Cycling in Tuscany: A Blend of Modern and Vintage

Opposites attract: modern and vintage have never been so fashionable among cyclists.

There was once a time when cycling routes were along dirt roads. A time when instead of mineral supplements or amino acids, we had ribollita soup, cured meats and red wine. 

Those times were fuelled on dust and beauty, and contrasts were prized. When you think about it, the uniqueness of that era, lost in time yet timeless just the same, is something extraordinary. In the end, that’s how cycling is: it captures moments and shatters words. Through time and beyond it.

Italy Bike Hotels have selected 3 events which they feel represent a return to this essence of cycling for those wanting to experience it for themselves. Welcome to the past! Welcome to Tuscany

L’EROICA (THE HEROIC)

Known as the Woodstock of cycling, L’Eroica at Gaiole in Chianti is a sweaty, dusty, unified, timeless and boundless way to cycle and enjoy company. Experience the vineyards, ribollita soup and wine, vintage bicycles, leather saddles, curved handlebars and retro woollen jerseys, in this cyclists’ paradise between Chianti and Val d’Orcia.

If you don’t feel quite Heroic enough to ride for 209 kilometres on mostly hillside dirt roads, with more than 3,700 metres of elevation gain, never fear!

L’Eroica is divided into various routes: a 46 km stroll in the park to enjoy the “heroic” atmosphere; the “access point” to the legendary L’Eroica of 75 km; the Chianti Classico route, 115km and the Medio route, 135km. The choice is yours!

L’INTREPIDA (THE INTREPID)

The mediaeval hamlet of Anghiari is the site of the battle that reshaped Tuscany’s borders. It looks like it’s come straight out of a quaint painting: up the hillside there are stone houses, a bell tower overlooking the valley, narrow undulating streets and rows of vineyards all around. L’Intrepida winds along three routes here: the Classico is 42 km, the Lungo (long) is 85 km and the Intrepido is 120 km.

And as the organisers point out, “Take your old bicycle, dress in retro and cycle through history”.

LA CHIANINA

Experience Valdichiana, “The heart of Tuscany”. This is the intention of La Chianina, which traverses 7 Valdichiana Aretina municipalities, all connected by sinuous dirt roads.

There are four itineraries that enable you to relive the atmosphere of vintage cycling: the Garbato is 28 km, the Corto (short) is 45 km, the Medio (medium) is 70 km and the Lungo (long) is 100 km. Take your pick and head off on the ride of a lifetime!

To learn more about these events, head to http://www.italybikehotels.com/