They are not races, but try telling the riders that! Here we take a close look at these exciting and popular events.

In the past if you wanted to pit yourself against other riders you had to enter a race and this meant you had to join a team, get a race license and then send in your entry and hope that the race wasn’t full.

Now there is an alternative to all that “red tape” and thousands of riders are putting themselves on the start line and are raring to have a go at some of the most testing roads all over the world.

Who Rides Them?

Great Views

Sportif, Fondo or Marcha, they are all the same and they are all on testing courses, they are not races, but professionals, ex-pro’s and top amateurs will enter, but there are also riders, and teams, that base their season solely on riding these great (races) events.

Probably 90% of the riders are competing against themselves, the mountains, the elements or their ride mates, in the end they are for anyone who thinks they are fit enough to manage some of the sports legendary roads.

The big events get in excess of 4,000 riders; in the Etape 8,000 will ride. these are riders who want more excitement than they can get from a normal Sunday run or even a basic road race, they are big events.

Some are organized by the same organizations that run the top races in Europe, for instance, the Tour de France runs the Etape du Tour and the Legend of the Tour rides, these are based on different Tour stages, the Etape will use the same road as a stage of the current Tour de France and the Legend will go over a “Classic” stage from the Tours past and who of us would not love to pretend to be a Tour rider for one day?

• In Italy the Tour of Lombardy organize a Fondo on that most famous of courses.

• In Belgium you could ride the Tour of Flanders,
  
• then there is Paris-Roubaix in France
  
• and in Spain you could ride the Pedro Delgado Marcha in Segovia,

there are many legends to discover on the roads…

Sportif Riders

What Does It Cost?

In the European races the average entry fee is around 25 Euros (approx 38 U.S. dollars), bet when you sign on you receive a bag of bit and pieces that you would pay much more for, including energy bars, clothing, bottles, drinks etc.

The prize list is also great, well for those who finish near the front, but there are prizes for different categories also, so if you ride hard you can be in the money.

There is a series of French races that the first prize is 10,000 Euros and a set of top Mavic wheels, in Spain its normal to win a carbon frame or a group set in many events, for the Italian series there is a car for the best overall rider, but most people are just out for a good, hard day and the prizes are not the reason for being there.

You need to have a license for the season or you can pay a little more for the day, which is great if you are only wanting to ride a couple, insurance is also a must, just incase of any mishaps.

Ride Profile

What are the Events Like?

Easy answer is look at any classic professional race and that is the course you will be riding. The big events start the riders in waves as there are so many riders, if you are a novice rider you will be near the back and have to work your way forward through the day, but as you show that you are a good rider you will be seeded further forward and if you are a top rider you will be starting at the front which is safer and you can see where you are going.

Even though up to 8,000 riders line up, you will end up in a group of riders of similar ability as yourself and even be on your own.

Cycling Pyrenees

Let’s face it on some of the climbs used you will be in a world of your own anyway. For example the Marmotte in France crosses the Croix de Fer and then finishes at the top of L’Alp d’Huez, you will not be riding up these mammoths and having a conversation with your ride partners!

Lots of Riders

Do you have to be Fit?

Yes, you cant just get the bike out of the garage and think “I’ll ride a Fondo tomorrow” you have to prepare, we are talking of long and hard, tough events that you need to plan ahead for, train like a Pro, well a keen amateur at least, with long rides and if you are riding a mountainous event then lots of climbing training.

Your food and drink is also important, you receive energy drinks and bars from the event organizers, but you must look after yourself and make sure you don’t miss a feed zone.

Climbing

Why Do It?

Because they are great fun, you meet lots of like minded people and you get to ride like a Pro on the some of the Monuments of the road race world.

Those are the best and top rides, but there will be one nearer you, that will not have as many starters, wont go over an Alp and best of all it might have a shorter version on the same day, so that you can start on an easier course.

Check out your local bike shop, cycling club or newspaper/web-site for information on a Fondo near you. They are lots of hard fun, you will make lots of new fiends and you can pretend to be a Professional for the day.

Go on give it a go!

It’s Not Easy!

Photo’s thanks to Velo Magazine (France) and ASO l’Etape du Tour.

If time is limited to two weeks or less and it so often is, then this city should be seen with perhaps a side trip to the countryside. Florence is busy but does have bike lanes and pedestrian paths.

