I’m tapping in to the collective wisdom of ST here: I’m going to Lucca in Tuscany for nine days on friday, my soloist is ready for Italian roads, but where to go … ?
I know the area is the mecca for cycling, but i wondered if you guys have some pointers as to what would be highlights and “must-do’s” , any special climbs, roads, routes, cafés, redwines etc…
Never been there before so any advice would be much appreciated!
I’ve heard Lucca is wonderful. In '99, we hung around San Gimignano (very cool walled Medievel hill town), Sienna and Florence. A great ride is the S222. The Chianti Road. We rode it for about 30 miles, great rolling hills and climbs, lots of cool towns like Radda and Gaiole to stop in and drink Chianti Classico and Barolos, the best Italian wine. To be honest, I found the best riding time to be after lunch, as it’s the downtime in the rural villages and the roads are not busy. Just know that the shops and restaurants will be closed too, but the bars always seem to be open…
Have a blast. Sue
I am glad you posted this! I am planning on going to Tuscany next summer and want to ride there too. My friend has a place outside of Lucca so I have somewhere to stay if I go. I’m hoping you get lots of helpful responses.
Enjoy your trip, and please be sure to post pics of your trip when you get back.
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It’s a great place to ride. I have a bike stored just up the road from Lucca.
Head up the valley towards Barga, and Castelnuovo. These two towns have great little eateries etc suited to watching the world as you sip your cappuchino.
Lots of great little side roads off the valley with nice tree lined climbs and little villages. Or head straight through Castelnuovo and head for Aulla. This road climbs for about an hour, heading up towards the marble mines. Great views, not too taxing and the descent back down again is stonking.
Typical tuscan road though, little in the way of barriers, so if you get the corner wrong you’ll go over the edge. Just to warn you.
39x23 will get you up everything, but you may want a 25 for slightly more comfort on the steeper stuff.
<<stop in and drink Chianti Classico and Barolos,>>
picky italian wine guy here (see www.sassi.biz)
barolo is from Piemonte, northern Italy. It is, in my opinion, the most wonderful wine Italy makes.
You probably meant Brunello, from Montalcino which is in Tuscany.
MAESTRO: Oh yeah, I’ve been at my house in Tuscany.
KRAMER: Oh Tuscany huh? Hear that Jerry? That’s in Italy.
JERRY: I hear it’s ah beautiful there.
MAESTRO: Well if you’re thinking of getting a place there don’t bother. There’s
really nothing available.
JERRY: (Surprised) Huh?
Thanks for the info, but I don’t recall mentioning wine at all. 
Thanks everybody for great tips - on saturday i will be riding the 222 after lunch to avoid traffic, drink Chianti and some Barolo if i feel bold. Then i’ll head for Aulla for some climbing, and then be careful on the descent - no rails:) More pasta and maybe even some Brunello in the evening. - and repeat nine days!
Can hardly wait, i’ll take pics and show them off later:)
We ride to Toscana each summer on our three regions tour. The other two regions include Marche and Emilia-Romagna. We have found Western Toscana to be a gem inside the diamond. Pantani was frequently quoted as loving the training there as well.
We are currently planning our 2008 ride week. I can’t wait to get back!
You have some truly beautiful pictures on your site - are you finished with this years tour?
Unfortunetly, yes we have. The 3rd week in June was again a fabulous trip. We are currently a one week per summer tour. The plans for 2008 are tentatively aimed at the final week of June. We know many riders in N.America are focusing on their racing season, and triathletes may be planning, and training for their respective “A” race or Ironman.
If you happen upon the amenites offered during our ride week, you may notice that we offer an exclusive wine list containing local and regional wines that we drink while in Italia, that can be purchased by our clients when they return home - instead of having to carry/ship vino home. High quality - Low maintenance!
Keeping our week in Italia focused on the quality of the riding, while keeping the cost of a European ride vacation minimal is our priority.
Check the site again soon for updated ride photos from the 2007 tour. The AM group ride with the locals only turned out a light crowd of 50 Italian club riders!
Thom
I will be looking for picture-updates for sure, you have a great concept there - and what a beautiful region! Good luck with your next tour.