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Life of a Guide: You Carried What!?

woman smiling with a dog in her arms

Both our guides and our staff love to ride bikes, whether they are on trip or at home. Sometimes, their adventures lead to some pretty wacky situations. Three of our team members share some of their favorite memories carrying something a little crazy by bike.


A “Beary” Big Friend

“I was on a morning ride with a guide and coworker from the Trek Travel office, doing one of my favorite loops near my house. On our way out of town, we spotted Mr. Bear for sale at a garage sale. It was starting to drizzle, but I said if he was still there on our way back, I would buy him and take him home. As we rode back up the road, sure enough, there he was. So, 14 bucks later, he was strapped to my back with my cycling jacket as we completed the final few miles (and hills) towards home. Today, Mr. Bear is loving life at the Trek Travel office as our unofficial mascot.”
– Brie

Costa Brava Cycling Vacation Bike Tour in Costa Brava, Spain Biking Costa Brava

BEACHSIDE PICNIC SUPPLIES

“On the second day of our Gravel Ride Camp in 2019, we were going on a memorable picnic on the beach in Platja de l’Estartit. ‘Epicness’ is the word I would use to describe the activity! Eating bocadillos in front of Medes Islands was the perfect lunch spot for our Ride Campers. My fellow guide Miqui and I set up an awesome spot right on the sea front, and we even had a guest go for a swim (in November!). The only way to bring everything through the sand was with a bike trailer and a bit of will. We loaded all of our supplies, from food and coolers to chairs and garbage cans, onto the bike trailer. It was a ton to pull, but it ended in one of the most awesome trips ever.”
-Thomas

Costa Brava Cycling Vacation Bike Tour in Costa Brava, Spain Biking Costa Brava

Party Time

“There’s nothing like friends, music, and bicycles. Those were the basics when I was in college in Mexico (besides studying and getting good grades of course!). One day, a friend offered his house for a party, but we needed a bigger stereo system. Another friend said we could have an old stereo he was getting rid of. But to move it, I needed to use my bike. After carefully placing the stereo in my bike racks, I began my ride across town. People initially looked very confused when they saw a bicycle with a stereo system in the back, but there were smiles everywhere. Looking back, I wish I had a way to power it and blast some music as I rode.”
-Diego

Costa Brava Cycling Vacation Bike Tour in Costa Brava, Spain Biking Costa Brava

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Top 3 Tips When Choosing & Using Chamois Cream

Cyclists on bike path along river

This topic can be a personal or even an awkward one, but we’re going there anyway. We’re talking about chamois cream.

If any of you have experienced the dreaded chafe, you know just how important this topic is. We’ve gathered our top three tips for you and your saddle to consider when choosing and using your chamois cream.

Trek Travel partners with Zealios for the best performance products

Tip #1

First, what kind of cream do you want? Do you prefer a silky smooth formula? Or maybe a minty tingly feel? Or the thicker the better?

There are quite a few cream types out there to choose from so take your time. Read the ingredients and make sure there isn’t anything you are uncomfortable applying down there. All-natural ingredients are a safe bet when in doubt. Zealios’ Betwixt chamois cream is all-natural with organic aloe vera and suitable for both men and women, so we recommend checking it out!

Trek Travel partners with Zealios for the best performance products

Tip #2

Before you hit the road, have a travel plan. For those long rides, you might have to reapply to keep everything friction-free and happy. Is your chamois cream in a small enough container to bring along? If not, find a small canister or jar you can transfer a bit into so you’re not stuck on the side of misery road. Some brands even make great miniature-sized packs to bring along. For instance, Betwixt chamois cream comes in pocket-size packs made to toss in your jersey or bike bag.

Trek Travel partners with Zealios for the best performance products

Tip #3

Speaking of applying, how you apply your chamois cream matters!

See, we told you it gets personal… applying your chamois cream directly to the skin versus onto your chamois is our recommendation. Applying to the skin will ensure you get proper coverage and reduce the risk of missing any spots or… cracks…

We hope these quick tips will keep you and your saddle happy because we all know a happy saddle means a happy rider. Now there’s no excuse to skip on those extra miles. Time to find your next trip!

 

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: 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