5 Reasons why you should visit Tuscany riding a Motorcycle

tuscany countryside road

Riding a motorcycle in Tuscany

Tuscany is one of the most famous regions in Europe and probably in the World. In 23,000 sq km (8,900 square miles) you will find many famous and interesting places to see. Cities like: Florence, Siena, Pisa, Lucca, San Gimignano… Areas like: Chianti, Maremma, Val d’Orcia, Mugello… Islands like: Elba, Giglio… Culture legacy from: etruscans, romans, renaissance…

But what does of Tuscany a special place you should explore while you ride a Motorcycle?

1 Roads:

Tuscany has a huge net of countryside roads linking hundreds of little and pretty towns. As hills make up nearly two-thirds (66.5%) of the region’s total area, these roads are full of curves which makes the ride much funnier and enjoyable.

2 Landscapes:

Let’s be honest: the sights in Tuscany are truly special. The countryside, the villas and farmhouses, the sky… They all create a special atmosphere that is unique! On a motorcycle trip in Tuscany you will feel the need to stop each 10 minutes to make a photo!

3 Nature:

Tuscany has a nature diversity known all over the world: the Chianti with its forest and vineyards, the “Crete Senesi” mounts and their grey coloration that gives them an appearance often described as lunar, the Val d’Orcia and the sweet hills with their cypresses, the Maremma and a fantastic sea… And anybody who has ever traveled in a motorcycle knows that the link between the rider and the nature around him is very particular.

4 Land of riders:

Italy and Tuscany are a place where traditionally motorcycles, scooters, riders and champions have a lot of tradition. Many of the Italian champions like Rossi or Dovizioso grew-up riding on the Apennines hills between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. Vespa was born in Tuscany (and still have its headquarter). Some of the most famous Italian passes are in Tuscany: Passo della Futa, Raticosa, Giogo, Muraglione, Porrettana, Consuma, Chiantigiana, Massetana… In many of these roads take place every year some exciting road races!

5 Distances:

Tuscany is not too big and not too small. I would say perfect for visiting during a week. That’s time enough to go around all the region without having to make 2 times the same road and seeing every day new and interesting places. A must region to visit if you like nature, beauty, culture, history, gastronomy, wine and first of all… motorcycles!!

January 1st in Tuscany: Montesenario Benediction

Montesenario benediction

Montesenario benediction is one of the most loved traditions in Italy and italians are also very superstitious. If an Italian rider sees a black cat crossing the street, he will probably stop as soon as possible and wait for a car to pass before himself. This way, the bad luck (that can produce an accident!) that the cat brings to the first one to cross “it’s line” goes to the car and not to the rider.

Following these popular beliefs, it is a tradition for Tuscan riders to get on their motorcycle on January 1st, facing the cold, the snow, the wind and the rain (in an heroic and very dangerous ride), to reach the Montesenario Convent in a mount near Pratolino (around 15 km from Florence). In this yearly event, the Monk of the Convent will pass in front of all the motorcycles throwing holy water to them: this way the motorcycle will be “safe and lucky” for all the year.

On this event we can find all kind of riders and bikes. From elderly men with old classic motorcycles to young fellows with their brand new Japanese bikes full of electronic. The Monk, the destiny, and the road make no differences, we all need to be blessed…