The Hilltop Loop

• Distance: approx. 30–35 km loop
• Time: 3–4 hours
• Terrain: paved roads, hills (the e-bike helps)
• Difficulty: moderate

The big ride. From Scala, descend to Porto Potenza Picena and follow the river path north. At the valley floor, turn west and climb the ridge of Contrada Montarice toward Recanati. The reward is Leopardi’s town: Palazzo Leopardi, Piazza Sabato del Villaggio, and the Colle dell’Infinito with its famous view.

From Recanati, the road drops into the Potenza valley, past the Abbazia di San Firmano. Then a last climb up to Potenza Picena centro, through the old town, and the final descent back home to Scala.

Tip: this is a full morning or afternoon ride. Bring water. The e-bike motor makes the climbs comfortable, but give yourself time to stop and look.