It tends to be a better trip in the spring and fall but museum hopping at least is good in the winter too.

Equipment

I’m going to further to suggest that the first thing that should be done on the bicycle tour of Italy is hook up with a good bike shop. I’m going to strongly suggest Bike Florence (www.bikeflorence.com).

I’ve looked at a lot of these shops in a lot of locations and this one seems to have a really good selection.

They even have city bike rentals for the shorter in town paths which are of great interest to visitors to the beautiful city of Florence. Additionally they offer a bike purchase with buy back option for those who would rack up a lot of rental fees otherwise.

Tuscany landscape

Tour Tuscany

It’s possible to start a tour from the area of Florence (Firenze) and bike through the roadways of Tuscany to the Mediterranean Sea shore and then loop back north see the Pisa area and return to Florence. This would be especially advantageous for the traveler who is accompanied by an art lover who doesn’t want to leave Florence.

This is a strenuous route for the well conditioned mountain rider although a hybrid or even racing bike might be a better choice. Count on about four days to a week to travel this route depending on how avid your tendency to sightsee.

It is about 200 miles (320 km) from Florence (Firenze) looping south to Grosseto back up the coast to Pisa and returning to the starting point. Take S429 over rolling hills through Tavarnelle, Poggibonsi, and Monteriggioni. The hills will become more strenuous leading to San Dalmazio. Watch for the signs leading to Sienna avoiding the major roads.

Continue toward Grosseto on either S223 or S73. Catch S1 toward the coast. Stay with the road through Cecima, Livorno and on to Pisa. Enjoy the sights awhile in Pisa; they have a tower that leans. Continue on S12 into the area of Lucca. Follow S435 through Montecatini, Terme, Pistoia, Prato and the back to Florence.

For those with less enthusiasm for riding in the hills a trip which leads only to Sienna and back to Florence would take 88 miles (140 km) roundtrip on route S429. Take two days or longer for the trip allowing for some sightseeing.

This will be less strenuous and will lead through the Chianti district. This is the picturesque agricultural region famous for wine and olives.

Sienna has plenty to see, great places to eat and good accommodations.

The famous bridge in Florence, where people practise free fall diving

What to See: Florence

I’ll leave you to your own devices to find your way around Florence. There are numerous sources of tourist information. My tour book lists four pages of shopping interests alone so….

Let’s just say that art is in the eye of the beholder. Here’s hoping that everyone finds time to enjoy the art of the Early (Donatello ca. 1386-1466), High (Botticelli ca.1444-1510), and Late (Michelangelo ca.1475-1564) Renaissance.

This is where it all happened and is one of the most important places on earth for fine art.

Montpulciano in Siena

Sight Seeing: Siena

These two cities, Siena and Florence were rivals during the medieval times. Italy was at the time run by competing rival families–the source of much of the plot of Romeo and Juliet. Siena is still in a physical condition similar to that of its medieval history. Touring it would give a pretty good aid to the imagination trying to place Shakespeare in context.

These might be a good starting point to exploring Sienna:

• Duomo, west of Piazza del Campo, the Italian approach to Gothic architecture.
• July 2 and August 16 catch the 700 year old horse race–Palio.
• Pinacoteca Nationale, art gallery highlighting local artists.
• Palazzo Pubblico has been the local town hall since the 1300′s.
• Wine tasting in this very old and expert Chianti vineyards region.

Colorado is naturally endowed with rock cliffs, wild flowers, paleantological and archeological treasures. It is recently enhanced with mountain bike trails too numerous to mention. Volumes have been written on the subject.

The Southwestern part of the state is the particular favorite of mountain bikers. Towns like Crested Butte, Durango, Gunnison, and Telluride are trail rich meccas for mountain bikes. These towns are also becoming ever more popular with tourists.

The Colorado Trail

The Colorado Trail Foundation of Golden

The most notable bike path in the state and probably one of the longest in the country is the Colorado Trail. This is largely the result of volunteer efforts and was begun in a grass roots effort to celebrate the state’s Centennial. This 470 mile (752 km) trail was completed in 1987 and cuts a rough diagonal across the state from Denver to Durango. It is broken up by six wilderness areas which do not allow mountain bikes.

