If word gets out about the hidden gems of the Rio Grande Rift Valley stretching north from Santa Fe through Ojo Caliente and Abiquiu to Taos, it might just be quartered off as a National Park.
Before that happens, get here.

The spotlight this year in North American travel has been largely on National Parks like Glacier or Zion and on the newish rising-star towns of Bend, OR and Asheville, NC. Indeed, these are all fabulous places to travel, eat, drink, explore and, of course, ride bikes and I love guiding in all of these destinations. But there is a region, very appropriately known as the “Land of Enchantment”, that has recently slipped under the radar despite being a hot-bed destination for over 1,000 years. And truth be told, that is just fine by me!

Why would I say that? Because this is one national treasure you don’t have to share with the crowds. This is a land where the history doesn’t need to be recreated in taxidermy dioramas or CGI animation because it lives in the people, the architecture, the art, the landscape and the amazing cuisine. In fact, if word gets out about the hidden gems of the Rio Grande Rift Valley stretching north from Santa Fe through Ojo Caliente and Abiquiu to Taos, it might just be quartered off as a National Park. Before that happens, get here.
 
 

 
 
Truth be told I fell in love twice in the “Land of Enchantment.” The first time was with the place itself. To escape the Texas summers in college I picked up work as a counselor at a wonderful camp on the Pecos River in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Situated just outside of Santa Fe, my days off were spent cramming in as much adventure and exploration as I could. On these days there was little sleep and a lot of biking, hiking and outdoor activity in the endless playground of northern New Mexico.

I investigated pueblo ruins, discovered natural springs and Ancestral Puebloan petroglyphs. I met Native American elders and artisans in places like Taos, Nambé, and Jemez Pueblo. I tested my tolerance with an array of roasted chiles from Carlito Medina at his chile shop and art gallery in Chimayó and learned that females are by far the spiciest. I found creative inspiration in conversations with the famous Taos artist Ed Sandoval and Jemez Pueblo sculptors Andrea and Bill Fragua. I roamed the 400-year-old adobe lined streets of Santa Fe, feeling as if I had been transported to another country in another time, all the while marveling at the colors, the textures, the forms, and best of all the light. After four summers there was no doubt why northern New Mexico was referred to as the “Land of Enchantment.”
 
 

 
 
In the spring of 2011 I was back in New Mexico assigned to guide the trip I had designed for Trek Travel. My co-guide was a “rockstar” second year guide who had proved herself through all manner of trips and challenges in her first year. She was eloquent, graceful under fire, intelligent, a strong rider and a savvy problem solver. She was also incredibly photogenic. As we prepared for the first trip of the season, it became clear that this place was not simply enchanting to me, she was hooked on it too. It’s not difficult to fall in love with the New Mexican landscape, but it is actually incredibly difficult to fall in love with a co-guide with whom you spend 24 hours a day for 6 weeks straight. Despite the odds, this was the second time I fell in love in New Mexico, and nearly five years later Elizabeth and I married.

Over the years we have guided in many destinations both together and independently, in North, Central and South America as well as Europe. We have designed trips in various regions and it turns out we make a great design and guide team. Cycling, travel and living well are our passion and it’s how we spend our free time as well as make our living. This spring Elizabeth and I were asked to return to New Mexico to re-design the old itinerary. We were given free reign with only two parameters: 1) Make the trip comfortable for riders of both modest and avid ability and 2) Make it awesome. Naturally we jumped at the opportunity.

In the spring we made our way back to the Rio Grande Valley to begin our trip design. The blossoms were on fire and the aspens were just starting to pop their quaking neon green. The 70 degree air was crystal clear and intoxicating with the sweet smells of ponderosa pine and piñon fires from rustic kiva fireplaces. The enchantment was indeed still there if not stronger than ever. Over the course of our research it was not difficult to create quite possibly one of the most ideal cycling trips in North America.
 
 

 
 
Fantastic hotels in Santa Fe, Ojo Caliente and Taos as well as gourmet and homestyle Southwest cuisine are of course standard. Days are filled with quiet bike routes that can be mellow with a shuttle or fulfilling for the avid rider, linking every mile from Santa Fe to Taos. Secret hiking opportunities reveal sublime and inspiring landscapes as well as artifacts of ancient civilizations. Mineral hot springs at Ojo Caliente offer serenity and recovery from activity filled days. Personal interactions with Native Americans and 10th generation Spanish Colonial settlers add authentic exposure to unique cultures. The majesty of both the desert–that inspired generations of artists including Georgia O’Keefe–and the towering southern tip of the Rockies that soar to 13,000 feet will leave you speechless and truly enchanted. Best of all this cruise from Santa Fe to Taos offers the kind of peace and that you simply cannot find elsewhere in North America. There is no better way to experience Northern New Mexico than on bike and foot, and we are so excited for the incredible experience we have created for you in the Land of Enchantment. We hope to see you there.
 
