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Bo Bikes Bama

Posted on May 13, 2015 - 7:05 pm by keith_ritter

What is it about natural disasters that bring out the best in people?

When central Alabama was hit in 2011 by a series of tornadoes, “the best in people” was about the furthest thing from anyone’s mind. These towns, from tiny Cordova, which looked like a set from The Walking Dead when the tornadoes ripped through like a zombie attack, to Tuscaloosa, home of the University of Alabama and site of the most casualties, faced one of the lowest moments in their histories.

But sometimes, it’s disasters like this that cause true rebirth.

Bo Jackson is Alabama’s Jens Voigt. Many Alabamans don’t know Jens, of course. But if you describe Jensie’s toughness, grit and happy-go-lucky attitude, they’d think you’re talking about Bo Jackson. He is known as the most famous two-sport athlete in the world, and the most famous export of Alabama, an All-Star in both baseball and football, and winner of the Heisman Trophy at Auburn. He never quits. And that’s why he’s here. Because when Bo heard that this area, including his hometown of Bessemer, was severely damaged, his first reaction was to call his friends at Trek Bikes and reach for a bike.

John Burke, CEO of Trek, says it best. “Bo is one of the greatest sports legends of the last 100 years, and an even better person. What could I say when he called? This is an incredible opportunity to do good for a lot of people. The next thing I know, we’re driving 18 hours down to Alabama to join him and help out the victims of the tornadoes.”

Bo Jackson at Bo Bikes Bama

Cycling has a way of making your senses come alive. Discovering the world on a bike is exciting. It’s visceral. You get closer to the road, the people and the curves of the earth than you can in a car, bus or a thousand on-line virtual tours. You smell the smells. Feel the air. Drink in the history.

Normally, bicycle tours are reserved for the fragrant olive groves of Tuscany and the epic views of the Alps. But it works just as well when you’re trying to get a sense of the rubble of a place that’s been battered. It’s the same ride. The same discovery. And in both cases, you learn to love the people you ride with and the destinations you visit.

Bo wanted to do something big for his home. He wanted to raise $1,000,000 in disaster relief. And he wanted to do it in a way that would draw out the communities together, as one people, getting to know the countryside together and rediscovering what makes Alabama great. There’s no better way to do that then on a bicycle.

Trek Travel saw his vision and got behind the mission. They sent Rebecca Falls, trip designer and tour expert, down to help. That was the beginning of Bo Bikes Bama, a five-day journey across central Alabama on bicycle. It was also the beginning of Bo Jackson’s third athletic career.

Bo is telling his own legs to “Shut up.” If you ask him, he “doesn’t know why” he chose a cycling tour as his fundraising method, but if you ride along with him, you learn quickly. And mostly? It’s because he’s not good at it.

He lumbers up the hills. ESPN’s Greatest Athlete of All Time is no match for the slow rollers of the Deep South. But he’s there. Chugging along. The big, hulking NFL engine that could. Like in all of cycling, there’s a romance in his struggle. He’s there not as the famous pro with all his pro friends making an appearance for charity like it was some golf tournament. In Bo Bikes Bama, he’s a man of the people. Struggling right along side friends, neighbors and countrymen. Riding through their hometowns on bikes with the victims’ names etched on his top tube, and taking the same rests at the summit of every climb.

He’s no pro cyclist. But in a state known more for its love of the SEC than the TDF, he’s Alabama’s hero on two wheels.

This is what Trek Travel is all about. You wouldn’t count Cordova, Alabama among the likes of Andalucia, Spain, or the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia. But Trek Travel is here, riding bikes, exploring the undiscovered reaches of a place that wasn’t built for bikes. Rebecca Falls should know. She’s from Tuscaloosa, and she’s completely impressed at what bikes have done for her home.

“How cool is it to get road bikes into communities that don’t traditionally connect with bicycling?” She asks. “As one of the most well-known and well-loved Alabamians, Bo Jackson is an incredible advocate for cycling in our home state.”

