April 2015

Guest Choice: Yountville

Posted on April 29, 2015 - 9:58 pm by keith_ritter

The Town of Yountville, renowned for its world-class restaurants and award-winning chefs, has earned the unofficial title of “Culinary Capital of the Napa Valley.”

Though small enough to walk from end to end, there are more Michelin-stars within the confines of this small town than anywhere in the world. This culinary prowess is coupled with spectacular wineries, thriving shops and a world-class art community to create an unforgettable experience. Nestled in the Napa Valley and celebrating its 50th anniversary, Yountville promises to surpass your expectations of what the California Wine Country is supposed to be.

What To Do: Spa Villagio
A short walk from your hotel for the night, Spa Villagio is the perfect place to reflect on the day’s 30-mile ride to Summit Lake Vineyards. This ultimate luxurious escape is best known for their private spa suites crafted with your choice of scents, sound, refreshments and treatments. We, however, recommend booking an individual service or spending time in the sauna, steam room and soaking baths. Comfortably unwind by the outdoor fireplace while enjoying a complimentary tea or fruit infusion before tonight’s once in a lifetime meal at the French Laundry. *We recommend that you make spa reservations at least 3 weeks in advance. Call 707-948-5050 to make your reservation.

Where To Go for Dessert: Bouchon Bakery
No, we’re not crazy. There’s a reason we’re talking about dessert before dinner. As you walk one half mile down Yountville’s Washington Street from Spa Villagio to the French Laundry, you cannot pass the Bouchon Bakery without walking inside. Originally conceived to provide his restaurants with one-of-a-kind breads, Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery quickly blossomed into an important retail establishment in its own right. Stop in before doors close at 7:00 PM to pick up a French-inspired pain au chocolat or brightly-colored macaroon. Although your taste buds probably can’t resist, try to save your mouth-watering treat for the perfect after-dinner delight.

Where To Go For Dinner: French Laundry
To top off a night of indulgence, chef Thomas Keller’s French Laundry is the ultimate destination for fine French cuisine in the Napa Valley. The only American-born chef to have two three-starred Michelin restaurants, Keller cut his teeth working in a Palm Beach restaurant managed by his mother. Now consistently recognized by respected media outlets such as the James Beard Foundation and Culinary Institute of America, the creations of this award-winning chef are guaranteed to satisfy your palate. Although the menu changes daily, the French Laundry never fails to maintain the highest standards of hospitality and culinary excellence *Reservations are taken two months to the calendar date and can be made daily by calling 707-944-2380 between 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM.

About Guest Choice:
You will often hear us say, “It’s your day, you decide,” because our smaller group size allows the flexibility for you to decide how your day unfolds. In addition to multiple daily ride options and shuttle flexibility, this also means that we offer ‘guest choice’ nights designed for you to indulge at a local restaurant of your choosing, or explore the local sites. Whether you want to order take-out while relaxing by the hotel pool or get dressed up for a fancy dinner in town, guest choice nights let you craft your own perfect evening.

How To Tune Your Bike

Posted on April 24, 2015 - 1:53 pm by keith_ritter

It’s that time of year again. You’ve been looking at your bike hanging upside down all winter. You’ve been telling yourself the past few weekends that you need to go out for a ride.

You know your bike needs work, but remember what happened last year when the four week wait at your local shop prevented you from enjoying spring weather. So you’re thinking about skipping the tune up and just going for a ride.

The important thing is not to be deterred from actually getting your annual tune-up. It is very important for your bike to be checked by a professional mechanic. Things like tire condition, cable tension, frame inspection, brake pad wear and drivetrain condition are just a few of the important safety items that need to be looked over.

It’s inevitable that shops get bogged down with spring weather. Each shop only has so many mechanics and they can only get so many bikes done each day. Do yourself a favor and plan ahead. If you know you have a ride planned in a few weeks, call for an appointment right away.

Just make sure to do yourself a favor and let a professional tune your bike this spring. It’s worth the time and money to make sure your bike is ready to ride. You know you want to go for a spin, but first make sure it’s safe to do so.

The Intimidation Factor

Posted on April 24, 2015 - 1:29 pm by keith_ritter

If you’ve ever been intimidated to walk into a bike shop, I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone. It’s common to feel nervous in any specialty store, and bike shops are no exception. The intricate mechanics and technical jargon can be confusing.

The good news is, retailers understand and shop owners have been in your shoes. Even the strongest riders started out as a novice and their main concern is getting more people on bikes. It’s not about skill level, gender or disposable income. Their goal is simply to make sure everyone has a safe, comfortable and enjoyable ride.