Extensive information on this route and its smaller segments can be obtained from The Colorado Trail Foundation of Golden, Colorado. Basically, this trail starts in the Rampart Range South of Denver and heads west just south of the KenoshaMountains. It continues to wind north of the MosquitoRange to the south of Vail. It wraps south to pass west of Leadville then east of Aspen.

Then the Colorado Trail parallels the SawatchRange staying east of Gunnison and west of Salida. It veers south and west above the Cochetopa Hills.Staying north of Creede and the San Juan Mountains the trail continues south of Ouray and Silverton. Finally, the Colorado Trail Curls east of the LaplataMountains and south to Durango.

The Colorado trail is probably best divided into smaller tours or segments of out and back rides. It does serve the purpose of sampling the variety of grades as well as flora and fauna which change dramatically throughout the state. It is possible for an extremely well conditioned rider to complete the tour in one gulp–say the month of July for instance. A nice easy going one month schedule would allow for a fair amount of site seeing.

The most common hazards along the way will include lightening, hypothermia, dehydration and critters.

Compare Colorado’s Past and Present

Here’s a thought. Do a little looking around in Denver for a leisurely view of this state’s largest and most contemporary city. Then when the full 470 miles have been ridden take a detour to MesaVerdeNational Park about 35 miles (56 km) west of trail’s end in Durango.

It is a pretty good contrast between the vibrant city to the north end of the Colorado Trail and the ancient ruins of the city near Cortez.Mesa Verde includes 3500 sites spread over 80 miles (128 km) of terrain. It was in use from AD 550 to 1300. These two sight seeing excursions would be a good contrast between Colorado’s ancient Native American cultures and its contemporary society.

Always Travel Well Equipped

If you are planning this sort of trip then I won’t insult you with a description of the kind of equipment or gear that you’ll need along this trail. I will suggest you bring the following:

• Manners! This is a culturally diverse area (both Ute and Navajo reservations exist near Mesa Verde). Some tension exists between traditional ranching and the burgeoning tourist trade. Further tension can occur between the various tourists and their favorite sports. Share trails and respect the others using them. This is especially true with horses. Animals spook easily and can be hard to calm. Additionally, when taking highway routes stay to the farthest possible right of traffic. Lots of RV trailers here can’t stop on a dime.
• Extremely good mountain bike conditioning. There are many mountains in excess of 14,000 feet throughout this area of the Rocky Mountains. Cling to marked trails because there are many opportunities for disaster othe rwise. This is very rugged terrain.
• An awareness of the local climate. It snows as late as June and as early as September. Many roads are closed to all traffic as early as October.

• Lots of cash. Mountain biking won’t cost anything; everything else will. There are gourmet restaurants and five star accommodations in surprisingly remote areas. Tiny towns have bike shops and mechanics. Colorado has become the play ground of the rich and famous. Prices reflect that fact.

The reality is that it is cute and rustic. Not really all that different from its image though. Its human year round population is just over 600,000. There are considerably more people when tourists are counted in winter.

Vermont Mountain Bike Trails

Vermont is, of course, known for its popularity as a skiing destination. Happily for mountain bikers these ski resorts have begun to offer their trails for use from June through mid-October to bicycles. After the winter snows melt there is a spring that the locals call mud season. This roughly equates to March through May. After this soggy season has ended bicycling, hiking and auto touring are attracting at least as many visitors as skiing traditionally did.

Worthwhile mountain bike trails in Vermont

The most popular ski resort area is Stowe, a small village located near Vermont’s highest peak, the 4,393 feet summit of Mount Mansfield. This is the location of the 5.5 mile (8.8 km) Stowe Recreation Path. A pastoral trail which leads from Stowe to Mt.Mansfield. This is suitable for most mountain bikers with good basic conditioning.

Here’s a short list of these mountain bike friendly resorts:

• MountSnowMountainBikeCenter
• StrattonMountain Resort
• Sugarbush Resort
• Killington
• JayPeak Resort

Inn to Inn Touring

Much of the state has gently rolling green terrain. Farm houses and barns dot this landscape and provide bike tours of unparalleled beauty. Early summer through fall are fairly good months weather wise. Vermont’s mountains are on average far lower elevations than those of the Rocky Mountains or the Southern Appalachians. This makes the skill level required much lower. It also reduces the risk from high altitude disease.

