Under the Tuscan Sun
07-29-10, 04:14 AM
#1
Under the Tuscan Sun
An old friend moved to Tuscany a few years ago, and has been raving about it ever since. He's invited me to visit a few times, but the stars never aligned. A month ago he extended another invite. I found myself perusing some budget airline flights, found a good price, and 3 weeks later I landed in Pisa, with a carry on bag containing some bike kit, toothbrush, and some street clothes. Just my luck, my friend had a spare bike, which happened to the same make, model, and size as my own bike.
Herewith, some pics.
While Lucca was where I would be staying, this is (more or less) the terrain that I covered.
Looking down on to Lucca.
The famous city walls of old Lucca, built to keep the Fiorentini out.
In the past they were used for car races. These days, the only racing done on them is cyclo-cross.
Start grid from the last race.
If you want to go for a ride on the 4km circuit, you can pay extortionate rates to rent a bike at this place.
The Lucchese keep it simple.
The back streets provide some welcome shade from the searing heat.
Some sights.
Tower Guinigi.
Piazza dell'Anfiteatro.
Herewith, some pics.
While Lucca was where I would be staying, this is (more or less) the terrain that I covered.
Looking down on to Lucca.
The famous city walls of old Lucca, built to keep the Fiorentini out.
In the past they were used for car races. These days, the only racing done on them is cyclo-cross.
Start grid from the last race.
If you want to go for a ride on the 4km circuit, you can pay extortionate rates to rent a bike at this place.
The Lucchese keep it simple.
The back streets provide some welcome shade from the searing heat.
Some sights.
Tower Guinigi.
Piazza dell'Anfiteatro.
07-29-10, 04:15 AM
#2
San Michele in Foro.
Stairway to heaven.
Duomo di Lucca.
While at was inside the Duomo, I thought I heard thunder (the skies were looking ominous).
It turned out to be something completely different.
I left the piazza, and walked towards the sound.
First seeing some immaculately attired motorcycle cops.
Then seeing what was the cause of the commotion: Placebo doing a sound check for their evening concert.
Both tourists and locals enjoyed the 'show.'
07-29-10, 04:15 AM
#3
On with some scenes from the countryside.
Farm along the Serchio.
Views from and along the Piccolo Mortirolo.
Just one of many road side shrines, this one on a descent.
Tuscan vineyard.
Ascending Passo del Cipollaio. The white peak is marble quarry.
Western view from the top of the Cipollaio.
One day I went out on my own.
My plan was to follow along part of the route of the Via Francigena.
Which happened to also be on the course of the Gran Fondo Michele Bartoli.
Which brought me to some interesting climbs.
Farm along the Serchio.
Views from and along the Piccolo Mortirolo.
Just one of many road side shrines, this one on a descent.
Tuscan vineyard.
Ascending Passo del Cipollaio. The white peak is marble quarry.
Western view from the top of the Cipollaio.
One day I went out on my own.
My plan was to follow along part of the route of the Via Francigena.
Which happened to also be on the course of the Gran Fondo Michele Bartoli.
Which brought me to some interesting climbs.
07-29-10, 04:17 AM
#4
And historical sights.
At the end of the ride, when I was back in Lucca, I decided to try a short, sharp climb that Mr. B apparently used to do intervals on.
Right, just off a road, and on to this, followed by a very sharp right, then...
Up this, and swing right.
Then up this.
I rode it a it a few times. Interesting.
Yesterday was my last day, so the plan was to get up early, and squeeze in a 5 hour ride, to and along the sea, before my afternoon flight.
Of course my host with the most included a few 'bumps.'
With their views of valleys.
And the civilized alternative to a 7-Eleven.
The Mediterranean in sight.
Finally descending down to the coast, and riding on pancake flat roads for the first time in a week.
Last edited by botto; 07-29-10 at 06:27 AM.
07-29-10, 04:17 AM
#5
Alongside various hotels and resorts.
And that's about it.
Some amazing riding in the region. I only have two regrets: one is that I didn't have the chance to get some shots of an amazing bridge, and the other is that...
instead of imbibing upon the local plonk, I mainly drank this stuff (which isn't so bad, considering it was actually the brand that I learned how to like beer with, many moons ago).
finito.
Last edited by botto; 07-29-10 at 06:22 AM.
07-29-10, 05:24 AM
#9
shaken, not stirred.
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: The Shaky Isles.
Posts: 5,263
Bikes: I've lost count.
Liked 999 Times
in
399 Posts
Nice pics. 
thanks for sharing you lucky bastid.
thanks for sharing you lucky bastid.
__________________
Get a bicycle. You will not regret it if you live. ~Mark Twain, "Taming the Bicycle"
vBulletin: snafu
07-29-10, 06:05 AM
#11
Artificial Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Cyberspace
Posts: 7,159
Bikes: Retrospec Judd, Dahon Boardwalk, Specialized Langster
Liked 5,571 Times
in
3,282 Posts
Very Nice! Thanks.
__________________
07-29-10, 06:12 AM
#13
grilled cheesus
a yearly tradition that i truely enjoy. thanks for sharing. later.
__________________
07-29-10, 06:28 AM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 2,174
Bikes: 2007 Pergoretti Marcelo
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Incredible pics! Thanks for the vicarious pleasure of riding in Tuscany!
Thanks for the vicarious pleasure of riding in Tuscany!
__________________
Visit my blog -->MyOrangeBike
"There is love and there is work, and we only have one heart." Edgar Degas
Visit my blog -->MyOrangeBike
"There is love and there is work, and we only have one heart." Edgar Degas
07-29-10, 07:53 AM
#22
Super Course fan
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Lost on the windswept plains of the Great Black Swamp
Posts: 2,720
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
8 Posts
Incredible pictures. You really should have a show on the travel channel, or at least write for one.
__________________
I have a white PX-10, a Green Dawes Galaxy and an Orange Falcon, now I'm done.
I have a white PX-10, a Green Dawes Galaxy and an Orange Falcon, now I'm done.
07-29-10, 08:03 AM
#24
Super Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Posts: 21,854
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
Liked 944 Times
in
623 Posts
Nice ! ....... I'm envious
__________________
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
Bikes: Old steel race bikes, old Cannondale race bikes, less old Cannondale race bike, crappy old mtn bike.
FYI: https://www.bikeforums.net/forum-sugg...ad-please.html
07-29-10, 08:33 AM
#25
Still can't climb
now that looks just fine. when are you moving there?
__________________
coasting, few quotes are worthy of him, and of those, even fewer printable in a family forum......quote 3alarmer
No @coasting, you should stay 100% as you are right now, don't change a thing....quote Heathpack
coasting, few quotes are worthy of him, and of those, even fewer printable in a family forum......quote 3alarmer
No @coasting, you should stay 100% as you are right now, don't change a thing....quote Heathpack
