Riding with Cosimo, custom cycling tours in Tuscany: Wonderful ride in the Chianti hills with Amanda and Justin.

Wow, it was quite a day. I was to meet a couple at the bike shop at 10:30, as they were taking a bus in to Florence from a cruise ship docked in La Spezia. I got to the shop, and there were around 30 French teenagers just arriving to rent city bikes for the day, without reservations. Needless to say, the shop was scrambling and it was quite a zoo. Justin and Amanda were late due to the bus, etc., and ended up arriving just as the last bike was set up for the group. We got Amanda set up on a bike, and I had brought a bike for Justin to use. They had to return by 3:30 to make their rendezvous point to return to their cruise ship, so that was a big factor in the ride.

We rode out past Piazzale Michaelangelo, and stopped for the amazing view and the obligatory pictures. It is a great view of the city. We then rode over and up to Poggio Imperiale, then down to Galluzzo. We climbed to Impruneta, stopping in Monte Oriolo for a water refill. Very sunny and pretty hot today. We stopped in Impruneta for a cafe / beer / water / panini / insalata then continued the ride. We rode down toward Ferrone, then took the climb through Luiano to the San Casciano road. I discussed the possibility of riding over to Montefiridolfi with them, then decided it was not worth being close on time.

I decided we could go over to San Casciano, then skirt the city and descend to Cerbia, which was a good decision. Great descent and a water break in Cerbia. Up the final hill to Chiesa Nuova, and a stop for more water and a gelato at the top. Back into town through Scandicci and return to the shop with 3 minutes to spare. I am pretty compulsive about time, and was quite pleased to be so punctual. They both rode well, and did well on the climbs. They are avid cyclists, but are from Kansas, which does not have many hills, so they really performed well today.

Ride summary is: 37.4 miles in 2:59 rolling time for an average speed of 12.5 mph with 2600 vertical feet climbed at an average temperature of 99. Great ride Justin and Amanda, and thanks for, "Riding with Cosimo".

Great ride with Amanda and Justin in the Chianti hills by ridingwithcosimo at Garmin Connect - Details

You have to stop for the view and a picture at Piazzale Michaelangelo.