Day 20 – Tuscany Bike ride

Another day under the Tuscan sun

Ebikes are fantastic – giving at least a 20% boast when going up hill.

Enjoying the countryside – 64 kms travelled today – 1300m elevation gain. It is supposed to be the toughest riding day, 3 very large hills each with an elevation gain of over 300m. Without e-bikes a big problem. Don’t let us give you the impression that it was going to be easy with our bikes, we still put in a lot of effort but overall we found the day very manageable.

First stop Bagno Vigno, another quaint town, with thermal waters being it’s claim to fame. The central square is a big thermal pool, that was (but not now) used for bathing.

First hill achieved to arrive at Rocca d’Orcia huge tower looks a bit like “close encounters” mountain, wonderful views from the top. Actually to scenery all around so beautiful, olive groves, vineyards, rolling hills.

Visit then to Abizzia Saint Antimo (Abbey) a most beautiful romantic church in Tuscany. Great herb garden for herbal remedies (the ever present gift shop is not far away- selling home grown herbal potions and treats).

We climb again to the gorgous town of Montalcino, known for there Brunello cherries. If we had known this we would have gone for the Brunello Cherry gelato. Don’t worry we didn’t miss out on gelato altogether, so all is ok.

Our journey continues back to Buenconvento to our original train starting point for this cycling journey. Our hotel is about 5km out of town, getting there unfortunately a few more hills, lucky lots of battery left so L tries out the Turbo mode, pretty good.

Our day ends with a lovely swim, and a magnificent well deserved 3 course meal and vino & beer.