We are planning to visit the Chianti and Southern Tuscany area Oct 2-5, 2009 and were just informed there is a bike race through this area at this time. Has anyone had this experience before and if so, what should we expect (besides hundreds of cyclists)?

I believe you're referring to L'Eroica which isn't really a bicycle race. It's a multi-day rally celebrating the history of competetive cycling. There are both long and short courses throughout Tuscany, mostly on unpaved roads, and the cyclists are riding vintage bikes (pre-1987!). I haven't seen this ride in person, but if I were anywhere near one of the courses I'd make a point of checking it out.

The first link below is the rally's webpage where you can view the courses. You may find short-term road closures as the riders move along. I doubt any paved roads would be closed for long periods.

http://www.eroica.it/index_en.php

http://italiancyclingjournal.blogspo...-now-open.html

I meant to add that, even if you've seen a bicycle race in the U.S., this rally would be a uniquely European experience. Although competitive, mostly track, cycling was huge in the U.S. at the turn of the 20th C., road racing has always been wildly popular in Europe, especially in France and Italy.

I was in Montalcino last September when a bike race was taking place. A few riders would trickle through at a time. There were things set up in the Fortezza for racers, but it didn't interfere with any tourist activities.

Thank you Jean for your resourceful information. You have been very helpful in my planning for our trip.
I appreciate kybourbon your remarks on what you experienced. I had visions of hundreds of bikes on the roads we would be traveling.