22 Sep 2021
This is a real recommendation who will climb the Etna volcano by bike (race or mtb).
Very helpful, hospitable and nice people who knows the surroundings and tracks. These guys gave me excellent advice and provided me also some gpx tracks for my garmin device. The mtb bike had a hydraulic disc braking system and a lockable fork and was well maintained.
On 17.09.2021 a local taxi driver took me from Catania to Nicolosia (because I missed the 08.15 am bus). They changed the pedals for my spd shoes, offered me a helmet, saddled my horse with a spare tube, a pump and some tools. After an Italian coffee I made a cross and started my mtb adventure from the village. After a climb of 19km I ordered a Cannoli and a coffee to gain new energy for my final destination. My second part was off-road, you will bike along the ski lift and see some inactive craters. It was a little bit windy with a temperature of 32 degrees and put on my jacket during the lovely descent.
It was a very nice experience on my own so you do not need to book a 150 euro guided tour excl. lunch and pickup service to climb the Etna to +/- 2800m.