Bo Jackson understands this, almost implicitly. It might be why he chose cycling unconsciously. He knew that bikes are the great equalizer. They bring people together, and closer to the world around them. They’ve made him an athlete once again. And they’re going to change this place.

Sometimes, discovering the world on a bike isn’t all wine-tasting and epic selfies. Sometimes, it takes a natural disaster to show you a side of a place that you never saw before.

REGISTER TODAY FOR THE 5TH ANNUAL BO BIKES BAMA»

Industry Insider: JoLe Farm to Table

Posted on May 12, 2015 - 3:39 pm by keith_ritter

JoLe is a Contemporary American Restaurant owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Matt and Sonjia Spector, chef and pastry chef, respectively. Learn more about their story, then taste their creations for yourself on our California Wine Country vacation.

What is the vision behind JoLe and how is it being received?
Our vision from the very beginning has been to provide a top-notch fine dining experience, in a more casual, fun atmosphere. We want people to enjoy good food and the people they are with.

Where does the name JoLe come from?
Out two sons: Joe (11) and Jacob Levi (8).

What does the term ‘farm-to-table’ mean to you?
Fresh, seasonal and always-changing. We print our menus in house, which means we can change them daily depending on what comes in that day. You will probably never see the same menu twice at JoLe.

Tell us about your background. What inspired you to open a restaurant?
Both Matt and myself worked in many venues before deciding to open one of our own. After four wonderful years at our first restaurant Matyson in Philadelphia, we were eager for our next challenge. Northern California was calling, so we sold the restaurant, packed up the kids, and headed west. We happily landed in the quaint wine and spa town of Calistoga, enjoying the bounty of ingredients that the area has to offer.

What is the most rewarding part about your job?
Locals that come in numerous times per week and new customers that make a point to tell us how special their experience has been.

What excites you most about Calistoga, California?
We settled in Calistoga because the restaurant space was the right situation for us, and we loved being in a small town with foot traffic. We also liked being associated with the Mount View Hotel. This part of the world holds a special place in our hearts, as we were married here in 2001.

What are the five must-do’s while traveling in the Napa Valley?
1. Drive the Silverado Trail from top to bottom
2. Schedule a tasting at Jericho Canyon Vineyards
3. Sit at the bar of a great restaurant and meet a local winemaker
4. Pick up something you didn’t think your needed at Blackbird in Calistoga
5. Meet Jeff and Sally Manfredi at Calistoga Pottery, where they have been making beautiful pottery for over 30 years.

What should our guests most look forward to at JoLe?
For a quick, casual fix they should check out our awesome bar menu. For a more in depth dining experience, order a tasting menu of four, five or six courses. James, our manager and wine director, will pair wines with every course. It’s a great way to taste a lot of different dishes and wines without breaking the bank.

Do you have an especially memorable story from your many years in the restaurant industry?
In January 2001, at our first restaurant in Philadelphia, my water broke while I was standing at the host station. I was 30 weeks pregnant with our first child, and thought I just wet my pants because I was laughing so hard. Little did I know, our son Joe was born the next day.

Famous Coconut Cream Pie
Makes 1 nine-inch pie

Macadamia Crust:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees

3 1/4 ounces macadamia nuts, lightly toasted and cooled
6 3/4 ounces all purpose flour
2 ounces sugar
4 ounces unsalted butter
1 egg yolk
3/4 tsp. heavy cream

Process the nuts in a food processor with a little of the sugar until almost a powder.
Mix flour, nuts, sugar, and butter with paddle in KitchenAid until crumbly.
Add yolks and cream and mix just until combined into a dough.
Press dough into a 9-inch pie pan and blind bake with pie weights until golden brown.

