Ride with clients in the Chianti hills.

I had a very nice client ride today with Tayo and his girlfriend, whose name I am sorry to say I forgot quickly, then did not ask again.  They were very interesting people and fun to take on a tour.  The only thing Tayo mentioned in his email about what the wanted to see on the tour was a great view of the city, and some beautiful countryside.  So, I started us out by going to Piazzale Michaelangelo, one of the best views of the city.  I tried to use this as a benchmark for their desire and ability to climb hills.  We discussed this, and I gave them a couple of options, and they chose the option with smaller, less trafficked, but steeper roads, even if they had to walk the bikes a little.

We headed out to Cinque Vie, then climb up to San Gersole through Vacciano.  Well, it was a little too much, in particular for Tayo, and he was game, but basically said he had enough hill climbing at that point.  I told him we needed to do a little more climbing and we could have cafe and food in Impruneta.  After a snack in San Gersole, we made our way to Impruneta and had a very nice snack and cafe.  We took a nice, long break, and I discussed our options after recovery had been accomplished.  Tayo really had enough climbing, so we took the direct descent toward Ferrone, and turned right on the main road back to town through Tavernuzze.  It was a nice ride back, and they both enjoyed the crusing versus climbing and descending.

We had a good chat during our break in Impruneta, and they were both really interesting people.  Both in their early 30's, from Nigeria, and educated in the US.  They had both started businesses in Nigeria, and were enthusiastic about the future.  It is a great benefit of my work to meet and hear about the lives of such fun and interesting people.  The weather forecast was for rain, but they were game to go and had bought ponchos, and the rain had stopped by our starting time.  The rain never returned during the ride, although it is starting again as I write this.  Always great to take out people who will deal with a little adverse weather.  Nice ride guys!  Thanks for riding with cosimo.  Ride summary:  30 miles in 3:14 rolling time for an average speed of 9.3 mph with 1709 vertical feet climbed at an average temperature of 72.

Great client ride in the Chianti hills by ridingwithcosimo at Garmin Connect - Details

The great view of the city and a perfect picture spot

at the Piazzale Michaelangelo.

Tayo on the climb to San Gersole.

Climbing to San Gersole.

At the water source in San Gersole.