Bari to Putignano via Valenzano, Afelfia and Casamassima

A long distance bike trip that avoids the larger road as much as possible, following small roads through the fields. As the track follows some unpaved and gravel roads, this track is not suitable for speed/race bikes, but should be fine for bicycles with a bit more profile. The track is not the shortest way to get from Bari to Putignano, but should be safer and more enjoyable than the large regional roads.

Along the way, it passes through a number of towns which has numerous cafes for a drink and a bite. Many of the towns also have a public water fountain on some of the squares and are indicated as way points. Although not all of them might be functional when you pass by them.

In the towns, some of the streets are technically one way in the other direction, but with some careful navigation, you should be fine to bike through these streets.

The starting point of this track is the back-entry/exit of the Bari Train Station and leaves Bari quite quickly.

Once you cross the highway, you'll get to the smaller roads until Carbonara di Bari around odometer reading 5 km. As you go through this small and old town, you'll pass by the usual coffee bars, but it might be too early for a break yet.

As you leave the town on the south side, you'll back on the small tracks and soon you'll enter Valenzano around odometer reading 10 km. Another small and old town. You'll be through it in minutes, unless you stop here at a coffee bar.

The pattern repeats once more: Small roads for 5 km to get to Adelfia, followed by 7 km of small tracks to get to Casamassima. As this is the last town you'll pass through on this track, you may want to stop, eat and/or resupply.

Around the time your odometer reads 24 km, you'll leave Casamassima. For the next 24 km, you'll pass through olive trees, vineyards and other agricultural land.

When you've biked 43 km, you'll pass by a small forest where you'll find a few benches. You might want to take a short break here before you cycle the last 5 km into town.

The track stops at the train station of Putignano. A train will bring you back to Bari if you want, but keep in mind that the train doesn't go on Sundays.

As you can see from the altitude profile, the track is a steady climb of around 350 meter over the 48km distance. Nothing too heavy, but you'll notice you'll need to peddle a bit harder than normal. As most of the track is through the open fields, the wind will have bigger factor on your speed than the slight elevation. If you want to make your life a bit easier, you could do this track in the other direction.

Enjoy the track and leave a comment on your experience.