Doing some relatively last minute research on a possible European (considering France, Italy, Spain) cycling trip for late summer and wanted to gather the collective ST wisdom on which tour operators are of high quality. From referrals and online research, the three that pop up are Backroads, DuVine Cycling & Adventure and Trek Travel. Does anyone have experience with any of these or others? Since this is a special trip, we would likely splurge and go the luxury route if there are multiple options (as it appears there are with some of them). My wife is a good athlete, but not a regular cyclist (yet!), so we will need to at least partially base our decision on a tour that offers an option for some more moderate riding. Thanks for any thoughts. . .
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Re: European cycling tour suggestions? [intransition]
[ In reply to ]
haven't worked with any of the operators, but i live and tour in europe! i think you'll find that almost all the commerical operators offer pretty casual paces and moderate daily mileage. they also invariably drive sag and will carry gear for you, so you're freed up to 'just ride!' in your wife's case i'd say the big issue would be comfort rather than fitness - spend lots on buying some really great shorts, chamois butter, and so on.
-mike
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https://lshtm.academia.edu/MikeCallaghan
http://howtobeswiss.blogspot.ch/
-mike
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https://lshtm.academia.edu/MikeCallaghan
http://howtobeswiss.blogspot.ch/
Re: European cycling tour suggestions? [iron_mike]
[ In reply to ]
iron_mike wrote:
haven't worked with any of the operators, but i live and tour in europe! i think you'll find that almost all the commerical operators offer pretty casual paces and moderate daily mileage. they also invariably drive sag and will carry gear for you, so you're freed up to 'just ride!' in your wife's case i'd say the big issue would be comfort rather than fitness - spend lots on buying some really great shorts, chamois butter, and so on. -mike
Thanks for the response. Yes, all of the operators I listed do offer sag wagons and haul everything, so we will get her set with some good cycling gear and get some solid rides in this summer. I am interested from those who may have taken similar tours how any of the listed operators (or others) were in terms or reliability, quality of accommodations, friendliess of guides, etc. I'll keep digging elsewhere as well. . .
Re: European cycling tour suggestions? [intransition]
[ In reply to ]
Girona/Costa Brava Spain. OMG - incredible riding. The pros go there for a reason. There is a 32km stretch of road along the rolling Costa Brava (riding distance from Girona) that is the most beautiful I have ever seen and I have travelled all over the world.
Re: European cycling tour suggestions? [intransition]
[ In reply to ]
Check out Andy Hampsten's company Chingale (sp?) or Ingamba. Ingamba is based in Tuscany.
Kevin
http://kevinmetcalfe.dreamhosters.com
My Strava
Kevin
http://kevinmetcalfe.dreamhosters.com
My Strava
Re: European cycling tour suggestions? [nslckevin]
[ In reply to ]
Check out Thompson http://www.thomsonbiketours.com/index.html I have heard good things about them.
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Re: European cycling tour suggestions? [intransition]
[ In reply to ]
Here is another option.
I haven't been on one of their tours yet, but have heard nothing but great things from a very reliable source.
http://www.cobblesandcorks.com/
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Cervelo P3 / Flo 60/90
RTA Nation
I haven't been on one of their tours yet, but have heard nothing but great things from a very reliable source.
http://www.cobblesandcorks.com/
==================
Cervelo P3 / Flo 60/90
RTA Nation
A friend of mine has done two in Italy with inGamba and highly recommends them. Sorry, don't know specifics and I've never been to Europe.