How did the Tuscany Trail become the world’s leading bikepacking event?

The world’s largest gravel event with 3700 gravel bikes in attendance

With 3700 gravel bikes in attendance, the Tuscany Trail is also the largest gravel event in the world. This is not just a massive event, but an opportunity for cyclists to explore breathtaking landscapes on trails carefully designed to enhance the features of gravel bikes, combining technical challenges with natural beauty.

Brief history: the original “unsupported” event

Launched in 2013 by Andrea Borchi, the Tuscany Trail distinguished itself from the start by being one of the only “unsupported” events in the world, along with the Tour Divide and the Highland Trail 550. Its uniqueness lay in the creation of an original trail, unlike other events that used pre-existing trails. The first editions were tough, designed for mountain bikes, with very challenging climbs, suitable for bicycle travel purists.

At The time, the concept of bikepacking was almost unknown in Italy. Borchi, a geology student and bikepacking enthusiast, used his knowledge of cartography and GPS to map out a unique route that attracted 67 participants in the first edition in 2014.

Participants of the Tuscany Trail are assured of experiencing the finest itinerary possible. Over the years, the Tuscany Trail has become synonymous with a high-quality bikepacking adventure.

A unique event

The Tuscany Trail is unique because of the combination of several elements: the beauty of Tuscany, a route designed in detail and accessible to all, and the “no race” approach.

The route

At the core of this uniqueness is the trail itself: an itinerary that winds through Tuscany, one of Italy’s most fascinating regions, world-famous for its landscapes that look like paintings, historic villages that tell centuries of history, and its natural challenges that test participants’ endurance and skill. The Tuscany Trail route, ideal for tackling with a gravel bike, invites you to pedal through rolling hills covered with vineyards, centuries-old olive trees, and breathtaking stretches of coastline, offering views that remain etched in the memory of those who ride through them.

Attention to details

Behind the success of each edition is the passionate and meticulous work of a team of planners who deeply know and love bikepacking and Tuscany. The attention to detail, from route selection to logistics management, from participant safety to support during the event, demonstrates an unwavering commitment to ensuring an unforgettable experience. This passion shines through in every aspect of the event, making each participant feel part of a large family of cycling and adventure lovers. The Tuscany Trail is much more than a race: it is a celebration of the outdoors, exploration, and the meeting of cultures and people, made possible by the vision and hard work of the organizers.

The “No Race” Bikepacking Experience

What also makes the event special is its “no race” approach. This means that participants can enjoy the adventure without the stress of competition, in addition, the trail was one of the first events to open up to e-bikes as well, promoting an adventure that is accessible to everyone.

Participating in the Tuscany Trail means immersing yourself in a bikepacking experience that stands out for its accessibility and the beauty of the Tuscan landscape. With a route of 475 km, the event is presented as moderately challenging while not requiring advanced technical skills or significant downhill navigational experience; moreover, being an event with a “no race” spirit, each participant can decide to ride the route at his or her own pace, without rushing.

Gravel Experience

One of the key reasons for the success of the Tuscany Trail is the meticulously designed gravel route, perfectly suited for gravel bikes. This achievement stems from an in-depth knowledge of the territory, which the organizers have acquired over the years by cycling through every corner of Tuscany to find the best tracks.

The unique hilly morphology of Tuscany, with its gentle slopes and breathtaking views, offers the perfect terrain for gravel biking. Additionally, the presence of the famous “strade bianche,” ancient dirt roads that traverse vineyards, olive groves, and medieval villages, provides an ideal technical and scenic challenge for this type of cycling. These elements combine to create the perfect gravel experience, allowing participants to fully exploit the capabilities of their bikes.

This makes the Tuscany Trail the ideal event for those who are approaching the world of bikepacking for the first time or for those who prefer to experience the adventure of riding a gravel bike, perfect for tackling the varied sections of the route, from dirt trails to paved sections that cross the enchanting Tuscan countryside. The Tuscany Trail encourages a strong sense of community, promoting team spirit and friendship among participants. New friendships are often made along the route between cyclists who share advice, mechanical assistance, or simply good company during the more challenging stages.

Whether you are a seasoned bikepacking veteran or an enthusiastic beginner, the Tuscany Trail, part of the Bike Adventure Series, offers a unique experience that combines breathtaking landscapes, meticulously designed routes, and a community of passionate cyclists.