Guest writer Rik de Voogd went on a trip across Europe to cycle with cyclist friends (most of whom he only knew through Instagram). After stops in Hesse, Baden-Wurttemberg and Bayern he ends up with Alessandro Salvaggio in Tuscany. Once again, it is enjoyable. Beautiful photos and a good story. Op fietsavontuur in Toscane takes you to beautiful places and before you know it you will want only one thing: to go to Tuscany by bike yourself!
Text and photos: Rik de Voogd // Alessandro Salvaggio
Close to heaven.
To get right to the point: should I ever arrive at the gates of heaven, it must look like Tuscany. For many, the region equals 'the real Italy'. I was especially happy to finally get some rides with my friend Alessandro who I still knew from the Netherlands. We got to know each other through instagram and we had quite a few rides together in the Netherlands. Until, in September 2020, he suddenly moved to Patagonia moved, where he spent the winter with his partner. In May, he returned 'a casa', to his native Tuscany.
Vinci and San Miniato
A big advantage of cycling with Alessandro is that he knows the region inside out. We only ride the quiet routes, all the routes with beautiful views, the nice climbs. He is the perfect guide.
The first lap leads us around the plate Fucecchio. The town, with over 20,000 inhabitants, is a good base for the rest of the region. You can easily go in all directions. Cycling in Tuscany really is a dream as far as I'm concerned. Riding through the small villages of Vinci and San Miniato, you sometimes have to pinch yourself. This ride was really a warm-up with a few short vicious hills in it. It was also a harbinger for what awaited me in the days to come!
Pescia, Il Paretaio and Montacolle
One thing I must mention: if Tuscany is not yet on your bucket list, here goes. Trust me on this one. Our second drive through the region convinced me even more. Once again, Alessandro joined us as a well-informed local. We eventually met at the bottom of the hill near my accommodation, just outside Santa Lucia. From there we go uphill together. We set off northwards, so it is well uphill here. After a nice climb, we arrive in picturesque Vellano. A hamlet with just 250 inhabitants. Halfway up the climb, the village already came into view and once at the top we were surprised with a magnificent view. You look out over the valley with the medieval church tower in view. Absolutely fantastic. I just can't get over how beautiful it is here.
Colle Troggio, Balzo di Montale and La Bastia
The first two rides here were already very cool. But I must say, in terms of effort, it was still a bit disappointing. It felt more like a warm-up, despite the summer temperatures. A bit of sightseeing and shooting photos. Our third ride together is sure to change that! This time we are heading north.
Our ride is really of a different level than the rides before it. The route contains 2000 altimeters in 100 kilometres. I don't consider myself a hugely good climber, but I really like it. The climbing is tough, but somehow the slower speed also makes my brain calm down a bit. It's actually quite calming. Nevertheless, I can also have a particularly good time on a descent!
Northern Tuscany
The far north of Tuscany actually looks nothing like the picture everyone normally has of Tuscany, with its rolling countryside and winding roads lined with Cypress trees (as in Strade Bianche). In the north, you find more forestation and mountains. You hardly encounter any tourists there (unlike in the cities). It feels much more authentic there.
What I mean to say: now look at our stop at the top of the first climb. A small bar, just three tables, espressos for just one euro each. When we enter and take a seat, five middle-aged men are sitting there drinking coffee. After a brief greeting, they walk out to look at our bikes. About half an hour later, they are still impressed by our two-wheelers and busy discussing them. We almost feel burdened to get back on. I love things like this. I also think this is my highlight of the day.
Siena and Chianti
The more I see the beauty of the landscape, the more grateful I am. And the more grateful I am, the more beauty I am presented with. For our fourth and final ride, we meet up in Siena. We drop off our friends in the city centre and we get on our bikes for a 125-kilometre ride.
This ride sends us through the typical panoramas you are used to from Tuscany. A landscape dominated by hilly countryside used mainly for agriculture and as vineyards. I'm pretty sure you can't find more "Tuscany" anywhere else than here. It is the perfect drive to end this trip. Fantastic views, brilliant colours, beautiful light. A great playground for a cycling photographer. We avoid the tourist spots and ride through authentic little villages. Add 2000 altitude metres, tasty cake and good coffee and you get it: perfect just like that.
On a cycling adventure in Tuscany - the routes
If you want to do these and more routes in Tuscany, we have created a nice collection for you on our Komoot account. Take a look through this route here.
