Trails from Tuscany, Part 1

While it has been a few weeks since I last slung a leg over a bicycle, the time has been well spent. As I noted in the HFC last week, the weather has been unseasonable dry and warm(ish). That was up until a week ago, when we got over a foot of snow. Despite the conditions, there are many 2-wheeled devotees in the hill country where we are staying. I cornered one such rider last weekend on a sojourn to a nearby monastery, hidden deep in the country's largest national park. While he spoke only a few words of english, we managed to have a 30 minute conversation regarding the state of cycling in this part of Italy. He too has a family, and was out on a 2-hour loop from his house down in the valley. It was Sunday, so he must be a member of Our Lady. He was riding an older steel Pinarello with some parts swapped out for more durability in the winter months. It weighed like a tank, but rode smooth as silk.

The park itself is a national treasure, began by monks hundreds of years ago as a source of timber for the burgeoning city of Florence. Eventually, the Church gave the land back to the state (or the state took it, depending on who you ask), and left a dozen monks to care for the monastery. The Italian version of National Forest Service maintains the park, and it is pristine. Teeming with trails, statues, chapels, and more, it's otherworldly. Check the pics for evidence of bridge work and a trailside cross for prayer. The latter would be handy on some of our sketchier downhill runs. While roaming through their unlocked and completely accessible field office, I stumbled upon what could be the official vehicle of FT3. I like that Italians drive Unimogs, Ivecos and LandRovers as state vehicles. They may be bankrupt, but they dress well and drive sweet cars.

I am also working on Il Progetto (the project), and will unveil it once it's road worthy. There are a couple of spare bikes here, 2 mtb and 1 old steel road, and the latter needs much love. With the VAT at 20%, and the poor exchange rate, I won't likely be investing in a fine Italian steed any time soon. More to follow in the coming weeks.

Sooo, with all that said, this is your latest installment of the long-distance callout. I won't be present, but I trust you will get the job done all the same. Missing the crew, tacos, and my quiver. One saving grace, Hungarian hot sauce. Eros Pista is a fine and very warm sauce from our friends in Budapest. I will try to bring some home. Pics below for those interested. Included are views of the villa, the nearby forest, some homemade pizza, our staff car, and more.

Ciao tutti!