Challenging bicycling vacations
Tours & vacations in 2018 & 2019

Memorable parts? Cycling up Mont Ventoux. Wow! Its tough, very tough, but worth the effort. Particularly nice to have a really fabulous hotel at the bottom to relax afterwards. Tips? Do try to make the initial meeting with the local rep. We didn't and there were a few issues - for example some of our dinner arrangements - that it would have been better to iron out before they became issues. We were a bit disappointed that we weren't warned in advance that the meeting with the local... (more)Jane Frank

Memorable parts? Every day with new discoveries of Costa Rica, beautiful cycling experience, local tour leader Memo and his fantastic crew member Luís and Ronald, and variety of vacation experience in two weeks made this vacation the best I've ever been. Tips? Be prepared for rice and beans three times a day for two weeks ;) Local benefits? Yes, absolutely, in all the trips (including optional) I felt that local people were supported in their business, be it a local restaurant... (more)Agne Bajoriniene

Memorable parts? Each and every day held it's own memorable moment. The beauty of remote, empty beaches, the fragrant miles of orange groves, incredible views from empty castles, the grueling but worthwhile slog up to Monchique, followed by the exhilarating descent....it was all good! Tips? Make sure you know the difference between the routes. One is mostly coastal and the day's distances and climbs are short. The other includes inland detours and mountains, and the distances are... (more)Greg Liebman

Memorable parts? There were so many memorable times. The variety and beauty of our wonderful country was a continuing delight. The views and feeling of achievement after climbing the Cross of Greet, The Lecht, The Forest of Bowland, Glenshee and many other hills were unforgettable. In contrast the feeling of freedom freewheeling down from these heights was wonderful. But apart from the actual cycling the camaraderie and mutual support which grew in the group and with our leaders, Nick... (more)Rob Nutting

Memorable parts? The experience of cycling through rural India, meeting and reacting with the local people. Even a local police sergeant bought us all breakfast when we met him one morning. Tips? A reasonable standard of fitness is required. We were a group of 9 men with ages ranging from 54yrs to 67yrs. Take a good pair of padded cycle shorts. Local benefits? We stayed at lovely boutique hotels and staff were employed from the local area. Also used local roadside stalls for... (more)Bob Stunt

Memorable parts? The whole trip was amazing. The only way to see Vietnam. Tips? Just book it - but pack carefully as you dont need too much and changing hotels most nights. Local benefits? Yes definitely Overall rating? Brilliant. (more)Belinda Sartori

The most memorable was cycling through three different terrains each with fabulous scenery in Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. Visiting the volcano at Charco Verde in Nicaragua. Swimming in the Caribbean Sea and the next day in the Pacific Ocean in Panama. (more)Jennifer Steward

Roberto the leader and the 'bike boys' were great. Very helpful and so well organised, meals, room keys, boats, all appeared exactly on cue. (more)Martin Wolverson

The most memorable was cycling through the rural parts of Sri Lanka and seeing the local people smiling and waving as we passed by. (more)Norma Luccock

Extremely good. (more)Joy Skipper

Memorable parts? Spectacular flight from Pokhara to Jomsom through the mountains, followed the next few days with biking through some quite stunning scenery in close view of the Annapurna range. Tips? Pay attention carefully to the (comprehensive) kit list supplied up front. The range of climate and temperatures over the trip was drastic, with very cold weather indeed for the first day at altitude(Muktinath) - daytime was an unusually cold for the time of year at minus 5 C on the... (more)David Ward

Memorable parts? Cycling through the majestic peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains, cooling off with a swim in refreshing waterholes, wildlife spotting in Kruger National Park. Tips? Cycle training will give you a better experience as some of the rides are quite challenging with lots of uphill. Local benefits? Yes. The trip was relatively low impact and used accommodation owned/ run by local people. Overall rating? Awesome! (more)Jennifer Steward

Great cycling. (more)Theresa Torrance

Very good...You need to be really fit for this vacation. Train beforehand as much as possible. (more)Dave Hutton

Memorable parts? The most memorable part was Carolynn and Peter's warm hospitality involving lovely food, generous amounts of good wine and cognac and lively conversation around the dinner table. Domino the dog made everyone feel loved. The road cycling is excellent due to the almost deserted roads and hilly terrain. The routes provided are easy to follow, varied and provide a good workout over the week. Tips? Be prepared to put on weight as the food and wine is abundant and hard... (more)Carol Gray

Memorable parts? Views of snow topped volcanos whilst cycling around huge lakes. Tips? It can be very cool until lunchtime. Long sleeves essential. Local benefits? Yes as we used local staff & facilities. Overall rating? Excellent itinerary. Good pace. Our guide Ernesto was particularly helpful & informative. (more)Jan Lawson

Memorable parts? The shepherd's refuge at the top of the mountain on the optional day was beautiful, and the mountains generally were lovely. Lucca was also beautiful. Tips? Train on hill climbing. The distances aren't big but there are some serious and sustained climbs! Go on the optional ride, even if you skip the climb and go in the van, it's the best scenery of the week. Local benefits? I don't know if it had much impact. Overall rating? It was a bit disappointing,... (more)Wendy Pillar