Coconut Filling:

2 1/2 cups canned coconut milk
1/2 cup whole milk
1 cup sugar
1/2 vanilla bean, split and scraped
1 1/3 cups unsweetened coconut shavings, toasted until golden brown
1/4 cup cornstarch
10 egg yolks
1 gelatin sheet, softened in cold water
1 ounce unsalted butter

In a heavy pot, warm coconut milk, milk, sugar, vanilla bean, and toasted coconut until very hot but not boiling.
Remove from heat and let steep 1 hour.
In a medium bowl, whisk cornstarch and egg yolks until smooth. Set aside.
Temper milk mixture into egg mixture, combine completely, then strain through a chinois into a clean pot.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until bubbling and thick.
Remove the custard from the heat and immediately stir in the butter and softened gelatin until totally melted.
Immediately pour the custard into the cooled shell, cover with plastic wrap, and chill until set.
To serve, top pie with whipped cream and more toasted coconut.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Posted on May 11, 2015 - 3:13 pm by keith_ritter

Perhaps the greatest thing about guiding bicycle trips that interact with big races and follow Grand Tours is the opportunity to travel off the beaten path. We venture to parts of the world that tourists simply do not travel. This was no truer than at Trek Travel’s 2009 Giro d’Italia “Behind the Scenes” trip with the Astana Pro Cycling Team.

It is May 25th, 2009, and the sun is getting lower on the coast of Pescara, Italy. I glance down at my watch: 6:45PM. Dinner is scheduled shortly at a luxurious hotel in Francavilla al Mare, a tiny beach town set on the eastern Abruzzo coast of Italy. This is not just a simple meal, but rather, we have a dinner engagement with the Astana Team.

We had just picked up our crew of Trek Travel adventurers that morning, and immediately experienced an adrenaline-pumped, epic bike ride on the Giro race route. We literally rode up the mountain pass in front of the pros, to the cheers of locals. The Abruzzo region is known for being rugged, and today’s roads were no exception. They were narrow, bumpy, steep and fast. The crowds cheering at the top of our brutal climb were local: I would reckon roughly 98% Italian. But somehow, our group of Trek Travelers, when atop a bicycle, well, we somehow fit right in.

The energy matched the elevation atop our mountain pass, as we eagerly awaited the pros to cross the top. I stood next to a hobbit-sized, elderly, Italian lady with a face leathered and wrinkled by decades of hard work. In her arms she held a stack of bright-pink newspapers. I knew them instinctively: La Gazzetta dello Sport. It’s the title sponsor of the Giro d’Italia, and the inspiration—no truly, the reason—for the race-leader’s pink jersey. The breeze turned chilly as the riders crested the hilltop with much bravado and fanfare. The small, wrinkled hobbit slowly reached her weathered hand in front of her, a pink newspaper clutched in it. As riders prepared for their descent in the frigid, mountain air, they looked around for something warm. Rider after rider eagerly snatched a pink paper from her, stuffing their jerseys with their newly-found insulation. With a smile on her face, she repeated this again and again, barely bothering to look up, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. But of course riders would be chilly on top of a hill; of course they would need something to keep warm on the descent.

I turned our Trek Travel van around the corner to the team hotel, where we met the mechanics who were cleaning and prepping the bikes, and met with behind the scenes support staff who ran us through their process of managing team logistics, the particulars of wrenching from the team car, and shared some of the team’s quirks and lesser-known details.

Then we went inside to enjoy dinner and met with the team managers and some members of the team: Levi Leipheimer (most-improved outgoing personality), Jose “Chechu” Luis Rubiera (kindest cyclist), Jani Brakovic (most gentle, honest rider), Viatcheslav Ekimov (best mullet), and more. After we enjoyed an exceptional Italian feast (many kilos of pasta were eaten that night), we sat around talking and laughing with other members of the team. I had this keen sense that—aside from being able to ride their bike really fast—these guys were just the same as any of us. Here they were, an international group of talented athletes, in a country far from family and friends. An excited group of Trek Travel cycling fans traveled to this small, Abbruzzese town to cheer wildly for them, to share their stories, to encourage them. It was clear that some of our energy and excitement infused back to the team that night.

We stopped for a quick round of billiards and a nightcap with the mechanics and support staff before drifting back to our beachside hotel where the group regaled each other with their own perspectives and highlights from a night of excitement and stimulation. Someone remarked that the trip had been a success and that they could go home happy right then and there, which brought a smile to my lips.

