Cycling In Tuscany

Tour de Tuscany: Day 4
Montalcino to Chianti

Distance: 64km. Elevation: 1200m.

Stops / Check Points

KM20 – Chiusure – village
KM45 – Castelnuevo Berardenga – town
KM62 – Santa Cristina

It’s an understatement that a lot of cycling in Tuscany is uphill.

This day became a struggle as it was when I realised my lack of training for consecutive days of longer rides, coupled with my love of a high gear up the hills meant that my knee decided to complain.

This meant A LOT of one legged cycling went down.

And when you’re going uphill, it’s not the easiest.

Slight detour via Siena to pick up the fixed Cannondale from E -Bike Toscana. If you ever need cycle hire from Siena, or even bike fixing, these guys are awesome!

Cycling part of the way along Eroica, the destination in Chianti was an agriturismo that Woodall stayed in around 10 years ago when he was hot air ballooning on his gap year (as you do).

There wasn’t much by way of places to eat within walking distance, being in the middle of nowhere, however the guy that ran it was a world truffle hunting champion. So, we were in incredibly safe hands with the village’s only restaurant being his where the menu was entirely based around truffle.

I mean, what was there not to like?! Unless you hate truffle…M

Accommodation

Localita’ Porcellina, 53013, Monti Sl, Italy

The agriturismo featured 2 apartments, so we shared with one other guy and his dog. It also had a pool, a fig tree and a fantastic view of Chianti. It was “proper rustic” in terms of the decor, but we weren’t too fussy on this trip to be honest with you. Especially given that the alternative could have been full on bike packing with tents!

Lunch

Gourmeat, Banchi di Sotto, 51-53, 53100 Siena SI, Italy

Just off Pallazzo Pubblico, this deli spot has a range of (you’ve guessed it) MEAT. And wine. And burrata. And, surprisingly it’s not a tourist trap despite how close you are to the main square.

Gelato

This was when we learned that you could buy cheaper gelato in Siena…