Hello, My family and I are looking into securing a bike tour through the Tuscan countryside when we are there in the month of June. I have found a site called "I bike Tuscany" that has one of it's options called "Big Three Family Ride". It is labeled "easy" and all downhill which is what I was looking for. My granddaughters and 2 adult children are very fit and bike all over our city (New Orleans), so I know they would be fine. It's actually me that I'm a bit concerned about. I am a very fit 81 year old, but I am 81... And I'm wondering how steep these downhill hills are. If they are very steep, then this might prove to be too daunting of a task for me. If anyone knows the details of this type of ride, I would be very grateful for your input. Thank you
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2329 posts
A couple of my family members did a bike tour in Tuscany some years ago when they were young and strong. They said the constant hills were very difficult (which doesn't describe your trip) but they were pretty scared by the very narrow roads and the cars zipping past.
Posted by
120 posts
We considered biking in Tuscany also, but once we arrived we’re so glad we hadn’t booked it because of the narrow streets and fast cars. Totally agree with the other post. Tuscany is gorgeous! And we had several beautiful hikes there (not on the paved streets). We were glad to forego the biking until we got to a dedicated bike trail in Provence.
Posted by
Portland, OR (PDX)
327 posts
I am once again planning a bike tour in Italy (after having to cancel two years in a row). This time Tuscany with my daughter and (virtual) SIL in September. I am a (usually) fit 70 year old, and normally road bike with my local club. I'm currently nursing a major injury and have not been able to pull the trigger booking this trip, but the PT is predicting a great summer for me.
I have biked in Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal, and have never felt unsafe on the road. I've been on some busy sections of road with trucks and buses, and they have slowed, waited for the oncoming traffic, then passed in the other lane. Traffic laws in western Europe are very strict, and very strict WRT vulnerable roadway users, like cyclists and pedestrians. The laws consider the driver at fault unless they can prove otherwise. As a friend pointed out, "If you get buzzed by a car in Italy, it's probably an American in a rental car."
If you are uncertain of your physical abilities, may bike tour outfits are now offering e-bike rental options. You might look into those as well.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16662 posts
Lindah, where in Tuscany will you be located? If Florence, hope you're allowing adequate time for the city itself?