WELCOME TO GAIOLE IN CHIANTI
After a short transfer from Florence, our 12 guests were welcomed with a Tuscan lunch to beautiful Gaiole in Chianti, the home of the 21st edition of L’Eroica. Arriving on Monday, our guests had 6 days to indulge in the beauty of the Tuscan lifestyle. Riding through the mesmerising Tuscan landscape and indulging in the finest food and Italian hospitality the region has to offer. Bikes were assembled, guests made themselves feel at home and prepared for the food and riding that was to come.
PRE-RIDE PREPARATION
In typical Tuscan style, the riders were provided with an abundance of Italian cornetti, pastries, cured meats and cheeses to fuel the day’s ride. Espressos were consumed, shoes laced up and cleats clipped in for a day of riding through the idyllic Tuscan hills.
ROLLING THROUGH CHIANTI HILLS
Riding through the Chianti hills is a magical experience. With each twist and turn of the road bringing a new sight to see. Charming small Italian towns, stunning landscapes and long, flowing descents all making the riding in this region like no other.
PEAK HOUR IN CHIANTI
After some challenging gravel climbing, the riders soon had to come to a halt as traffic on the gravel road suddenly became congested. Two dogs (without human supervision) were herding goats up to the milking shed and riders had no other option but to watch in amazement as they passed.
PIT STOP & REFUEL
Riding through the Chianti hills doesn’t come without a challenge. It’s a rarity to find a completely flat road and after 50 or so kilometres, we find beautiful small Italian towns and stop in for panini, pizza or refreshments before once again hitting the road to return back to base in Gaiole.
POST RIDE DINING
Our tour of L’Eroica and Tuscany is more than just riding. After each ride, guests enjoy a truly unique dining experiences in local family owned, and run restaurants. Whether that’s in Castagnoli looking out to a Tuscan sunset or in a rustic hunters shack near Brolio castle, the food and wine on offer is second to none.
THE BEST IS YET TO COME
While all of this is going on through the course of the week, the vintage bike market of L’Eroica slowly picks up pace in Gaiole and is in full swing by Thursday. Our accommodation is in a prime location for guests to get to and from the market with it being only 50m down the street. Our next post will cover the markets & L’Eroica.
To read more about our L’Eroica Tour for 2018 and to request a detailed itinerary, visit our tour page.
