63 miles ridden – 696m climbed – temperature 30C

Today was a better day. I cycled most of it with three others which makes it more enjoyable.

Overall today was about covering distance as the road were largely uninteresting and busy and although most of the drivers were great it got boring after 10 or 12 miles. However it did dispel the myth that Europe doesn’t have long straight roads – this was on the 12 mile stretch and as you can see was more interesting than the long roads in the mid-west of the USA.

We did enjoy some beautiful cycle paths which ran through the resort areas like Follonica often in the trees at the back of the beach but also along the promenades so no cars just walkers and youngsters on electric scooters.

Although mos of the areas we passed through were essentially agricultural it is much more industrialised than I expected – perhaps this will change as we head further south. We stopped for lunch in the rather non-descript port of Castiglione Della Pescaia before enjoying another 5 mile stretch of straight road and then a really nice 6 miles stretch of dedicated cycle path leading up to Grossetto which was the last town we passed through before heading inland and starting today’s main climb.

The afternoon was quite cloudy so the hills were a bit easier and there were some stunning views.

The last picture shows Magliano in Toscana perched up on the hill – not a very good picture but there weren’t many good vantage points. We didn’t venture in there because we knew we had a nasty hill coming as we neared the hotel and we didn’t fancy adding an additional one.

Tonight’s hotel in in a different league to the last two – Burgo Maglia Resort – nice big rooms, lovely shower, clothes airer for washing! It’s the simple things.