 

 

To discover true paradise, sometimes you have to go off-road. And sometimes in a 4×4, if it’s anything like my town.

When you turn onto the unpaved road, ignore your instinct to bust a u-turn and your fear of the unknown. Instead, continue off the beaten path. Eventually you’ll pass a man and his wife selling ice-cold fresh coconuts, better known in Costa Rica as “Pipas,” before you end up in Nosara. If you trust that the machete in his hand is simply used to slice open the coconut, and you dare to engage them with your Spanglish, you’ll learn that these charming individuals are more than just “Pipa people”. They too have a story, a family, goals and dreams, morals and values, just like you and me.
 
 

 
 
I first visited Nosara when my group of friends was planning a surf trip to Costa Rica and asked me to join. At the time, I was clothed head to toe in March as a snowboard instructor who had put in nearly 100 days chasing and counting my little “snow ducklings” all over Vail Mountain. I glanced at the powder below my board, then to my pretzel-ed up student stuck in waist deep snow awaiting my rescue, then back down to my snowboard, which had suddenly become a surfboard atop crystal blue waves. I thought to myself, “I need a vacation.”

At the time, I couldn’t even surf. I mean, sure, I could stand up on a long board, paddle and mimic a whale-like dismount. But I hadn’t experienced “the feeling”. The feeling that one has when they finally learn how to dance on water. The feeling of floating through the air while the ocean playfully spits water back at their face. The feeling of flying with mother nature, or in layman’s terms, catching a green wave. That was a feeling I wanted to know.
 
 

 
 
It took less than a week to fall in love with Nosara’s charm: the people’s positive energy and generosity, the natural beauty and environment, and the wildlife right before your eyes. Three weeks of waking up to howler monkeys, finding my way through lush green jungle paths to an untouched, white sand beach with a stellar wave, and consuming more mangos and fresh pipas than I thought possible. For three weeks I was mesmerized day after day by how strikingly beautiful and different one sunset was from the next. So I looked at a “Casita” that was for rent in the fall, shook the hand of a Tica friend named Ane, and said, “I’ll be back in November, I’m good for my word.”

A simple, “Yes, I’m in,” from atop a snowy mountain five years ago has lead to one of the most life changing decisions I have ever made.

In the years since then, I’ve learned to love the simplicity of life here. I’ve learned that you can live a very full life once you strip away everything else. Eventually I learned to live without all the things that I once felt were a necessity, and learned to value life’s true necessities. Life becomes less complicated here. Without distractions, you enable yourself to be present and engaged in each and every moment. I feel like I am myself in my purest form in Costa Rica.
 
 

 
 
What makes Costa Rica a unique travel destination?

Costa Rica boasts a higher biodiversity than the United States and Europe combined! When you think about its size–slightly smaller than West Virginia–the diversity is incredible! The wildlife and natural beauty of this country is present everywhere you look. Secondly, Costa Rica offers a bit of everything, which is why I think it is the perfect place for groups of friends or families. Everyone can get their own taste of Costa Rica: biking through cloud forests, visiting cocoa farms in the Caribbean, gazing at volcanoes, splashing around in natural hot springs, riding Central America’s best surf, and hiking through the rain forest spotting monkeys, toucans, sloths, the striking poison dart frog. There is something exciting for everyone here, and it’s welcoming to all: singles, couples, families, young and old alike.

What do you love most about Nosara?

The sunsets. There are some sunsets where the sun subtlety falls below the horizon. There are some sunsets that feel more grandiose. And then there are Nosara’s sunsets, where the sun and the colors of the sky stop an entire town at 5:45PM. During a Nosara sunset, you’ll find everyone on the beach transfixed by it’s natural beauty. Sometimes the sky brings you back to childhood memories and paints itself the colors of cotton candy. Other times it may choose to boast the brightest hues of orange and yellow imaginable. At some point you’ll find that your mind goes blank and time stands still. It’s rare to be so deep in a moment that you actually don’t think of anything. Once it sets, everyone wakes up and hustles to get home before dark. It’s a funny 15 minutes where the world just seems to be on pause, but once it sets, the play button is pushed again. For me, it has become the most anticipated part of my day.
 
 

 
 
What are you most excited for guests to experience?

