We have been so looking forward to going back to Greve in Chianti to go bike riding and to sit in the triangular square (??) drinking coffee and admiring the scenery. This morning, we decided another trip was warranted. We caught one of the slow Sita buses that visits every small village on the way, and offers marvellous views of the green hills and stone cottages.

When we arrived in Greve, we headed straight to Guido's bike shop to hire our electric bikes . This is the 4th time we have hired bikes over a 5 year time span, and Guido recognises us now. He gave us some up-market Scott bikes, which are quite different from my Gazelle back home. Apart from the seat being a teensy weeny one, the handlebars being lower, you also have to be in a very low gear for the engine to kick in. And the power controller has an up and down button which makes it dead simple changing the power up and down as required. So much better than the gazelle to manage the big hills!

We set off for Montefioralle but I failed on the first hill - I forgot I needed to be in a low gear for the engine to kick in, and despite putting it on the highest power setting, I stopped dead, nearly falling off backwards - what a prat!!! Then I took a wrong turn and ended on a shocking dirt road that was full off loose gravel and pot holes. Consequently, I spent the entire time nearly falling over, with Garth hot on my heels cursing and swearing! Finally we found our way to Montefioralle and rode around the cobble streets admiring the beautiful little houses, complete with window boxes full of bright coloured flowers. It all seemed worth the traumas at that stage!!

We had lunch in one of our favourite restaurants from last time, Trattoria di Borgo, with just a smidgin of red wine to ensure we could still manage to point the bike in the right direction!! We also visited the leather shop that Garth bought his jacket from last year, but didn't buy anything. Home on the bus in time to have prossecco on the terrace before dinner! It's a tough life!