adlmllr: One thing I learned that is different on a bike tour from how I usually travel is that I could've packed lighter. I brought as much casual clothing as I usually did, but only wore a few of those things. Think about it: you're in bike clothes from 8 a.m. till about 5 p.m. Then you wear nicer clothes to dinner. I did bring a pair of casual shorts and a t-shirt to wear by the pool or on the terrace if I sat out before getting ready for dinner. But otherwise I wore khaki slacks with short sleeved sweaters or a nice jersey shirt when I wasn't on the bike. I would only bring one or two pairs of pants, at most. And I felt comfortable wearing the khakis both at our dinners with the group and in Florence. Jeans are pretty common too though.

As for van support, I took the van the first two days for the afternoon portions of the ride because I didn't want to overdo it the first days out. And I also took it once to avoid a dirt road (all of 3k, but I didn't want to do it!). You can basically take it to just get you over a hill or to the next town, then get back on the bike and continue. The guides kept saying "It's your vacation, whatever you'd like" and it's true. If you want to do the longest routes or the shortest routes every day, that's up to you. There's no shame in riding in the van, in fact I wondered if I was missing any fun the days I wasn't in it at all! Plus, the food they stock the van with is pretty impressive....

great trip report amyb!

amy, hotpoet, and admlmllr, look for a trip query coming up soon with your names in lights... I just got the new VBT catalog in the mail and wouldn't you know it, the three Tuscany tours were the ones that caught my eye first! (doing reading and research right now).

thanks again amy, any new trips in the works?

I'm contemplating another bike tour, possibly Sicily since I can't shake my addiction to Italy. But also thinking about Spain or Russia (non-bike travel). I need the winter to think about it! I just spent last week following the rock band U2 in Mass and NYC, so my funds are a bit low at the moment!

Amy this was really helpful. My boyfriend and I are thinking of doing Tuscany in June (through Butterfeild) and are a bit concerned that it will be too difficult. We're both in our '30's and in decent shape but by no means tri-atheletes. Does it really take all day to do these rides? Has anyone reading this done a B&R Tuscan trip? On a scale of 1-10, wondering how hilly/challenging the terrain is is. Thanks!

It really depends on what part of Tuscany the tour is. The coast won't be too bad. The hills of Tuscany are indeed hills. B&R would give you an accurate assessment I think.

My experience on bike tours (one - Ireland) is that it will take all day because you will stop frequently to take photos, get a closer look at something, stop for a drink or food, etc.

Feege -- I'm looking at Butterfield now...I can't tell which Tuscany ride you have in mind, but if it covers the areas around where I was (not near the coast) then it's the hilliest ride that VBT has. The guide told me if I did that, all the rest of their tours would be child's play.

Yes, there are serious hills with serious grades (they signpost the inclines in percentages for you, so you know when you have a whopper coming up). Some I walked up parts, some I waited for the van, and some I just rode up at my own pace. That's key, just do it at your own speed!

Yes, the rides take all day. But you're stopping to see things all the time. Having lunch, snacking out of the support van, visiting spots, museums, planned and unexpected sights. VBT gives an estimate of actual ride time each day, and I found I was usually at the middle of their range daily. The pace was entirely up to me. If I wanted to bail at any point (which I did a couple days), I just hopped in the van and was taken to the end of the route, which was either lunch or our villa.

I think you should log some miles on a bike at home before you decide whether you want to tour Tuscany this way. I built up some miles before I went and wasn't a serious cyclist by any means, but I am very glad I had the base I had.

That said, I can't imagine experiencing Tuscany any other way. There are days I can return in my head to that warm, sunny day I was pedalling quietly through a field of poppies, and not just seeing it through the window of a bus or having to drive it myself.

What kind of bikes do they provide---road, cross, or mountain? Or do you get a choice?

You could have a road bike or hybrid or bring your own. You can also choose pedals, seat or bring your own.

Great! Thanks for the information.

Amyb, I missed telling you the first time out (back in 2005) - thank you for the report. By the way, and since you're still answering questions, did you bring your own helmet, or did they supply? (I'd prefer to bring my own, for reasons of fit, but the thing is bulky...)

Sue, they supply helmets and water bottles, but you can certainly bring your own gear. Many of the "serious" cyclists did just that.

I could talk about this forever. Hands down, my best vacation EVER...(so far) ;)

Thank you VERY much. We're doing the B&R Tuscany 5 day Getaway (not on the coast.) Your comments were very helpful!!

LOL amyb, I cannot count myself a serious cyclist, not given the number of km/miles a day I bike. But around here, if one is serious about avoiding head injuries, one gets a good helmet.

Case in point: Sister won 'the door prize' a few years ago (guy opens his door right into her path.) In the ambulance, attendant asks "what season of the year is it?" and she replies, slowly...."uh....husband is wearing a tee shirt so...uh....summer?"

And this, notwithstanding she was wearing a helmet at the time. I'd hate to have seen the results if she had NOT been wearing one, and a good one at that.

Go ahead and keep talking. You won't hear any complaints from me. I especially like the idea of a CO (chicken-out) van.

Sue, I meant the "serious cyclist" part only in the sense of those people really wanting their own stuff with them. I saw pedals, seats, handlebars, bike computers and even whole bikes from home, in addition to helmets, camelbaks, water bottles, etc.

The helmets from VBT are quite safe, actually better than the one I have at home. You'd be fine with theirs, unless you have issue using one someone else has already used.

Feege, enjoy the trip. It will be delightful, I'm certain!

Feege, thanks for bringing this report to the top.

Amy, all I ca say is "sigh!"

Keith

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