Club Wins
Tales and triumphs of willing wanderers.
Want to share your story?
She became my first cycling coach when I turned professional and has continued to guide, encourage, and challenge me throughout my career.
She became my first cycling coach when I turned professional and has continued to guide, encourage, and challenge me throughout my career.
Before I met Alison, I knew of her accomplishments in professional cycling. When I met her, I was so excited that she was willing to ride with me and share her stories and experiences. She became my first cycling coach when I turned professional and has continued to guide, encourage, and challenge me throughout my career.
In 2021, I achieved one of my top goals of earning the title Olympian, which is an accomplishment attributed to my positive beginnings in the sport.
Surround yourself with amazing people, like Alison, and some of their greatness will rub off on you, too. I can't recommend riding with Alison highly enough.
ALISON JACKSON, OLYMPIAN
Abbotsford, Canada
Newbie
As a #newbie, it was an absolute privilege to take on cycling in the Italian country side with Alison.
As a #newbie, it was an absolute privilege to take on cycling in the Italian country side with Alison and Lucca Cycling Club.
Just think about it. A sleek Ferrari red road bike arrives at your apartment or hotel, and Alison is outside the next morning to take you on the Chianti Classico, Fiesole and Monte Morello or Consuma and Vallombrosa, depending on the time of year, weather, and what you are looking for.
But first, she will make sure you are dialed in your kit, which in my case included a trip to the local bike shop to switch out cleats. You will learn more from three days riding with Alison than you would from months or years riding on your own. From technique and positioning to routes, destinations, gear, and (critically) cycling fashion, Alison delivers at the highest level. If you are like me, you want to learn from the best, so what are you waiting for?
JOSH GOLDSTEIN
Los Angeles, USA
Cycling Tips
I had an amazing ride!
I had an amazing ride with Alison!
I made a spur of the moment decision to go cycling alone while on a trip with girlfriends. I have not ridden outside of Canada, so I wanted some guidance and along came Alison. She was very responsive to my questions before signing up. I didn't have any expectations in terms of where to cycle other than some mountains with a view. I met up with her in Lucca and we went on a 125km ride around the local mountains, stopping for some coffee and amazing pizza on the way. She showed me some amazing views of the region and provided some history about where we were. She even gave me some cycling tips to improve on my techniques. I couldn't have asked for a better guide. I would definitely ride with her again.
BONNIE LEUNG
Vancouver, Canada
Training Partner
It was a perfect day.
It was a perfect day.
I tasked Alison with designing a ride to Siena, coming into the piazza using the finish from the Eroica Pro race. It was an experience that was important to me, as it represented a really precious memory with someone I loved and lost.
Alison designed a route for us that started and finished in Volterra, featured a bit of strade bianche on the way and took us through beautiful countryside and climbs... but it was the route into town that was the highlight. Not only did she find a quiet way to get right onto the final roads, but as we rode those last WVA-killing, 15-20% pitches, she had the strength to pull out her phone and capture images and video of the ride - and we weren't going slow.
Even beyond the route, and the gelato (also very good), the most impressive part of the day was riding with someone who gave me the time to take it all in and had the empathy to understand when I needed an extra moment to reflect on things.
That ride couldn't have achieved all it did without a guide as special as Alison.
JARED SPIER
Winnipeg, Canada
Tour Guide
Riding with Alison is a gift.
Riding with Alison is a gift.
She is a pro who can ride you into the pavement if you prefer. She is a friend who is comfortable to ride tempo beside you and talk about Joseph Campbell and the meaning of it all. We rode together for only two days. I know Lucca like a good friend - Alison too.
CHET SCOTT
Ohio, USA
Newbie
I had never ridden on a road bike before, but Alison was an incredible coach providing me with the best tips and tricks and within the first few kilometers, I felt very comfortable and confident on the road.
Riding with Alison through Lucca Cycling Club is an absolute must if you want to see the most beautiful parts of Tuscany and learn the thrill of road cycling.
Though I had taken indoor cycling classes prior to the trip, I had never ridden on a road bike before, but Alison was an incredible coach providing me with the best tips and tricks and within the first few kilometers, I felt very comfortable and confident on the road.
Though I had only planned on one solo ride at first, after our first session, I was totally hooked and signed up for another ride as well as a group ride with my whole family. Alison not only showed me the breathtakingly picturesque backroads of Tuscany, but also how exhilarating a challenging ride of 50+ km with tough climbs can be. Alison couldn’t have been a better, more encouraging coach, challenging me in the best way possible and coaching me through any issues I was having.
I had visited Italy a few times before, but this was undoubtedly the most memorable experience I’ve had and a trip I will remember for a lifetime. As a newly converted cyclist, I hope to visit again and ride with Alison, but next time as an even more advanced rider!
JESS LIU
New York, USA
Guided Tour
She immediately put my fears to rest and led me through parts of the landscape that I would have surely missed left to my own resources.
Both Lucca and Alison are gems that I will look forward to revisiting in the future.
Over our years of visiting many parts of Italy, often by bicycle, we were overwhelmed by our time in Lucca. The city is often overshadowed by the "big names" — Rome, Florence and Venice, but after our week enjoying this unique city and the nearby attractions of Pisa, Cinque Terre and the wonderful villages in the mountains and forests of the Garfagnana to the north, we will not be distracted again. We will return!
The icing on the cake for me was my guided ride through the countryside surrounding Lucca by Alison Testroete, the former Canadian National Champion and the principal of the Lucca Cycling Club. At my age, I was a bit intimidated by signing on with Alison for a ride, but she immediately put my fears to rest and led me through parts of the landscape that I would have surely missed left to my own resources.
STEVE CHASE
Carbondale, USA
Destination Rides
At the risk of hyperbole, riding from Lucca to Siena is a transcendent experience.
At the risk of hyperbole, riding from Lucca to Siena is a transcendent experience.
Cycling through the ancient walls of Lucca and the surrounding farmland to climb into the misty hills of Tuscany is simply awe-inspiring. Soon your heart will be pumping on the climb to Volterra before you fly through descents, gravel, and flats into the final climb… this ride has it all.
CHRIS BAIL
Chapel Hill, USA
Guided Tour
It was worth every penny.
Cycling with Ali was one of the best experiences we had during our holiday in Tuscany.
She was just so helpful from beginning to end, from booking the hire bikes to finding the best route for my husband and me. Our capabilities are very different, but Ali managed to find a ride that was perfect for both of us with amazing cafe and restaurant stops along the way. The whole day was so relaxed, and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone of any ability. I had booked this in for my husband's birthday as a surprise and it was worth every penny - we still talk about it now because we enjoyed it so much! Thank you so much once again, Ali!
VICTORIA STOKES
United Kingdom
Guided Tour
After our last trip, I was so inspired by her that I took up cycling and have been training every day since.
After our trip, I was so inspired by her that I took up cycling and have been training every day since.
When I met Alison five years ago, I was only starting cycling. Even with no experience and no skills, I had a great time in Poggibonsi riding with her. After our trip, I was so inspired by her that I took up cycling and have been training every day since.
This past week in Lucca was amazing. Alison — you are such a great guide, bringing us to all different and breathtaking places each day. We couldn’t have imagined a better bike trip. You are also a person that has truly inspired me. As a strong woman and a great cyclist, you told me that chasing my dreams is very important, and I can’t let anyone who’s not worth it disrupt my path to achieve my goals. I look up to you, and I am going back home with that in mind.
A huge thank you for the rides and the awesome memories. I can’t wait to come back and ride with you again.
EMILY, 19 YEARS OLD
Montreal, Quebec
Guided Tour
Where could I soak up the sun as I sit in a piazza for an espresso and also challenge myself on mountain climbs with beautiful ocean vista descents?
Where could I soak up the sun as I sit in a piazza for an espresso and also challenge myself on mountain climbs with beautiful ocean vista descents?
I didn't expect to find an ex-national champion to ride with who'd tow me along at 40km/h one minute and the next ride side by side talking about Lucchese lifestyle, setting up a business, sports psychology and life as a pro-rider. Alison and her team member, Enzo took care of all the organization and created a memorable experience: a quality rental bike, exciting and challenging routes, obligatory espresso stops and great company!
They took great trouble to find out what kinds of rides I wanted to do with routes away from traffic including climbing challenges of Monte Serra and Pizzorne. Enzo's bike skills are matched by his love of photography, and as a bonus, I got to practice my Italian with him. Although a couple of words give a clue to Alison's Canadian heritage, she's certainly greeted and treated like a local!
Ci rivediamo presto
SIMON HUNT
London, United Kingdom
Training Partner
It was my first time in Tuscany, and I wanted to see all the beautiful scenery around as well as having some good training days.
It was my first time in Tuscany, and I wanted to see all the beautiful scenery around as well as having some good training days.
I have been doing some long and hard days on the bike all alone, both in other areas of Italy and Spain. It can be tough to get a good experience when you approach small and unknown places. I have struggled a lot with language barries, finding good places to eat, and also broken directions from locals who don't speak English. That is a showstopper for what could be a nice day on the bike.
None of the above was any problem riding three days with Alison. She knew all the perfect roads, local restaurants, and ice cream bars. I always felt very well taken care of and could fully enjoy three incredible days without any concerns. She's also an easy-going and kind person. Even if we had not met before, I felt from the first second that she was very welcoming, and the conversation went easily, too.
I highly recommend Alison and her guiding service, no matter what level you are on, or what you want out of it. You will not regret it!
PATRIK MOLBERG
Oslo, Norway
Florence
After getting home, I found myself shopping for – and buying – a new road bike.
After getting home, I found myself shopping for – and buying – a new road bike.
I was in Florence for just a few days, I didn't have a lot of flexibility in my schedule, and I don't speak more than a few words of Italian. Alison made it easy to still get two great days of riding. She came to meet me in Florence, arranged everything with a very nice rental bike, and planned fantastic routes to Rufina and Chianti. Both routes struck the perfect balance: hard climbs, beautiful scenery, and some good food and coffee along the way. But more than just the routes and logistics, Alison was a great guide, with recommendations of places to stop, good conversation throughout the days, and attention to tailoring the rides to exactly what I wanted.
The last few years, I've focused more on mountain and gravel riding. After getting home, I found myself shopping for – and buying – a new road bike, which I don't know that I would have done without this experience. I will definitely see if Alison is available next time I'm in the area!
JON
Pittsburgh, USA
Guided Tour
Humbled, appreciative, and unforgettable cycling in Lucca/Tuscany.
Humbled, appreciative, and unforgettable cycling in Lucca/Tuscany.
Without hesitation, I would recommend that anyone considering cycling in Tuscany begin and end their search with Lucca Cycling Club. I recently experienced the pleasure one gets when working with a stranger who makes you feel a part of their family. Alison is more than an accomplished ex-pro cyclist; she is an exceptional coach, guide, and all-around Renaissance person. She knows how hard to push passionate cyclists and when to pivot. Investing in Alison is a “no brainer.”
Sitting back home in Los Angeles, I can truly reflect on an unforgettable memory and look forward to returning in 2023.
BOB LEVIN
Los Angeles, USA
Florence
Alison’s love of cycling and Italy is truly inspiring for both the somewhat new to cycling and the lifetime aficionado.
Alison’s love of cycling and Italy is truly inspiring for both the somewhat new to cycling and the lifetime aficionado.
This review is penned equally by the “somewhat new to cycling” and “aficionado.” We were staying in Florence, so Alison met us there — with bars, a smile and a sense of adventure. Alison planned a day filled with an amazing route, delicious pastry/sandwich shops (food always first), and every kilometer filled with history and breathtaking vistas. Those are the things that make riding with Alison so special. As far as riding goes, Alison is happy to ride at a conversational pace, at full tilt or anywhere in between, so whatever your riding ability, she is happy to oblige.
One of the highlights was meeting The Butcher of Panzano (as in “Butcher Shop” — not Sweeney Todd). Such a character and beware of his endless bottle of Chianti… Aficionado deeply appreciated the Gino Bartali plaque that Alison shared in the Panzano town square. There is not enough word count here to talk about all the other experiences except that we can’t wait to return.
Our two-day booking turned into a three-day booking and a 2023 trip planned with Alison. On the next trip, we will get to sample some post-ride gelato from the “best gelato ever” as it was closed when we went this time — that and some amazing, fun and beautiful riding. 🙂
ANNIE & MATT
Texas, USA
Cycling Tips
After riding with Alison, I learned the technique to descend in control, take my time on the corners, and ride with confidence.
My husband and I had a fabulous experience riding with Alison.
I have experience in Masters racing and had trained hard all winter to prepare for our cycling trip to Northern Italy but did not have experience in descending long mountain passes. We arrived one week before the cycling trip was to start to visit Lucca and explore the area by bike. I reached out to Alison to plan a guided ride and asked if she could coach me on descending.
Alison planned the perfect route that was scenic and provided lots of opportunities to coach me on the descents. After riding with Alison, I learned the technique to descend in control, take my time on the corners, and ride with confidence. With each descent I completed later in my cycling trip, I was able to gain more confidence, relax, and enjoy the view on the way down the beautiful mountain valleys! Thank you, Alison!!
KAREN PATERSON
Uxbridge, Canada
Every cyclist has a story. Want to share yours?
I'd love to learn more about your story: your Italian discoveries, favorite rides, hero's journey, and how our work has encouraged you to get more out of life.