2026 Waldy Tour, Day 2: Fano & Panoramica

Day 2 dawned, as predicted by our resident forecaster Fishy Trestain, with cloudless skies.

The route today was front loaded, with the vast chunk of climbing to be ticked off before lunch. A stark difference to day 1, which had us tucking into lunch by 1130! It also began a good few degrees warmer so layering strategies were being revised right up to roll out (Clive stayed nicely wrapped up, though).

With W1 and W2 groups nicely underway, I set off with the W3s at 9.30, jersey pockets stuffed with ‘breakfast scavenge sandwiches’, to see how far we could get before being swallowed up by the power and enthusiasm for suffering that is W4.

Our route took us inland almost immediately, heading southwest through an increasingly rural landscape whilst steadily climbing towards our first summit at Mondaino. With day 1 legs now stretched out, we descended into the valley, crossing the Torrente Apsa waterway before commencing our premier climb of the day. (Motor racing fans may be familiar with the Torrente Apsa special stage of the San Marino Rally).

Via Sella took us steadily up to Sant’ Angelo in Lizzola where a bonus coffee stop awaited. We then continued upwards on a beautiful twisting road all the way to the highest point at Fontecorniale at 480m.

A roll along the ridge towards Beato Sante lead to a small descent into Mombaroccio, through the Porta Maggiore and into the Piazza Barocci for our first scheduled coffee stop at 60km. From here could be enjoyed far reaching views to the east and our next destination of Fano on the coast.

Before Fano, however, was a challenging 20km descent which left many of us questioning our bike choice. By now we had become used to the variable nature of Italian road surfaces but what followed ventured unquestionably into gravel bike territory. As a testament to modern day equipment and the handling skills and tenacity of the Waldies, we all made it safely into Fano where many rewarded themselves with cups and cones of gelato.

The route to lunch in Pesaro had an altogether different profile. A flat coastal road which rewarded good chain gang discipline with rapid progress. As we rolled into Baia Flaminia, where the locals were enjoying their best beach lives, all were ready for sustenance. None more so than Fred, who couldn’t wait to arrive before removing his helmet and getting penalised for dangerous riding!

Kiosco beach bar provided the calories today, in the form of pizza and piadina. Having checked out the 3 star Trip Advisor scores in advance, Luke had reservations about what to expect, but we were quickly served delicious food by friendly staff, all washed down with cold beer. What more could we ask for?

Legs were then rudely awoken with a post lunch push up the switchbacks of the Strada Panoramica Adriatica, before a punchy roller coaster ride northwest towards Gabicce Monte. Shortly before home, on the downhill towards Gabicce Mare, many of us rounded off our ride by dropping into the Bar Panoramica to enjoy some splendid views over cold beers, Aperols and G&Ts, before continuing down to the hotel to sit by the pool and share our tales of heroic feats and near misses.

Finally, a special thank you to our local guides and Barrie for encouragement and support throughout.

Steve S