From a visionary idea by Paolo Bettini to a reality that has completely stolen our hearts. We returned to the Strade Grigie of Tuscan geothermal country.
There are dreams that stay locked in a drawer, and others that choose the paths less traveled to turn into dust, sweat, and pure happiness. For us at ATCommunication, GeoGravel Tuscany – Le Strade Grigie is no longer just a date on the calendar: it is a creature we watched being born, helped grow, and now belongs to our very soul. It is Paolo Bettini’s dream taking shape, transforming these geothermal hills into a gravel sanctuary.
Take a deep breath: we are taking you inside the diary of our wild weekend.
Friday. Back to Pomarance
The weekend officially begins. Friday is always the most intense day for logistics: setting up structures, placing barriers, and prepping the Piazzone (the main square), which will serve as event headquarters for the next three days.
We spend the afternoon assembling the race packs in the shadow of the bell tower, which watches over us lazily. Towards evening, the atmosphere shifts. The first riders arrive, and we enjoy a little calm before the storm. Gin and tonics, burgers, and live music: this is how we warm up the engines—whoops, the legs.
Saturday. Social Ride and a night that never ends
Saturday morning smells of togetherness. The Social Ride isn’t a race; it’s a moment to gather and show the newcomers the incredible environment surrounding us. We pedal without rush. This is geothermal land, where you can literally feel the ancient heat of the planet.
We stop for a picnic organized by Tuscany Love Bike. There are crates of fresh fruit, juicy cherries, and all the authentic flavor of simple things.
But Saturday offers no truce for the emotions. In the afternoon, faces get a bit more serious as the heroes of the Ultra route set off. Ahead of them lies the toughest challenge and the breathtaking landscapes of Lajatico, with hills that look like a Renaissance painting under the golden sunset light.
And the evening? All that tension melts away as the Piazzone explodes with a 90s party: we dance, we sing at the top of our lungs, we have a blast. Because gravel is hard work, sure, but above all, it’s the joy of being together.
Sunday. The legend of Le Strade Grigie
The big day. The main event kicks off. A colorful peloton of riders tackles the Strade Grigie with a unique spirit: helping one another, joking, and enjoying every single meter. The rest stops this year were nothing short of legendary, but one in particular has already made history: the Volpe rest stop organized by Nicola from Macelleria Fabiani.
Imagine pedaling through the almost mystical silence of the Monterufoli Nature Reserve. Suddenly, just steps away from the famous, ghostly beauty of the Villa delle Cento Stanze—an abandoned mansion that feels like it holds the secrets of time—an oasis of flavor appears, complete with grilled sausages. Some people stopped for ten minutes; others simply didn’t want to leave.
When the final cyclist crossed the finish line and the Piazzone began to empty out, we looked each other in the eyes, knowing this isn’t just an event. It is our love letter to Tuscany, to authentic cycling, and to Paolo’s dream that, year after year, we keep living with our eyes wide open.
Do you also have a dream tucked away in a drawer and want to organize a memorable event? Or do you need a boost in marketing and communication for your upcoming race?
Contact us!
