Longhorn

My uncle gave my mother a cruise for herself and her seven children/step-children and their spouses. So we're all set to go on a seven-day cruise in November to Belize, Cancun, etc. My husband and I were looking at the various excursions we can do and at nearly every port, there is a trip that involves riding a mountain bike. We're not big on touristy-type stuff (in fact, we've never been on a cruise and wouldn't be doing this one if it wasn't sort of an obligation -- and I know that sounds tacky but it just wouldn't be our choice of how to spend a week) so the bike trips sounded the most appealing to us.

Has anyone done any of these trips? I ride 80 to 100 miles a week and he rides once a week, about 25 miles, in the Texas Hill Country, so I think we'd be physically up to it, especially compared to the average cruise-goer in November. (We're both 50.) But at $60 to $100 apiece, I wonder if this trips are worth it. And if so, should we bring our own helmets, as well as cycling shorts, gloves, Camelbaks, etc.? Thanks!

Boudicca

Is the ship still going to Cancun, despite the Hurricane?

As for the bike tours, I don't speak from expereince, but I'd be surprised if they are particularly strenuous, given the clientele. They probably drive you up a mountain and let you sort of amble your way down. Shorts and gloves are always nice to have, but I would imagine they will supply helmets, of the appropriate color to blend in with the rest of the riding herd -- and a helmet is a bulky thing to take on a one-week trip if it's only going to get a few hours use. But maybe you can look them up online or something?

Have fun.

Longhorn

As far as I know, the destinations haven't changed but the hurricane just went through so they may not know yet. The cruise isn't for five weeks.

I agree that packing the helmets doesn't sound like fun but I wondered if the ones they provide are clean and in good shape. Mine gets so sweaty, I wouldn't want to lend it to anyone!

Trojan

I did a bike excursion in Key West on one cruise. Granted it wasn't a mountain ride, but it was very easy with frequent stops while the guide talked to us. They provided helmets, but given our speed and the locals being used to seeing groups of bike tours, we probably didn't need them.

Normally, when I go on a cruise, I wear my sport coat on the plane to keep from having to pack it. Maybe you could just wear your helmet rather than pack it.

Longhorn

Well, we're not flying but driving down to Galveston. But that sure is a funny image you've given me -- Mr. Longhorn and I boarding the ship with our helmets on.

I think we'll try one of the excursions. We're not going to book any in advance just in case the weather isn't nice or we just don't feel like going anywhere that day.

Thanks for the replies!

Bluechip

I did one a couple of years ago. I don't remember which port but the ride was rather tame. I was expecting single track type of riding from the description but it turned out to mostly dirt and poorly paved roads. The bikes were total crap also. It probalby depends on the port and company, but I was expecting more. All supplies were provided by the tour. No need to bring a helmet.

One of the best excrusions I have done was in Belize. It was a river cave floating tour. You hiked through the jungle to a river carrying innertubes and hopped into a river. The river went into and out of several caves. You had flashlights on your head to see in all the dark areas of the caves. Some were long enough that it was complete darkness for 10 or 15 minutes if you did not turn on your lights If you like that sort of thing it was very cool.

By the way. The Dripping Springs Century was the very first century I did many years ago. I think it was in '86 or '87. Do they still have one there?

Longhorn

Thanks for the excursion info! We are going to Belize but have to be back on board by 1 p.m. so I'm not sure how much time we'll have but that river cave tour sounds fun!

I haven't heard of a DS Century since we moved here in 96. Was it put on by the Austin Cycling Association? I've only been riding since March so I might have missed it, though I get both local papers. Wow, that must have been a hilly ride! Congratulations! I'm a long ways away from my first century but maybe someday.