Our Costa Rica trip can’t be compared to any other Trek Travel trip we offer. It’s in a category of its own. Each guest takes away their favorite moment of the trip, whether it be whitewater rafting through the rain forests, zip lining through the Cloud Forests, or enjoying coffee with our hotel owner, Agnes, while taking in views of Pelada. However, once guests arrive in Nosara, I’m undeniably excited to show it off to them! Guests stay in a quaint bed & breakfast in the hills overlooking Playa Pelada, one of my favorite fisherman beaches in the area. They have surf lessons with my friends at Agua Tibia and catch their first waves on the very same beach where I too caught my first real wave five years ago. They horseback ride at sunset to my favorite restaurant in town, infamous for it’s delicious passion fruit mojitos and breathtaking sunsets. And best of all, they get to know the community of Nosara. More than just strangers passing through a town, our guests have a key to the door behind which lies local Costa Rican life. After two days they’ve met most of my friends, and for guests who stick around after the trip, they’re treated more like friends than tourists. I find that guests really enjoy that experience, and it’s especially fun for me!
 
 

 

A celebrity favorite, Santa Barbara is one of this country’s most unique destinations. It’s where luxurious relaxation meets world-class cycling, where mountains meet the sea, and where small-town intimacy meets big-city sophistication. There are few gems in the world like Santa Barbara, and this is our perfect day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the stunningly gorgeous vineyards of Bordeaux, to the lazy countrysides of Vermont, or the world renowned fields of lavender in Provence, summer was made for vacation and relaxation. Join us for a heated summer romance on two wheels. Your heart may skip a beat, but you won’t want to skip a moment.

1. Bordeaux

Bordeaux is perhaps the most famous wine country in France, if not the world. Tiny villages break up miles and miles of vineyards, producing some of the deepest, full-bodied reds a tongue could ever taste. The flowering of the vines in July presents the best opportunity to soak in the sensational views of vine-covered slopes. This isn’t just another wine country. This is the world’s premiere destination of wine. Welcome, and drink up.
 
 

 
 

2. Vermont

Vermont in July promises everything you love about New England, like the gorgeous mountain backdrops and quiet country roads, with the added kick of the region’s best breweries. Take a dip in Lake Dunmore, hike the Stowe Pinnacle Trail, indulge in a maple creemee, and taste everything from double IPAs to small batches from some of craft brewing’s most famous names. There’s no better place to celebrate the brilliance of summer than the picturesque Green Mountains.
 
 

 
 

3. Provence

Nestled between the Rhone River and Italy, Provence offers plenty of southeastern French cuisine, washed down with world-class rosés and Pastis, a homegrown traditional liqueur. In July, Provence also offers sensational views of lavender fields for which the region is known, and there’s no better place to drink in the scenery than Abbaye de Senanque – a Cistercian abbey dating to the 12th-century, whose monks still produce lavender and honey.
 
 

 
 

There’s a whole unexpected side of Europe that’s more popular than ever, and Trek Travel takes you there. Destinations like the historic Dalmatian Coast of Croatia or the exotic charm of the Canary Islands will introduce you to a Europe that the news doesn’t cover. So what are you waiting for? Dig out that passport.

1. Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast

Hvar to Stari Grad Loop
Approximately 25 miles with 2,300 feet of climbing

This is a ride that you will remember forever! As you cycle along the limestone ridge of the island, a stunning vista unfurls with ancient white stone walls terracing green valleys, set against the blazing blue of the ever-present sea. Centuries ago, these walls were built by farmers clearing the land so that crops could be planted. Today, the stones remain and in between are gnarled vines, silver tipped olive trees and lush vegetables. You’ll then descend into the valley and pedal quiet roads bordered by vineyards and olive groves to the seaside port of Jelsa. As the road narrows, your ride will come to an end in Stari Grad, the original capital of Hvar until the Venetians declared the nearer Hvar Town more convenient.
 
 

 

2. Ireland

Caragh Lake to Gap of Dunloe to Kenmare
Approximately 43 miles with 4,600 feet of climbing

Begin your day on the winding road beside Caragh Lake and eventually follow the shoreline of the Upper Caragh River. The stunning views of Glencar Valley will lead you to the Gap of Dunloe, the most famous and picturesque pass in the Ring of Kerry. Enjoy a stunning ride past all five lakes and over the ‘Wishing Bridge’, or perhaps choose to take a “jaunty car” powered by sure-footed horses. Either way, be sure to capture the panorama of Macgillycuddy’s Reeks before enjoying a well-earned descent into the Black Valley, the last place in Ireland to receive electricity. From there, master one final climb up Moll’s Gap before enjoying a long descent into Kenmare. 
 
