ciao AstroGailis,
I apologize for the missing itineraries on the
Tuscany by bike section, I just haven't had the time to publish them yet!
The Chianti area is actually my favourite destination for bike trips, and it's quite pleasant to bike as the uphills are usually not too steep and the views are great. Late September should also be the perfect time for cycling in Tuscany.
There are 2 main roads you can take from Florence to go to Chianti and back:
- the via Senese/Cassia (SR 2) starting from Porta Romana in Florence and passing through Galluzzo
- the Chiantigiana Road (SR 222) starting from viale Europa in Florence
One classic trip that I do is start from Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence, go to Porta Romana, then proceed toward Galluzzo, Tavarnuzze, Falciani. From here, I leave the Sienese road and take the via del Ferrone (passing through Ferrone and Passo dei Pecorai). After that I meet the Chiantigiana Road that I take to Greve in Chianti. I usually than go on at least until I reach Panzano in Chianti, then head back on the Chiantigiana road passing through Strada in Chianti, Grassina, Ponte a Ema to return into Florence.
This trip is around 80 km and mostly flat (some uphill to reach piazzale Michelangelo, a long but not steep climb to reach Panzano, and again from Greti to Spedaluzzo). It usually takes me around 3.30 hours, stopping only to take some pictures and to refill my water bottle (lots of fountains along the way).
Approaching Greve there are several wineries where you can have wine tastings, like the Castello di Verrazzano, between Greti and Greve. I think the area with most wineries is the one around Greve in Chianti.
You will, of course, have to take some detours from the main roads. I'm pretty sure they don't mind if you are a little sweaty
I'll do my best to publish the detailed itinerary this week, and possibly a longer one that I just did this last Saturday, so that I can give you more info. For now I'm attaching the kmz file so that you can visualize the trip on Google Earth.
About where to rent bikes in Florence I can suggest
www.florencebybike.it or
www.probike.it. The first is more central, I know they work a lot renting bikes to tourists. Probike is where I bought my bikes, they're really nice and professional, ask for Piero or Gianni.
Have fun!