Hundreds of bed and breakfast inns are scattered liberally throughout Vermont and companies have developed to cater to those who plan to bike from inn to inn. This is probably the best way that you can enjoy Vermont. Inn prices are as low as or lower than other types of lodging. There is comparatively little traffic and summer has moderate weather. Fall is early and in September the views are brilliantly hued. This may be one of the most relaxing bike touring regions in the nation.

The following cater to this segment of the bicycle touring crowd:

• Bike Vermont of Woodstock, Vt. Contact at www.bikevt.com
• Bike Tours of Vermont Contact at www.pomgbike.com
• Bicycle Holidays. Contact at 1-800-292-5388.
• Cycle-Inn-Vermont of Ludlow, Vt. offers advice from the inn owners.

Rails to Trails Paved Bike Trails

Custom made for vacation or weekend biking there is the perfect trail for most skill levels. It is very near the Canadian border in the locale of Jay’s Peak. Wintry weather is likely late in spring and early in fall. The view makes even short use of the trail worthwhile but those in better condition will appreciate the 26.4 mile (42.24km) trail. Excluding motorized vehicles, the abandoned rail road beds are a valuable resource. Leading from Richford to St. Albans is the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail.
Another 34 mile (54.4 km) rails to trails path is the D&H Recreation Trail leading 20 miles (32km) from Castleton to West Rupert continuing through New YorkState.

Vermont Sight Seeing

Sights are everywhere in Vermont. Everything is historic. But here are a few must see locations:

• Any of Vermont’s 110 covered bridges. These are clearly marked on state maps.
• The Shelburne Museum located 6 miles (9.6 km) south of Burlington. This is a large museum with both an American folk art collection and works by Rembrandt, Monet, Winslow Homer and Mary Cassatt. Also this museum has extensively landscaped grounds with several buildings.
• Shelburne Farms is used as a bed and breakfast in summer months with over 1,000 acres this 110 room house is an over the top accommodation
• Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Basin Harbor honors Vermont’s sea faring traditions.
• Horses, cows and llamas (80 farms dedicated to this wool bearing animal statewide) are ubiquitous.

Equipment

I’m going to suggest a touring bike to see the sights. Upright handle bars, fenders, metal baskets, panniers, luggage racks, comfortable seats and a little bell! None of these things is very fashionable but they are practical for sight seeing.

The mountain bikes used at the ski resorts serve their purpose but aren’t necessary for the inn to inn or the rails to trails rider. Renting bikes for these less demanding purposes is probably more practical. Shipping a bike on the plane or train is possible but expensive and more hassle than necessary.

Take On A Cycle Circuit For Your Whole Family

Cycling represents a red-hot sport where not only grownups love, but youngsters are really involved therein sport also.  Because cycling can be a right time for the whole family, why do not check into a wheel tour while a vacation?

In that respect are several companies that offering such service to families and they’ve locations all over the globe.

What a cycle circuit For The Family Could Look Like

A significant first step to getting a bike circuit for the house is to settle parties that provide these bundles.  Searching on th web is truly among the speediest and lightest ways to settle parties.

When you’ve found parties that provide bike circuits for families, so it’s time to specify your focal point as to wherever you’d wish to move.  There are chances to see several targets all over the globe. Here it is a list to start with:

Europe

• Tuscany – Italy
• Barcelona – Spain
• Viena – Austria
• Provence – France
• Ring of Kerry – Ireland

USA

• Vermont
• Colorado
• Hawaii
• California

World

• New Zealand

In the U.S.A. there are cycle circuit companies that provide a scope of various locations.  Curious in seeing all of the places in American capital?  Why not choose a bike circuit.

These circuits integrate a wheel with a pathfinder who will bring you about the city on wheels.  These are really common circuits and frequently sell up so be sure to have your arrangements ahead of time.  A different cities besides boast bike circuits and these could be discovered on the web or by reaching cities association to get localized businesses.

Extra types of wheel circuits can let in camping in the adventure. Tent places are found with camps and all but of these parties as well provide home cooked meals while component of their bundles.

