Safe Return Doubtful

79 km (49 miles) – Total so far: 621 km (386 miles)

When you say “hill,”‘ the Queen interrupted, ‘I could show you hills, in comparison with which you’d call that a valley.’

I can assure the Red Queen that they were most certainly hills today. (Through the Looking Glass, by Lewis Carroll).

The sceney changed from the forested hills and vineyards in the north of Tuscany at Radda, to fields of wheat being harvested and more vineyards as I headed south. Encountered the best section of biking so far on a 25 kilometre off-road route between the A1 autoroute and Asciano. Good to leave the road bikes behind. It was certainly rough.

Tonight I’ve pushed on beyond where I expected to be, which I had planned today; and will mean for an easier tomorrow, which we all seek.

Left Radda at 9:30 hrs, lunch in Asciano at 13:00 hrs for 40 minutes. Several necessary stops in all the villages on route in the afternoon for Agua Frizante, it was pushing 35 C. Arrived at San Quiroca at 16:45 hrs. Max speed 54.7 km/hr, Moving average 15.6 km/hr, Moving time 5 hrs 1 minute. Altitude here 442 metres, height gained during the day 1067 metres.

Fresh fruit and veg on offer at market in Castelnuevo Berardenga

Had the feeling someone was following me all morning – probably concern from my current book – A Death In Tuscany.

Off-road section of 25 km – tremendous views of vineyards and private residences – lost all the road bikes!

Looking strong…. Good job it wasn’t taken in the afternoon

Checking the route – my osm map is better! – and doesn’t have a big “you are here” arrow on it

The bike takes a rest, at lunch in Asciano

Lunch with some very pissed locals in Asciano – the guy’s wine glass is filled to the brim – I wasn’t able to get the waiter to fill mine more than 100 ml