 

 

3. Prague to Vienna

Český Krumlov to Weitra
Approximately 47 miles with 3,800 feet of climbing

This ride will take you south into the picturesque Waldviertel region of northern Austria, and the small 13th-century castle of Nové Hrady stands ahead as your guiding landmark. Before leaving, however, you’ll enjoy one last spin through the patchwork patterns and vivid colors of the southern Czech countryside. As you cross the border, you will notice a stark change in landscape and the nearby town of Weitra and its historic “Altstadt” (old town) are the perfect introduction to Austria. At one time this town had over 36 breweries, and it’s still a great place to enjoy a cold stein of Austrian beer.
 
 

 

4. Puglia

Otranto to Santa Maria Di Leuca
Approximately 33 miles with 1,330 feet of climbing

This morning, the sea is never out of sight as you make your way along the some of the most breathtaking coastline in all of Italy. To your right, stone fences crafted centuries ago from local limestone adorn windswept fields, while the shimmering clear waters of the Ionian Sea beckon from your left. You‘ll ride all the way to Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet and a large Italian flag marks the southern-most tip of Italy. Afterwards, jump back on your bike and continue your seaside explorations.
 
 

 

5. Canary Islands

Mogan to Valley of Tears Loop
Approximately 50 mile with 8,400 feet of climbing

You’ll be amazed at the teeth on this small gem of an island, easily ranked with some of the toughest climbs in Europe. Your ride starts out along the coast for a nice warm-up before you start pushing hard on the pedals. You’ll make your way through the town of Mogan before turning toward La Aldea, your last refuge before entering the long, isolated Valley of Tears. From this point, every kilometer takes you higher and higher, with grades reaching 25%. Just keep pedaling along until you reach the peak to refuel at the top before making your way back toward Mogan over the coils of Tauro Pass. 
 
 

 
 

The season begins again when the days get longer in Spain, and heats up to full thrust when the sun warms the rest of Europe. Summer is finally on its way, there’s no excuse not to get outside and make this a season to remember. These are our favorite destinations for June:

1. Annecy to Alpe d’Huez

It’s not every day you have the road to yourself as you traverse four mountain passes in the Alps: Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Télégraphe, the lofty Col du Galibier, and finally Alpe d’Huez. The French don’t go on holiday until later in the summer, so June is the opportune time to stay on the Alp you know, love and lust for.
 
 

 
 

2. Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast

In this hot-spot destination, every corner tells a story. Traveling in June will give you the opportunity to discover them all without fighting the crowds. Many active vacationers have never even considered a cycling tour of Croatia. Shame, really, since this region offers incredible beaches, glorious riding, and some of Europe’s most varied and elaborate historical sites.
 
 

 
 

3. Ireland

While there’s always a chance you’ll find yourself throwing back a pint or two (or three) at any and every local pub to escape the rain, June in Ireland typically offers the best weather. So while the rest of those tour buses strain to get a view of the Ring of Kerry, you can discover the winding roads, weathered stone walls and dramatic coastlines from the seat of a bike.
 
 

 
 

Tight-knit families aren’t born. They’re made with unforgettable experiences. And while it shouldn’t take a Christmas miracle to get people together, planning a multigenerational vacation is a daunting task with no shortage of opinions and a lack of consensus.

At Trek Travel, we believe that nothing should come between the ties that bind. Wide-ranging ages, activity levels and interests are no match for the creativity and flexibility of our guides. And whether you choose from our existing itineraries or make it private, our trip consultants will work with you to craft a personalized experience for your extended family. Below, John Burke, President of Trek Bikes, outlines his top five reasons to take a multigenerational family vacation:

1. The Family that Plays Together Stays Together
We started taking multigenerational family trips six years ago, and it is an event that everyone looks forward to. Similar to Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, the family trip has become a major event on our schedule.

Pro Tip: A family suggested this to us many years ago. Take a family vacation once a year and plan it for the same dates every year. Our family does the second week of June. This way everyone knows ahead of time that the family trip is always the second week of June and this puts an end to all of the drama surrounding dates.
 
 

 
2. Great Family Time
On the typical family vacation, each morning starts with a negotiation. People sit around, spending time deciding what the group is going to do. They guys go golfing, the ladies go for a run, maybe meet for lunch, the negotiating goes back and forth. One of the things our family loves about Trek Travel trips is having an awesome pre-set schedule. The guides do a great job of leading the group and making adjustments as necessary. This really is a family vacation, not vacation that the family goes on and everyone does their own thing.

