Day 6 Wed- 2018-10-10; Bagno Vignoni to Castellina in Gaiole

Day 6 Wed- 2018-10-10 Bagno Vignoni to Castellina in Gaiole

Before breakfast I cycled up to the lookout at Tentennana Tower at elevation of 539m. Although a short cycle at 10km return, it was 370m climb with a couple of 15% gradients leading to a great view.

After breakfast and checkout at this  very enjoyable village, we started the one hour drive to dropped our bags at Hotel Villa Casalecchi in Castellina in Gaiole.

Then it was a steep descent in the Fiat from 570m to Poggibonsi train station (220m) to pick up Becky and Charlie. The had started their holiday in Rome and this was the start of our seven days of Tuscan Cycling.

Like a lot of businesses the bike hire shop did not reopen until 15:30. This gave us time to have a relaxing lunch and catch on travels to date.

The ebikes and carbon bicycle hire was prearranged from Cicliosports, Porciatti, about 5km from Poggibonsi station. It was slower then anticipated and our party of three cyclists and one driver left at 17:00 for 25km route to the Hotel Villa.

Due to navigating through town and attempting to find a longer, less steep route, we all got lost. Karen had a low speed tumble and collected some bruises.

Eventually we caught up, I swapped the car with Karen and rode the ebike in the dark to arrive with Becky and Charlie to our hotel. 16km and 465m riding for me. It was an interesting ride in the dark up a quite bitumen windy road. We arrived at 7:30. The ebikes batteries were low. We put the ebike batteries on charge and still had a lot to learn about ebikes and battery management in hilly riding.

Fortunately we could enjoy some bar food and a local Chianti wine at the end of a complicated day.