Riding with Cosimo, custom cycling tours in Tuscany: First client ride of 2014

Today was my first client tour of the year, and the season will get going with many more tours scheduled in April and May. Two great clients from Australia. My first client's from there, but I have two more scheduled for April. Let's hope the word gets out down under. We met at Piazzale Michaelangelo, and they had their own bikes which made things pretty easy. From the emails, I expected them to have a little experience, but did not really know how strong they would be. They turned out to be strong, and at every decision point, chose the longer option. By the end of the day, however, they were saying they were pretty tired and simply wanted the easiest way back. Good first client's of the year, strong, happy to be out riding, and appreciative of the Tuscan scenery.

We started by climbing Poggio Imperiale, then descending to Galuzzo. Over to Cinque Vie, then up through Vacciano, San Gersole, Mezzomonte, to Monteoriolo to finish our first real climb. We rode the ridge over to Impruneta for a cafe and pasty before getting back on the bikes. We descended toward Falciani, then jogged over to climb through Liuano to the edge of Mercatale. Second decision point, and definitely longer was on tap. Down to the pretty valley, then up the steep climb to Montefiridolfi. The steep climb was all they wanted, and perhaps a little more, but they were happy at the top and we took a little break in the beautiful little town square. We enjoyed the ride along the ridge then descended to the valley around Bargino. Last real decision point, and again longer was the option.

We climbed to San Pancrazio, took another little break, got more water, then descended along the ridge to Montagnana where we hooked up with the road to Cerbia. Fast descent into Cerbia, then a nice climb to Chiesa Nuova, our last real climb of the day. By the last climb, I always try to set a pace that keeps everyone together and it worked well today. Colon was the slower of the climbers, but seemed to get stronger as the day progressed. As we approached the top, a break was requested and we had another cafe and some schiaciatta before continuing. Here they let me know they was basically done, but we rode together at a pretty reasonable pace back down the ridge to the Galuzzo switchbacks. Regrouping in Galuzzo, the easiest way back regardless of traffic was requested. We took the main road and were back at Piazzale Michaelangelo before you know it. Good day Jenny and Colon. It was a pleasure to take you riding in the Chianti hills. Thanks for Riding with Cosimo. 51.2 miles in 4:10 rolling time for an average speed of 12.3 mph with 4147 vertical feet climbed at a sun effected (only during the last hour was the sun out) of 66.

Chianti hills with clients Jenny and Colon by ridingwithcosimo at Garmin Connect - Details

Jenny and Colon on the way to San Gersole.