We reached out to Trek retailers across the country and asked about the most valuable lesson they’ve learned from owning a bike shop. We were amazed by the number of responses that talked about this very issue–customer service. Read their stories then stop in to the bike shop nearest you!

“The most important lesson I’ve learned over 34 years is to be patient and kind. People are often intimidated when they go into a bike shop. If employees are nice, helpful and patient the customer will come away with a positive experience. For customers, don’t try to impress the shop guy by talking about your high dollar equipment or bragging about you race results. The best way to make friends with the employees is simply to say, ‘Man, I love to ride my bike!'”
– Paul Kingsbury, Kingsbury’s Cyclery

“For me the most valuable lesson is to never assume someone knows about bikes or cycling. I’ve worked with beginners who surprised me with their knowledge and I’ve worked with expert racers who have surprised me with their lack of knowledge. No matter what I always try to pass along the little details that I take for granted as an experienced cyclist. Such as pumping up your tires before every ride and not to wear anything between you and your shorts/bibs. Anytime I feel myself getting impatient with someone’s lack of knowledge, I try to remember what it was like when I first started riding. The research that left me more confused or the bike shop that treated me inferior. I left that shop feeling quite disheartened and almost gave up on a sport that I absolutely love. Then there was the time I rode six months before someone told me to pump up my tires or the bike I ordered online thinking ‘compact’ referred to the frame size. I bought a 54cm frame that was way too big for me because I really ride a 50cm women specific frame with a compact chainring. Those details and memories have allowed me to better introduce many people to a sport they have grown to love. My best memories are of watching those newbies grow into experienced and accomplished cyclist. Life is too short not to ride a bike.”
– Michelle Clonce-Turner, Trace Bikes

“It was about 25 years ago that I started my journey to becoming a bike shop owner. I managed hotels for Marriott out of college and learned some great skills that I carry with me today. First, treat every customer that walks in the door as if it may be your last. Make them feel welcome and find out what serves their needs. To this day every customer is greeted within 30 seconds of walking in the door. And second, we’re in the bike business. Have fun, sell fun. Make cycling fun for everyone.”
– Michael Reuter, American Cycle & Fitness

5 Tips to Pack like the Pros

Posted on April 20, 2015 - 6:47 pm by keith_ritter

A group of cyclists posing with the Dolomites mountain range in the backgroun

One of the most popular questions guests ask in preparation for their cycling vacation is, “What should I pack?” And while we do have a general packing list available, we have compiled a few of our own tips to live by.

1. Pack Smarter

Think about your travel arrangements and how you are getting from place to place. On your Trek Travel trip, we take care of transporting your luggage. But if your travel plans before or after the trip include trains or public transit, it’s beneficial to keep your hands free to hoist baggage or navigate unexpected stairs.

Pro Tip: Backpacks make excellent carry-ons because they have great storage capacity and are easy to take anywhere! Clip your helmet onto the outside to avoid taking up space in your checked suitcase.

2. Use Your Geometry

You will fit so much more just by the way you pack your bag. Roll your clothes. It will keep them wrinkle free and provide you with more space to overpack

Pro Tip: Split roller bags (ones that open in half) are nice in small European hotel rooms. These allow you to unzip your suitcase and slide it right under the bed. It will save you from tripping over a mess on the floor.

Two gravel cyclists and their dirty socks.

3. Undergarments for Days:

Pack enough underwear and socks to last the entire trip. These are small items that can be tucked in gaps of space throughout your bag and it is essential to have clean items in case there’s no time for laundry. Nobody wants to re-wear a pair of dirty socks!

4. Layers Always Win:

Believe it or not, weather changes. Having base layers, jackets and rain gear will make it easy for you to take off and put on clothes while cycling. Plus, you can store these items in the support van during the day for quick access at rest stop.

5. Keep it Simple

When packing evening attire, choose solid colors and accessories that can be mixed and matched to create different looks. A light scarf can dress up a top that you wore earlier in the week to create a whole new outfit. For men, a different shirt can be paired with the same belt and shoes. The paparazzi won’t even notice.

Pro Tip: Dark colors hide bike grease and don’t show dirt as quickly. Then mix it up with colorful and snazzy accessories that take up very little space (scarves, shoes, belts and jewelry). Laundry in some places can make light colors look dingy.

