SAMAYA x STEFANO LENTATI
TUSCANY TRAIL WITH A 655-GRAM TENT
Stefano Lentati had only bought his first bike a year before taking up the race. The Tuscany Trail is a 480-kilometer circuit around Tuscany, unassisted, with 7,000 meters of ascent and several mountain bike sections. Stefano recounts his four-day race and his nagging question: "Will I make it to the end?
How did the race go?
Stefano Lentati: On the first day, I set off full of energy from Donoratico along the coast. I tackled long climbs and descents through the woods. Time passed quickly and the weather forecast urged me to arrive in Volterra before 3 p.m. to avoid the rain. That's when I made the biggest mistake of a beginner cyclotourist: I neglected to eat and drink enough. By the hundredth kilometer, I was completely exhausted and my legs could take no more. The last fifteen kilometers took two hours, with many passages where I had to walk. I arrived in Volterra just before the heavy downpour, with my spirits low. Fortunately, I got up to my white hut Samaya in no time at all. After 113 kilometers and 2,480 meters of ascent, all I wanted was a shower, a beer, a good Tuscan dinner in Volterra and to finally lie down in my tent, which felt like a five-star hotel suite.
Stefano Lentati: On the first day, I set off full of energy from Donoratico along the coast. I tackled long climbs and descents through the woods. Time passed quickly and the weather forecast urged me to arrive in Volterra before 3 p.m. to avoid the rain. That's when I made the biggest mistake of a beginner cyclotourist: I neglected to eat and drink enough. By the hundredth kilometer, I was completely exhausted and my legs could take no more. The last fifteen kilometers took two hours, with many passages where I had to walk. I arrived in Volterra just before the heavy downpour, with my spirits low. Fortunately, I got up to my white hut Samaya in no time at all. After 113 kilometers and 2,480 meters of ascent, all I wanted was a shower, a beer, a good Tuscan dinner in Volterra and to finally 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. I was very reassured to have the tent on my bike, allowing me to stop anywhere if necessary. My initial plan was to sleep in a sleeping bag 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 cycling adventure. This day was a dream. I rode on fantastic gravel roads and terrible muddy trails in the woods. I rode through historic towns and down paved roads. I arrived at my destination dirty and exhausted, but happy and proud of my 130 kilometers and 2,830 meters of positive elevation gain. Afterwards, I set up the tent in one minute, which was perfect.
SL: I woke up completely rested and full of energy. The intermediate checkpoints promised beauty and culture: San Gimignano, Monteriggioni and Siena. I was very reassured to have the tent on my bike, allowing me to stop anywhere if necessary. My initial plan was to sleep in a sleeping bag 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 cycling adventure. This day was a dream. I rode on fantastic gravel roads and terrible muddy trails in the woods. I rode through historic towns and down paved roads. I arrived at my destination dirty and exhausted, but happy and proud of my 130 kilometers and 2,830 meters of positive elevation gain. Afterwards, I set up the tent in one minute, which was perfect.
How did you optimize the storage of your gear 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 into the waterproof bag on my front carrier. Once I'd arrived at my destination, I could set up for the night in a jiffy.
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 into the waterproof bag on my front carrier. Once I'd arrived at my destination, I could set up for the night in a jiffy.
Were you able to finish the course?
SL: Yes! Last day, last effort. Finally, I felt in harmony with my bike, my load and my physical limits. This day was a race against the last 90 kilometers. I didn't know what would wear out first: my last strength or the road to Donoratico. History was made when I completed the circuit, crossing the finish line of the Tuscany Trail - an insignificant milestone for mankind, but an immense achievement for an amateur.
SL: Yes! Last day, last effort. Finally, I felt in harmony with my bike, my load and my physical limits. This day was a race against the last 90 kilometers. I didn't know what would wear out first: my last strength or the road to Donoratico. History was made when I completed the circuit, crossing the finish line of the Tuscany Trail - an insignificant milestone for mankind, but an immense achievement for an amateur.
How do you feel now that the race is over?
SL: I've learned a lot from this long cycling adventure. Lightness is essential, it's not an option. Drinking, eating and sleeping are the priorities of any endurance cyclist. There's no shame in accepting your limits; if necessary, you can stop or walk. But most of all, I'll miss the highs and lows of those days of survival, and the well-deserved rest every night in my little white penthouse.
SL: I've learned a lot from this long cycling adventure. Lightness is essential, it's not an option. Drinking, eating and sleeping are the priorities of any endurance cyclist. There's no shame in accepting your limits; if necessary, you can stop or walk. But most of all, I'll miss the highs and lows of those days of survival, and the well-deserved rest every night in my little white penthouse.
