Road biking Tuscany . . . WWMG?

[Kellie]

I think I may have a week to kill in Europe in late October and was thinking of spending a week road biking in Tuscany. I am thinking 40-100 mile days, country roads, sunflowers, wine, and cool places to stay. My vision is to travel very light (aka pack a skirt/sandles/t-shirt and bike stuff) and stay in hostels (or cheap hotels).

Anybody done this? Any route suggestions? Any internet resource or book suggestions? Should I check out a different European destination?

Thanks in advance for the ideas/suggestions!

[Plakespear]

I think I may have a week to kill in Europe in late October and was thinking of spending a week road biking in Tuscany. I am thinking 40-100 mile days, country roads, sunflowers, wine, and cool places to stay.


If you DON'T do this I will kick your ass almost as hard as I kicked cancer's.

[Benny Profane]

A friend stayed on Lake Como and did day trips, but it wasn't cheap. I saw pics, and it was real nice. Also, consider staying in Florence and doing day trips by train (well equipped for bikes). Good roadie rentals in town.
Girona, Spain is another cool place I'd like to do. Lance's Euro base for training, and home to a lot of other serious roadies. The NY Times ran an article about it specifically for bikers about a year ago - check the archives.

[ulty_guy]

i was almost going to do the same thing a few weeks ago, but ended up going to southwest france instead. in my searches i came across http://www.florencebybike.it/ who has good info and rents nice bikes too if you need. florence would be a great base and check out the 'itinerary' page on the above for some nice looking rides. good luck!

[Cornholio]

This is so cool.

I actually have some friends that did some riding around there, so I may be able to get you some info. Standby...

[Mr. Altagirl]

When I lived there, I always used a MTB instead so I could explore more options (plus urban assault on European cities is REALLY fun). I agree with basing out of Florence (one of my favorite cities in Italy). You can take the train to Pisa / Livorno and check out the Med as well (eat on the beach or as close as you can get; bringing a bike on the train is VERY easy). Sienna is really worth riding to, great trip from Florence. I worked in the mountains North West of Florence for many years and always took a bike with me; the small town of Sestola at the base of Mt Cimone is a good ride as well (be ready to climb!). Be careful with the weather that time of year; it could be really mild and sunny or cold and rainy, just be prepared. If you are taking the train from the North, a stop in Verona is well worth the time as well. Verona itself is a GREAT small city and very historic (think Romeo and Joliet); the riding is spectacular. A nice road ride is to go around Lago di Garda, Awesome area.

Man, I want to go back. Have fun!!!!!

[Arty50]

Did you ever know that you're my heeeeerrrroooooooo!!!!! :D

Holy shit, this trip would rock very hard. I'm with Plakespear, you simply must do this. It's a moral imperative.

[bklyn]

You'll have a great time, I'm sure it's gorgeous that time of year. I know a photographer who goes back every year to shoot. The people, scenery, and food... delish.

[Huckwheat]

I spent a month doing this.....it is sweet. We'll have to talk once I am back kellie (aug 14th).

I really liked the chill areas up north west: Cinque Terra, Pisa, Monalcino Alta, Luca.

You will never feel so safe around cars on your bicycles....so much respect, it is awesome.

gotta run.....going to get married. :wink:

[TeleHoar]

The Chianti Road out of Sienna (through Chianti) is a nice loop and would make a great and beautiful day ride. I noticed the pavement was painted up in spots like the Tour de France, so I surmised the Tour d'Italia must've come through there as well.

Plus there are several vineries where you can stop for a taste!

Florence is awesome and not to be missed.
Cortona, Sienna, Anghearre (sp?) are very cool midevil towns.

Have Fun!

[Alek]

A friend stayed on Lake Como and did day trips,

Don't plan on biking in Como in october: rain! Tuscany is much warmer and dryer that time of year.

[jed peters]

I did this on my honeymoon with my wife.

ABSOLUTE best place to stay is right here.....

Castangeto Carducci. Epic rides, epic climbs, to flats on the beach. There's the italian season opener right there in town. Awesome bike shop. Can ride Elba. Never do the same ride twice. Killer towns. Awesome hotel.

You want to DEFINATELY stay at the zi martino hotel the whole entire time. Just do it. Best accomodations we had in italy (small, but large rooms, nice laid back folk, etc.) because of the awesome staff, etc.

http://www.cinghiale.com/travelhelp.htm

What else...ride elba one day, if you have time. Do the long Volterra loop....um...everyone there is super cool.

http://zimartino.com/

That's the hotel.

here's the bike shop.

http://www.ciclosport.it/gb/index.html

Um, here's some photos....

[Camel Toad]

hey kellie,

i'm planning on doing some tripping about that time as well. could be game for a european bike ride if you are interested in company.

(but you do know that skiing will be full on at that time, right.)

[Kellie]

hey kellie,

i'm planning on doing some tripping about that time as well. could be game for a european bike ride if you are interested in company.

(but you do know that skiing will be full on at that time, right.)

Leave it to us to have to go to Italy to actually hang out! ;) PM sent.

[Squirrel99]

Leave it to us to have to go to Italy to actually hang out! ;) PM sent.

do you alaska kids ever go to work? :tongue:





awesome idea kellie- you need to do this trip- it sounds awesome!

[Cornholio]

Dear Kellie,

If you get a chance, please fix Prudhoe Bay before you go on vacation. That'd be great. Thanks!

A

[train07]

at the risk of sounding very un-core, if you want to soak up the scenery and enjoy, do you really want to do a 100 mile day?