3. Amazing Memories
In the past five years, we have seen the National Parks, we have traveled the Freedom trail in Boston and ridden our bikes down the Charles River, we have done some amazing riding around the San Juan Islands, we had a behind the scenes Tour at the Biltmore Mansion in Asheville, and we’ve eaten some of the best meals at farm-to-table restaurants. In fact, last year it was a small farm and we had an awesome time playing horseshoes, having cocktails, and enjoying the local fare. Every day Trek Travel goes above and beyond to create amazing memories. And as Carson from Downton Abbey says, “In the end, all you have are your memories.”
 
 

 
4. Try New Things
Trek Travel does a great job of giving people amazing opportunities to explore new places in a variety of ways. We have hiked some awesome trails in America’s National Parks, we have kayaked, we have visited Presidential Libraries. Every day there is something new with Trek Travel.

5. It Makes Your Mother Happy
My mother loves to see her family together, spending quality time with one another. There is no greater gift that one can give their mother than spending time with the family.
 
 

 

Ready for the multigenerational vacation of a lifetime? Contact our trip consultants and start planning your dream vacation today»

No matter how hard core of an adventurer you are, sometimes it’s nice to let someone else do the planning, the researching, the relationship-building, and lugging of all your stuff around so that you can go along for the ride without a worry weighing you down.

Originally published in Big Life Magazine

There are a number of reputable bike tour companies with year-round national and international bike adventures for all levels of ability that are sure to light your fire. For the sake of stoking your spring fever, we talked to Trek Travel’s Rebecca Falls (AKA “Bama”) to learn about the benefits of traveling with an experienced outfitter. As both a guide and a trip design coordinator, Rebecca gets the best of both worlds, a hand in planning the trip and the chance to be out there, pedaling with clients.

Founded on the philosophy that the world is best experienced from the seat of a bike, Trek Travel has been showing active travelers some of the world’s most interesting cultures and best rides since 2003. Led by world travelers, bike enthusiasts, and cultural adventurers, Trek Travel’s trips offer great spring getaways no matter where you want to go.
 
 

 
 
BIGLIFE: Nickname?
REBECCA FALLS: Bama. When I first came to work for Trek Travel there was no one else on staff from Alabama. I’m not sure who said it first but it definitely stuck! Some of my closest friends, whom I got to know as co-guides, haven’t called me by my real name in years!

BIGLIFE: What’s your Trek Travel origin story (AKA, how did you land a job with TT)?
RF: All through college at the University of Alabama, I worked at a bike shop—the sadly-no-longer-in-business venerable Cycle Path. When Trek Travel started running trips in 2003 I was finishing my senior year and our Trek rep told me about TT and suggested that I apply after I graduated. I did, never thinking I would actually get the job, but here I am. I worked as a seasonal guide for four years while also working part-time as an environmental consultant. After two years spent getting a masters degree from the University of Tennessee, I came back to Trek Travel as a project manager for charity rides and a trip design coordinator, and now I work in all three roles—trip designer, guide, and charity ride director for Bo Bikes Bama, a ride started by Bo Jackson for victims of the 2011 tornado that devastated Alabama.
 
 

 
 
BL: What’s your ride of choice, as in the bike that you ride?
RF: Ahh, now THAT is like trying to choose a favorite child! I live in Asheville, North Carolina, which has some of the best roads in the country for riding, both paved and gravel—so I spend a lot of time on my road and cyclocross bikes (Trek’s 7-Series Madone and Boone, respectively). We also have really fantastic mountain bike trails in western North Carolina, and I recently got a Fuel EX, which I am excited about riding more if the trails will ever dry out—it’s been a wet, cold winter.

BL: What’s your process in designing a trip? What kind of research do you do?
RF: We decide on new destinations as a team—the Trip Design Department and Sales Department, taking into consideration things like guest requests, guide ideas, travel trends, and whatever generally gets us excited. We want to plan trips that we would want to go on, after all.

Once we decide on a destination there is a process for putting a trip together, but there is also room for taking a creative approach. I like to start by gathering input from the most knowledgeable people I can find from the region—this is often someone who works for Trek Travel, as our guides live in pretty cool places. But it could also be staff from the local bike shop, former guests, or other contacts.

Once we have an idea of the signature rides and local activities we want to include, we look for the best hotels and restaurants in the area. Then we try to put it all together in a way that has a nice flow—our guests want to feel like they saw the region, but not be exhausted by too much moving around. We also try very hard to work with smaller, locally-owned businesses that we can forge and grow relationships with. A great example of this is Summit Lake Vineyards, a very small family-owned vineyard and winery in Napa Valley that we have worked with for over a decade. Our guides happened across this tiny operation when doing the initial trip research, met the family and decided it would be good to bring our guests to meet these amazing people and hear their story, while also tasting great wine, petting their goats, taking in their views—all mid-route on a great ride through the Pope Valley. In a perfect world, these are the types of places we want to take our guests—to have experiences they couldn’t have on their own, and to see a place through the eyes of the people who live there.
 
