“It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them.” (Ernest Hemingway) “Credo che abbattendovi a uno vino che fosse secondo vostra natura, non vi bisognarebbe altro medico a ritornarvi le forze.” (Ser Lapo Mazzei, 1404) ENOICA ROAD FRANCESCANA (5 days – 4 stages – Km 400 – m. 6,800 elevation) Day 1st: arrival at Fonterutoli Participants arrive by their own means by 7:00 pm (pick-up services may be arranged, ask us for a quote) at Castello di Fonterutoli, next to Castellina in Chianti. At 8:00 pm there will be a welcome dinner prepared by the chef of Osteria di Fonterutoli paired with the world-renowned Castello di Fonterutoli wines (www.mazzei.it ). Accommodation at the Locanda di Fonterutoli in the hamlet. Airport: Florence Vespucci 80 km; Pisa Galilei 100 km; Bologna Marconi 140 km; Roma Da Vinci 280 km Day 2: stage Fonterutoli – Poppi (110 km e 2.000 m. elevation) A stage from the Chianti Classico to the Casentino by climbing the Crocina pass on the Pratomagno, from where it’s enjoyable an incomparable view of Tuscany. A long climb with the last 10 km of gravel road, as in the heroic 1950s. We will descend to the medieval village of Poppi to stay by the castle that dominates the valley where the Arno river rise. Dinner at a typical restaurant paired with Casentino wines. Day 3: stage Poppi – Città di Castello (94 km e 1,400 m. elevation) A stage that will take us to the northern Val Tiberina passing through La Verna, the site where St. Francis received the stigmata. We will continue towards Caprese Michelangelo, where the great Renaissance artist was born, to reach Anghiari and Sansepolcro, the homeland of famous people, such as the artist Piero della Francesca. Final stage in Città di Castello, another medieval jewel, where we will stay. Local wine-themed dinner in a downtown restaurant. Day 4: stage Città di Castello – Cortona (127 km e 1.900 m. elevation) Long stage with challenging climbs that will take us to Gubbio, another place dear to San Francesco from where we will turn west to head towards Cortona. In the city celebrated by Frances Mayes in “Under the Tuscan Sun”, we will stay in a hotel with a unique view over the Val di Chiana. Aperitif at the Molesini Enoteca and gourmet dinner in a downtown restaurant with wines based on Sirah, the specialty of the region. Day 5: stage Cortona - Fonterutoli (98 km e 1.500 m. elevation) Fourth and last stage that from Val di Chiana will take us to Asciano, through the picturesque and challenging Crete Senesi, to enter Siena from the Santa Caterina climb, the final stretch of the “Strade Bianche” classic race. We will pass by the 2 most iconic spots of this Tuscan masterpiece, Unesco heritage: the Duomo and Piazza del Campo, where the Palio horse race is held. We will leave then for Fonterutoli on the Chiantigiana, the main road of Chianti, for a well-deserved snack at the winery. Exclusive wine dinner to celebrate the Enoica Road accomplishment and accommodation at Locanda di Fonterutoli. Day 5: departure from Fonterutoli Departure from Fonterutoli by participants own means (drop-off services may be organized and quoted on demand). Price On demand, minimum 6 persons The price includes: · Staff members • Vehicles for assistance and luggage transport • GPS tracks • Accommodation for the whole period • All meals for the whole period • All wines served at dinners The price doesn’t include: • Transportation to / from Fonterutoli (available upon request) • Single bedroom accommodation (available on request with extra price) • Extras in the hotels and along the trail • Massages • Tips • Everything not mentioned in the above “The price includes”. GENERAL INFORMATION Bike rentals Nice bicycles to rent are available on demand. Accompanying vehicles One or more vehicles will follow the group along the route providing assistance and luggage transportation. Staff and assistance Enoica staff will have everything necessary for emergency repairs. It is mandatory to have the bicycle checked before departure, in order to avoid wasting time on issues due to poor maintenance. Refreshment Cyclists will be supplied with food, beverages and supplements during the whole ride. However we suggest bringing your own energy bars, gels and mineral salts. What to bring ü one bag or trolley suitcase ü cycling clothes for the season ü casual clothes for the evenings ü helmet (mandatory) ü bike water bottle and/or camelback ü tire repair kit with spare tube Road safety Participating cyclists must cautiously respect the road rules and follow the guide’s instructions. Sport activity suitability and disclaimer form Cyclists are requested to send a copy of a current medical certificate stating that they are fit for cycling and sport activity. They will be provided with a Cycling Association membership that includes an insurance. Furthermore to participate to the Enoica Road, cyclists will be asked to sign a disclaimer form..