Because that was just day one.

About the Author: Jacob Young, a guide and trip designer who started with Trek Travel at the very beginning, is happiest when showing people new places, a passion he discovered 15 years ago while guiding a friend up Mt. Rainier. When not guiding bike trips, you’ll find him handling logistics for the biggest bike races in North America, or out leading yoga retreats in tropical destinations.

Agua Tibia Surf School

Posted on May 7, 2015 - 6:35 pm by keith_ritter

Meet Adrian and Drew, owners of Agua Tibia surf school in Costa Rica. Sense their passion for the sport as you follow along on their journey of adventure, discovery and the search for big waves.

Tell us your story. What inspired you to start surfing?

Adrian: After school I would do my homework then swim in the river with friends. That’s all we did outside of school – homework and swim. Then one year after moving to Samara Beach in 1999 I tried surfing for the first time. The feeling of riding a board in the water was even more fun than just swimming in it. As the time passes and I am able to see many beautiful places in the world and get to know more great people, their culture and the beauty of each place, it brings me back to swimming in that river as a boy and catching my first wave.

Drew: I had been a skateboarder since I was 10 years old, and had my first surf experience when I was 20. It wasn’t that great, as a matter of fact I almost drowned two times. I went to the beach with a surfer friend of mine and he gave me his short board to learn on. The waves were over 6 feet that day (that means overhead surf). Of course he didn’t explain anything to me but I was eager to try so I paddled out and somehow made it there. I tried to catch some waves but it didn’t work. It was very intimidating to see that big, dark hole I was supposed to drop into. At this point I was exhausted, I couldn’t find my friend and it was getting dark so I decided to paddle in. A strong rip current pulled me. Knowing nothing of how to handle it at the time, I lost my board when a big wave crashed on me. I grew up swimming in rivers, so I am a decent swimmer. I swam to a surfer guy and asked for help. He told me to get on his board and we took a wave into shore.

The funny thing is that I did the same thing again. This was my second try. Same beach, same friend, same board, same waves, same current. This time was more intense. I couldn’t find someone to ask for help. Then all of a sudden an Argentinian lifeguard on shore saw my board drifting in without me. He picked it up and paddled out to get me. He saved me. I never got his name or saw him again, but he saved my life.

As you can imagine after these two experiences I decided that surfing was not for me. I was comfortable on the concrete with my wheels. Two years later I was doing social work in Nicaragua and my surfer friend calls me about this job at a hotel reception desk in Playa Guiones. When I got his call I had just started my trip and I was going to be out of the country for a month. I did a phone interview and they gave me the time to come back and take the job. That was my first time in Nosara.

At that time it was basically impossible to skate around Nosara. I remember there was one mini half pipe where I would go. Everyone was into surfing here and I had my surfing experience already. I didn’t get into the water until six months after I moved here. Since I couldn’t skate I started to get interested in surfing again. But now I had a bad experience so before I went for it I asked a couple of the new surfer friends. They just said go for it, on a bigger board. And I thought that was enough to go for it again. I borrowed a bigger board (7’3”) and started to paddle out. Nobody told me I could do white water so I went straight out to the green waves. It took me about three months to be able to get out there and then I finally made it. I was out there on a big day. The moment I look around trying to find a familiar face I could only see three of the best surfers in town out there with me. And then I thought to myself, “What am I doing here?” Now I knew a little more about safety and I just focused on not losing my board. I waited for an hour to find a smaller wave to catch. It didn’t happen. I started to paddle for what I thought was a good one and the wave just kept building under my board. All I could think was, “If I don’t make it, I die.” I made it. I stood up, went down the line and all the way into shore. I will never forget that wave. After that I did some downhill long boarding but having the power of the ocean pushing at that speed was and still is the best feeling there is. That first wave did it. That was my inspiration to surf.

What inspired you to open your own surf school?

