I have been doing a mixture of mountain and road cycling. On average the road bike rides have been over 20 miles with elevations gains over 2000ft through the Tuscan challenging landscape. Needless to say, my fitness is fast improving.
A lovely ride we did was from Castol San Gimignana to San Gimignano a round trip of 22.39 miles with an elevation gain of 2385 ft in the hot Tuscan sun. After riding for 14 miles we did have a sneaky stop in San Gimignano, a beautiful historic town. The pizza was delightful and one of the best I have ever tasted, followed by a beer (not such a good idea) and a coffee to give me a caffeine boost for the ride back. We would have loved to adventure around the town, as it looked wonderful, however we had cycling shoes on (not the best to walk in) so we plan to revisit another day, minus the bikes, and with the dogs.
The journey back was hard, due to the heavy load of a pizza, beer, and coffee. I accomplish the long, slow rising hills in good time and with fierce determination.
Another ride we have done a few times is an out and back to Chiudino, 27.5 miles with an elevation gain of 2612 ft in 35-degree heat. On this ride I obtained 14 Strava achievements; go me. Chiudino is a small Tuscan village with beautiful panoramic views across the landscape. Again, a sneaky drink, a coke this time and a small lunch to give me energy for the ride back. A very hot return journey however was worth the challenge.
My favourite place to either cycle to or just visit is still Casole D’Elsa. A historic Etruscan settlement situated along the spine of a hill with a stunning panoramic view of the Sienese countryside. With its characteristic city walls and two round towers it is a stunning village I just love. This is another out and back ride of 24 mile with an elevation gain of 2268 ft.
We have also done a few mountain bike rides. Finding a route is hard as a lot of the Strade Bianche, white roads, are not maintained, and some are impassable or extremely rocky making it difficult to ride. When we do find a route, it always cuts through stunning scenery, often we see wildlife such as herds of deer. On average our mountain bike rides are about 14 miles of hard rocky terrain.
Although the climate and terrain in Tuscany is challenging, to say the least, it is such an accomplishment to finish a ride. With the adrenaline pumping, the feeling of triumph and achievement is overwhelming.
How do I focus
It is never an option to stop. Apart from how the hell do I get back, you would never be able to finish if you do!
Cycling, the same as for running, is an ideal opportunity to disappear into your own world, it is your space and time, it is your journey, let go of your thoughts and feel free.
Schedule your exercise and don’t rethink, just do it. Never start a session with negative thoughts as you will struggle all the way through. Start determined, be up for the challenge and be positive.
Set yourself small goals. If you have a long session ahead, focus on the first half, even break that down into further sections and only think about each small goal at a time. When the going gets tough I count to 10, the number of times I have counted to 10!!
The most important area of any exercise is your breathing. There is no point going fast and furious if your breathing is rapid and uncontrolled. Your muscles need oxygen, so give it to them, your body needs to relax, so allow it to. If your breathing is controlled and deep you will come to a natural rhythm, use this to make your exercise flow. If you master your breathing, your ability will grow, your endurance will increase, and you will succeed.
When I am exercising, I ask myself what else would I be doing? If I want to be healthy and strong then I must put the effort in, no pain no gain! Strength grows when you keep going, learn to love the process and you will fall in love with the results.
Travel adventures 