Retro bike rides in Tuscany

Held in Gaiole in Chianti on the first Sunday in October, L’Eroica bike race takes you back to simpler times, crossing the wonderful landscapes of the Sienese Chianti, Crete Senesi and Val d'Orcia.  The non-competitive event is open to everyone, provided they are using a vintage bicycle from at least before the 1980s that has a metal frame, gears, and cage pedals. Routes go from 38km to 205km over both paved and the famous Tuscan unpaved ‘white roads’. Limited to 5,000 participants, L’Eroica consists of four different routes ranging from 32-209 km long. Reward yourself upon completion with local products from bread and honey to the traditional Tuscan bread soup (Ribollita) or stock up on supplies at a bicycle market. Historical dress is a must, adding to the sense of occasion and fit for the “heroic” occasion, the apt name for the spirited festival.

More info: L’Eroica website

The magnificent village of Anghiari in the Arezzo province dominates the valley and is a truly stunning setting for this non-competitive cycling event held in October. With a nod to the 1950s and 60s, vintage clothing of the era must be worn, meaning wool sweaters and shorts, not the lycra of today’s sporting heroes. L’Intrepida features three different routes from 42km, to 85km, and for the truly committed, 120km. With an ever-growing number of participants from all over the world, the passion for vintage cycling is contagious, made all the more pleasurable with antique markets and food and wine delights for both participants, supporters, and passers-by.

More info: lintrepida.it

The beguiling Tuscan village of Bolgheri is host to a vintage bicycle race in Spring, since 2012. So long as the bike is from before 1987, (and adheres to a few other technical rules) consider yourself welcome to a day of fun, friendship and of course, historical cycling. Usually held in April each year, make the most of the sunny springtime with local treats and one of the most impressive landscapes in the world.

More info: etruscaciclostorica.it

Held in early June, La Medicea begins in Carmignano, winding through vineyards, olive groves and bubolic beauties, all while discovering Medici villas and picturesque villages, this is as much a guided tour as it is a sporting event. La Medicea has also been a stop for four of the six years of the Vintage Tuscan Cup circuit, making it ever-popular with cycling aficionados.

More info: lamediceaciclostorica.com

Spectacular scenery, fabulous food and good times ensured, the L’Ardita historical bike race and the ‘Bicinfiera’ Arezzo Bike Fair are the perfect events for vintage bike enthusiasts. A great programme of events is held in Arezzo’s delightful piazza Grande in March/April. Tackle the famous Aretine climb of Alpe di Poti as well as two other routes called the Gourmet and Classic rides for less experienced riders.

More info: lardita.com

Two days on a bike, sharing a common passion for vintage cycling and discovering the most beautiful places in Valdichiana: this is the essence of the La Chianina Historic Cycling Race, a great event dedicated to sport, food, wine and culture, held in Marciano della Chiana in June. In addition to riding vintage bikes along the routes, participants can take advantage of stands and concerts, to experience a perfect weekend of well-being and fun in Tuscany.

Info: lachianina.net

Among the events with vintage bikes, that are developing rapidly in Tuscany, there is also La Maremmana in Castiglione della Pescaia, which attracts enthusiasts of all levels, curious to discover new territories and landscapes. The routes of La Maremmana are on paved, low-traffic roads and particularly captivating dirt roads that pass through incomparable settings, like Vetulonia, an ancient Etruscan city, and Buriano.

Info: ciclomaremmana.it

L’Omino di Ferro is a historic cycling raced organized to promote the Cecina area: in March, participants can discover and ride along roads filled with history, enriched by villages, farmhouses and agri-food products. In fact, at the end of this race with a vintage flavor, people recover their strength at the traditional "pasta party” finale.

Info: ciclisticacecina.com

La Marzocchina is a tourist bike ride with old bikes and woolen jerseys that winds through the Valdarno countryside. The routes, designed for amateurs and also fitter cyclists, pass through enchanting villages and landscapes in the valley between Arezzo and Florence. In addition to San Giovanni Valdarno, it also passes through the mining area of the Cavriglia Power Plant, thanks to the partnership and support of ENEL (Italian Electricity Board).

Info: lamarzocchina.it

If you want to discover the typical colors and scents of spring, don't miss the La Leonessa Historic Cycling Race along the roads of Chianti Rufina and Montagna Fiorentina. In April, you can ride around the hilly area surrounding Florence, near Pelago, choosing the route that best suits your needs and level of fitness. The important thing is to have a vintage bicycle with precise technical characteristics.

Info: leonessaciclostorica.it

To greet the arrival of spring and the good weather, La Lastrense takes place in the hills of Lastra a Signa in March. This historic cycling race features a particularly interesting route: in about 75 kilometers, you can admire the sight of vineyards, olive groves, cypresses and broom in flower. The vintage cyclists, although with some effort, ride through places that have been witnesses, for centuries, of the historical, cultural and social events in this Florentine land, including Villa Caruso (Bellosguardo).

Info: lalastrenseciclostorica.it

In the spring period in San Vincenzo, one of the most beautiful historic cycling races takes place in Tuscany: the 99 Curve. The choice of its name was simple: there are said to be 99 bends separating the villages of Suvereto and Sassetta, two of the stops along the route. On this occasion, vintage bike enthusiasts can ride through the most charming locations along the Etruscan Coast and the Val di Cornia (like Castagneto Carducci, Piombino and Campiglia Marittima), with pine forests, beaches, vineyards, olive groves and thermal plants.

Info: 99curve.it