In reply to robw007:
You'll not be spoiled for choice - there are a few pro teams based in Lucca for a reason. I didn't have my bike when I went there, but there are people riding around there in polka dot jerseys who look like they earned them the hard way. Getting back up to Barga is steep and long enough in its own right, and any of the roads leaving the valley will give a good test of the depths of your soul. Along the valley, you'll be passed by small groups of very fast, flat-backed individuals in groups of three in matching kit. It's worth finding a local map (the map shop in Upton-on-Severn can help). Ferrari the doping doctor was also based in Lucca
Half the natives of Barga speak English with Scottish accents - it's twinned with East Kilbride and the Glasgow ice cream war protagonists were from the area, ditto Costa coffee and Paulo Nuttini. Post WW2, they all left in their scores for Chicago, Scotland and Australia. Don't be surprised to struggle through a restaurant booking in pidgin Italian and get a strong 'Aye' in return