USEFUL INFO
To enjoy this adventure, you need a front mountain bike, which is more fun on single tracks, but less smooth on asphalt. Gravel BIKE is recommended for more experienced cyclists, since there are many 'heavy' road surfaces.
On the other hand, a gravel bike is smoother on easier stretches, with some difficulty on the technical ones. The ideal travel set-up for trail riding is bikepacking, which is lighter and more agile in the forest.
Due to some uneven sections, rocks and dirt tracks, we recommend wide tyres (minimum 2.0" for MTBs and 3845" for gravel bikes), agile gears and the use of tubeless tyres. With E-bikes you should carefully plan stops to recharge the batteries.
Basilicata has a variety of orographic and climatic characteristics: the western part, Apennine and mountainous, with peaks exceeding 2,000 metres, offers a cooler climate; the eastern part, with stretches of cultivated fields and gullies, is milder and less rainy.
- Autumn: September, October and sometimes even early November, can offer days with perfect temperatures and unforgettable colours. In fact, very often these two months are the best for cycling, with exceptions.
- Winter: the western area of the Apennines is characterised by cold temperatures and the mountain passes can be snow-covered. It is better to cycle in the eastern area (Calanchi and the Matera hills) with much milder temperatures.
- Spring: in recent years, this is the most variable season, with frequent rainfall, especially in the mountainous areas.
- Summer: in the summer season, we recommend riding mainly in the western area (Apennines), which is cooler and shadier, due to the high temperatures, which in the eastern area also exceed 40 degrees. Off-road, the presence of insects can be very annoying.
The BBT represents a way of exploring and discovering a delicate territory. Along the trails, it is not uncommon to find gates or low-voltage electric fences for animals; we recommend closing them and, in general, adopting the 'leave no trace' philosophy, i.e., "leave no trace" of our passage. Cycling surrounded by nature implies the possibility of encountering animals, which could prove more or less accustomed to man: it is exciting to see them free in their habitat, but it is essential not to interfere in their lives and in their path. We just have to observe them from a distance, perhaps trying to 'capture' them with the camera: this behaviour will also ensure safety. The Basilicata Bike Trail adheres to the Trail Manifesto. You can also sign the Manifesto as a bikepacker.
It is possible to meet some no-bicycle signs: in the absence of an ordinance, these signs are an attempt to derecognise authorities for not maintaining roads. In most cases they are located on provincial roads which are perfect for bicycles, because they are usually avoided by cars. So, don’t worry and pedal safely!
The BBT runs on paths, kart roads, tracks, inter-farm and provincial roads, which are regularly open to traffic. It is strongly recommended to observe traffic rules and follow the regulations. Being prepared and self-sufficient helps in dealing with possible breakdowns or inconveniences. The route is almost completely rideable, however, there are some difficult passages, including fords, rocks, stairs or portage sections. Moreover, unforeseen incidents caused by natural agents (heavy rain, landslides, etc.) can occur: this requires a high level of physical and technical preparation. It is possible to encounter guard or sheep dogs along the route: the basic rule is not to try to escape but to get off the bike.
Basilicata is rich in water. On roads and paths, you can easily find fountains. However, the eastern part of the region is drier, so it is recommended to stock up on water in the towns and villages. At this link you can find a handy map including the network of fountains controlled by Acquedotto Lucano. There are no spring water sources on the map.
We always recommend to visit this page explaining how to travel with your bike on Italian Railways, before booking your train, as rules may vary by region.
Potenza can be reached by train via all Trenitalia lines serving Basilicata:
- the Battipaglia-Potenza-Taranto line, which comes from the Rome-Salerno-Reggio Calabria Tyrrhenian line, cuts across the entire region in the central part, on the west-east axis; the same (Tyrrhenian) line touches Basilicata, further south, at the three Maratea stations. Both routes are travelled by regional and Intercity day trains on which it is possible to transport (a maximum of 6) assembled bicycles by booking in advance and paying the fee;
- the Foggia-Potenza line comes from the Adriatic line, on the north-centre axis, travelled only by regional trains where it is always possible to transport assembled bicycles on board;
- the Reggio Calabria-Taranto Ionian line is only travelled by Intercity trains, on which it is only possible to transport disassembled bikes, contained in a bag. Only on summer weekends is the route travelled by some regional trains.
The only direct train connection to Matera is the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane Matera-Bari line, which, however, does not run on Sundays.
The transport of assembled bicycles is permitted: on regional trains marked by the special symbol (there are usually 6 seats available) each traveller can bring on board one assembled bike by purchasing a daily supplement of € 3.50. Folding (locked) bikes can always be carried free of charge; from 2020 it is also possible to carry assembled bikes on some Intercity day trains, with compulsory reservation and supplement; 6 seats are available at a cost of € 3.50. There are some FlixBuses equipped with bike racks at the rear; it is necessary to check and book the service in advance (www.flixbus.co.uk/service/luggage) and keep in mind that a maximum of 5 bikes can be transported per bus, and that e-bikes, tandems, and folding bikes are not allowed.
Potenza is not so far from Bari, Naples, Foggia and Taranto (about 1:30 h by car). The main link roads are all fast-flowing.
FROM WEST: from the A2, exit at Sicignano degli Alburni, slip road Sicignano-Potenza
FROM EAST: SS 96 bis from Bari-Altamura-Gravina-Tolve
FROM THE NORTH: from the A 14, exit Foggia, highway Foggia-Candela-Melfi-Potenza
FROM THE SOUTH: from the SS 106 Jonica, exit Metaponto, SS 407 Basentana
The nearest international airports are:
- Napoli Capodichino (160km from Potenza)
- Bari Palese (130 km from Potenza)
the Liscio bus companies run a direct service from Potenza to Naples Capodichino airport
Miccolis coach companies provide a direct link from Potenza to Bari Palese airport.