There will be no hot take on wardrobing today. I think its hard to look fashionable on a bike (outside of Holland) and even there, the fashion is not for the activity but for the destination. I don’t much care what anyone says I have never seen anyone look particularly appealing in a bike costume. It’s too tight, it’s too bright, it’s too unforgiving, it almost means you must walk with your accessory (the bicycle at all times so that one doesn’t look like a flasher in action. If you are going to take a long bike ride (where the ride is the destination), I recommend a moisture wicking long sleeve shirt and longer length leggings. Why? The sun! The sun! The SUN! The skin must be protected at all costs. Keep those arms and legs covered and slather yourself with SPF 50 and seek out the shade of a tree if ever there is an opportunity to do so.

We started the morning quite early and met an enthusiastic tour group of Australian couples and a smattering of Americans for a bike tour through the Tuscan hills. I was a little nervous. I love cycling don’t get me wrong, but even though I have been doing some light to moderate training and with an e-bike I was seriously worried about my fitness levels as the tour was to last for 7 hours.

PSA: If you’re suffering with severe breathlessness, please see your doctor.

Anyway, there was some concern. I made up my mind to challenge myself and do as much of the pedaling unassisted as I could and only use a “boost” when absolutely necessary. I set off determined and kept pace at the top of the line right behind the guide. I did pretty well and enjoyed every moment of the breathtaking vistas. I was not suffering with terrifying breathlessness and once realizing this I was even happier!!! Our tour group of fun-loving Australian couples were decidedly less amused with the length of the tour, the heat of the sun and the time it was taking to get to the lunch break at Torre Bianca run by siblings Matteo and Marta Mugelli. Marta hosted our light lunch and provided the group with endless information about the farm, olive oil production and her family product.

A quick list of things I learned and/or was reminded of:

1. Don’t keep your olive oil in a warm place.

2. Do purchase olive oils in dark glass jars or tin so as not to let the light in.

3. Do note that olive oil is not wine, the older the more degraded. Find the date of your olive oil on the container. It should have been bottled within in the year of purchase and show expiry the following year.

4. Don’t dismiss the taste of the olive oil. Be sure to let a small amount of air into your mouth with the oil and let it touch all the surfaces of your mouth by swirling it around with your tongue. You should note the initial and middle palate flavors prior to swallowing the olive oil may have a spicy finish to it.

5. Don’t purchase olive oil that is made (not pressed). Tell-tale signs? You can’t determine a single point of origin. When you can’t tell where an olive oil is from, a mixture of oils was probably used which could mean the use of second press oil, oil that is greater than 2 years old and new oil. Sacrilege!

Over that lunch, I had had heaping serving of braised red onions and shallots (I believe). I say believe, because the product presented was jarred and decanted in a bowl and Marta could not say with certainty what the recipe was. I found a recipe online here and will try to recreate this little savory deliciousness. Of course, I’ll share the recipe when I have it in hand.

We returned to our hotel thoroughly exhausted but thrilled with the day. It was a beautiful, hot, challenging day but besides learning all about olive oil (I will now be insufferable to grocery shop with) I was beyond pleased that I was able to complete the ride barely having used my e-bike battery! Mr. M. ran his down to just over a quarter (ha! I win!).

When visiting Florence I heartily recommend booking a bike tour! It is a GREAT way to see the countryside and view Florence from different perspective.

Next time on “Florence” … The travelers retreat further into Tuscany for rest and relaxation. Discussions ensue and ideas are hatched!