Cycling Vacation Tours

[Teensy]

Have any of you gone on a cycling vacation tour? I received a touring company brochure with a recent clothing order that came in the mail. It looks like a lot of fun. Wondering if any of you have done this?

[Recumbomatic]

I did RAGBRAI in 2010, rode across Iowa with 20,000 others. Does that count? Admittedly its more cycling and less tour, and then somewhat chaotic. But it was so much FUN.

[angelbiker]

I did RAGBRAI in 2010, rode across Iowa with 20,000 others. Does that count? Admittedly its more cycling and less tour, and then somewhat chaotic. But it was so much FUN.

As I picture it, it sounds really fun. It would be really nice to be a part of a community of bikers. But I still have a long way to go in choosing a good bike. Reading the varied topics in this forum is a good start.

[chasm54]

Have any of you gone on a cycling vacation tour? I received a touring company brochure with a recent clothing order that came in the mail. It looks like a lot of fun. Wondering if any of you have done this?

Try the touring forum. Lots of experience there, of both supported and unsupported tours.

[Teensy]

Thank you, I didn't see that there was a touring forum. Must've overlooked it.

[Falchoon]

I've done one about 3 years ago and planning another one next year (both in France during TdF but different companies). Really enjoyed it. Took my own bike the first one which was good except for the airline charging me extra $300 for excess luggage and trying to confiscate my pedal spanner as a "dangerous weapon". Going to hire a bike next time as we want to go to Paris and possibly UK and do "normal" non-bicycle touristy things afterwards. First tour there only 4 riders and 3 support staff (2 support riders and 1 driving sag wagon), the planned tour for next year there will be about 20 riders I believe. Both fully supported, staying in hotels.

[cafzali]

Like many things, the answer to this question will often depend on the individual's experience, including with the company that they chose. Not all companies are alike and extra levels of service can make a big difference.

It's important to know if the company you're choosing predominantly caters to occasional/recreational cyclists or if they offer more "advanced" route and mileage options because, while some mainly want to lounge on a vacation, others like to get out and work up a sweat.