Category Archives: Trip Planning

Ashley: Trip Design Coordinator

Where did you go? Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons

Favorite ride of the trip? This is difficult…I only rode twice while I was there, but I have to say each ride was equally beautiful in their own ways. My first ride was an amazing introduction to the sights of the Tetons. My second ride was a bit more challenging with some hill climbs but incredibly worth it to see views of the mountains and wildlife.

What was your favorite trip WOW? The views – although they are always changing, they never end! From the craggy mountain peaks to the turquoise waters, it seems like this place is too good to be true. It doesn’t hurt that the wildlife isn’t too shy either–I saw countless elk, mountain sheep, and two black bears!

Would recommend this trip to guests who…? This trip is a great option for those fellow nature junkies who truly want an iconic experience in a National Park. It is a great mix of cycling the long wildlife corridor roads and hiking the more remote and special places of the parks.

Luke: Trip Consultant

Where did you go? Tuscany, Italy

Favorite ride of the trip? Day 5 San Quirico to Montalcino Loop was awesome. Loved it so much I did it twice!

What was your favorite trip WOW? Lunch on Day 4 at Da’Roberto’s.

Would recommend this trip to guests who…? Love beautiful views, appreciate good food and wine, want a few cultural experiences, and enjoy challenging riding.

Sherrie: Trip Consultant

Where did you go? Zion Long Weekend

Favorite ride of the trip? My favorite ride was on the last day from Springdale to the Temple of Sinawava. It was a super peaceful and serene ride.

What was your favorite trip WOW? Riding into Zion National Park past the Checkerboard Mesa and then hiking the Canyon Overlook Trail for some incredible views looking down onto Zion National Park.

Would recommend this trip to guests who…? Are looking for a weekend getaway and want to explore one of America’s great National Parks. This trip is for the adventurous guest who is looking to ride but also hike some throughout the weekend.

Essie: Guest Services Coordinator

Where did you go? Asheville to Brevard

Favorite ride of the trip? Day 4, had the most beautiful ride up Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. It is a gorgeous ride with panoramic views and many lookout points. At the summit, you can see Tennessee in the distance.

What was your favorite trip WOW? We had two brewery stops on the trip, and I do not drink beer. The guides surprised me with high-quality gin and tonic, so I was able to have a drink along with everyone else!

Would recommend this trip to guests who…? Anyone who loves great views, and wants to see the beautiful Appalachian mountains.

Richard and I are 25 years apart in age, both married but traveling solo, and in the brief few days that we had been exploring the Ojai Valley and Santa Barbara coast, we quickly developed an understanding around meals. I have a culinary background with an adventurous palate, and Richard is a learn-it-all with a desire to share both bottles of wine and a wide variety of dishes. He very graciously encouraged me to make most of the decisions, deferring to my judgement for what style of wine we should order or which salad to split before our entrees. Our collaborative efforts spilled across the table to the two girl-friends from Atlanta and the freshly retired couple from Whitewater, WI, so that eventually we were all working together to find the best combinations of libations and shared apps.

It can be tricky as someone traveling with a friend or partner to be inclusive to strangers, and it can be tough as a solo traveler to sometimes feel ignored or slighted by others. Fortunately, going on a Trek Travel trip prevents most of these awkward encounters for several reasons. For example, I chose this particular trip date because of the variety of people who were signed up. Our sales team is always happy to go over demographics and point you in the right direction based on the company you are hoping to keep. That being said, keep an open mind! I have also found that couples who travel together usually embrace the opportunity to mix up the conversation and ride with new acquaintances.

Secondly, on a Trek Travel trip, everybody automatically comes to the table with something in common – you all wanted an active vacation! This means that no matter your rider level, you probably love spending time outdoors, soaking up beautiful scenery, staying in comforting establishments, and eating nourishing, satisfying food. It is undeniable how this simple common thread leads to all sorts of unexpected connections. On my Ojai to Santa Barbara trip, it turns out that the couple from Whitewater is friends with one of the musicians who played at my wedding! And this summer, I look forward to attending a concert series in my hometown of Madison where they will be playing in the brass section.

For me, traveling is always more fun when shared with others, but I also treasure my alone time and enjoy the opportunity to remember that I can rely and depend on just myself. Traveling “alone in a group” offers one the opportunity to choose when and where you make a compromise or share with others; and when to make a choice simply for yourself. There is a lot of value in having this flexibility when trying new things and exploring new places, especially when the logistics are already taken care of for you, and especially when the key phrase is, “your day, you decide”.