 

 
 
BL: Can you change your own flat? Tune your own bike? etc.
RF: Yes and yes—all of the guides have to pass a mechanic certification test so being able to do this stuff is required! I don’t always have the tools or the expertise for the more complex repairs—I won’t be rebuilding a shifter anytime soon—but I can do most things that are required for road and cross bike maintenance.

BL: Your favorite Trek Travel trip?
RF: The trip I usually recommend (to active cyclists) is our Bryce & Zion trip. It takes you to see some of the most extraordinary landscapes in the country—the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and the beautiful remote desert around Boulder, Utah (the last place in the lower 48 to receive its mail by mule), the unique and impressive amphitheater of the Bryce Canyon hoodoos, and the stunning, sheer walls of Zion Canyon. It’s an amazing week in the red rock desert and an unforgettable week on a bike.
 
 

 
 
BL: Your elevator pitch about Trek Travel trips?
RF: A lot goes into planning and executing a Trek Travel trip: 1) Finding the best rides, the best places to stay, and the off-the-beaten path things that make travel worthwhile. 2) Having a great bike to ride and a van to pick you up when you want a break. 3) Hiring a guide to show you where to go and tell you about their experiences in the region. Unless you happen to have a great friend with lots of time, a guest house, a fleet of spare bikes, and a support vehicle, you probably will spend a lot of time and effort to go on a great, stress-free cycling trip to a specific area. As an alternative, you can go on one of our trips and have everything set up for you—just book your plane ticket and pack your bag—and we do the rest. You’ll never have to find out what a pain it is to fit your bike in one of those cases.

BL: Biggest “Oh-No Moment” on a Trek Travel trip you’ve been on or involved with?
RF: There was that time when we thought a lightning storm was going to prevent us from descending off L’Alpe d’Huez after the stage finish in 2014 (the storm miraculously parted and went around the mountain)… Or that fun moment when the turbo went out on the TT van (after just having the van fully serviced) on Day 1 of a sold-out trip at the start of a four-hour drive (hello, emergency box truck rental). If you do this long enough, you will have plenty of these. The trick, the hope, the goal anyway, is to always make sure the show goes on.

BL: One of the reasons Trek Travel exists is because you believe the world is best seen from the seat of a bike. Give us your best “view from a bike seat” moment or memory.
RF: It has to be climbing any of the classic mountain roads during the Tour de France, right before a stage. The sides of the roads are crammed with crazy cycling fans and roads themselves are packed with people of all sorts on every kind of bike—everyone is there to see their heroes and watch history unfold. You can watch the race coverage on TV but nothing does justice to the energy in the air before the racers come through.
 
 

 
 
BL: For a supported bike trip first-timer what trip do you recommend? For a seasoned bike traveler, what do you suggest?
RF: For the first-timer, I would suggest our California Wine Country Long Weekend trip. Travel to and from the region is pretty straightforward, and the time and financial commitment is less than the week-long trips. The wine country is a great place to be guided around too—there are a lot of hidden spots that may be your favorite memory from the trip that you would ride right past on your own. It’s a great way to find out if a group trip suits your traveling style without biting off a whole week.

For the seasoned bike traveler, I recommend the Asheville to Highlands. This region is more off the beaten path of guided bike travel (only a handful of operators have trips to the area currently), but that doesn’t mean it isn’t the greatest place to ride that you may never have thought about. It’s a bike-, creative food-, and beer-lover’s paradise that’s perfect for the seasoned bike traveler who’s been on several trips already and is looking for a fresh, different type of destination.

BL: You must be a pro packer for trips like this. What packing tips can you give a would-be Trek traveler?
RF: Friends, bring your saddle. If you have one you like to ride, that is the saddle you should bring on your trip. Even the greatest saddle in the world, well-suited for your anatomy, will probably have a little break-in time on your sitbones, and that’s not something you want to work through on your vacation.
 
 

 
 

Introducing our Featured Guide Collection. Your chance to join some of your favorite veteran guides on the trips they know best.

If you’ve traveled with us before, you know that Trek Travel guides are the best in the business. They’re a little more committed, a lot more energetic, and way more fun. They also bend over backwards to make your trip perfect. In fact, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll finish the trip as friends. And since a great guide leads to a great trip, we thought: why not be able to follow your favorite guides wherever they go?
 

