Cycling Tuscany Gravel
We are often asked about our ‘strade bianche’ or white gravel roads. We’ve written about the history of our famous roads, but so much more can be said.
These traditional gravel roads of our countryside that weave farmhouse to farmhouse and winery to winery, are what give this area its character. While some of Tuscany has been modernized in recent decades, it still remains tied to its past in many ways. The strade bianche aren’t just utilized by farmers, vintners, locals, motos and cyclists, they represent Tuscany. They define the landscape and give Tuscany it’s quintessential ‘visual brand identity’. As such, many in the region work hard to maintain the strade bianche keeping the gravel in prime condition and safe from being paved over. One thing is certain, the best way to truly see and experience Tuscany is by cycling these unique gravel roads, and conversely, the best way to experience gravel cycling, is to pedal out on Tuscany’s white gravel roads.
The Strade Bianche gravel roads that we generally ride are relatively smooth and fast. The underlying composition is very hard-packed dirt. There may or may not be a layer of loose gravel on top. Looking ahead and visually seeing the traction, or lack thereof, is a skill you develop quickly. These roads also have ‘seasons’ so to speak. Because most of the gravel road maintenance happens during the Winter and early Spring Months, they tend to be smoother and faster in the Spring and early Summer immediately after this maintenance.
Cycling on gravel, for those new to it, should be done patiently and slowly until you reach a comfort level where an increase in speed can be enjoyed without added stress. When in doubt, just slow down. Traction will always be the lowest common denominator whether you are going uphill or down. When climbing uphill on gravel, your tendency to climb out of the saddle will need to be tempered based on available traction and a smooth power delivery. Being able to read the terrain ahead and pick a line is a sixth sense that will develop over time (or following the wheel of someone who knows the fingerprints of the gravel is ideal on your first few rides). When descending on gravel, the tendency to force the bike around needs to be limited and ‘letting ‘er drift’ becomes a useful skill. Again, when in doubt, just do it slower at first until that sixth sense kicks in - or ride with a local.
We believe our gravel cycling to be exclusive and offer premium experiences. The term ‘Gravel Cycling’ applies to just about anything ‘off road’ these days. One person’s idea of gravel varies depending on their local terrain - fire roads, mountain trails, and so on. We do a wide variety of gravel riding here, and most of which we consider ‘superior gravel cycling’. There is a reason our gravel roads make for the biggest Pro Cycling Gravel Race on the circuit today. It is smooth, fast and easy to navigate. Of course, we are happy to build routes that allow you to experience your gravel pedaling preferences. Our heroic gravel, L’eroica, provides the perfect gravel cycling vacation for experienced gravel enthusiasts and gravel newbies alike.
If you’d like more info about our gravel roads in Chianti or would like to plan time cycling in Tuscany, we are happy to connect. Send us an email or visit our website for more details on planning your ideal private cycling tour.