Day 6: Gaggio Montana to Lastra A Signa

(bringing the Cumbrian weather to Tuscany) – 81 km (51 miles) – Total so far: 484 km (300 miles)

The Italian news was going crazy this morning about the weather. Even above their economic crisis. Big winds – squally showers, and between 12 and 23 C. I asked the famous question over a busy Monday morning coffee house – “will this wind be so mighty as to lay low the mountains of the earth?” – but was ignored.

Started with 200 metre downhill to Porretta Terme, a spa town with thermal waters. Then steadily up to 992 metres asl at the Passo del Collina-Collina, and a fast 15 km down to Pistoia – into Tuscany.

A posh cafe for a sandwich next to the Piazza del Duomo, it’s most famous landmark. Pistoia was a 6th century BC Roman settlement, mentioned in Dante’s Inferno and gave its name to the pistol. Expensive sandwich though.

A flat afternoon on roads with busy traffic, skirting Florence (Firenze) and staying just a few kilometres to the south. I’ve been there previously, it’s a good place to avoid at this time of year – my limited wardrobe would let me down.

Samuel Johnson for today’s quote: A man who has not been in Italy, is always conscious of an inferiority.

I’m off to find out how good the food and wine is.

Max speed – 64.3 km/ hr Moving time – 5 hrs 47 mins Moving average – 14.6 km/hr Left at 9:15 hrs, arrived 15:45 hrs. 30 minute lunch in Pistoia. Altitude here – 47 metres asl.