Thrifty Tuscany Forum

[burly]

due to tuscan hills, would biking around be tough?

thanks

[arny88]

due to tuscan hills, would biking around be tough?

thanks

Yes definitely. I used to see lots of tourist bikers when I used to live in Tuscany.
Well... relatively lots, but it is certainly feasible.

One thing you should take note of: the car drivers aren't very sensitive and polite, as you're occupying "their" road (I must admit I'm also guilty of this) so be careful.

[davion]

Biking in Tuscany is for passionate cyclists. If you love cycling and are in a decent fitness condition where hills don't scare you - are actually a challenge! - then cycling in Tuscany is a wonderful way to experience the region. There are a lot of cyclists in Tuscany, you'll see them everywhere. There are some areas where the hills are softer, more round (the area south of Siena) where the going is easier so it really depends on what you want to do: a holiday based entirely on bike? a day out just for fun? There are companied headed by passinate cyclists that actually organize bike tours and can offer some options of the best area to cycle given your fitness level and goals. See We Bike Tuscany http://www.webiketuscany.com/ for example.

As others have pointed out, the roads can be narrow and drivers impolite by passing way too close to you but if you have experience in cycling on and sharing roads, then this shouldn't scare you. I'd say that if you really are considering a day out, you should look into an organized tour because it will definitely be easier to organize as well as much more fun to "share" the experience with others. Plus a group of cyclists on the road then make the drivers wait to pass ;).

[indeever]

Yes, it is THE ONLY SENSIBLE option. If you go by car you will never experience the beautiful countryside, and walking does not take you far enough in one day. The hills can be tough if you are not fit, get a proper mountain bike, and enough fitness before the trip. Go in autumn if you can, the temperature is kinder, and it is easier to get accommodation without pre-booking.

[evert]

In my view, it depends how committed a cyclist you are. You're right about the hills: you see many couples with the male sweating away out in front and the patient female struggling many yards behind. Doesn't look like my idea of fun - or coupledom for that matter.

The country roads are so narrow there's little enough room for a bike and a car, and certainly no possibility of cycling side by side.