Collage of suggestion clothing options to pack on a Trek Travel bike tour

Back-To-Back ‘Tours of a Lifetime’

Posted on April 16, 2015 - 9:49 pm by keith_ritter

For the second year in a row, Trek Travel has been awarded National Geographic Traveler magazine’s coveted “50 Tours of a Lifetime” honor with the 2015 recognition going to its Portland to Missoula Bike Tour.

The active travel company specializing in cycling vacations won the award for its Great Smoky Mountains Blackberry Farm Bike Tour in 2014.

The competitive selection process uncovered 2015’s most authentic, most innovative, most immersive, best-guided, and most sustainable tours.

“This year marks 10 years of our editors selecting the world’s best guided tours,” said Norie Quintos, acting editor in chief of National Geographic Traveler. “In that time the types of immersive and experiential trips have only multiplied; tours are going farther and deeper than ever before. The trips and operators we selected are a model for the rest of the travel industry. They open the world to travelers and, at the same time, leave a positive impact on the destinations and its people.”

National Geographic Traveler magazine surfaces the best tours and outfitters for travelers as part of its mission “to propel readers out of their armchairs and into the field.” It has the largest audience of any travel magazine, with more than 8.5 million readers who love to travel, have the highest passport ownership, most international and domestic trips, and most outdoor recreation spending.

“We’re thrilled to, again, win National Geographic Traveler’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime” award,” says Meagan Coates, Director of Trip Design at Trek Travel. “Our trip designers work long and hard to find the most compelling and unique destinations around the world that can provide an incredible cycling experiences of a lifetime.”

The Portland to Missoula Bike Tour raises the bar on the definition of adventure travel. This first stage of Trek Travel’s bucket list Cross Country USA: Portland to Portland trip offers 10 days of gorgeous riding through the Columbia River Gorge and Hood River; the wine country of eastern Washington; the wild open spaces of Idaho; over Lolo Pass and into the Wild West college town of Missoula, Montana.

Guests cover more than 700 miles, with four rides of 98 miles or more, and climb over 30,000 feet–all with the support of Trek Travel’s renowned support team.

Trek Travel’s 2014 award-winning ride – Great Smoky Mountains Blackberry Farm Bike Tour – set a new standard for active vacation luxury travel when it debuted. Trek Travel partnered with this intimate location nestled on the 4,200 acres estate in the Great Smoky Mountains to bring guests an unforgettable experience. From private garden tours with their esteemed Chef, an iconic dinner in their Barn Cellar and meeting the brew master with an exclusive tour and tasting, to cycling the local foothills, Trek Travel has created a tour to be emulated.

What I Learned From Living Abroad

Posted on April 15, 2015 - 4:26 pm by keith_ritter

I consider myself a citizen of the world. Born in the Netherlands, raised in East Africa, middle school in Eastern Europe, high school in Vermont, university in New York and post university studies traveling the globe. Hence, I am not exactly sure where to call home.

So, I make it easy for myself and say the world is my home. Or I say I am a geographic gypsy. Working as a Trek Travel guide, I find myself hopping from country to country with greater frequency than ever before. I have a strong desire to travel and eagerly look for any opportunity to adventure. I soon head back to another season with Trek Travel and look forward to calling Provence home…at least for a few months.

I have often been asked, “What is it like to spend most of your life abroad?” It’s difficult to find a response that fully answers the question. Yet one thing I can say for sure is that I am blessed to have had the opportunity. Recently, I have thought about a few of the lessons I have learned while living abroad. There are many, and many more will be learned over the years.

Top 5 Lessons From Living Abroad:

1. Make an effort to learn to speak the local language, even if it is only a few words. Whether it is a “Bonjour” in French, a “Habari gani?” in Kenyan or a “ce mai faci” in Romanian, try to pick up the language of the country you are visiting or living in. Languages may or may not be your forte, yet any attempt to speak the local language shows that you are trying to assimilate and care to connect with the locals. The same applies to customs, holidays and traditions. Learn a country’s customs, ways of greetings and public holidays. Know that in Paris you kiss twice, while in the Netherlands you kiss thrice when greeting. Become aware of etiquette in a country, such as taking off your shoes before entering an Egyptian home and handing a gift with your right hand.

2. Greet and become friends with the common people. Learn about each and every person’s story. Get to know the taxi driver who is taking you from the airport to the hotel, ask about his/her family, and you may be invited to paella at their home. Chat with the bartender while ordering your drink and you will get recommendations for the best restaurants in town. Ask the farmer how the season is going and you may end up with a basket full of fresh vegetables. Joke around with the local bus driver in a busy city and you may be dropped off at your doorstep. Befriend the airline steward and you may get treated with extra care. Go out of your way to get to know all the staff at your hotel and your stay is guaranteed to run smoothly.

3. Carry extra underwear, socks, toothbrush, deodorant and a change of clothes in your carry-on. Throw in some playing cards and a journal. Your checked luggage may not show up for days and a fresh pair of underwear makes all the difference.

4. We are truly all the same. We may look different, speak different languages, possess different beliefs, eat different foods and live in different homes, but we are all basically the same. Humans around the planet have very similar goals, ambitions, dreams and wants. An American’s wants and desires are not unlike those of a Maasai mama’s in Tanzania, even though the two live in entirely different environments and follow different customs. Remember that we are alike, desiring and striving for comparable dreams and goals.

5. Take the path less traveled and take the time to smell roses. While living in a foreign country avoid the tourist traps and find the places less traveled. Ask the locals for recommendations and don’t always follow advice found on the internet. Make sure to take your time and use all your senses to embrace a new place, new experience and new interaction. How did you feel? What did you smell? What did you hear? Did you taste anything? See anything new? We often rush to see and do as much as possible in a day while traveling. You may experience more of a country by just sitting and visiting with a kid in the street or sipping coffee at the local café.

Written by Trek Travel guide Tara Hetz. Meet her in Provence to learn more about life as a geographic gypsy.

Guest Choice: Greenville

Posted on April 14, 2015 - 8:54 pm by keith_ritter

In the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains lies Greenville, South Carolina. What was once the best-kept secret of pro cyclists is now a trending destination due to epic climbs, stunning views, and pristine country roads.

But it is more than just gorgeous terrain that lands Greenville a spot on almost every list of best cities and top destinations. Visitors can make it their mission to find all nine Mice on Main while they choose from more than 100 delicious restaurants, or escape to the Reedy River after taking in all the delightful shops and art attractions in town. Although you’re likely to be tired after riding the roads that the pros train on, we recommend taking an evening to discover the Southern charm that has everyone talking about Greenville, South Carolina.

Where To Go For Social Hour: Sip Rooftop Bar
Located just two blocks from the Westin Poinsett Hotel in downtown Greenville, Sip Tasting Room and Rooftop Lounge is the perfect venue to enjoy a post-ride beverage with new friends. Enjoy fresh air and views of the twinkling lights on Greenville’s iconic Main Street as you choose from more than 40 wines by the glass. Indulge in a cheese board to complement your cocktail, lounge on a comfortable outdoor sofa and toast an incredible day of exploration by bike. In a city that loves the outdoors, there’s no better place to savor the beauty than Sip’s relaxing rooftop bar.

Where To Go For Dinner: Larkin’s on the River
Following an enjoyable tasting at Sip, head south on Main Street toward the rushing waters of Reedy River as you make your way to Larkin’s on the River for tonight’s meal. With his keen sense for flavors, colors and composition, the plates prepared by Chef Alex are sure to captivate your palate. Start with the local favorite She Crab Soup before splurging on Southern shrimp and grits or spoiling yourself with an aged bone in filet mignon. Whether you choose to dine inside, with exposed brick walls and an open ceiling, or opt for outdoor seating on a patio overlooking the river, you simply cannot beat this venue.

What To Do After Dinner: NOMA Square
Voted as one of America’s best downtown’s by Forbes magazine, you can’t leave Greenville without enjoying any of the free community events during your time in town. And if you happen to be in Greenville between the months of May and September, there is none better than Greenville Heritage Main Street Fridays. Hosted in NOMA square, a cornerstone of downtown, unwind from your week of exercise while you listen to a variety of live music, including jazz, blues, oldies and soul. And if you’d rather not dance, still make your way to Greenville’s largest plaza for a delicious slice of homemade Mackinac Island Fudge at Kilwins.

How to Eat On and Off the Bike

Posted on April 13, 2015 - 6:53 pm by keith_ritter

Published by Clif Bar as part of their “Eat Like an Athlete” series, this infographic shows you how opposites attract to create a balanced nutrition plan for endurance athletes.

The Roubaix Showers

Posted on April 10, 2015 - 6:07 pm by keith_ritter

Following a massive week of riding the routes of the Spring Classics, two rockstar Trek Travel guides had a surprise prepared for their guests. After riding the Paris-Roubaix course, Jason and Amy arranged for their group to have a Roubaix Velodrome finish with a very special visit to the historic shower stalls where champions have rinsed off their victories for a hundred years.

