|
What
is a Road Bike Trip
The most rewarding part of our work at Western Spirit Cycling
comes from the guests themselves. They arrive the morning of their trip excited
about getting away from the phone, the e-mail, the fax, and the freeway. We
all lead such incredibly busy lives, often entirely insulated from the land,
the weather, and the natural cycles of the environment. On
our road bike trips you will have the chance to leave it all behind
for some well deserved relaxation.
What to
Expect
A week of road bike riding on a scenic byway gives
everyone new perspective. Imagine rolling along through the vast desert
landscape or gliding through an incredible grove of golden aspens, to arrive
at a picturesque inn where you are likely to find cocktails on the veranda
followed by a 5-course extravaganza, which by the way, you have earned! A guided bike
trip means you will have the opportunity to think about nothing, while contemplating
everything.
Controlling
the Challenge
Whatever type of cyclist you are, everyone
is usually a bit apprehensive on the first day of riding. Will
the group be too fast? Will the group be too slow? Will the terrain
be too technical? Will the terrain be too easy? Some of our trips are perfect for those new to cycling, while others will be challenging for even the most experienced riders. Give us a call, 800-845-2453, and we can help you choose. Once you begin your trip you can find your own pace, with just the right amount of challenge.
The Menu
We have selected some of our favorite inns in the
country renowned for their superb cooking. We're sure you won't be disappointed.
Special diets are no problem, just let us know on your registration form prior to your departure.
Picking
a Trip
If you are just getting started, and we mean
right out of spin class, we have trips that are right for you.
A road biking vacation is a great way to improve your skills and your
fitness level. Visit our Choosing
a Trip page to help you find a trip to match your riding
style.
We have put together routes throughout the US linking
our favorite rides, views, and natural wonders. Many trips include side hikes
to historic sites like Indian ruins, ghost towns, or lighthouses. Others include
incredible scenery like the coastal headlands or the jagged Rocky Mountains.
Group Sizes
Most trips are limited to 13 guests and two
guides, giving us one of the best guide to guest ratios in the
business. On custom trips we can add guides to accommodate larger
groups.
Our typical trip includes several people who
have come on their own; a few friends who managed to coordinate
their schedules; and a few couples. Ages are all over the map!
You may have a group of friends who want to
join you on a trip, or you might find it is easier and more fun
to make some new ones. Western Spirit guests come from all over
the country and the world. In many cases people who have met on
one of our tours will get together after the trip and coordinate
the following year's trip to include the same group.
Guide Support
Western Spirit's guides are not only fun to be
around, but they are also experienced outdoors people
and skilled cyclists. They will be happy to give advice on riding
technique, identify plants and wildflowers, or discuss geologic
theories. Most of all they love being with people. If you're
lucky, Mark will bring his guitar, Heather will teach you to hula
hoop, and Pete will keep
a fresh bundle of flowers on the dash of the van!
Lodging
On our road bike trips we have picked hotels and inns for their food, location, and hospitality. One night we may stay at a four star resort with all kinds of amenities. The next night we may have gone over the pass to Auntie Em's Bed and Breakfast, where the
sheets are clean and the breakfast serious, but don't ask her for a double latte half
caf with soy milk!
Trip prices are based on double occupancy. If you are traveling alone, we will pair
you with another guest. If you prefer your own room, the single supplement is $400 and we will
accommodate if available.
Let Us Help
Read about our trips, send us an email, or, better yet, call us at 800-845-2453 when you are ready to start to plan your next road biking adventure. We will be happy to help you determine which of our trips is best for you.
MAKING A RESERVATION
When you make your decision, call us to confirm your choice and reserve your spot with a credit card deposit of
$400. The deposit for south of the border trips is $550. You may also book a trip on-line.
|