Companies allow parents a break also, since several of the parties wish get the youngsters back to the hotel or camping place and give activities for them in the good afternoon. This provides tthe parents to abide wheeling, or they can get back and delight the pool or camping area.

These parties have numerous guides with for each one group ready to help with kids.  These guides are buried and are extraordinary with children.

Thither are several activates extended to the kids and once more parents are much welcome to have their children to site look or get aback to the tents with their children.

In add-on to wheeling, a few parties offer bushwalking, rafting, rock climb and extra activities in their agendas.  Every of these actions bring a really complete and well rounded vacation that will be recalled for a real lifelong time.

“A cycle circuit is a direction to give a unforgettable vacation for your whole family.”

Things You Need To Take On A Biking Trip
A List Of Items To Carry On your Next Tour

Bike tours are kind of cycle holidays that mean using bicycles to cover a few tracks in a diverse locale. Most of these sorts of cycle circuits range about numerous days depending on wherever the bike circuits are placed and the tracks that are accessible in the localisation.

The full term bike circuits as well apply to particular cases which take an huge group of bikers who circuit particular areas. These sorts of circuits are like contests that can last much than 10 days. The Tour de Langkawi  and also the Tour de France come under this sorting of circuits.

Let us center on cycle circuits that imply the biker getting out on their own or with a buddy to cross tracks about another locales for the absolute delectation of it. These sorts of circuits are most well done in a group or with somebody since getting out on one’s own could be risky and reckless, particularly in foreign nations.

Sorts Of Bike Tours

Touring on your bike could fall into numerous types, like light touring. This sort of touring doesn’t demand taking camping equipment and extra food stuffs since the biker wish be ending at inns or hostels to rest and feed there. The bikers financial provision or credit card is indispensable in this type of traveling.

This is extremely common in European Union and could be made alone:

Barcelona in Spain, The Tuscany in Italy, The Provence in France, and the tour along the Danube river Austria are the most that people like.

We have covered all these tour on our bicycle tours section… just have fun reading them.

Additional types of bike circuits are high loaded touring and excursion traveling. Both types of circuits mean packing a reasonable number of equipment for the bikers endurance. These bike circuits can carry on for as long since the biker would like to and can be made all over the globe.

The last sort of traveling is named supported  touring. This means getting a back-up vehicle also as a kind of team to follow the bikers as they cross the routes.

Bike circuits of this type typically require numerous bikers and can as well be carried for numerous days or to a particular goal. This can personify an entertaining family expedition of a trial course for a serious challenger, like on bike rides.

Equipment For bike Tours

In almost bike circuits that last numerous days, light camping gear is required for the biker to subsist. Foods can be bought in the local food market but the implies to prepare the food is essential equipment.

A camp is as well an essential whenever you’ve no purpose of sleeping in an inn or hostel.

Most routes in Spain are on the main roads, but the eastern coast has a lot less traffic than the rest of Spain. Also cycling is very popular here, so be prepared to share the road with fellow riders.

Portbou to La Bisbal

Begin your journey right on the border of Spain and France in the small touristy fishing town of Portbou.Visitors come to Portbou to enjoy the sunshine, price difference of goods that are more expensive in France and the beaches.There is also a train station in town so you can catch a ride in to start your journey.

The trip from Portbou to La Bisbal is best done by the more experienced cyclists as it is somewhat long coming in around 48 miles (77 km), and is a mix of flat and hilly land.Be aware that you will have a couple of steep climbs. Those who want to take it slow can reach La Bisbal in about 3 days, this includes sightseeing. Those with more experience could make it to La Bisbal in 1 day.

small costa brava village along the tour

Starting in Portbou get on N260 heading south, at 6.8 miles out (11 km) you hit the small town of Colera.South of Colera is a steep climb that ends with a drop in the town of Llanca, from Llanca pass through the BarrenMountains.The second peak of the mountains is the 14.3 miles (23 km) mark. From here to La Bisbal you should have flat farmland.

If you want to make a stop before La Bisbal try Figueres, the approximate half way point between Portbou and La Bisbal. Here you can enjoy the Salvador Dali Museum and find a place to rest at the Youth Hostel, a local hotel or the campgrounds.

