and the World’s Friendliest Hilltop Hideout

Some days on a motorbike are just… magic. Today was one of them.

We rolled out of San Marino at 8 AM, bellies full from a solid brekkie, spirits high, and helmets freshly bug-cleaned. The morning air was spot on—not too hot, not too cold—basically Goldilocks weather. The only snag? The first 30 km of traffic, thanks to every commuter in Italy deciding to head to work at the same time as us.

But once we cleared that, oh boy, it was bliss.

In true “this trip is getting geographically confusing” fashion, we bounced between Rimini province, Tuscany, Emilia Romagna, back into Tuscany, and finally back into Emilia Romagna again. Like kids on a sugar rush crossing state lines just because we can.

We ticked off six mountain passes—each one a new excuse to stop, stare, and mutter something like, “Bloody hell, would you look at that?” The roads were mostly in great nick, the views were the sort of thing you’d put on a postcard, and the mountain air kept the temps comfy.

Once we dropped out of the mountains, though, the mercury hit 31°C, and that was our cue to find somewhere high and shady to stay.

Enter Rocca San Casciano and the Stanza nel bosco alla Canova di Biforco. Getting there wasn’t exactly a red carpet arrival—more like a gravel driveway that looked like it belonged in a rally stage—but the payoff was unreal. Peaceful, quiet, and run by some of the friendliest people we’ve met this trip.

If you ever roll through here, look it up. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Tomorrow we’ll drop out of the mountains again, because the forecast says rain’s on the way. And as much as I love mountain roads, I’m not keen to play slip ‘n’ slide on them in the wet.

Today’s scorecard: 236 km of zig-zag bliss, minimal traffic, maximum smiles.

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Day 23 – 01.08.25

Twists, Turns, and a Tour de Imola (Plus the Great Bike Cover Hunt)

We woke up with mountain fever still running high, so we hit the road and went hunting for curves. The highlight? The SP 3—a new one for us. This road wasn’t about sweeping mountain views—it was about the ride. Smooth tarmac, predictable bends, and just enough variety to keep it interesting.

Some of today’s 220 km retraced roads we’d already ridden earlier in the trip, but here’s the thing—riding a good road the other way is like rewatching your favourite movie from a different angle. You see things you missed, the corners feel new, and you still grin the whole way.

We’d already decided yesterday that Imola was our next stop. Motorsport fans will know it as home to the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, a circuit famous for Formula 1 and MotoGP history (and a few very infamous moments too).

Thing is, Imola without an event is a pretty normal Italian city. Not exactly tourist central. Which explains why accommodation is either insanely expensive (we’re talking €4,500 a night expensive—probably for race weekends) or just normal B&B prices. We went with the latter.

Our B&B was near the autodromo, had private parking, but no roof cover. With rain expected, we decided to find a bike cover. Sounds simple, right? Yeah, nah.

First stop: BMW Motorrad Imola. No cover in stock, and they swore there was no other place in town to get one. Which turned out to be complete bollocks.

Second stop: CFMoto dealer. No cover either, but they mentioned—casually—that there’s a bike parts shop right near the BMW place. As in… across the road. Cheers for the intel, mate.

Cover acquired, we finally checked in, dumped our gear, and went for a wander. Imola’s old town is a different vibe—colourful facades instead of stone, a more open, airy feel. Not sure if it’s just Imola or an Emilia Romagna thing, but we’ll find out on the way north.

Dinner was… let’s just say “average” pizza. Not bad, but not the kind you’d write home about. By the time we got back to the room, we were done. Proper knackered.

All in all—a cracking ride, a mini treasure hunt for a bike cover, and a pleasant city stroll to end the day.

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Day 24 – 02.08.25

Engines, Emotion, and Ayrton Senna: A Quiet Day in Imola

Today was our “do as little as possible” day. Well… as little as possible unless you count the sound of screaming race cars as work.

We wandered over to the autodromo for the ACI Race Weekend. Nothing like standing trackside with the smell of petrol, rubber, and the faint aroma of overcooked sausages wafting over from the food stalls.

But the highlight wasn’t the racing—it was the Ayrton Senna memorial. Even if you’re not into motorsport, you’d have to be made of stone not to feel something standing there. The flowers, the tributes, the quiet respect—it’s a place that reminds you motorsport isn’t just about speed, it’s about the people who live and breathe it… and sometimes pay the ultimate price.

The rest of the day? Easy. A slow wander through town, a bit of people-watching, and the satisfaction of knowing the bike was tucked in under its brand-new cover, ready for whatever the weather decides to throw at us next.

Tomorrow, we point the front wheel towards the coast and start making our way north, with Austria in our sights. But for now, it’s feet up, head down, and maybe one last gelato before bed.

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Wrap-Up So Far:

These last three days have been a perfect mix of why we travel on two wheels—mountain roads that make your heart sing, unexpected little detours (sometimes just for a bike cover), and quiet moments in places with stories to tell.

From zig-zagging through passes to standing in front of a memorial that’s left millions misty-eyed, it’s been a ride full of highs, both literal and emotional. And if the weather behaves, the next leg should be just as good.

But even if it doesn’t? Well… we’ve got rain gear. And a bike cover. 🏍️⛰️🇮🇹🏁

#dustysocks