| I can't answer your question directly, since I have not cycled
in Italy. I have been a tourist there, however, and your guess
is correct: the area around Florence is hilly. I don't think
you should be discouraged by that, though, as the region of
Tuscany is picturesque, especially from the roads.
We saw several touring cyclists in Siena, which is on a hilltop
in an area that is considerably higher than Florence, so I know
it can be done. The small town of San Gimignano, north of Siena
and west of Florence, is another wonderful walled, ancient hill
town with magnificent views.
Rome and Milan are both very large and congested cities. I'd see
about taking the train into town from an outlying depot. Florence
is considerably smaller, and seems more amenable to cycling. Traffic
seems less frantic than in the other cities. Rome's traffic is
hair-raising, even from the safety of your automobile. I sure
wouldn't want to try it on a bicycle.
Have fun! Italy is one of life's great experiences.
Regards,
David Buffo
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| I spent a week on the Continent last October with my brother. We put
the bikes in back of the car and cycled from interesting places, one of
which was Florence.
It is hilly round there. There are proper cols, with hairpin bends, and
long fast descents. Our map, which was detailed, showed passes up to
about 1400m (4500 feet). The road surface, except on the most minor
roads, was ok.
We had just a day's cycling there, but it was excellent, both scenic
and (for Britons) amazingly high. It's hard to find a road above
1400 feet in Britain, never mind 1400m. We were pretty pleased to
climb a 997m col and a 1058m col, on a circular route in the hills
East of Florence. The roads were in the main cut at 10-12% at the
steepest, but one hill had several hundred metres of what must have
been about 15%, and that was a real killer, bottom gear, standing
all the way and weaving across the road. I think you'd be wanting
triple chainsets and 30+ tooth rear sprockets.
Traffic in Florence itself is horrendous. As for accommodation, if you
just turn up at the railway station, there's a tourist office there
which will find a place for you and take the first night's money.
You should have a great time.
Rod
PS In note 561, I think you ask about cycling in the region of
the Italian Lakes. We thought about going there, but looking at
maps, a lot of roads just go up a valley and then stop. There didn't
seem to be too many circular routes.
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