Leave Figueres on the National Road South.About 1.8 miles (3 km) out you should see a turnoff for C252 on the left.Take it and keep on it until you hit La Bisbal. While in La Bisbal you can tour the Terracotta-Pottery Museum and admire some of the work of the local pottery master craftsmen.Also in town is the Episcopal Castle built in the mid 11th century considered important for its architecture.

Stay in the Hotel Castell d’Emporda and experience what its like to live in a real castle.

La Bisbal to Barcelona

Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

You can head down to Barcelona from La Bisbal in about 61 miles (98 km).Barcelona is over 2,000 years old and a wonderful place to end your tour of Eastern Spain. It has an active cultural life with lots of Salsa dancing, the Rambla and Boqueria market, Palau de la Musica Catalana with its evening concerts and the Picasso Museum.

Leave La Bisbal on C252 heading south. The land should remain flat and farmed as you pass through the towns of Verges, Ultramort and onto Vulpellac. Before you get to Vulpellac you should cross over the DaroRiverBridge and make a transition to C255. From Vulpellac head into Palamos which has campgrounds 2.5 miles (4 km) out of the city.

Leaving Palamos head south to S Feliu de Guixols and get on C682, on this winding road just outside of S Feliu is the 26.8 mile (43 km) mark.Pass through the towns of Tossa de Mar, Lloret de Mar, and Blanes. Blanes is a good spot to stop and have lunch while visiting the ruins of a Roman castle.After leaving Blanes merge with N11 and follow it the rest of the 36.8 miles (59 km) into Barcelona.This road is easier than the past hilly regions but there is traffic so be careful.

On the rest of the way to Barcelona you’ll pass through Calella, Canet de Mar, Arenys de Mar, and you pass by Mataro, just before Barcelona you’ll pass through Badalona.

You’ll get into Barcelona just in time to look for a place to stay for the evening. There are hotels in the Gothic Quarter that offer interesting architecture for the sight seers but lack some modern amenities. Most hotels in Barcelona run an average of 80 to 150 Euros a night for two people; however you can find a couple that run about 50 to 80 Euros.

Majestic and the Eurostar Grand Marina Hotel that run over 225 Euros a night.

Marina Folch in Barceloneta and the Paseo de Gracia on Eixample Blvd run about 50 to 80 Euros.

Gran Via on Eixample Blvd and Jardi perched over the Placa del Pi in the OldCity are from 80 to 150 Euros.

Typhical Joshua road

Each of these is found in a specialized ecosystem which is preserved by the parks and forestry service. It just so happens that taking a bike and car tour of these will result in covering a pretty good area of California.

The Parks and Their Trees

About 100 miles northeast of San Diego is the Joshua Tree National Park–an arid desert. The park is visited by one million people every year.

Mountain bikes are welcome on unpaved paths but not off trail. Ruts from nearly anything become permanent features to this landscape. Twenty-nine miles (46.4 km) of recently developed mountain bike trails are not yet open but may be soon. This enormous park is often over 100 degrees and provides no drinking water. About 1 gallon per person per day is needed and 2 gallons is better for active pursuits. It must be brought in with your other gear. Dehydration can kill very quickly in this low humidity. Watch out for desert critters. Snakes, spiders and scorpions can get in your tent or shoes.

nice view from the Yosemite valley

Circumnavigate the Los Angeles traffic. Travel back to I-5 and head north to route 99. Travel to Tulare and veer onto route 63 until route 198 is reached. Turn left and follow to the SequoiaNational Park, home of the largest living thing on earth– the General Sherman Tree. From there take a northerly route through Yosemite–location of the largest water fall in North America. Return to I -5 and follow to Route 20 and backtrack along highway 1 and 101 to Mendocino. After a look at this slice of New England on the west coast follow along the coast to explore the Redwoods. One of the places you’ll pass through is Eureka, with 100 or more Victorian buildings heralding back to the mid-nineteenth century gold rush.

The Redwoods are to be found in four separate parks; three of them are state and one is federal. There are 50,000 acres of these giants which create an awe inspiring affect. Mountain bikes are used here. Be bear cautious in these mountain parks. Don’t carry food on your person unless absolutely needed. Never, ever feed a bear. The parks service once had the motto “Leave only footprints”. They now prefer that you don’t. Make no impact at all on this environment.

