Nella Abelson
With summer finally here and the ability to travel once again, it may be time to consider a bike trip. What’s better than combining travel and vacation with the sport we all love?
There are many options when it comes to a bike trip. You could bring your own bike and plan the entire trip yourself or you could use one of the many bike travel companies out there. Even with bike travel companies, there are a number of options. Many of the companies will offer self-guided trips, where you may use their bikes and they’ll provide routes, but you don’t ride with a guide or SAG support.
We asked some questions of two of our members who have done bike trips, Nella Abelson and Meg Aldrich, and are sharing their answers below.
1. What trips have you done and with which companies?
Nella: I have done 11 bike trips with Backroads: Mallorca, Croatia, Dolomites, Canadian Rockies, South to North Carolina, Montana Glacier National Park, Utah Bryce/Zion, Main Acadia National Park, Montana/Wyoming Yellowstone National Park, San Juan Islands, Washington and Oregon Crater Lake coming up in August.
Meg: I joined a cycling trip through Nova Scotia with Freewheeling, a great outfitter based in Canada that offers great trips all over the world. They’re known for their collection of antique coffee grinders that are pulled out for lunches and occasional SAG stops. (www.freewheeling.ca)
2. Why did you pick that company and that trip?
Meg: Freewheeling had fabulous reviews and they’re based in Nova Scotia, which was our intended destination. Price wise, their trips are comparable to UK or European outfitters, so thus, much less expensive than US outfitters. They also serve fabulous food and we all went home with a recipe book of the employees’ favorite snacks and meals served during the trip. The company was still being run by its original owner and you feel his ethos and character – the difference of a small company rather than a large corporation. I took the trip two years ago in September, so it was just a few weeks after Canada opened up for US tourists.
Nella: I had always wanted to take a bike trip and so many people told me about how easy, convenient and great Backroads was. To find my luggage in my hotel room after a long hard ride was like magic for me. I didn’t have to think of a thing because Backroads took care of it. All I had to do was ride! We picked these trips because of the climbing and the destination. I also appreciate the cost or value of the trip to what we get. Competent knowledgeable leaders, lodging, food, and support. Everything is included except alcohol, airfare, or traveling to the destination.
3. How big were the groups you rode with?
Nella: Backroads limits their riding groups to 22. They will go up to 25 but that’s rare and if they do they add more support. I have ridden with a group of 12 to 22.
Meg: Our group was 5 women total – probably a bit smaller than it would be today since it was just after Canada loosened its travel restrictions. Their group size is kept smaller than US competitors.
4. What was good about the trip? What didn’t you like or wish was different?
Meg: Our tour leader Thomas was a former executive chef and a current bike mechanic, so we couldn’t ask for a better combo! He was knowledgeable about the area, the history, cycling in general and we all had really interesting conversations. I’d take another Freewheeling trip in a heartbeat – possibly in Europe next time. My only regret is that this trip wasn’t longer! If I went again, I may consider taking my own bike instead of renting.
Nella: What’s great about these trips is you get to meet different people from all walks of life who love biking. Some of the people we’ve met on these trips have become good friends and we’ve done multiple Backroads trips together. Also, I love the locations. Some of these locations I will never be able to see on my own without a guided bike company. And I love our leaders. These kids are very well trained – they have our lives in their hands. What I wish was different would be more time to explore the destinations we bike and more flexibility at dinner. Backroads has the most incredible dinners and the food is amazing, but after a long day of riding, sometimes I just want a burger in my room!
5. Any tips for someone looking to do a bike trip?
Nella: There are so many good cycling companies out there that do what Backroads does. If you have never done one before I would pick a place in the United States first and see if you like the particular company and the ride/destination they offer. If you do, great! If not, try another bike company! Then try overseas! Wow, I’m getting so excited now just thinking about my next trip!!
Meg: I would suggest looking at outfitters based in the US, UK, Canada and Europe for price comparison. There are many good companies out there that have different types of trips – so you’ll find something that works for your style and your budget.
I, too, have done a bike trip in Provence, France with Trek Travel and I can also highly recommend Trek. My experience was similar to both Nella’s and Meg’s in that the leaders were amazing, the food was great, and the cycling was epic. There are so many special places in the world that are best seen from a bike saddle!