 

Dave Edwards

Greenville Ride Camp
May 2-8, 2016

 
“I’ve been a full time guide with Trek Travel since 2003, and I’ve been fortunate to work all over Europe, Australia, New Zealand and North America. Highlights from life on the road include race trips such as the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta d’Espana. In addition, I’ve guided the cross country trip seven times. In recent years, however, I’ve traded my roller bag, hotel rooms, and air miles for a more permanent address in Greenville, SC with my wife and two dogs. Together, we created the Greenville Ride Camp. This allows me to keep doing what I love, while going home at night sleeping in my own bed. It’s truly the best of both worlds, and I can’t wait to show you the beautiful country roads and lively city that I call home.”

 
 
 

Jonathan Hershberger

Croatia and the Dalmatian Coast
May 15-20, 2016

 
“My name is Jonathan, but my friends call me Hershy. I have been with Trek Travel for 12 years, and in the industry for more than 17! This year marks my 5th season in Croatia. Croatia is a country that I absolutely love. The cities are amazing, the Islands are gorgeous, the food and riding superb, and the hotels are some of the best on any Trek Travel Trip. Yes, Croatia is a country that has stolen my heart. What I love most about our Croatia trip is that it provides a complete representation of the area. Our guests get a real taste of the country, the cities (Dubrovnik, Korcula, Hvar and Split), and the people. Everyone who visits this remarkable country walks away forever changed by the way Croatia touches your spirit. It is no wonder that the great Roman Emperor Diocletian decided to build his palace and retire here. I have a feeling you will want to do the same.”

 
 
 

Dan Frideger

California Wine Country
May 15-20, 2016

 
“Every year as the snow begins to melt in Colorado, my thoughts turn to the rows and rows of dormant grape vines that will soon be coming to life out in the California Wine County. For the past 11 years, the greening rebirth of one of nature’s most magical plants–the grape–has meant that the cycling season is once again rolling into high gear. The legs that felt so strong in September and the posterior that had become hardened to even the bumpiest of roads are back at square one. Fortunately my wine tasting skills never seem to lag behind. Not only is the California Wine Country equal in beauty and quality of cycling to anywhere in the world, for me it is a trip back to my family’s roots. Some of our rides pass the dirt track where ancestors homesteaded, the driveway of my grandparent’s home and orchard, the riverside dance hall where my parents met in the 1930s. The chance to share both the past and the freewheeling present of fine food, world class wines and unbelievably scenic cycling is truly a pleasure. Hope to see you pedaling soon!”
 
 
 

Lisa Lieb

Mallorca Ride Camp
May 22-28, 2016

 
“This is my 5th year as a Trek Travel guide and my 4th season guiding in Mallorca, Spain. I still call Durango, Colorado home, but I spend most of the year guiding in Mallorca. I love this island and I love riding bikes here. Although I am a mountain biker at heart, it did not take long after riding the roads of Mallorca for me fall in love with road biking. The roads here are stimulating, exciting and challenging. Every moment of a ride is beautiful–the terraced mountainsides of olive and almond groves, the dramatic coast line along the northern side of the island, the stone architecture of the villages, and the turquoise blue of the mediterranean sea. And don’t even get me started on all the animals. There are donkeys, goats, sheep and mini ponies everywhere! I could go on and on about this island–its food, wine, people, cortados y tarta de almendra–but I would rather you join me for a ride here and we can experience it all together.”

 
 
 

Ioanna Yiasemi

Tuscany Luxury
June 12-17, 2016

 
“I name Ioanna, but I also go by Io, Anna, the little one, kikiriki, or whatever else my co-guides might call me. I grew up in Cyprus, and I love my job more than anything because it fills my days with happiness. I also love sunny mornings, bikes, un caffe macchiato (or two), spotlessly clean bicycle cassettes, brunello di montalcino, Italians, history, chess, all my shoes, traveling, happy people, good energy and big smiles! This spring I will be guiding in bella Toscana. I can’t wait to share the life and culture of Tuscany with all my guests. Once you arrive here, the clock stops ticking and time is measured by the number of coffees you’ve had. I could go on and on about Tuscany, its vineyards, sunsets, architecture and stories. But best of all is the people. Tuscany would not be the same without Zimmi, who makes the best pizza in his century-old wood burning oven. Nor without senior Alexandro, who lets me taste all the gelato I could eat for free. Or Ilaria, with her charming accent who knows wine better than anyone in the village. It is because of these people that Tuscany holds such a special place in my heart! For these reasons, I am excited to share this place with my guests and invite them to experience Tuscany like I get to year after year.”