Riding through the giants

It would probably be better to view each of these three main trees as separate trips. Still, if inclined to make one vacation out of exploring the ancient trees of California; it can be done. It’s about 600 miles (960 km) drive from San Diego to Redwood National Park so this is a trip that will take many days just to drive. After allowing for some mountain biking it could take two weeks at a steady and rapid pace to see the whole area.

Bike Tours

California has varied riding conditions and terrains. Its many communities have a number of bike riding clubs which keep current lists of paths and their conditions. These are the best source for information in each area of the state. A quick Google of the subject should be enough to find contacts who will help with planning tours in any part.

It would probably be better to visit each of these three main tree habitats as separate trips. If inclined to make one vacation out of exploring the ancient trees of California; it can be done. It’s about 600 miles (960 km) drive from San Diego to Redwood National Park and hundreds more to drive to Joshua and Yosemite. This is a trip that will take many days just to drive. After allowing for some mountain biking it could take two weeks at a steady pace to see the whole area.

Equipment

• Picking the proper highway vehicle will be as important as picking the mountain bike for this trip. A six or eight cylinder heavy four wheel drive is best. Perfect breaks, charged-up air conditioning and functioning heater are important. RV’s or trailers can’t be maneuvered over many of the roads in Northern California.

• Snow in spring and fall are common in these northern mountains. Chains or spikes may be needed for tires. These ancient trees are located in extremely rugged wilderness conditions. Check weather and highway conditions; equip accordingly.

Sun screen and zinc oxide may be as important as a helmet in southern California. A light gauze or sheer layer of clothing may feel cooler than bare skin and will offer some sun protection. Wear absorbent and loose fibers.

The plantation days of Hawaii are largely historic as tourism has replaced growing as the major industry. The upside of this is that although expensive most needs can be met for a price.

Where to Tour in Hawaii

Most helpful of all possible resources is the website established by the state itself. Na Ala Hele is Hawaii’s Trail and Access system. Their website can be found via the www.eHawaii.gov web page which should be the first stop in vacation planning. The Na Ala Hele website is www.hawaiitrail.org. There are hundreds of trails detailed on this website and I highly recommend using this URL. The information includes length, difficulty level, written description, map and guide contact addresses. The state has gone to great length to make this information as detailed as possible.

Downhill to the sea

Hawaii is filled with biking activities and tours. Companies that provide biking and hotel packages offer a wide variety of services. Shuttle service from the airport, guides, equipment, bikes and some meals are typical of bicycle tour deals. Prices can vary from the no-frills pay by the hour bike rental self tours to the elaborate packages at a few thousand dollars. Make this decision well in advance and book ahead.

One unique mountain bike adventure would be cruising 37 miles downhill on Haleakala Crater, Maui’s 10,000 feet sleeping volcano. For a hefty fee at least four different companies will provide bike, equipment, meals and shuttle service to the top of the crater. The Lodge at Molokai Ranch has 53,000 acres of trails leading to the beach as well as guided tours and bike rental.

lost place perfect to ride

The Grand Tour

The Circle Island Tour of Hawaii’s biggest island is 225 miles and is described as being accessible to beginners and completed in a week’s easy riding. More information on the very many options for touring Hawaii can be found on the website www.bikehawaii.com.

Easier Tours

The Na Ala Hele system maps several bike trails that are at an easy difficulty rating. One of these on the big island of Hawaii is the 35 mile long Mauna Loa Observatory Road. The road conditions are listed as paved but not well. This trail is shared with pedestrians and four wheel drive vehicles with light traffic. It passes a Solar Observatory which is off limits to tourists. Stay on the paths. This is not an area where wandering is tolerated.

A Random Sampling of Hawaiian Sights:

• Humpback Whales from December through April. Visible from the beaches of Oahu. Sighting of many other types of whale is common all year on The Big Island’s KonaCoast
• WhaleCenter of the Pacific in Ka’anapali. WhalersVillageMuseum in Lahaina. Both Free.
• HawaiiVolcanoesNational Park is the only national park with an active volcano & rainforest.
• Many waterfalls can be viewed in the Hawaiian Islands. Some are easily reached on foot. AkakaFalls is one of the best at 442 feet tall. Located 8 miles north of Hilo, Hawaii.
• USS Arizona, Honolulu. Memorial to those who died during the Japanese bombing of Pearl HarborDecember 7, 1941. Tickets are limited and free but a crowd forms early. Hours are 7:30a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Take pictures of orchids, palm trees, sunsets, birds and tropical fish. They make great computer wallpaper for those long winter months back home.

