Tuscany Trail 2016

[Taylor]

I didnt

[Taylor]

Anybody found some sensible bike bag storage in Pisa as the transfer people want €60 from start to finish.

[gairym]

Wow, that's a tad steep, no?

Sure it wasn't that much last year (ask Giacomo).

Just send one persons bag with everyone else's inside and split the cost.

[slarge]

The people that Burty suggested (safe-bag?) don't have storage at Pisa airport.

I think it's either a fold up bag stored at Pisa airport left luggage, or we talk to a bike shop in Pisa to see if they can store a bunch of bags and boxes. I will ask eldest to investigate (he speaks the lingo).

The 60 euro transfer cost would be ok if we can use the Russian doll method of transporting bags and boxes......

[slarge]

There's now 430 entrants! Looks like it's going to be a mass start rather than a group start!
Going to be a challenge finding a bivvy spot - might have to book ahead
And a certain Josh Ibbett has entered....

[adjustablewench]

That's bonkers! when do entry's close? - i know he said he wont cap it but that it going to be crazy.

[gairym]

Andreas said on the facebook that he'll have to close entries at 500!!!

That'll be twice as many as last year (which felt like a lot of people).

If it's the same first big climb as last year then it'll soon spread folks out (I'm assuming we'll all be out in front setting the pace, no?).

[Wotsits]

If it's the same first big climb as last year then it'll soon spread folks out (I'm assuming we'll all be out in front setting the pace, no?).

On the website the first section looks like it might be different from last year?..

[S.Softie]

Someone said that when choosing gear to take that bug protection should be paramount but do we need to be thinking about being particularly inconspicuous too?
How friendly are the locals when >400 cyclists are overnighting at the bottom of the field?

[gairym]

If it's the same first big climb as last year then it'll soon spread folks out (I'm assuming we'll all be out in front setting the pace, no?).

On the website the first section looks like it might be different from last year?..

So far I've been my usual diligent self and not even glanced at the new route but I suppose I should take a look.

Someone said that when choosing gear to take that bug protection should be paramount but do we need to be thinking about being particularly inconspicuous too?
How friendly are the locals when >400 cyclists are overnighting at the bottom of the field?

I didn't find critters a factor last year but this year is almost a month later so who knows???

As for bivi-ing: it's much the same as the UK. Keep your head down, don't take the piss, leave everything as you found it etc...

That's not to say there won't be any problems but there were enough opportunities to wild camp on last years route.

[slarge]

Bike bag options for flying - has anyone experience of the Ground Effect Tardis?
http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/collections/bike-bags

£85 or so, which looks good value, and it packs down to A4 sized - we could get a few in one box and pay the 60 euro transport fee for bike bags between us....

With a group buy the postage goes from £10 each to £12 for a few.

Any takers?

[adjustablewench]

FLV mentioned them in the bike bags for the italian job thread http://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/phpBB ... aly#p78053

if the link works :)

[Bearbonesnorm]

Not really sure why you'd choose a Tardis over a CTC bag? It doesn't really offer anymore protection and it prevents the handlers from seeing what's inside ... out of sight, out of mind and all that

[Mike]

Steve my mate in oz has a tardis he took it to the states last time and its just a bag, theres no padding in it what so ever iv never seen his bike covered in so much pipe lagging, so as stu and others have said i think im going with a ctc bag or at least some clear sheeting from work and have a myog!

really want this to come sooner now!

[Taylor]

Just saw this on the Tuscany forum.
Should be easy for anybody thats been on the BB200


"95% ridable, That means 5% unridable.
really?
Does that mean we have to push or carry the bike nearly 28 km?
Gerald"



"you're right ... 5% of 600 is 30 km .... truly be only 4.3 km maximum"

[gairym]

No-one who's ridden the BB200 need fear the TT for technical severity.

If anything it's a little tame (makes for easier riding once full of amazing food and wine).

There was a long tech ascent/descent on day 1 (which it looks like it's been removed) and then the final part of the final climb on the island (which could have been cleaned with a fresher mind and legs) but not much else of note.

Those two bits were highlights for me on the Fatbike as I got to zoom past skinny tyred Italians walking the descents!!!

[Giacomo]

Pretty sure I paid 30 euros last year for my bike bag to be transported from start to finish. Only a few people did it in the end.
Depending on where you need to get back to, you may or may not be able to take your bike on a train without a bike bag.

Local trains allow it without a bag whereas the longer distance trains ask you to bag/box it.

[rufus748]

Finally pushed the button and booked the flights.
Bristol on the 31st returning one the 8th.
I know there was some discussion regarding pre-event accomodation and I'm happy to be included if anyone manages to organise anything.
Given the number of riders this year are they looking to provide an additional hall as from what I can see last years was packed with far less riders?

[S.Softie]

I think the accommodation provided by organisers was for first 100 entrants only.
I'd appreciate being included in any thinking on Bear Bones tour booking for the Wednesday night.
Did someone think that they'd found decently priced source for Garmin suitable maps for this - I'm sure that I read that somewhere but have lost it?

[slarge]

I was intending to bivvy out somewhere near Massa. Then it's just food to think about, but I figured eating well the night before and buying food to eat for breakfast should be fine.

To be honest I haven't got a plan

[Bearbonesnorm]

To be honest I haven't got a plan

You say that like it's a bad thing Steve

[slarge]

Stu, I feel uncomfortable without knowing stuff, like where to eat and sleep, and how to get my bike there in 1 piece, and how to get bags either stored or taken to the finish......

Looking forward to gorgeous Italian ladies serving food at the roadside in the hot summer sunshine though - who needs a plan?

[Wotsits]

We did find somewhere near-ish to the start that would accommodate all of us at a reasonable cost. There was no secure storage for the bikes, although there was apparently a 'court yard'..
With the number of riders now taking part & it being a bank holiday weekend in Italy i'm sure this must put a bit more pressure on accommodation in the area.
I messaged a couple of places about secure bike storage whilst staying overnight, but only the place mentioned above replied. I can understand them holding out for someone who might book for the full week rather than one night..
Tbh i'd be happy to give the one that'd take all of us a go..

S.Softie, these are the maps Taylor found that look ok-
http://www.wanderreitkarte.de/garmin_de.php

[gairym]

How's about this place for the night before?

http://www.booking.com/hotel/it/centro- ... ,A,A,A,A,A

Lots of room options, works out at about 20€ pppn and is only 2 miles from the town centre.

Looks fairly bike compatible to y being a horsey place.

[gairym]

Oooh, no, this one!?!

http://www.booking.com/hotel/it/casa-va ... ,A,A,A,A,A

Still only 25€ pppn (ish) and it's got a pool!

A little closer to town too.