L’artiste and I drove over to Firenze a few days ago to relive a short trip we took there in 2001 when we were even poorer than we are now. It was also a business trip because 44|5 Cycling Tours is planning a Tuscany tour for next year and this would be our first reconnaissance (2nd coming in September, when we travel back there to visit friends).
We drove a bunch of potential roads before planting ourselves in Florence and I got out for a big ride after quickly getting my fill of fellow tourists in the old city. Here’s the view about 2 km from our hotel on the way out.
You don’t have to wait very long outside Florence to start getting some vineyard views…or gaining some elevation, it goes without saying.
And if you’re riding south out of the city you will start realizing that you are in Eroica country – the famous retro cycling event that gave birth to Strade Bianche.
So of course I had to try a bit of their white roads
This innocuous stretch of gravel was gained after a climb of 15% or more that had me popping wheelies, but that road wasn’t without its rewards. This is about the best view I had all day.
…apart from this one, of course.
This Kellerbier went down better than usual after working through all the hills of Chianti. If you ever find yourself on the quiet side of the Arno River in Firenze, definitely stop by Grand Cru – Francesco is the friendliest barman in the universe.
Finally, I actually did drink some Chianti Classico (among others), but I didn’t get excited enough to take a photo of it.
The Vicious Cycle 
Ah…Strade Bianche. That’s one to do again! Good to see l’artiste in front of the camera for a change 😉
I wasn’t too far from the northern reaches of SB. Agreed – that sportive is a keeper.
And a very rare Shoko siting.
Francesco pulled her into the shot. She had no choice.
Gerry, here’s hoping you and Shoko have a great break!! Enjoy and thanks for the post!!
It was a nice getaway, thanks Eric! A hundred lifetimes wouldn’t be enough to ride all the great roads in Europe.
How is it that l’artiste doesn’t age – is she real or AI generated ?
She is a Photoshop expert!
Lovely views. Well worth the climb to get them as you say.
A great place to ride if you enjoy views
I love a good beer as much as the next guy. And that beer does look real. But. Remind me where you are again?
If you tell me you had Chianti with dinner I will be mollified.
Edit 1: I see you did at least mention Chianti (the wine).
Edit 2: I’m not sure that photoshop comment came out the way you intended. LOL!
Tony, I really should have taken Chianti (and others) photos, as well as some of the great food we ate, but the beer was the highlight!