suburbanbeat

Hey everyone. I'm getting ready to do my first lengthy tour in June (UK and Ireland, approximately 1,000 miles). To prepare, I am trying to get in a few shorter trips in. In addition, winter is seriously starting to weigh on my psyche, as it does every year, and I need to get the hell out of dodge.

So with that being said, a friend and I are looking to do a short tour of Puerto Rico as soon as possible. We're seriously considering this because A) I had no idea how small this island is and B) I had no idea how cheap flights are. Crazy!

So this is me looking for some practical advice. Can it be done in less than a week? The rides look really short, but are there factors I'm not considering that might make it go slow? Any other advice regarding touring PR would be great. Language barrier is not an issue for me.

Also, as is the case with my Ireland/UK tour, we'd probably be looking to avoid urban areas as much as possible. Small towns preferred!

Sean

fietsbob

1terceptor took some video there..
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ne-Trips/page3

1nterceptor

I just came back from Puerto Rico this week, I was there for a few days.
I'm not a cycling tourist, I'm a tourist that likes to cycle So not much
help to you. I bought a bike there from https://goalternativo.com/contact_us
They were very friendly and might be able to answer some of your questions.
PS, Try the Mofongo; it's mashed plantains

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AopSW5T843s

suburbanbeat

That video is beautiful. So beautiful, in fact, it was one of the inspirations for booking our flight! Mid-march, one week! Can't wait!

Did you have any issues with safety? There is a chance we may be rolling six people deep, so I won't be too concerned if that's the case. But if it ends up only being two or three of us, is there reason to worry?

1nterceptor

I never felt at anytime that my safety was compromised. But then again I always had a conservative attitude
when I travel. Try to be home at my home base(hotel room, relative's couch, etc) before dark; never flash
money, jewelry; low key appearance - behavior; etc. Most of the locals I met on the streets were very friendly
and helpful. We spent a lot of time in the touristy areas; San Juan, Condado, Isla Grande, Old San Juan. So
our experience may not be the same as those folks who may have traveled more across the island.

Good luck and give us a report when you come back

https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...&v=Jea4lv48bDQ

Jamesw2

Try communicating with this club

https://www.facebook.com/groups/32539318524/

suburbanbeat

Interceptor - thank you for the words of encouragement. I like to think that we'll be keeping a fairly low profile. The bike I'm bringing with me isn't spectacular looking and I'm sure we'll look pretty disgusting after the first day or two. And yes, I'll certainly post plenty of pictures and stories after the tour.

Thank you for the lead, James. I just posted.

suburbanbeat

Tickets are bought and we are going to be riding around Puerto Rico next week! I'm a healthy mix of excited and totally terrified. This will be my first ride more than two days long (we'll be there for eight), and I just don't know if I'm physically going to be able to do it. Most of the rides are in the 20-40 mile range, but our longest day is 70 miles, which totally freaks me out! Fortunately, that specific leg (Fajardo to Santa Isabel) hugs the coast and should be flat and pretty!

ak08820

There is only a contact form on the website for goalternativo.
Could you tell about how did you buy a bike from them? Was it used or new? What make and model was it and what was the price?
Thanks

1nterceptor

I was on vacation in Puerto Rico for a few days. Stopped by the only Brompton store in the whole island. Saw a few models that I was interested in, I ended up getting a brand new S type(straight bars) 6 speed w/ fenders. Not sure of the year, not 2013 model, maybe 2012. From this point I will be evasive and vague with my answers. Why? That store treated me right, if they broke any price fixing deal with the head office it's only because I drive a hard bargain. And I wouldn't want them to get into trouble because I'm a cheap bastard; I mean frugal shopper.I don't know what Brompton's price policy is on left over (2012 and below) models. I think I got $200 off of suggested retail price. Maybe the head office allows discounts on non current models, or maybe I miscalculated the MSRP and actually paid retail. Since I was paying all cash, I requested that the 7% sales tax(value added tax, you euro folks) be "included" in the price; again maybe I miscalculated and the tax was actually added to the end price. Finally, I asked for the cover that hangs on the saddle($40-$45). They gave me a used one without the seat pouch.

So to summarize; just to be clear in case this post ends up in Brompton's HQ. Wether or not I got a good deal; or it's just in my head that I think I got a deal - Go Alternativo treated me right and I would recommend them.

suburbanbeat

HI. This trip was amazing! Photo journal coming soon.

suburbanbeat

Hey everyone - so yes, I did this tour and it was unforgettable. Just put together a video documenting the experience. Check it out!