The value of hiring a bike guide.

Trusting the expertise and experience of a qualified professional for your cycling holiday.

Deciding to plan a holiday around cycling can be both a beautiful and frustrating idea.

After several years of dealing with tourists annually and working in the world of cycle tourism and tours, we can say that we sometimes face situations where customers are aware of our region's beauty, but do not really know what to see and which areas are best for organizing their trip.

Asimismo operates in Tuscany, certainly one of the most fortunate places in Europe for cycling tourism.

Our landscape combined with this region's heritage and the incredible variety of cycling options makes it one of the favorite destinations for those wanting to experience a memorable cycling holiday, surrounded by rich history, authentic people, pleasant weather and excellent food.

December and January are actually the busiest months of the year in terms of planning, as these are the times when the majority of requests arrive. Nowadays people understand that booking the best accommodation well in advance is necessary to avoid missing opportunities, even if they won't be visiting until May and June.

Navigating unfamiliar territories requires significant confidence, experience, and also luck. Choosing to rely on someone local, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about their region can really be the best choice for many cyclists. Hiring a guide who can share their passion for cycling and their territory can save you precious time and effort while enriching your cycling experience.

But what exactly are the reasons for hiring a cycling guide?

1. Local Knowledge

Riding alongside someone able to explain everything you encounter, from botanical to historical aspects, as well as local customs and cultural nuances, can be very satisfying and tremendously enrich your experience in a foreign country.

2. Safety

It's not always possible to be completely familiar with the language of the place we visit, and having someone beside us who can assist with communication, especially in emergencies, can be truly beneficial and help us remain relaxed throughout the trip. Your guide, thanks to their knowledge, can also help you avoid dangerous places and routes, or prevent unwanted encounters with shepherd dogs along some off-road paths.

3. Moral support and technical assistance

Some people have approached us in the past not just for guiding services, but also because they were looking for someone to provide assistance and moral support during a bikepacking trip or a ride. An experienced guide who knows the route and the area you're visiting can be very supportive during moments when your confidence is waning and the temptation to give up for the day becomes strong. Here at Asimismo, we try to tailor each experience according to our clients' needs and skills, but sometimes clients who are new to cycling ask to do something more challenging than their capabilities allow. In such cases, we make sure to stay with them throughout the entire journey, providing both mental support and technical assistance.

4. True custom experiences

We all appreciate bespoke products or services—who would say no to a custom geometry bike frame made specifically for their body that enables incredibly comfortable riding? Probably no one. This way of thinking also applies to cycling holidays. With our tours, we strive to provide clients with truly tailored experiences. Length, starting point, and many other details are chosen in agreement with our clients to ensure they feel as relaxed as possible. We can also advise them on where to rent the best gravel bike or the fastest road bike, and even suggest suitable accommodations during their stay in Tuscany. A guide puts all their expertise at the service of their clients, serving as an encyclopedia of resources and information.

5. Ability in managing groups

A guide has the expertise to manage groups with varying skill levels, ensuring that everyone enjoys the ride at their own pace. Guides are trained to assess each participant's abilities and tailor the route and pace accordingly, which helps maintain group cohesion and prevents more experienced riders from feeling held back. Additionally, with their knowledge, guides can provide valuable insights about the local terrain, assist with navigation, and offer technique tips, making the journey not only safer but also more enriching for everyone involved.

6. Intelligence and experience in designing an itinerary

A good guide can add their personal touch to the itinerary planning. With their experience and knowledge, they can design a tour that perhaps has the most challenging part at the beginning, leaving the latter part of the day for a more relaxed and enjoyable ride. They can plan stops at locations where, based on experience, people might need a break, and can anticipate shortcuts and opportunities for detours should the need arise.

7. Maximize your time

If all these reasons aren't convincing enough to hire a guide for your cycling holiday, consider that with a professional's support, you'll be able to maximize your available time, ensuring you visit the best and most unique places without missing anything during what might be your only opportunity to explore that region.

Discovering a place with the support of a trusted expert can truly help you appreciate your holiday from a different perspective. Perhaps, this will even encourage you to return several times, exploring different angles, creating lasting memories, making Tuscany your home away from home.

If you choose to do it with us at Asimismo you are also guarantee to come back home with many photos of you while riding in fantastic places. Another reason not to miss this chance.