SAMAYA x STEFANO LENTATI
TUSCANY TRAIL WITH A 655-GRAM TENT
Stefano Lentati had only bought his first bike one year before signing up for the race. The Tuscany Trail is a 480-kilometer self-supported course around Tuscany, with 7,000 meters of elevation gain and several mountain biking sections. Stefano recounts his four days of racing and his nagging question: "will I make it to the end?".
How did the race go?
Stefano Lentati: The first day, I set off from Donoratico full of energy, cycling along the coast. I faced long climbs and descents through the woods. Time passed quickly, and the weather forecast pushed me to reach Volterra before 3 p.m. to avoid the rain. That was when I made the biggest mistake of a beginner cycle-tourist: I neglected to eat and drink enough. Around the hundredth kilometer, I was completely exhausted; my legs couldn't take any more. The last fifteen kilometers took two hours, with many sections where I had to walk. I arrived in Volterra just before the downpour, with my spirits at rock bottom. Fortunately, I set up my white Samaya shelter in no time. After 113 kilometers and 2,480 meters of elevation gain, all I wanted was a shower, a beer, a good Tuscan dinner in Volterra, and finally to lie down in my tent, which felt like a five-star hotel suite.
Stefano Lentati: The first day, I set off from Donoratico full of energy, cycling along the coast. I faced long climbs and descents through the woods. Time passed quickly, and the weather forecast pushed me to reach Volterra before 3 p.m. to avoid the rain. That was when I made the biggest mistake of a beginner cycle-tourist: I neglected to eat and drink enough. Around the hundredth kilometer, I was completely exhausted; my legs couldn't take any more. The last fifteen kilometers took two hours, with many sections where I had to walk. I arrived in Volterra just before the downpour, with my spirits at rock bottom. Fortunately, I set up my white Samaya shelter in no time. After 113 kilometers and 2,480 meters of elevation gain, all I wanted was a shower, a beer, a good Tuscan dinner in Volterra, and finally to lie down in my tent, which felt like a five-star hotel suite.
What happened the next day?
SL: I woke up completely rested and full of energy. The intermediate checkpoints promised beauty and culture: San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, and Siena. It was very reassuring to have the tent on my bike, which allowed me to stop anywhere if needed. My original plan was to sleep in a bivy sack to save weight, but the lightness of the Samaya RADICAL1 convinced me to opt for comfort. I would later discover that this decision saved my bike adventure. This day was a dream. I rode on fantastic gravel roads and terrible muddy tracks in the woods. I crossed historic towns and sped down paved roads. I arrived at my destination dirty and exhausted, but happy and proud of my 130 kilometers and 2,830 meters of elevation gain. Afterward, I pitched the tent in a minute; it was perfect.
SL: I woke up completely rested and full of energy. The intermediate checkpoints promised beauty and culture: San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, and Siena. It was very reassuring to have the tent on my bike, which allowed me to stop anywhere if needed. My original plan was to sleep in a bivy sack to save weight, but the lightness of the Samaya RADICAL1 convinced me to opt for comfort. I would later discover that this decision saved my bike adventure. This day was a dream. I rode on fantastic gravel roads and terrible muddy tracks in the woods. I crossed historic towns and sped down paved roads. I arrived at my destination dirty and exhausted, but happy and proud of my 130 kilometers and 2,830 meters of elevation gain. Afterward, I pitched the tent in a minute; it was perfect.
How did you optimize your gear storage on the bike?
SL: I found the ideal way to store my sleeping gear. I left the ultra-light mattress and the thin sleeping sheet inside the tent, folded them in half, and rolled everything together. The resulting cylinder was small enough to fit in the dry bag on my front rack. Once I arrived at my destination, I could set everything up for the night in a heartbeat.
SL: I found the ideal way to store my sleeping gear. I left the ultra-light mattress and the thin sleeping sheet inside the tent, folded them in half, and rolled everything together. The resulting cylinder was small enough to fit in the dry bag on my front rack. Once I arrived at my destination, I could set everything up for the night in a heartbeat.
Were you able to finish the course?
SL: Yes! Last day, final push. Finally, I felt in harmony with my bike, my gear, and my physical limits. This day was a race against the last 90 kilometers. I didn't know which would give out first: my last remnants of strength or the road to Donoratico. History was made when I completed the loop by crossing the finish line of the Tuscany Trail—an insignificant step for mankind, but a huge accomplishment for an amateur.
SL: Yes! Last day, final push. Finally, I felt in harmony with my bike, my gear, and my physical limits. This day was a race against the last 90 kilometers. I didn't know which would give out first: my last remnants of strength or the road to Donoratico. History was made when I completed the loop by crossing the finish line of the Tuscany Trail—an insignificant step for mankind, but a huge accomplishment for an amateur.
How do you feel now that the race is over?
SL: I learned many lessons from this long cycling adventure. Lightness is essential, it is not an option. Drinking, eating, and sleeping are the priorities of every endurance cyclist. There is no shame in accepting one's limits; if necessary, one can stop or walk. But above all, I will miss the ups and downs of those days of survival, as well as the well-deserved rest every night in my little white penthouse.
SL: I learned many lessons from this long cycling adventure. Lightness is essential, it is not an option. Drinking, eating, and sleeping are the priorities of every endurance cyclist. There is no shame in accepting one's limits; if necessary, one can stop or walk. But above all, I will miss the ups and downs of those days of survival, as well as the well-deserved rest every night in my little white penthouse.
