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Do we talk about bikes all the time?

At Trek Travel, our mission is simple: to show people the world by bike, at their pace, every time, with unrivaled support and flexibility, and to encourage a passion for cycling. We are motivated by this mission and work tirelessly to make it a reality. Nevertheless, although cycling is the foundation of our business, we aren’t just a bunch of gear heads who only talk about bikes.

The individuals that make up our company come from a variety of backgrounds. We are fashion designers, ski instructors, volcanologists, photographers, biologists, artists, teachers, nurses, yogis, and basketball players. Trek Travel Guides enjoying time offAnd that barely scratches the surface of what we have done. Collectively, we are passionate about people and enthusiastic about the experiences we provide.

It comes as no surprise that we are outdoor fanatics–invigorated by fresh air and rejuvenated by open spaces. We love the bicycle because it provides that for us. But we enjoy the finer things in life as well. A meal made with fresh, local ingredients, a great story, or a cold craft beer. We look forward to breathtaking sunsets, jovial laughter, fine wine, and exceptional craftsmanship. The warmth of old friendships, the stillness of the morning, and the changing of the seasons shape who we are.

The depth of our team makes it easier to connect both with coworkers and our guests. We truly enjoy each other’s company and our vacations are enhanced as a result. Every guest’s experience is better because we learn from one another. Trek Travel Guide MeetingsThough we’ve worked together for years, each day presents surprises as we constantly discover new things and our unique personalities make us better as a team.

Surely we are all passionate about the bikes we offer on our vacations and energized by the remarkable rides we’ve been fortunate enough to experience. While it’d be impossible to summarize all the joy that the bicycle has given us—both individually and collectively—I can assure you that we have just as much fun off the bike as we do on it. This decisive blend of work and pleasure is evident on every trip.

Longing for a little Tour excitement

The past couple of years have been different for me with regards to the Tour de France. I am watching this exciting race from the comforts of my own home. I can pause it, rewind, slow down the spectacular crashes, and fast forward to the bunch sprint at the end. It is undeniable awesome! Not to mention I have endless coffee and can multitask and get some work done during the 200km plus stages. Really, can it get much better?

Well…I think so. See I have been a guide for Trek Travel for the past 6ish years and recently became our full time marketing manager, so I don’t get out guiding much anymore. I have guided the Tour 3 times over the years and loved it every time. But it’s insane, from a guide perspective.

Let me explain a little about the 3 weeks at the Tour from a guide perspective.  Bump the hours worked any given day to about 15 or so. Make sure you have your headlamp to work on bikes each night after all the guests have gone to sleep after our Michelin starred meal and exquisite wine tasting. And just hope it hasn’t rained that day because then your doing a hefty amount of cleaning as well;) Now right about midnight or so when you are about to wash your hands of the grease, your logistics team calls your cell and says the road you were planning on riding with the group the next morning at 10am, is now closing at 7 am. Time to wake up every guest with a phone call and explain we have to catch our shuttle to the ride start at 6am and breakfast will be at 5am. Then call the shuttle company, the breakfast staff, and check out that night. Perfect, now go to bed at 1am, and wake up at 4am so you can get the bikes loaded up. You get the idea. That’s a pretty normal experience at the Tour. Probably have at least one of these days each week of the race.

The funny thing about all the stress a guide faces is it’s addicting. We get to ride epic mountain stages in some of the most stunning mountains in the world. We get to have dinner with our guests and have Phil Ligget and Paul Sherwen stop and say hi. We get to drive our vans up Galiber while the Etape du Tour is cycling on all around us. We get to visit incredibly old Chateaux’s that I now watch helicopters fly by on TV. And of course we get to experience the indescribable feeling of watching 200 professional cyclists pedal past at over 30 miles per hour, with thousands of hungry cycling fans from all over the world. It’s something I just can’t replicate from the confines of my home. It gives me a little pang of sadness when I see the craziness now from my screen. But it also gives me motivation to get back there, to feel the stress that we might not get our guests to the top of a mountain pass, even though I’m sure we will figure it out in the end. I can’t wait to share the streets with my fellow cycling crazed fans.

So enjoy the Tour on TV this year. But if you can, find a way to go there in person and see it for your own eyes. You won’t regret it.

Private

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Looking to travel with a small group or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate Luxury:

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Luxury:

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

Explorer

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

Combined

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Level 1:

Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Level 2:

Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Level 3:

Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Level 4:

Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - Reserve:

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discovor:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself