Where the Hills Meet the Heart: My Tuscan E-Bike Story
Home Brew, St-Sauveur (QC)
What often brings me joy at night is knowing I’ll wake up to my morning cappuccino. Here at home in St-Sauveur, I’ve perfected my craft using a Pavoni espresso machine. After much trial and error—finding the right grind, tamp, temperature, milk frothing technique, and proportions—I can now create a cappuccino I’m proud of, finished with a dusting of unsweetened cocoa.
This morning, as I sip on my creation, I want to share the story of my Tuscan e-bike adventure. It all began with my retirement plan to spend time in the rolling hills of Tuscany in 2023. While I’ve always enjoyed art, music, sports, and adventure, my entrepreneurial streak was itching for something new. (A good friend once joked that I’ve failed retirement three times).
That summer, many friends and acquaintances visited me, and I often suggested an e-bike tour of the Tuscan countryside. Biking is a passion of mine, and this was the perfect way to showcase the region’s beauty. It didn’t take much convincing for my friends to join. With every tour, I saw how much joy it brought them—and me. Soon, word spread, and more friends started recommending the experience. The idea of turning it into a public offering took root.
Before returning to Montreal in the fall I started to plan for 2024. I tested routes, arranged a partnership with a local bike rental company, and designed a full-day itinerary: a winery visit with tastings, a Tuscan lunch, a guided tour of San Gimignano, and, of course, gelato.
While back in Montreal, I refined the plan and explored marketing options. I decided AirBnB was the ideal platform since it caters to both accommodations and unique experiences. The tour would begin at 9:00 a.m. in Colle Val d’Elsa, just steps from my home. Claudio, the owner of a bike rental company, agreed to deliver electric-assist bikes, handle pick-ups, and provide on-call assistance for any issues.
The route started with a scenic ride through Colle Val d’Elsa, transitioning to an old railway converted into a bike path. After 5 kilometers, we’d pass Poggibonsi and enter the Tuscan hills. Here the breathtaking scenery of cypresses, vineyards and villas would be a highlight. By 11:00 a.m., we’d arrive at Teruzzi winery for a private tour and tastings of the famous Vernaccia wines. Lunch included ribollita soup—a hearty Tuscan classic made with bread, beans, and vegetables—followed by goat cheese, cured meats, salad, fruit, and espresso.
By 1:30 p.m., we’d be back on the road, arriving at San Gimignano soon after. A short walking tour of the medieval town would end with gelato from the famous Gelateria Dondoli. We’d return to the starting point in mid-afternoon, completing a 40-kilometer loop.
In February 2024, I returned to Tuscany with a detailed plan, service agreements, and my own e-bike. Luana at Teruzzi winery was flexible with timing, reservations, and group sizes. Claudio at Speedy Bikes was equally accommodating. I printed promotional cards and introduced myself to local agriturismi, B&Bs, and hotels.
Then, nothing. No calls, no emails. Doubts began to creep in. Had my ever-optimistic self overreached? Was I chasing a dream too ambitious to take flight? Just as I started to question the whole venture, a spark of hope arrived.
The First Clients
My first official clients were a couple from Montreal who found me on LinkedIn. I greeted them at the starting point, proudly sporting my Montreal Canadiens cap. Not long after, I received a booking from Jill, a physiotherapist for the U.S. Freestyle National Ski Team, who brought along five elite athletes.
The skiers treated the ride like a training session, flying down hills fearlessly while I struggled to keep up. At three times their age, I had my work cut out for me! One was under the legal drinking age and skipped the wine tasting. We finished the tour in record time and added a bonus climb to the historic upper town of Colle Val d’Elsa. Still full of energy, they joined me for Aperol Spritz at Bar Garibaldi. Three days later, Jill messaged me to share their impressive results at the Nations Cup in northern Italy: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 7th place finishes.
Memorable Moments
This journey has brought incredible people into my life. A rabbi from Los Angeles wrote in his review, “By the end, he felt like an old friend.” A group of six young lawyers from Montreal said it was the highlight of their trip. And MJ and Beth, two doctors from Colorado, texted me, “Don’t forget—when you visit the U.S., come ski with us in Colorado!”
Of course, not every tour was flawless. One day, I hosted three couples, including an older gentleman who fell three times, injuring his knee and hitting his head. I arranged for him to be picked up, but the chaos didn’t stop there. Lunch service was slow, the waitress cut her finger, and a gust of wind shattered our wine glasses. Fortunately, the guests chose not to leave a review, sparing my perfect 5-star rating.
Looking Ahead
By the end of the summer, the number of tours exceeded my expectations, with nearly 100 people joining the experience. Each and every one brought something unique and enriching, sharing tales from their own part of the world.
As I reflect on this journey, I’m already planning the next season, incorporating a second route offering a slower pace in the heart of the Chianti region. One thing is certain: this doesn’t feel like work. It’s pure joy—meeting people from around the world, sharing Tuscany’s enchanting countryside, sipping wine, eating gelato, and riding my bike. Perhaps retirement can wait a little longer.
Visit here e-bike experience by Tino
If you enjoyed the newsletter, a quick “like” would men the world to me!
Arrivederci until next Saturday—always observing, always sharing, always sipping, always a tale from an Italian coffee bar and beyond.
Avec le contenu de cet article, prépare toi à avoir une grosse année pour 2025.
Félicitations tu le mérites
Hi Tino, I know the area well, but as for even riding an e-bike around those hills after eating all that food plus the wine tasting, wow! I just mentioned this to my sister saying, I think I would need the e-bike and she told me I would still have to do some pedalling, darn!! You always very successful at things you out your mind to, good management and personality I would say.