Guest Stories: Marlin (Lige) Sandlin & Amy Chaisson

Ciclismo Classico: From Honeymoon to 18 Ciclismo Adventures

I’m a retired neuroradiologist from Houston, Texas, and my wife Amy is originally from New Orleans. Over the years, she has had several careers—as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, attorney, nonprofit leader, and ultimately Vice President of the Houston Museum of Natural Science. We are both science-minded and firmly believe that staying active is one of the keys to a long and healthy life.

Fitness has always been part of our lives. We played tennis, ran, and continue to strength train. (Amy even celebrated her 50th birthday by running a marathon!) I’ve been cycling for decades, and Amy discovered the sport after we started dating nearly twenty years ago. Today, we alternate cycling and weight training and consider both essential parts of our lifestyle. For us, cycling is far more than exercise.

Through our travels with Ciclismo Classico, it has become a way to experience and appreciate other cultures. Riding through villages far from the usual tourist routes allows us to see everyday life unfold. Whether we’re browsing a local market, visiting a centuries-old church, or enjoying a coffee in a small piazza, every day brings a new discovery. Our first cycling vacation together was with another company in France and ended with the Tour de France finale in Paris. It was wonderful, but we realized we wanted something deeper—more cultural immersion, more storytelling, and a stronger connection to the places we visited.

We first heard about Ciclismo from a cycling friend. After we married in June 2012, we chose Ciclismo for our honeymoon and signed up for the Piedmont: Barolo and Truffles tour. Amy’s maternal family came from the region—and, honestly, who can resist a great Barolo? All I can say is: wow. The scenery, the food, the wine—the everything. We rode through tiny villages, waved to nonnos sitting under the shade of a tree, stopped for macchiatos at neighborhood bars, and arrived each evening to find our luggage already waiting at the hotel. It was more than we expected, and we were hooked. As of June 2026, we’ve enjoyed 18 Ciclismo trips, with another adventure already on the calendar.

We’ve explored Italy, France, Spain, Ireland, and even ridden from Germany into Italy. Every trip has offered new physical challenges, cultural discoveries, and unforgettable memories. One of the greatest joys of traveling with Ciclismo has been the friendships we’ve made along the way. We stay in touch with many fellow travelers and often coordinate future trips together. We also appreciate that Ciclismo welcomes riders of different ages and abilities. Whether someone rides a road bike or an e-bike, everyone feels included.

And then there are the guides. Amy calls them our famiglia Italiana, and I couldn’t agree more. They are knowledgeable, passionate, and genuinely committed to creating exceptional experiences. Over the years, they’ve helped us through a few unexpected challenges. I came down with COVID during one trip, and Amy once cracked her cycling shoes. In both situations, the guides calmly found solutions and turned potential disasters into minor inconveniences. Safety is another reason we keep coming back. Having spent much of our careers around hospitals and medical situations, we deeply appreciate the professionalism and attention to safety that the guides bring to every trip. From helmet fitting and hand signals to navigating mountain descents, their focus on safety gives us tremendous peace of mind. One of my favorite memories involves getting lost while cycling into an Italian city. We called Enrico and explained that we were near the hotel but couldn’t figure out where to go.

“Where are you?” he asked.

“We’re in front of a church!”

“Ah, you are in Italy!” Enrico replied. “Of course you’re in front of a church! Can you give me a little more to go on?”

After a good laugh, Enrico guided us safely to the hotel—and to a well-earned Spritz.

People often ask which trip was our favorite. That’s like asking someone to choose a favorite child. Every trip has been special in its own way. One experience that stands out, however, is L’Eroica in Tuscany. Ciclismo outfitted us with vintage bicycles and period clothing, while the guides transported spectators around the course to cheer us on. The whole event felt like stepping back in time. We enjoyed Tuscan bread drizzled with Chianti, grapes picked fresh from the vine, and crossed the finish line to receive a bag of farro and a bottle of Chianti Classico. Both still have a place of honor on our mantel today.

Looking ahead, Amy and I are always thinking about where Ciclismo will take us next. That’s part of the magic. Around every bend in the road is another discovery, another friendship, and another story waiting to unfold.