Cycling the Via Francigena (EuroVelo 5)

Hitting 50 I felt I wanted a new challenge and to test myself physically. So I headed to Italy and spent a few days cycling 800km from Rome to Milan along the EuroVelo route 5, following the old pilgrim trail 'the Via Francigena', and passing through beautiful Tuscany and it's amazing gravel roads.
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[@krzysztofkosecki]

Nice views! Saving it on my bucket list;)

[@danhandley2505]

Amazing effort, J! What an adventure.

[@tomjonker-eo8hl]

nice video, what size tyres were you running?

[@JB-6666]

thanks! 40mm, for me is a good balance speed / comfort

[@luisortizyambo9865]

Nice video. I like it a lot. Did you say that you started in Rome and went up north? I am planning to do the Vf from Switserland or Aosta, Italy in August of 24. Are you doing it on a gravel bike? I am planning to do it on an e bike or if I can find a gravel bike , I will do it on a gravel bike. Now how expensive or cheap are the bikes in Europe. I will be 75 next August but I still can do it. How much is a no name gravel bike in Europe. Gracias, Luis from the USA

[@JB-6666]

yes I started in Rome, though most people go north to south. I would definitely recommend a gravel bike as good for both on and off road sections. I don't know about buying you could also look at renting? it's a beautiful route, enjoy!

[@alemieux3542]

Hello from Canada. I’m thinking about doing the same but from England to Rome. Take a look at decathalon. They’ve got some pretty nice gravel bikes which are quite affordable. Roughly $250 if I were to convert £ to $USD in my head. Only downside being it’s not electric

[@mgittler]

The website for the cycle route says "Compared to the pedestrian route, which favors unpaved roads, the bicycle route includes numerous paved secondary roads with little traffic and avoids rough dirt roads as much as possible. The route is about 70% asphalted and the dirt sections are mostly on gravel roads with a stable surface..." But most of this video is on gravel or even just dirt paths! Is that correct? Would you say that their estimate is overly generous? Or does it include a largely paved section of the route that isn't on the video?

[@JB-6666]

70% sounds about right. yes, majority of my footage from offroad sections. but the road sections were pretty good, mostly quiet back roads. also I plotted my own route based on EV5 but varying where alternatives looked fun using Komoot rec's by other cyclists - probably where the dirt tracks came in :) Enjoy !

[@unamannu2787]

We are planning to leave from Canterbury next June and finish in Rome. Was finding accommodation easy along the route and what was the average price for a night?

[@JB-6666]

I was on a schedule so prefered to book in advance. I think you shouldn't have trouble finding places in June if you're a bit flexible on your route/distance. Simple but comfy B&B's I used were around 60 Euro, but more quite a bit more in the cities. Good luck!