Adrian: After discovering that surfing was the main reason why I was going to stay here in Nosara I decided to start focusing more on improving my English, my surfing skills, and also trying to get a deeper connection with the ocean and its constant change. In 2010 I got a job at my friend’s surf school and I began as the guy who would clean the boards and put them inside. Soon I was at the front desk making reservations for the surf lessons and three months later I found myself teaching my first lesson. Teaching others reminded me of the first time I caught a wave. At that point I knew I wanted to own my own surf school. I knew I wanted to bring smiles and happiness to people, and maybe even change their way of seeing life after learning how to surf.

Drew: After working for the hotel for a year, they let me go. I had been surfing for six months and made a lot of new friends. Two of my new friends had a surf school and they hired me to be their receptionist. One day we had so many students they needed me to help them teach. So there I was, a six-month-old surfer teaching beginners. I started to notice that everything I was teaching also helped me improve my own surfing and at the same time I enjoyed teaching so much. I met Adrian there and we worked together for over two seasons. We were basically managing our friends surf school as they were getting a bit detached from it. We started talking about opening our own place and that’s how we started to sketch what Agua Tibia is now.

Tell us about the best wave you’ve ever caught.

Adrian: How could I forget that moment. It was at Playa Pavones in southern Costa Rica and I was on a fabulous trip with my friends. We got there two days before the swell hit and it was kind of small but we knew it was going to get better as the day went on. Once we were in the water it was even better than we thought. We woke really early on Thursday morning at 4:50AM, I made coffee and breakfast and after a good meal we headed to the water. As soon as we saw the first wave breaking we knew that the long drive (10 hours) was so worth it. I have to mention that this wave only breaks to the left because it’s a point break and also is the second longest wave of the world. Truly, this wave has been my best wave ever because it was super long, big and clean. It was what we call a perfect wave, so I will never forget this experience. We got to surf two of the longest and best waves of Costa Rica and I had the longest wave of my surf lifetime so far.

Drew: One day I was long boarding and I was around 50ft further out than the rest of the line up and I saw this massive wave building 100ft further out than where I was. So I found myself thinking, “Should I paddle out to it and go through or should I paddle in to the rest of the line up to skip it?” Two seconds later I decided to paddle out to it and try to pass it. I got to it and I was perfectly positioned. I went for it. So scary. So much adrenaline. So much fun. That’s a wave I will always remember. Makes me smile just to think of it.

What excites you most about Costa Rica?

Adrian: I love our culture. The people are so welcoming, warm and open. When you walk down the street you always hear everyone saying “Pura Vida” which means “Pure Life” in English. It really is a pure lifestyle here in the jungle, close to nature. We are conservative with our water, conscious of where our trash is going, always keeping compost in our yard, eating healthy, helping the animals and spending as much time as we can outdoors.

Drew: Our people. The Pura Vida. You know one is truly Tico when you feel at home. Of course there are all kinds of people here but real Costa Ricans are welcoming and warm, honest, respectful, loving, caring and always willing to help. I see all this slowly dying in the new generations but we live like that here. We fight to conserve it. Pura Vida.

Surf with Adrian and Drew in Costa Rica!

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Industry Insider: Tim Vanderjeugd

Posted on May 6, 2015 - 9:52 pm by keith_ritter

As the public relations and media manager for Trek Factory Racing, Tim Vanderjeugd is essentially the eyes and ears of the team at races. He is the director of communications, the team’s spokesperson, and first line of contact for media. Traveling over 180 days a year, learn more about Tim’s life on the road with professional cyclists.

Tell us your story.
I’m a former sport and travel journalist and photographer, and joined the world of professional cycling as press officer in 2011 with Leopard Trek. I’m from cycling-crazed Belgium and live only a couple of pedal strokes away from the steep Kemmelberg that fans of cycling will definitely know.

How long have you been riding bikes? What is it that called you to cycling?
I have been riding bikes since I was a little boy. Very early on kids learn how to ride bikes in my country and I was six years old went I started riding to school every day on my own. I was doing track and field all my adolescent life so riding mountain bikes and race bikes was not a major part of my life until I got my Masters in literature and linguistics. I picked up mountain biking and then very quickly also bought my first race bike.

