The hills overlooking the lake of Massaciuccoli and Mt Serra are some of the most favoured by Lucca’s cyclists: the first on account of its short and enjoyable ascents, and the second for its demanding gradients and slopes. However, both separate Lucca physically from the coast and upon reaching their summits at altitudes of 150 or 900 m, a wonderful panorama  that no other roads can afford opens up. And once having overcome this barrier and watching the sun sinking below the sea’s horizon we have the  feeling of having passed an examination and obtained full recognition for our efforts. Numerous routes lead from Lucca to Massacciuccoli, of different lengths and levels of difficulty, though none very demanding and all suitable for cyclists of all levels. They will warm us up for the real objective: the ascent of Mt Serra, a natural training ground for many professional cyclists, a mountain, but one next to the sea, with agreeable temperatures. And this ascent too can be tackled from different sides, all of which more or less demanding. In this case, we shall commence the ascent from Calci, a climb of about 12 kilometres and 800 m altitude gain, and subsequently return down towards Lucca, which appears as a spot on the plain.