Skip to main content

Our Winter Picks

Part one of our winter gear series where the team at Trek Travel home base in Madison, Wisconsin give their gear recs and best tips for making it through the months where Old Man Winter reigns.

[trek-fullwidth-img src=”https://s45708.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/IMG_1400-2.jpg”]

 

Jenny: Dealer Program Manager

Go-to winter riding gear?
Bontrager Old Man Winter Boots. Trek Travel Neck Gaiter. Ski Helmet and Goggles (much warmer than bike helmet and sunglasses). Bontrager Gnarwhal Studded Fat Bike Tires.

Is there such a thing as “too cold”? and why?
No such thing as bad weather, just bad gear.

Favorite beverage or meal to warm you up?
Maple Hot Toddy

Best part about winter in Madison?
Riding across a frozen Lake Monona to work with my awesome colleagues.

#1 tip to survive a Wisconsin winter?
The reason I love Wisconsin is because people don’t let the cold, gray weather stop them. Options abound, from cross country skiing, fat biking, ice hockey or a walk in the woods. The key is to embrace the weather and get outside anyways! Well that, and always plan a warm, sunny vacation for February!

If you could be a character in a holiday movie, who would you be and why?
Buddy the Elf, because he always has a smile on his face and adds energy to every room.

Bontrager OMW BootBontrager Narwhal Studded TiresBontrager Gaiter

Brie: Guide Manager

Go-to winter riding gear?
Bontrager S1 shoe covers, Velocis S2 split finger gloves aka lobster gloves and a neck gator. Plus a neon fanny pack for added fun and snack storage..

Is there such a thing as “too cold”? and why?
I draw the line for biking when we fall below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Favorite beverage or meal to warm you up?
Espresso in the morning, hot toddies in the afternoon.

Best part about winter in Madison?
It’s awesome how outdoor activities shift gears and continue on when temperatures drop in Madison! Frozen lake fat bike adventures are definitely a highlight for me…and a thrill.

#1 tip to survive a Wisconsin winter?
We schedule a few ‘Friday Soup Nights’ throughout the winter months…a fun gathering of friends to enjoy a warm fire, homemade soup and good company.

If you could be a character in a holiday movie, who would you be and why?
Buddy in Elf because of his fun-loving demeanor and positive outlook on life; not to mention his advanced snowball throwing skills.

Trek Travel Winter Gear

Katherine: Sales and Guest Services Manager

Go-to winter riding gear?
Bontrager lobster gloves and lights for dark mornings.

Is there such a thing as “too cold”? and why?
No such thing as “too cold” just the wrong gear.

Favorite beverage or meal to warm you up?
Hot Toddy

Best part about winter in Madison?
Riding fat bikes across the frozen lakes

#1 tip to survive a Wisconsin winter?
Buy a fat bike

If you could be a character in a holiday movie, who would you be and why?
I would be Jovie from Elf because how entertaining would that be?!

Bontrager Lobster GlovesTrek Travel Winter Gear Hot ToddyTrek Travel Winter Gear Flare R and Ion 800

Ashley: Guest Services Coordinator

Go-to winter riding gear?
A Buff! You can use it for your head, your neck, your entire face, etc.

Is there such a thing as “too cold”? and why?
I am a firm believer that you dress appropriately for the weather. If it’s cold, bundle up!

Favorite beverage or meal to warm you up?
Throat coat tea, even if I don’t have a sore throat.

Best part about winter in Madison?
The first snow in the Arboretum.

#1 tip to survive a Wisconsin winter?
Having good friends to pass the months with.

If you could be a character in a holiday movie, who would you be and why?
Tim Allen in The Santa Clause. I’m in it for the silky red pajamas!
 

[trek-fullwidth-img src=”https://s45708.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/CopperHarbor_2_-2_mr.jpg”]

 


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 Explorer and Luxury hotels. Rest assured, no matter which hotel level 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: 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).

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 - Discover:

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