“The Tuscany Trail®” – Our Italian Gravel Themed Adventure

In May 2026, Willesden CC members, Marianne Harding, Sylvene Greaves and Paul Baxter took part in the Tuscany Trail , a 452km 5,486m loop around the Tuscan hills. 

Paul explained more about this challenging ride, saying that “About 40% of it is off-road, on terrain that varies from the white gravel of the Strada Bianche, to much more technical tracks that took all of us outside our comfort zones.”

“The ride is self supporting with most participants camping. The organiser provides basic camping sites dotted around the route or  wild camping is permitted.” 

Marianne started by recollecting how the adventure all started, “…..I Blame Dan DJ!” , she said!!!”

“It was he who planted the seed in November, spreading the word that an adventure could be had in Tuscany.  The thought of riding a bike in warmer climes on new roads with no traffic was very tempting!” 

“Curious, I clicked the link Dan had attached to the WhatsApp message! The ride looked idyllic, bike packing through  vineyards, forests, and historic centres, on fine, white gravel, roads, with various camping sites on route, offering an  experience you won’t find anywhere else! I was tempted, but as Christmas was on the doorstep and I thought no  more, until later, when Paul happened to bring the subject up, stating both he & Sylvene were prepared to give it a  go, so by early January we were all registered for the Tuscany Trail in May 2026. “

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“With ferries & accommodation booked & a gravel bike loaned to me at the 11th hour, by Alpkit in Kingston, All thanks  to Paul and Sylvene. “

“On 16th May, with the car loaded we were all set to drive off to Campiglia Marittima – Venturina Terme in  Tuscany. On 18th May, stopping for petrol just outside Pisa and the Bahrain Victorious team car was filling up behind us. We realised that the Giro was in the area.”

“We arrived, with a day to spare before the start in Venturina Terme. Our accommodation, an apartment in  Agriturismo ll Pescinone, found by Sylvene was fantastic and the hosts, two ladies were lovely with nothing too much  trouble. Luckily we were able to book another night last minute, for after the ride, and the bonus was that we were  able store Marianne’s car for the duration. The site was an Olive farm and the buildings were alive with swallows.” 

“The pictures below are some of our favourites from the trip and give a flavour of the trip. The memories are many but some of the highlights are: 

∙ Sylvene’s face on arriving at the first campsite to find the shower was a bamboo screen in a communal area  with a hose. 

∙ Descending down a track to find a local had set up a pop up stall to give riders pasta and wine. ∙ Paul nearly being taken out by the Decathlon AG2R team car on a section of Strada Bianche. ∙ Riding sections of Via Francigena the Canterbury to Rome pilgrimage route. 

∙ The comradeship of the other participants from all over the world. 

∙ The wonderful welcome we received everywhere in Italy. 

∙ Wild camping with fireflies on our last evening, and awaking to an amazing sunrise

Day 1 

 

Day 2

 

Day 3

Day 4

 

Day 5

Day 6

Finished!

Despite the brutal, gnarled, jagged, bone-rattling tracks with one-in-cor-blimey elevations and descents, we all gained confidence, honed our skills and had a fantastic adventure and we’re ready for the next gravel ride adventure!

Marianne.