Things to Remember:

• Hawaii has a generous system of trails but stay on them. Private property or government land adjoins many trails. These are well guarded by serious people.
• Best prices and fewest crowds can be found in late spring and fall.
• Mosquitoes carry very scary diseases. Use care in avoiding contact with them. Deep woods mosquito repellent should be applied religiously for health reasons more than comfort.
• Prices can be quite steep on the more heavily trafficked islands. Some bargain rates and even camping are to be found on others.
• It could easily take a week to enjoy each island so some tough itinerary editing will be needed for the one or two week visit.

Climate And Safety

Although rural, there aren’t any harmful snakes, rabid mammals or venomous bugs to worry about on the trail. But the intestinal parasite, giardia, may be in the water in some regions. Treat or boil drinking water in the wild.

The people of New Zealand are called “Kiwi” and are said to be friendly and law abiding. Seasons are reversed from those in North America so December, January and February are the warm months. It’s not Miami! This is a mild but sunny climate prone to wind and rain.

Climate is similar to that of the North Western United States only in opposite months. The NZ July is like the Oregon December and so on.

Take Along

Really there aren’t many things that can’t be purchased in New Zealand’s larger towns. Bringing a mountain bike can be done but it costs quite a bit to ship and rental may end up being advantageous.

This is especially true when rentals include helmet and other gear. Considering the number of things that travelers want to bring back home in the way of mementos it is probably better to pack light. A good tour book is a must have though.

Getting There

Admittedly the air travel from most destinations will be the biggest expense of any visit to New Zealand. Fly into Queenstown or Dunedin International Airports; both are served by several car rental companies, some with 4WD vehicles.

Taxi service and limousine rental are also found here. It may also be possible to use bus service to your accommodations. Check these bus services when planning your trip:

• InterCity Coachlines. www.intercitycoach.co.nz
• Atomic Shuttles. www.atomictravel.co.nz
• KnightRider Bus Service and Bottom Bus also offer limited service in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Train service is also available. The Queenstown-Dunedin Track & Trail can provide reasonably priced touring.

Check their website www.transportplace.co.nz for fares and times.

International Travelers Information

Generally people from Australia, Europe, North America, South East Asia and Japan don’t need a visa to travel in New Zealand.

Most items of food can be brought in but honey or other bee products are not allowed. Products made from endangered animals are also disallowed. And of course, they drive on the opposite side of the road. NZ uses a dollar rather than the euro and the U.S. dollar spends about fifty percent better there than it does in North America. Exchange it first, though.

Rail Trails of New Zealand

The Otago Central Rail Trail starts in Clyde and ends in Middlemarch. There are 68 bridges along the path.

Lights will be needed in the two tunnels along the path. It runs between the Dunstan Mountains and the Raggedy Range.

It circles North Rough Ridge and proceeds through the Maniototo Plains. The entire region is punctuated with rock formations and breathtaking views. Bed and breakfasts are found in nearby towns as are motels, restaurants and bike rentals.

The Little River Rail Trail reopened for recreational use on May 28, 2006 from Motukarara to Caton’s Bay Reserve. This trail is in an area of extreme biodiversity.

Sight Seeing

• Taieri Gorge Vintage Steam Train runs between Dunedin and Pukerangi. The train can be ridden from Dunedin to Middlemarch and the mountain bike Otago Central Rail Trail taken to Clyde.

• St. Clair Beach near Dunedin. The west end is the location of a heated and restored historic nineteenth century salt water/chlorine pool. St. Clair and nearby Brighton are also surfing beaches.

• Wildlife including the yellow-eyed penguins, little blue penguins, albatross, 13 varieties of sharks, and many others are seen along the Otago Peninsula.

• New Zealand Marine Studies Centre and Aquarium at Portobello is part of the University of Otago and is open to the public for a reasonable fee.

• Several wineries have sprung up in the fertile soil and perfect weather conditions of New Zealand. Many have tours. The Grape Escape and Central Otago Wine Trails offer tours of Central area wineries.