The Strade Bianche ´road’ race follows the white gravel roads of Tuscany and it is one of my favourites.

Originally to be held in March and postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic as was the whole calendar. It is now intended that the race will go ahead on August 1 (both women and men).

On recent rides I had noticed a few gravel roads that I thought could be added to the long version of my tribute to the race. I have now stretched it to over 72km from 66km and I have to say it is tough. In the past I have ridden it on my ´road’ bike but I am glad to have used my cross bike today.

The route now features Bisenhausen (with a café and toilets) and takes in a gravel road that once followed the West German side of the now defunct Internal Border.

I did fall off near ride end, the first crash for quite a while – I survived a 30km plus spill on gravel and I will feel a bit sore in bed tonight.

Growing out of a dung heap were two Sunflowers the first of many to come.

Links
Gutingi Strade Bianche (3 routes)

The Ride
Garmin Connect: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/5188021581
Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/3713540050