Day 4 and (5): Ravenna to Florence (day off)

This was an epic day, starting at sea level then passing through olive groves and vineyards to ascend the Mugello Mountains before dropping down into Florence. I got my first taste of the Tuscany and Umbria countryside, which I enjoyed for another two days of riding. The route traveled flat country roads west from Ravenna to Faenza, where I turned south to begin a ~3 hour climb to the top of the Mugellos. The transition from olive groves to vineyards was spectacular and I was, for the first time, accompanied by many local cyclists on the road. The route dropped quickly about after hitting ~915 m asl.

One final climb and then decent into the bussling streets of Firenze (Florence) where I was quickly inundated with tourists. My only flat of the trip occurred as I was rocketing down into the city, but it was a quick fix and a good time for a snack. Once in Florence, I had a quick coffee and did a little route finding before checking into Hostel Archi Rossi (21 euro/night, breakfast included), a very-well run hostel.

Summary: 150 km (93 miles); exciting and challenging riding through olive to grape groves

I had planned in a rest day and sightseeing in the Florence for day 5. To be honest, it was a bit too much to handle and I would have preferred riding on to Siena. The crowds and hords of Americans got annoying. My favorite spot in the city was Piazza Michelangelo, which is on the southern side of the city and offers great views. My rusty Italian was most evident when I accidently purchased a 9 euro waffle cone of gelato! It was as big as my head! Amazingly, I nearly finished it!

The day off did allow me to finally shake my cold, and I was excited to return to the bike.