Strada Bianche and Killer Chianti Climbs. (On an electric bike)
Welcome to days 3, 4 and 5 of my tour of Tuscany on an electric bike.
On day three we leave the Val dOrcia and head into the Crete Senesi. On the way we see a definite chance in landscape from vineyards to something more barren and open. This area is also known and the desert of Tuscany. We also get to see one of the most beautiful views in Tuscany before stopping for pizza in Ascanio. Our final climb up to our hotel was on 2.5kms of iconic Strada Bianche; white gravel roads that are found throughout Italy. This particular one was incredibly tough with gradients of 12%.
Day four takes us into the heart of Chianti country and the town of Gaiole, home of the world famous L’eroica vintage bike ride. I also take on the challenge of testing myself on long, hard climb WITHOUT the use of the motor. We end the day in the town of Radda where we sample wild figs straight off the tree.
Translation of the plaque:
Dear Antonio, We will always remember you, while happy, you ride this road. Betrayed at only 41 years from the same heart that made love your bike so much. From here we breathe the infinite peace that now accompanies you on the roads of eternity.
Day five sees us doing a very tough loop from Radda back to Radda. We make the mistake of taking on a road that has some truly monster climbs up to the Passo Del Sugame after which we descend into the town of Greve. From there we start climbing again to the town of Panzano before returning to Radda.
I was cycling in Tuscany, as a guest of Inspired ITALY Ltd, a bonded, specialist UK tour operator.
Tim, Calvin and I rode the GIROe: Grand Tour of Tuscany and you can learn more about this and other Inspired ITALY cycling experiences by clicking here [link – You can book this and all cycling experiences directly with Inspired ITALY – [LINK ].
With great thanks to:
Inspired ITALY Ltd – Bike and Ski experiences in Italy –
Ziel – who kindly provided the wonderful sunglasses and binoculars – &
Raleigh Bikes UK – who provided me with a new Met helmet –
A special mention to the people of Tuscany – everyone, without exception was welcoming and friendly. My overall experience with Inspired ITALY was exceptional. I was well looked after in the lead up to the and during the trip. I looked at the Inspired ITALY TripAdvisor and Google reviews page and discovered that they only have five star reviews. I understand why!
Inspired ITALY Reviews
Tripadvisor –
Google – &
—————————————————————————————————————
Need anything cycling related? Buy it here from my Amazon store:
Join my Patreon for an exclusive invite to a live Q&A session with me every month.
Email for business enquires: leonard@jollygoodvelo.com
Social Media
Jolly Good Velo Strava Club:
Jolly Good Velo Facebook Group:
Strava: