Last Saturday, pros pounded down the white gravel roads of Tuscany as they made their way to the Piazza del Campo in Siena.
In his first appearance at the race, Zdenek Stybar won the 2015 Strade Bianche after riding away from Greg Van Avermaet into the final corner. Trek Travel guides Jacob Young and Jonathan Hershberger were at the race, along with Trek Factory Racing fan club members, to enjoy the excitement of this incredible finish.
As guides, we spend a lot of time on the road, and it’s unfortunately not always on a bike. Long hours of travel and big days preparing our trips mean that we need to make the most of our time. When we can’t get out for a bike ride or a run, we like to do workouts that will give us the most bang for our buck.
High intensity interval training (HIIT) does just that. The workouts don’t require any equipment, and can be varied for intensity and to keep things interesting. Here’s a sample 10 minute session:
This particular workout consists of 10 exercises. For each set, there is a 40 second interval of work and a 20 second interval of rest. Start by doing as many jumping jacks as you can in 40 seconds, and then take 20 seconds to recover and set up for squats. Repeat this for each exercise on the list.
If you have more time, you can do a 20 minute workout by simply repeating the entire program. If you have less time, research has shown big fitness gains by using a Tabata regimen: 8 rounds broken into 20 seconds of super intense exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest. This makes for a quick and difficult 4-minute workout.
To make a workout harder, do more repetitions of each exercise or do a more challenging version of the exercise. To do an easier session, do fewer reps or a less challenging version of each exercise.
To time yourself, there are free interval timer apps for iOS and Android phones that allow users to create custom timers for different workouts. I particularly like the “Gymboss” app, but find whichever one works best for you.
However, I’ll let you in on a guiding secret: some days we don’t have time for even a quick interval training session. On days like this, when we’re working before sunrise and still going long after sunset, we follow a five step regiment to stay in shape:
1. We ride our bikes.
2. We lift weights.
3. We stretch.
4. We eat well.
5. We stay hydrated.
“17 switchbacks. That was how my Trek Travel guide described the climb up Col de Soller on the third day of my Trek Travel Ride Camp in Mallorca, Spain last month. And that was just the warm up.
That day my Garmin told me I put in 5 and 1/2 hours of ride time and climbed over 8,500 feet. My route took me up and over Col de Soller, then up and over the highest peak in Mallorca, the Puig Major, and then out and back to Sa Calobra, a gorgeous port town on the western side of the island accessible by a single winding road. Sa Calobra – the Cobra – descends 2,000 feet over the course of six miles. Reminiscent of ribbon candy or coils of spaghetti, that descent is at once both thrilling and terrifying as I hit the brakes sharply into the hairpin turns, then accelerated to get back up to speed, again and again and again…but more on that later.
When I dreamed up this vacation last fall, I had a few simple requirements. I wanted to ride a bike outside in February. I didn’t want to spend a ridiculous amount of money. And I wanted it to be in a stunningly beautiful place. Oh, and I didn’t want to have to worry about flying my bike or riding a hybrid. Easy, right?
Trek Travel’s Mallorca Ride Camp fit the bill to a tee. This enchanting island jewel off the coast of Spain isn’t just for beach goers; it’s a choice destination for cyclists everywhere, including many pros. There, I got a rider’s-eye view of the Tramuntana mountains, fertile valleys, and tranquil turquoise waters on picturesque, pothole-free roads.
I’ve flown my bike across the country and I’ve rented bikes before on vacation. I’ve even resorted to trying to get in some training time on a heavy, ride-share bike now available in most big cities. It’s always kind of nerve racking (and expensive!) to hand over your bike to the airlines – fingers crossed it will get there in one piece. And somehow rented bikes never really feel the same to me. Call me spoiled.
What sets Trek Travel vacations apart is the quality of the bikes you ride. I had the option to ride a Domane 5.9 (included) or upgrade to an Emonda SLR, either one equipped with Shimano electronic Di2 shifting. Because Mallorca is a climber’s paradise, I opted for the Emonda upgrade. When I arrived, my guide had already set up my bike using my fit coordinates, which included swapping the stem out to a smaller length. After installing my own pedals and saddle, I hopped on for quick ride around the hotel parking lot. It fit like a glove.
But what really made the trip head and shoulders above other cycling vacations I’ve taken was our guides. It was a pleasure to show up each morning and have my bike ready, water bottles filled and Garmin maps loaded. Our guides’ knowledge of the country, language ability and most of all the pure joy and sense of adventure they brought to each ride – whether they were driving the support van or riding along with us – was awesome.
On the last day, as I was cycling along the coast from one ridiculously picturesque mountainside town to the next, I saw a large peloton approaching. Fast. A pack of thirty or forty men went streaming by in a flourish of colors, followed by their team car — Leopard. I gave them a friendly wave and a nod, communicating that feeling of joy of being out on your bike in one simple gesture. Yeah, I wasn’t going anywhere nearly as fast. But during my week with Trek Travel, I truly felt like a pro. And frankly, it’s something I could get used to.”
– Trish Dugan, Syracuse Bicycles
Join us as we take you along the undulating California coastline on our Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara vacation.
Our journey starts in the historic city Monterey, then visits the artsy town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, threads through Big Sur crossing the much photographed Bixby Bridge, continues on to San Simeon where you can visit the Hearst Castle, and finally makes it’s way through Cambria and Pismo Beach to the “American Riviera” of Santa Barbara. This unbelievable vacation will amaze even the most traveled cyclist with challenging routes, roaring surf, redwood forests, and historic state parks.
Day 2 of this vacation features the stunning (and flat) 17-Mile Scenic Drive, then winds its way along the coastline as you travel from Monterey to Big Sur.
6:30 AM
This morning you will awaken to the sights and sounds of Monterey in all its coastal glory. Leisurely make your way down to the C Restaurant at the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa to enjoy a fresh breakfast.
10:00 AM
After breakfast you have two options for the first part of the day: walk down the street to tour the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium or get up close to marine life in the Bay with a self-guided sea kayaking adventure. Located right on the coast, those who choose to visit the aquarium can view several spectacular exhibits both above and below the waterline. On the other hand, lucky kayakers may be rewarded for their paddling with a view of harbor seals, sea otters and pelicans in their natural habitat.
12:00 PM
Board your bike to cruise along the famous 17-Mile drive to the artists’ enclave of Carmel-by-the Sea. Snaking it’s way through Pebble Beach Golf Course, this scenic ride passes Bird Rock with thousands of cormorants, the aptly named Seal Point, and Cypress Point with a grove that contains the largest and oldest Monterey Cypress trees in the world. Upon arriving in Carmel-by-the-Sea, explore your surroundings and fuel up at a local bistro of your choosing for lunch. Located on one-mile of white sand beach, this town touts the sophistication of San Francisco and glamour of Hollywood nestled in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
1:30 PM
After lunch the road narrows and the sweeping views of the Big Sur coastline come into view. There are several riding distances for you to chose from, so make it your day. Along the way cross over the Bixby Bridge, which introduced automobile travel to the spectacular Big Sur coast in 1932. The terrain on our ride offers stunning views of the Santa Lucia Mountains rising abruptly from the Pacific Ocean. This area has been compared to the Amalfi coast, minus the bumper-to-bumper traffic and giant tour buses. By the end of the ride you’ll appreciate the saying that this area is the “Greatest meeting of land & sea”.
7:00 PM
Upon arriving at tonight’s hotel, the Big Sur Lodge, relax and soak in the quiet and comfort of your surroundings. Located in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, the redwoods around you will make it easy to escape and unwind after a long day on the bike. This evening, enjoy the cuisine made with organic ingredients and sustainable agriculture in the hotel dining room. Be sure to get plenty of rest tonight to prepare for another spectacular day tomorrow as your continue riding down the coast to your beachfront hotel in Cambria.
This week ‘In Focus’ we’re throwing it back to the 2010 Amgen Tour of California. The fifth anniversary of the race held lots of excitement for our guides and guests as Australian Michael Rogers fought to hold off Americans David Zabriskie and Levi Leipheimer.
Captrued by Trek Travel Marketing Manager Mark Thomsen, the photo below was taken at the Stage 4 start in San Jose. Looking back at our 2010 itinerary we see many similarities to this year’s trip, with stays at the Westlake Village Inn and Lake Arrowhead Resort and a live race viewing of the stage finish on Big Bear.
Five years later, this year’s race marks the 10th Anniversary of the Amgen Tour of California! Ride along the Pacific coast and into the mountains above Santa Barbara’s “American Riviera”; attend the individual time trial at Big Bear; and enjoy the suspense of a summit stage finish at Mt Baldy. Cheer with the crowds as they urge their heroes onwards and sip cocktails at an exclusive Trek Travel party. To top off this ultimate Tour of California vacation, spend the last two days riding and relaxing in the beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains and Malibu coastline.
Drawing from our years of experience providing unparalleled vacations to cycling’s greatest races, we promise to bring you closer to the action than ever before.
If you ride all year like a growing number of people in the world, I’m sure you have experienced less than ideal riding conditions, especially during these winter months. I’d like to give you a few pointers on good riding technique to keep your ride safe and uneventful!
Eye contact: This is true in all weather conditions, but eye contact with motorists is very important. Don’t assume that people see you 100% of the time. Intersections are a place where the unexpected can happen in a heartbeat. Make sure you have eye contact with someone driving near you. It’s always better to know that someone sees you than to make assumptions.
Lights: The nights still come upon us early and riding without lights is unsafe and sometimes illegal in certain states. Not only does it help with vehicles, but it helps with fellow pedestrians on the bike path. I can’t tell you how often I barely see other riders because they don’t use a light. I can’t imagine driving without headlights, and we shouldn’t be riding without lights either. Personally, I’m a fan of multiple rear lights too–one blinking and one steady. You can never be too safe!
Avoiding Debris: While riding on the roads be careful about riding too close to the curb. That’s an area of the road that collects debris this time of year. Broken glass and a lot of miscellaneous items that can ruin your day live by the curb during the winter months. Riding just a bit further into the lane, away from these potentially dangerous items, can be a good idea to avoid a puncture or flat tire. Also keeping a straight line and riding predictably is much safer than weaving to avoid debris and keeping the cars behind you guessing your next move.
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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.
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.
These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.
On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of Explorer and Luxury hotels. Rest assured, no matter which hotel level you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.
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).
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).
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).
Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).
Gravel: 4+ 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).
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.
Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.
Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.
Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.
See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.
Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.
Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.
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
