Biking is my favorite form of travel — I love the perfect pace — not to fast, not too slow to be able to really be in the moment — being outside with no window or barrier, going through villages and neighborhoods you would not likely see traveling by car, bus or train, being able to stop and admire the view. And I love at the end of the day, feeling both physically accomplished and exhilarated, with the endorphins sparking.
You feel you are an active participant in your surroundings, not a mere spectator. All your senses are activated. In decades of travel, the experiences I cherish most include riding the biketours. Bike trips have become so popular, they have veered far from the humdrum into the heretofore unimaginable. There is hardly any place in the world where you cannot explore on two-wheels hybrid, road bikes, gravel bikes, e-bikes , where there are not guided trips, or self-guided trips where you rent the bike, have vouchers for accommodations, and your luggage is picked up and magically appears at the next inn, much easier now with Ride GPS and similar apps.
Also, e-bikes have opened a world and extended your years in the saddle — you no longer have to be afraid when the ride is rated a 4, with major hills. Also, whether you are a family, a couple, a group of friends, or traveling solo as I do , bike tours are ideal. Here are some recommendations:.
Wilderness Voyageurs has a huge selection of offerings, especially trips that take advantage of rail-trails the company is based along the Great Allegheny Passage in Ohiopyle, PA. It also offers gravel bike tours and two itineraries in Cuba. The trips are well marked for their ability, and the guides, accommodations and meals are superb. Level 2-easier to intermediate, new departure Sept.
Discovery Bicycle Tours, which I traveled with on their marvelous Maine Coast and their Eastern Quebec Townships trips, provides excellent value for what is high luxury inns, dining — including bike rentals, even e-bikes, in the cost.
