The “Eroica“ and Bike tours in Chianti

Paola, Bar Ucci, Volpaia in Chianti, on the "Eroica" Road, near Villa le Barone

There are wonderful opportunities in the Chianti area around Villa le Barone for walking and cycling.  Coming for the weekend on the occasion of the ” Eroica ” (Heroic) race to be held on October 5th  will give the opportunity to see both the Eroica (and why not participate in this legendary race ?)  and admire  Chianti in Autumn.

The “Eroica ” (the “Heroic”” ) is a race on the gravel roads of Chianti, organized since 1997. As the organizers say, it is a “poem written with a bicycle» through vineyards, forests of oak and chestnut trees, through medieval villages and through the stunning scenery of the Tuscan hills. The bicycles of participants (5000 are expected this year) are of course “vintage” cycles,  dating from the heroic times of the early races in the fifties and the sixties .

A cyclist at Villa le Barone, Panzano in Chianti

The race is organized to suit all levels of riders’ capabilities with routes of varying lengths. The shortest route is 38 kms, with an elevation of 700m, just enough to taste the atmosphere of the “Eroica “. The second route is 75 kms, through the Chianti Classico region with an elevation of 1900m and allows participants to penetrate into the history of this fantastic race. With the other two routes 135 and 209 kms (with an elevation of 3700m and more), emotions and sensations are guaranteed!

The 75 kms itinerary passes through Volpaia,  close to Villa le Barone and includes a stop at the ” Ristoro di Panzano “, with Chianti wine,  figs,  salamis … and cheerfulness!
The “Eroica ” was born from the love of authentic cycling, with vintage bicycles and also from the love of the natural and architectural heritage of Chianti. To participate in the race means rediscovering the meaning of effort and the beauty of fatigue.
And even without participating in the race, guests of our charming hotel Villa le Barone will be able to discover the passion for cycling that drives so many Italians but also to admire the first colors of autumn and the beauty of Chianti (Our Special offer).