Foggy, sunny, chilly, but a great fun ride.

After Kate asked me to come by to see if I could get their washing machine door opened, which I failed at but tried, I went to riding plan B.  As I was already on the south side of Firenze, I went out Porta Romana, up Poggio Imperiale, down to Galluzzo, then up the regular road through Pozzolattico, Mezzomonte, Monteoriolo, then turned off before Impruneta to descend through Baruffi to Tavernuzze.   I went out the main road there to the turn off for Luiano, and then did the super fun climb to Mercatale.  I first hit fog coming through Baruffi, which was not too thick, so it was a little spooky, but I enjoy it.  The light in the woods is captivating for me.  I again hit fog on the way up toward Mercatale, but was out of it and into total sunshine by the top of the road.  I returned to Firenze via San Casciano, Spedellato, Chiesa Nuova, down to Scandicci, and back home via the viales.

A really fun ride.  I am getting the clothing down, as the average riding temperature was around 43 F, which is colder than I used to ride at.  For a long time, I simply said that below 45 F it was not worth it.  But here, this is what I have and enjoy.  Certainly, I think 40 F may be my bottom riding temperature, then it will be walks around the city.  Check the link for the specifics, but the summary is:  36 miles in 2:40 rolling time for an average of 13.4 mph, with 2500 vertical feet of climbing at an average temperature of 43 degrees.  Cold, but really fun!

Foggy, sunny, chilly, but a great fun ride. by ridingwithcosimo at Garmin Connect - Details

Just breaking out of the fog on the climb through Luiano, I loved the light.

Above the fog, I had wonderful views of the hills above and the fog below.

No more leaves on the vineyards, with the low / fog clouds in the background.

It doesn't show on the picture, but there is snow on the peaks in the background.