“This water usually runs hot for one day a year. In 2015, it was two” said Jason. But what exactly makes these cement showers so special? For the answer, we turned to experts at The Inner Ring:

Paris-Roubaix must be the only race where the washing facilities make up part of the legend. The showers inside the velodrome are as much a part of the ritual as is the photo of the winner lifting the cobbled trophy in the air. Indeed can you name another sport where the showers or locker room is treated with the same reverence?

If you weren’t into cycling and from outside France, you’d probably never have heard of Roubaix. But maybe an artist would know of the town as it has an art gallery made from a converted swimming pool.

But if the town has lavished money on the old swimming baths to make a modern public space, the velodrome in Roubaix is neglected, a less than lavish water feature. The track is crumbling and as I wrote the other day a new track is being built. The showers, part of the same 1930s building, are no different. These are hard blocks of cement.

With the mud and dust from the finishes, the communal showers resemble a cow shed with milking stalls. The plumbing looks like it was installed by Heath Robinson or Rube Goldberg. You wonder if the water is even warm.

Why are these showers so important? It’s hard to pin one reason. Obviously the riders need a good wash, this race throws up dirt like no other. But riders these days have team buses with onboard showers. No, for me there are three more factors.

First up, to reach the showers is itself an achievement, it means you have finished the hardest one day race of the year. Only 74 riders merited a shower last year.

Next the showers are a place of legend. Iconic images have been taken and each cubicle bears a brass plaque of the past winner. This is more than a washroom, it is a part-museum, part Elysium.

Also this is a race where I find a lot of luck is involved. Those who lost out find a moment of calm to replay the race, to reflect on what happened, what they could have done differently. Above all what would have happened if they hadn’t punctured, if they’d taken the other side of the cobbled road. Few other races have such a coulda, woulda, shoulda aspect and the shower is the moment for a rider to lament when the race slipped, sometimes literally, away from them.

I’ll leave the last words, translated, to an anonymous Swiss journalist:

“The showers are the only strategic place to get hold of a Paris-Roubaix rider. They all go there. And they dream of the place like a dog dreams of a bone. With time the communal showers have become a legend, as much as the cobbles. They are the wall of tears, the place where riders grimace, lament, compare injuries, describe their crashes… it’s the place where they wash dust, wounds and fatigue.”

This article originally appeared on Inrng.com on April 8, 2011.

The Easiest Way To Conquer Roubaix

Posted on April 9, 2015 - 2:40 pm by keith_ritter

They call it the ‘Hell of the North’. The 27 pavé sectors of Paris Roubaix cause riders more pain in one day than many experience in a lifetime of sport. Cobblestones seize riders’ wheels. Dust and mud fogs their vision. And rain is all but guaranteed to cause more destruction.

When our friends, Taz and Guy, set out before the race to shoot footage for their project, the route lived up to its reputation. The obstacles that prevent many from starting and even the strongest from finishing proved tough to overcome on this quiet Tuesday afternoon.

…And they were traveling by car.

“There we were, in our vintage French voiture, working hard on top secret #ProjectRoubaix on Mons-en-Pévèle Sector, when we managed to ground the car in a foot of sludge….disaster (how that happened is a whole other story). Having tried everything we only managed to bury the car deeper to the point where the base of the car was then in mud. Miles from anywhere meaningful and on a farm track with no traffic and no phone signal, Guy set off walking to find the nearest help.

In a slightly surreal moment, the Trek Travel train appeared from around the corner. The first van flew through shielding its string of riders (looking good I might add) and the rear van allowed me to flag them down. I explained our plight to the wonderful Amy who took it all in her stride, fastened us up to the van and towed us out! Amy didn’t know us and had no reason to help but she chose to put herself out for complete strangers. The consideration she showed helped save our beloved car and a super important shooting day for our project.

Of all the solutions we had fantasised about, Trek Travel coming to the rescue was not even on the radar….but then you’re always full of surprises!

Forever grateful
Taz and Guy”

Older posts

Monthly Archives: April 2015

Guest Choice: Yountville

How To Tune Your Bike

The Intimidation Factor

5 Tips to Pack like the Pros

1. Pack Smarter

2. Use Your Geometry

3. Undergarments for Days:

4. Layers Always Win:

5. Keep it Simple

Back-To-Back ‘Tours of a Lifetime’

What I Learned From Living Abroad

Guest Choice: Greenville

How to Eat On and Off the Bike

The Roubaix Showers

The Easiest Way To Conquer Roubaix

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