Using the tired but true cliché that 1 pic = 1000 words and excluding my quippy yet informative captions; here are 24,000 words about why cycling in Tuscany is on (to use maybe an even more tired cliché?) every rider’s bucket list. In humble objectivity, I can’t speak for every cyclista 🇮🇹 🚴🏻♂️ 🇺🇸but I CAN AND I WILL gladly share what turns my crank about bike-riding throughout Toscana.
I suggest that Italy is THE MECCA for riding because perfect espressos are as readily available along equally perfect routes. Caffé is as essential to a great ride as is chain lube. And Italy’s cafes, “Oh, mio Dio!” Just look at the heavenly ceiling! With cafe angels on my shoulder and Antonio’s double-shot in my cup… this is indeed riding Heaven.
—
Reason #2 that cycling is better in Italy. Do you think we’ll see a monument like this one dedicated to bike riders anytime soon on St. Mary’s or Cuba Road? I say, “No!”
—
I found this bike shop along my route in Firenze’s park; it’s good to know in case of mechanical or supplies issues. The mechanic, Tomaso took pics of my bike and called it “bellissima.” He didn’t speak a lick of English but knew my equipment by name. There’s Reason #3 to love Italian cycling – they speak “cycling”.
—
Even dudes in classic Fiats driving the congested Piazzale Michelangelo don’t mind my riding up the left side of the lane to get pole position at the stoplights. Drivers usually give adequate berth and respect that any one of those road-ruts can put a rider on the floor. They don’t tailgate on the hairy descents, either. Grazie Signore !!
—
Hundreds of Chiesi (plural of Church) pepper the region. Coming across “God’s Houses” on my corse solitaire (solo rides) every time gives me a little boost. I also connect to the ancient humanity that built them. We’re all links of the same Great Chain. 😊
—
Hillside Vineyards of famoso winemaker Antinori.
—
Even in Tuscany, decrepit old villas and dead oak trees look just lovely. The planted groundcover and staked blocks tell me reinvigoration of this plot in the form of young grapevines can’t be far off.
—
Enjoy the ride. You’re in Italy, man.
—
This is the scenic payoff for making a pretty tough climb. I clicked pics while Mia bicicleta wanted a breather 😉 This is the still-in-use Abbey, “Abbazia Vallombrosana” at Badia a Passignano . Why are the best views always at the tops of hills?
—
Riding a bit closer to Abbey.
—
City routes have good scenes, too. This bridge is about three miles upstream from the Ponte Vecchio and safely serves river-crossing traffic and pedestrians in a novel way…
—
… the ramp accessing the pedestrian path. Scooters feel comfortable driving across this path too. They’re a clever and opportunistic bunch, those scooter riders, are.
—
Standing In the bridge’s gravelly red belly. This selfie isn’t distorted perspective… the beams offer a mere 7 feet of clearance. As if there isn’t enough going on in my lateral plane of existence that I need to worry about overhead obstacles.
—
Back in Chianti. a bell tower’s sunrise silhouette.
—
Keep my Eyes on the road. 🚴🏻♂️👍🏻
—
He could be saying, “Here’s Jeffy.” He likely is saying, “Here’s Chianti Wine Country.” I apprecaiate that his happy and welcoming countenance graces a simple roundabout on SS222; I’ve seen him several times and he offers me a well patina’d welcome.
—
This tower is within the walls of Figline. It was pretty cold so I wanted to keep pedaling instead of adventuring into “il Centro” to grab a coffee and heck out the scene.
—
This is near Regello – one of 1000 olive growing towns in the area I’m sure theirs are best.
—
The rancher’s dogs were really happy with me as I took this pic. Barking, “ciao, signore” and “buongiorno, signore” and “ayyy, paisano” at me while I clicked away. 🐶🐶🐶. If you could have seen how remote their land was you’d understand why the rancher didn’t bother investigating what riled up his “cani”.
—
Crossing the Ponte Vecchio. It’s indeed a potentially treacherous wet cobblestone road but the timely absence of pedestrians made the short jaunt a joy.
—
It’s a little hard to see, but the road climbs with the terrace lines. If the town, Greve in Chianti was a video game it would def be Donkey Kong. Don’t ya’ think?
—
I can plan and launch my rides in practically any direction and be greeted with pretty awesome conditions and the type of ride I want (long climbs – short climbs – flat – city/country mouse – landmarks, loops, out-n-back, etc. etc. ). Look at the above courses relative to Firenze. Where should I go today? It’s like being a kid in a Gelateria… too many flavors. Three different rides / three different climbing profiles. One happy rider. ❤️🇮🇹🚴🏻♂️
Love it – it is sooo gorgeous! I can’t wait for the hills to become even livelier in spring! Enjoy – sure looks like you’ve found your place! xoxoxo Maria
The Brandt Blog 
February 12, 2022 at 18:21
Love it Jeffy… wish I could go on a few with you, not that I’d keep up. Keep ’em coming. Enjoy.
February 13, 2022 at 02:03
Happy Days – would you bring Dad’s Chrome Tank or the Mag?
February 12, 2022 at 18:45
The only thing missing is the occasional pass by of me running down Lake Street 🙂
February 13, 2022 at 02:04
Yep – miss you ❤️
February 12, 2022 at 22:06
What the heck is Annie doing while you’re riding the countryside?? Reading books? Doing laundry? Walking for coffee? 🤷🏻♀️
February 13, 2022 at 02:05
All the above … and yoga/workouts etc. Plus some crazy Yogi from the tropics streaming mediations. 😉
February 14, 2022 at 11:53
Love it – it is sooo gorgeous! I can’t wait for the hills to become even livelier in spring! Enjoy – sure looks like you’ve found your place! xoxoxo Maria