Tell us about your best day on a bicycle?
My best day on a bike would be somewhere ‘out there’. I have amazing memories from my bike holidays in Corsica, Iceland and Senegal. When you travel with all your luggage on your bike, the suffering is immense but so incredibly rewarding. I can’t wait to take on another adventure. I’d like to go back to Argentina, but this time by bike! Or to New Zealand. Or to the Pacific Coast in the US. Or so many more destinations!

What inspired you to become a journalist?
The stories. I believe everyone has a great story. It’s just a matter of asking the right questions. I love my job as a press officer too. It’s different, but in a way I make sure that the riders’ stories get told, through the media but more and more directly to the fans. This season we have started our #BehindTheStripes stories where photographer Emily Maye and myself visit the riders in their homes, to show their lives to the fans in a context outside of racing. We get to see what they have to leave behind when they travel because often we overlook the costs their families must bear. Everyone at TFR, riders and staff, took a different road to get where we stand now. This variety of stories is what makes TFR such a beautiful family.

What is the vision behind Trek Factory Racing and how is it being received?
Well, we live in an amazing time where we can reach fans in the fastest and easiest ways imaginable. The fans love our communication, they send us very positive feedback. We will keep on trying to surprise them and bring the stories of TFR to their doorstep, because what would cycling be without its fans?

You speak seven languages. What excites you about learning a new language?
Speaking a language is a privilege. It’s wealth that can’t be taken from you. Being able to speak a language with someone is unlocking a door to a whole new world. Besides this cultural approach, I am very interested in language specific things like grammar and phonetics and this helps me to learn a new language. I’m taking on Portuguese now.

You spend over 180 days on the road each year. What is your favorite destination and why?
That would probably be Italy. It’s just the most beautiful place in the world: the cities, the countryside, the food, the fans of cycling. There are many things that the country could improve on, but there’s even more things that make me fall in love with it every time I go there.

Tell us about your best adventure from the road.
Life on the road is a constant adventure. A lot of it is efficiently solving problems, because there’s not a day when there’s not a little something that needs mending. That’s the part I like most about my job. A great example is when we were doing the home visit to Julian Arredondo on the weekend of the National Championships in Colombia. It was the most ‘exotic’ time on the road, I think. I ended up being Julian’s mechanic for the day. Our driver had never been in a race before. It was one of those days without a script.

What are the five must-do’s while traveling in Belgium?
Visit Ghent to experience the perfect blend between the old city vibes and a very energetic urban energy. Take a day trip to Ieper and its surroundings to learn about the First World War and the atrocities mankind is capable of. Explore the Ardennes by mountain bike. Ride your bike around Oudenaarde and learn what it is to ride on cobbles. And finish up in Antwerp for some great shopping, live music and dining. If you feel adventurous, do the same things in Brussels. It’s a little more hidden in alleys and supposedly shady neighborhoods, but it’s worth it!

What does your perfect day look like?
It would include coffee in the morning and red wine at night. Bikes would be in it, though there’s no need to ride five hours. A good debate/discussion with friends about life or love – possibly with the before mentioned red wine at hand. There would need to be live music and lots of great food. All of this could be anywhere in the world, but preferably somewhere spectacular and memorable. Oh, and there should be an éclair in it too! I love éclairs!

World’s Best Coffee Shops

Posted on May 5, 2015 - 3:59 pm by keith_ritter

Coffee is a drug, a really good one that hooks you for life! And one that brings people together all over the world. It’s a social lubricant, and for some, the only way to start a day. It creates memories, eases conversation and stimulates idea. Grab a cup of joe and learn more about our ten favorite coffee shops around the world.

