‘Make it your pilgrimage’
The rolling hills of Tuscany are criss-crossed by serpentine roads, fragrant with fields of lavender vineyards and citrus groves. They have high enough hills to offer passes of their own, usually topped by ancient walled towns, while the plains hold historic cities. And for race fans there’s always the pilgrimage to Mugello – and Imola, Misano and Monza aren’t very far away either.
The best months to ride are between May and October, but be aware that it can get very hot during the summer months – well over 30°C. Also be aware that much of Italy takes the whole of August off as holiday, which may mean slightly more tourist traffic on the local roads – our top tip is to visit earlier or later in the summer.
Speed limits: urban areas 50km/h (31mph); minor out-oftown roads 90km/h (56mph); major out-of-town roads 110km/h (68mph); motorways 130km/h (81mph). There are many speed cameras in all the villages, but some of them are plastic dummies.
One curious law to be aware of: you’re not allowed to accelerate while overtaking. In the UK, advanced-riding instructors suggest it’s best to use speed to overtake quickly and safely, then return to your normal riding speed. In Italy, that’s deemed rude/aggressive and we’re told it’s illegal. You’ll see Italian riders going slowly by cars, then accelerating hard once they’re past.
How you choose to get over to Tuscany will depend on where you’re coming from as much as where you’re going to. Those taking a ferry to Rotterdam or the Hook of Holland have a real choice between heading across Germany or France. Otherwise it’s best to ride through France from Calais, though the ride across France from Caen is good if you have time.
San Gimignano is about 900 miles from Calais. Flying? Nearest airports are Pisa, Florence or Bologna.