Chianti country cycling
The Chianti is a place for pottering, cycling and chance encounters, one of which is tiny Campi di San Gusmè, just north of Brolio. A short climb leads to a small tower, Romanesque church and views of tumbledown castles, villas and vine yards. The San Gusmè area is a popular destination for hiking, horse-riding or cycling. The cycle rides can be as easy or tough as you like, with a choice between e-bikes, hybrid bikers and mountain bikes.
Based in Castelnuovo Berardenga, just south of San Gusmè, Chianti Bicycles offer both straightforward independent cycle hire and proper bike tours. The company supplies hybrid or electric bikes and can organise good-value guided tours on request. Alternatively, you can rent their GPS system and go it alone, at your own pace. Their Castelnuovo Berardenga guided cycling tour heads north of town into the countryside around San Gusmè, Villa a Sesta and San Felice. This is a six-hour, 25km-route covering a mixture of asphalted roads and gravel paths, the famous Tuscan strade bianche.
You can also do a so-called sunset tour from Castelnuovo, an easy, early evening 15 km-guided cycle ride ending in dinner in at La Taverna della Berardenga in town. En route, the group can watch the sun set over the ridge and Chianti hills. The company will drive you back to your villa after dinner. To visit Siena by bike from Castelnuovo Berardenga, this leisurely, six-hour 50km guided bike tour is long but easy, taking you along quiet roads en route to Siena and then lunch on Piazza del Campo. The panoramic route home follows the old Chianti road.
If you’re an ultra-fit cyclist, consider the route to Vagliagli, Radda, Gaiole and Castello do Brolio, a 67 km round trip from Castelnuovo Berardenga. It includes some of the legendary L’Eroica route and also allows for a wine-tasting and light lunch at Casa Porciatti. For more adventurous off-road rides, consult the company’s mountain-bike range and routes. If Vespa rides are more appealing, then see Vineyards on a Vespa.
Address: Via Chianti 40,
53019
Castelnuovo Berardenga
Sien
Tel: (+39) 3473184044
Web: www.chiantibicycles.it
