Racing... a tiny dog.

Firenze is unique, at least compared to what I'm used to with US east coast cities, in that it is surrounded by hills. I mean, big hills. If we had them in Hunterdon County, we'd call them mountains. but here, mountains are a whole different thing. In fact, I would venture to say that Italy has two types of cities/ town: the ones in the valley surrounded by hills or the ones that sit on top of said hills. There isn't much flat ground here. Due to this, things "open up" pretty quickly. Five miles out of the city to the east and you're on goat path type roads, which require diligent route planning to avoid ones that quite honestly are.

Today's ride took me east of Firenze into said hills. After escaping the city, dodging mopeds, pedestrians and FIATs on a network of one-way roads that change direction at every intersection (it makes navigating pretty insane if you don't have a good sense of direction), I made a right turn and immediately started climbing. Steady, big ring climbing on a road barely wide enough for a single car with ten foot stone walls on each side. Now if I were in the US and a car got behind me on a road like this I'd be freaking out. But in Italy, you just ride along. I mean, if you're traveling on a road like this, how fast do you expect to go, anyhow? And where are you going?!

After a coupe of turns it really started ramping up. The views of the Arno River were peaking through the olive trees here and there. Finally after about 2.5 miles at 5% average, I turned right into a quaint town. As I got through town it really started ramping up. 10-15% at times. And then there is this dog. Tiny little thing, harmless, but a runner non-the-less. Just as it got steepest, of course, this little thing takes off after me.This is the point in the Strava course where my hear rate hits 203 bpm. I felt like Froome or Nibali was attacking and I had to go with him. Tempo changes are hard on climbs over 3 miles. 

Aside from that, the first part of my ride was highlighted by some amazing scenery, of course some more climbing, and finally an awesome descent on a wide Strada Provinciale back down into Firenze. 

Once I got back into town, I ran upstairs (3rd floor walk up a few times a day counts as a Cat 4 climb in my book, especially with groceries), and grabbed that leftover slice of pizza (see photo below) and some stuff from the fridge for a picnic on the Arno outside the Uffizi Gallery. Seeing all the people on line at the museum and Duomo really made me appreciate the freedom that a bike allows me. I'm gaining a whole new perspective on this city.

After lunch, I found my way to the start of the World circuit. Again, circumnavigating the endless network of one-way streets, I finally got to the base of the Fiesole climb. Practically every paved road on the World course has been resurfaced. It's amazing! If you cycling fans reading take one thing from this post, here it is; my insight into the Worlds circuit:

The Fiesole climb is not that hard...if you do it once. Keep in mind, the pro men do it ten times, plus they ride 100km before getting there. The thing is, it's hard, but not hard enough for the racing to be conservative and boring. It is very conducive to high intensity attacks. The steepest part is just at the top as you get into town, but it's a short section that you can sprint over. Then it's a quick left hander and you're plummeting downhill on a twist fast, freshly paved descent (yes, it's paradise). Look for attacks to go there, because if you get a gap, it might be easier to hold it in a break on the twisty road downwards. I think I might have hit the brakes once or twice but there is no doubt that the guys at the front, on closed roads are going to be taking this descent at insane speed. 

The real leg killer is Via Salviatti, which kicks up to 19%. I missed the damn turn and had to turn around and wait at the light. Starting it from a stand-still sucks! However, it's hard regardless. It would be a really exciting place to watch, as more than likely the race winning move could take place there. Of course, the organizers know that, so they've set up a standing room only area on the short climb that is exclusively available to three-day-pass purchasers. But that's ok, I think the real party is going to be on the Fiesole climb, and that's where I hope to go. 

Ok, well, that's probably more than anyone wants to read and I'm tired. Though there are endless observations, about cycling, the race, the food, Italy in general, I'll save them for another night. And if you're wondering why there are no photos today, the riding was so much fun I didn't want to stop and take a photo despite the stunning scenery. But it's only day two.