 
 
 

Rebecca Falls

Asheville to Highlands
June 12-17, 2016

 
“I started with Trek Travel as a guide in 2004, right after graduating from the University of Alabama. Over the past 12 years, this job has taken me to some amazing places and introduced me to some incredible people, many of whom I count among my closest friends. Almost five years ago I moved to Asheville, North Carolina. This is a place I have wanted to live since the first time I came to visit, as a college sophomore, working a summer job as a raft guide on a nearby river. I love the roads, trails and the vibe of this great little city so much, so it was a special honor to get to design our new Asheville-based trip and to have the opportunity to show my adopted hometown to Trek Travel guests. Do you like to ride bikes to beautiful places? Drink beer? Kick back and watch a very interesting world go by? You’ll love Asheville. I’m excited to be here guiding this season and hope to see some familiar faces on the trips!”

 
 
 

 
 
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My earliest memory of riding a bike was pedaling my younger brother around on the back of my trike somewhere around the age of 3. I look back at pictures of us and smile. We were having fun. Although I’m older now, 51 to be exact, having fun with the people I love is still the best thing about biking.

Words by Michele Joslyn, Trek Travel Guest
 
 

 

I am married to an avid cyclist. He will bike anywhere, anytime, any season, rain or shine. It’s his passion. I am not that kind of cyclist. I am a recreational rider who prefers mild, sunny days to cold, wet ones. Long, winding trails beat busy roads any day. I ride my Trek Hybrid FX, which I’ve owned for the past 10 years. It has served me well although I am contemplating upgrading to a road bike in the future. I’ve lived in Madison, Wisconsin for the past 18 years. The bike trails are endless and riding can be a leisurely outing or a more challenging adventure, depending on my mood. The best rides always include family, friends, great conversation, and time for stops along the way.

A four day Vermont bike trip back in 1992 was my first official cycling vacation. The brochures promised dairy farms, green pastures, and rolling hills, with a stop at Ben and Jerry’s. I grew up in Louisiana and moved to Chicago after college–both very flat. Vermont has hills. Big hills. Let me say that I truly enjoy hiking. I love a good climb in my boots, my feet firmly on the ground. I’ve hiked mountains out east, out west, and even in Patagonia. However, Vermont taught me that hiking uphill and riding uphill are two very different activities. I didn’t like climbing on a bike. It was hard. Coasting down was a different story, my reward after reaching the top. Biking and hiking have one thing in common though–you are right there in the middle of your surroundings with nothing blocking your view. I loved riding past cows, old barns, farms and green pastures, and the ice cream wasn’t bad either. That was the beginning.

I’ve enjoyed several Trek Travel trips over the years that have motivated me to live a healthier lifestyle and become a stronger rider. The San Juan Islands was the first adventure (kids and grandparents included). I’ve also been to Southern France and Puglia, Italy. All three destinations allowed me to explore beautiful parts of the world, meet amazing new friends, and learn more about myself with each journey.
 
 

 
 
My San Juan experience taught me that I love active family vacations, particularly ones that I don’t have to organize. Just show up with all family members accounted for and the rest is taken care of. The guides are awesome–patient, encouraging, supportive, fun, and they plan every detail! France helped me realize I didn’t have to be a cycling enthusiast to wear the gear. Those padded shorts actually make riding more comfortable. Somewhere on that trip I heard that clip-in pedals help with hills. That was something for me to consider. Upon returning home I decided I was ready for official bike shorts and clip-in shoes. The first time out I fell and broke my arm, but I didn’t give up. I biked home with my broken arm, one handed as the sun was setting, confirming I’m resilient. And I haven’t broken anything since.
 
 

 
 
I was excited about Puglia. I had never been to Italy and I did my research. I knew there would be hills but also olive groves, ancient stone walls along quiet country roads, and a coastline like no other. I trained with my clip-ins. Italy would be my first bike trip riding with them. The trip was in April which meant preparing during a Wisconsin winter. I rode outside on my own several times a week. The cold weather combined with disc issues in my lower back made biking uncomfortable. I needed to find a solution because Puglia and the beautiful Adriatic coast were calling. I had a professional bike fitting at Trek (which I highly recommend) and wore appropriate winter gear. Riding became more enjoyable so I trained more. I made it up those hills in Puglia. Not first or second, but at my own pace, and I loved every spectacular sight along the way.

I came home from Italy more excited about being on two wheels than ever before. I now ride regularly with a group of friends in Madison. We explore different trails and quiet roads while solving the world’s problems, encouraging each other, and laughing a lot along the way. For me cycling isn’t about being first to the finish or pushing myself to achieve some extreme goal. It’s about pedaling through life with the people I love, riding fast enough not to tip over, and slow enough to enjoy the journey. It works for me.