Cycling through Tuscany

Yesterday was certainly a highlight (another one!), a bike ride through Tuscany! As luck would have it, the one day that I picked for this tour was the day it was meant to rain. Every other day has been glorious. However, the slightly cooler weather and slight drizzle proved a Godsend, keeping us refreshed as we pedalled through Tuscan vineyards.

The day started with a drive to a small castle perched high on a hill in the countryside. The castle is also a boutique winery and we sampled their Chianti and olive oil. Yum! Next we got fitted out with bikes (there was 12 in the tour group, mostly Americans and two Canadians, of all ages). The tour was led by two Scottish brothers, Rowan (great sense of humour) on a bike and Andy in the support van, which follows behind.

The start was very easy as it was essentially cruising down the big hill we’d been driven up. Plenty of glorious views across rolling hills, with the occasional villa and winery. It did feel a bit like cheating, because we hadn’t earnt the downhill glide. Funnily enough, the lovely Tuscan countryside reminded me of parts of the Adelaide hills with their vines, and I suppose the Mediterranean climate also plays a role in this.

After a couple of photo stops and seemingly no time, it was after 1pm and we arrived at a ramshackle-looking place, but inside it was a proper restaurant and clearly popular with locals. The menu included some delicious pizza dough balls, risotto and red wine, of course!

From Tuscany

Back on the bikes, and by this time it was spitting, for a leisurely ride along a flat section of the area, past lots of busy wineries. As Rowan explained, drivers are very respectful of cyclists here and give you a wide berth (unlike England and Australia!). It was a great way to see Tuscany. Then we came to the challenging bit, a very steep hill back towards the castle. After Andy talked everyone through it, about half of the group opted to go in the van with the bikes on the trailer. I was determined to conquer the hill. It was very steep (17 degrees at one point) and long, but I made it to the café at the top and first too (not that it was a race!). The feeling was awesome! Admittedly I was drenched in sweat, but it was well worth the effort. The last section was more leisurely, with everyone back on their bikes as we returned to the castle. This has to be one of the best ways to travel and it has got me thinking I’d love to do a two or three-day ride somewhere in Europe. : )

I went back to the B&B to freshen up and then headed for Piazzale Michelangelo, a square on the south side of the Arno River which the B&B owner Danilo assured me had great views. It’s where the photos for most postcards are taken from. Danilo was right. I think the photos say more than I could in words. I ended the day with pizza, wine and gelati!

From Florence by night