Ditch the doubts, pack your bags, and get ready to make some new friends with Trek Travel.

Day 1 Welcome to Tuscany – After a scenic lunch at an authentic hillside restaurant, we were introduced to our equipment for the week (more on this later). The afternoon ride gave us our first glimpse into the famous wine country, and the prelude was perfect. An evening tour/tasting at the Buonomico Wine Resort was followed by an open-air dinner. The food, wine and views got our taste buds prepped for the rest of the week.

Day 2 Ride into Fattoria del Teso – The morning ride was a fantastic climb through hilly vineyards, which was pure cycling bliss. For lunch, we cruised down the most beautiful shaded grove of trees into a centuries-old family winery for a traditional Italian meal – pasta heaven! The day concluded with a stroll through the picturesque town of Montecarlo and dinner at the Michelin starred Butterfly.

Day 3 Pietrasanta and Il Bottaccio – The hamlet of Pietrasanta is famous for its beautiful and unique marble, which Michelangelo used in his works. The roads to our mid-day destination were curvy, shaded, and perfect for riding through. During the afternoon, we caught our first glimpse of the Mediterranean Sea from high up in the hills as we made our way to II Bottaccio. This 18th-century mill has been converted into a breathtaking hotel. Every room featured a unique medieval style and charm (complete with an original olive oil mill in ours)!

Day 4 Climbing Passo Del Bracco – The pinnacle of today’s ride was the 3000 ft. ascent of this marquee Italian pass from the Ligurian Sea town of Levanto. A haven for cyclists, the route has been featured in the Giro d’Italia. Even though the climb was just a little piece of the pro stage, it was the most vertical I had ever attempted on a bike. Both challenging and gratifying, the long road up was rewarded with a thrilling descent into the beach town of Moneglia.

Day 5 Hike through Cinque Terre – Although it’s hard to imagine, the Cinque Terre region is even more stunning than the pictures let on. We spent the morning hiking the hills from Manarola to Corniglia, where I ate pesto gnocchi and gelato to my heart’s content. An afternoon of relaxing at the beach meant that lunch was a no-holds-barred experience.

Top 5 takeaways:

• Preparation will optimize your experience. This means not only means time in the saddle but also experience with how a road bike handles. We rode 30 to 50 miles each day with anywhere from 3,000 to 5,000 elevation gain, which makes for some big climbs & long descents. Being comfortable on long and sometimes steep downhills is key for a safe trip.

•Since there is quite a bit of ground to cover within a five-day bike trip, the days are action-packed. Come into your trip well-rested, as the mornings are relatively early and in typical European fashion, the dinners start late and end even later.

•If you want to see or do more, don’t be afraid to ask your Trek guides if it’s possible. Although the itinerary is largely set, the guides work tirelessly to ensure you have the best trip possible. If you would like to go explore a town or clock some extra miles, they will find a way to make it happen.

• Equipment makes a big difference. Each Trek bike is equipped with a Garmin GPS which is programmed with your route for the day. It alerts you to upcoming turns and notifies you if you’re off route. From someone who has navigated other bike trips using paper instructions, the Garmin is definitely the optimal choice. As far as the bike themselves, Trek equips you with their latest and greatest Domane SL-7. An e-bike option is also available on most trips and can make the whole experience more accessible to a broader range of cyclists.

• To keep yourself in the saddle and feeling your best, nutrition is key. The never ending and delicious supply of wine, cappuccinos and food means that you need to stay on top of your water and electrolyte intake. The guides make this easy with drinks, electrolyte tablets and healthy snacks set out at every break point. Stay hydrated!

Would I do it again? Absolutely! Trek just posted their 2020 trip itineraries and I already have my eye on one…

Feel free connect with me on Instagram, @aneverydayfit, where I am sharing lots more pictures from the trip!

1. Remove your shoes upon entry to a home

It also considered good manners to turn your shoes to point towards the door once they’ve been taken off.

2. Escalators

When riding an escalator in Tokyo, stay on the left side so others can pass on the right. However, when riding an escalator in the Kansai region, stay on the right side so others can pass on the left.

3. Don’t walk and eat

It is not polite to eat or drink on the go. You will see locals standing by vending machines to finish their beverages, or standing outside convenience stores eating their food before walking.

4. Chopsticks

Do not leave your chopsticks sticking up in a bowl of rice—this is reminiscent of a funeral rite—instead, lay them flat over the top of the bowl if necessary.

5. When paying at the register…

Do not pass your money directly to a cashier—instead, place your money in the tray provided on the counter.