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2/22/12 1:25 A

I went to Italy with a group from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point on a 3 week tour once (10 years ago or so). I didn't know anyone prior to going. I met a lot of really nice people and had no problem finding people to ride with. We stayed in hotels. I'm considering doing another long bike trip of some sort, but I haven't decided what yet.

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2/13/12 1:07 P

Travlnwoman - I would have to agree!

Edited by: NIKKILEEG at: 2/13/2012 (13:10)

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2/13/12 1:06 P

LuckyDogFarm - I have found going on a longer tour allows folks to get to know one another. There can still be cliques BUT there are also others who are looking to meet new people and make new friends.

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2/12/12 10:26 P

this sounds like fun! when i did my half century last year, i was really disappointed in the camaraderie of the other riders. people didn't venture outside of their cliques at all. it turned me off totally to group riding. it was the first organised/group ride i had ever done. maybe i will give it another try. i live in the middle of nowheresville, but i have a new neighbor who is interested in trying to ride, so we will see!

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2/12/12 8:57 P

I only did the pauper rides... we carried our own gear on the bikes and camped out until I was in my early 50s. Then when sleeping on the ground with minimal gear started bothering our joints and leaving us sore and achy, we started doing organized tours. It is nice to have a shower, a real bed, and someone else to do the cooking.

We have never used the really expensive tour groups like Trek Tours or Backroads tours, so I don't know what they are like... probably really nice. We toured with Bicycle Adventures and Vermont Bicycle Tours and really love VBT. They really give you a lot for your money and keep their profit margin very low, so you get a great deal. www.vbt.com

Also, about "matching" the group members fitness levels... the group doesn't all stay together during the ride.People tend to find new friends or partners who match their levels.

Edited by: CAROLYN1ALASKA at: 2/12/2012 (21:05)

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2/12/12 6:51 P

Yes! Katy Trail and the Great Allegheny Passage & C&O Canal Trail. I loved it. Would like to do more!

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2/12/12 12:36 P

You know, I think this sounds like more fun than working toward something like a bike-a-thon. I think I will consider doing this this year. It would be a great goal to work towards. Wisconsin has some beautiful trails to ride. It would also be fun to put the bike on a rack and visit another state this way.

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2/12/12 12:27 P

Also, Carolyn, do you prefer the royalty rides or the pauper rides (motel/B&B vs camping)?

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2/12/12 12:26 P

One nice thing I've found is there is usually someone else at the same level. So you don't have to ride alone or feel you are holding anyone back. If you decide you want to do this, check with the tour to see what the difficulty of the route is too. That can make a difference.

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2/12/12 12:23 P

There are a lot of companies out there. I've done several tours myself over the years. I really like it.

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2/12/12 10:39 A

Wow Carolyn! Were these tour group rides? or did you do it on your own?? more more.. tell us what it's like!! links to companies you used???

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2/12/12 10:05 A

I would love it as long as the group was at the same fitness level as I am. I wouldn't want to feel like I was holding up the group being slower than others.

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2/12/12 1:55 A

That's great! Me too - not a 'lay on the beach' type person. :)

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2/12/12 1:49 A

I've done it many times... biking 2 weeks through the California wine country, 2 weeks in the Oregon Cascades; twice, 3 weeks up and down the Oregon coast, 3 weeks through Vermont, 3 weeks in France, and soon I'll be biking 2 weeks in Spain.
I'm not much of a "lay on the beach" kind of person, as you can see.

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2/12/12 1:34 A

Would you take your vacation to go on a cycling tour?