Siena to San Quirico, Day 35
Today was back on the rough route of the Via Francigena, following the walking path out of Siena. The walking route follows the valley of the river Arbia but I wanted to keep going on the Strada Bianche, following more of the Eroica route that I’d started on yesterday.
Yet again today was “Wow” most of the way. Mist, views to ancient hill towns. Tuscany delivering yet again.
58.2km, 1053m climb
4h 00m moving, 7h 18m elapsed
59% off-road, Mist turning to sun, 18°C average, 27°C max
Highlights
The atmosphere that the mist brings at this time of year. Especially coming out of Siena feeling shrowded in a cloak of eeriness.
There’s an amazing and unexpected coffee shop in Radi called Sapori di Radi. There were quite a few other gravel folks stopping by and discussing bikes etc. Nice place.
Lots more pure gravel. Strada Bianche / Eroica.
The walled town of Buonconvento. And a big shout to the bakery/vineria by the south gate that made lovely sandwiches. (I think it was http://www.laportadisotto.it/)
The views across the vale of Arbia towards Montalcino, Monte Amiata and tomorrow’s destination looming in the distance, Radicofani.
Lowlights
I’m going to indulge in some cakeism here and say the lack of views back to Siena was disappointing. But you can’t have that and the mist.