Colectivo Coffee: Madison, Wisconsin
What began as Alterra Coffee in 1993 with the simple goal of making a great cup of coffee is now a local favorite in Trek Travel’s hometown. Colectivo Coffee, whose name and design are inspired by the funky buses used for everyday public transportation across Latin America, is our staff’s favorite place to grab a cup of carefully brewed single origin coffee on the way to work. Appropriately named, the shop strives to be part of everyday life through the products they make, the places they build, the communities they support, and the customers they serve. After just one visit you will quickly realize that the rich flavors of their “Featured Farm Series” are merely part of the collective experience, as their open storefront on Madison’s capitol square provides the perfect atmosphere to share great conversation with peers after a Saturday morning ride.

La Fabrica: Girona, Spain
Walking the streets of pretty little Girona, Spain you will find a gem of a coffee shop tucked away near the center of town, off the beaten path. Newly opened La Fabrica Coffee Works & Cycle Café is owned by a couple from Vancouver, Canada. Inspired by coffee cultures from around the world, they bring cycling and coffee to Girona in their own way. The finished product is amazing, to say the least, and has quickly become a guide favorite! Colleagues and I discovered La Fabrica online a few Sundays ago while looking for a place to watch the Tour of Flanders race on television. Picture exposed stone, modern yet cozy design, family-style seating and walls displaying photos of past cycling legends. Local cycling enthusiasts fill the café to enjoy coffee with new and old friends. Meanwhile the aroma of freshly roasted beans fills the air with the sound of clacking cycling cleats and churning espresso machines in the background. From freshly roasted coffee, to the friendliest of service, this place is our little slice of heaven. The best part? Upon finishing your café con leche you will see the word ‘ANOTHER?’ on the bottom of your cup. Great minds think alike. The answer is always si.

Handlebar Coffee Roasters: Santa Barbara, California
When former professional cyclists shifted their focus, training and determination from racing to coffee, the result was a world-class micro roaster in Santa Barbara’s “Gourmet Ghetto.” While living and racing in Europe, Aaron Olson and Kim Andersen fell in love with the abundance of local, neighborly cafes. Upon their return to the States, they decided to bring that same ambiance to a coffee shop of their own. What they created is a streamlined space just off State Street where they proudly display their two passions side-by-side: custom Handlebar cycling jerseys together with a German-made Probat roaster. Though recently expanded to keep up with booming demand, the natural light and outdoor patio present the exact tone they were striving for—warm and unpretentious.

Tahoe House: Tahoe City, California
While living in Lake Tahoe and working remotely for Trek Travel, I would spend at least two days per week at the Tahoe House. Not only is their coffee the best in town—with a perfect crema every time—but it is also one of the last true “Mom and Pop” operations around. Originally from Switzerland, Peter and Helen Vogt brought with them a love of European Style breads and pastries. The couple opened the Tahoe House in May of 1977, and from a young age Peter and Helen’s girls helped out in the restaurant. As they grew older, Barbara went to culinary school and Caroline studied restaurant management. These days Barbara and Caroline are running the show. Stop by on your way to the mountain for a cup of brewed-to-order Swiss coffee and a pastry baked fresh that morning.

Mudtruck: New York City, New York
In the growing trend of food carts, the Mudtruck adds convenience for those needing their daily caffeine fix, making stops in several key locations around New York City. Its signature bright orange color can be seen from far away, and when I’d catch a glimpse of it coming out of the subway on my way to work, it meant I was going to have a great day. The beauty is in its simplicity, with most orders being “Mud”—simple, black coffee with milk and sugar. Even if you drink your coffee black, try it with the milk and sugar. The key is that they make your drink café au lait-style, steaming the milk first and adding just the right amount of sugar to turn your coffee into a frothy, smooth cup of goodness packed with quite a punch of caffeine. They do all of this for under $2 a cup, so you can justify indulging on a daily basis.

10 Speed Coffee: Calabasas, California
How do you judge your favorite coffee shop? Great coffee is obviously a must, but great coffee alone doesn’t make a coffee shop great. I’ve sipped coffee in shops and cafés on four continents, and one stands out above the rest. Tucked off a highway exit in Calabasas, California, the crew at 10 Speed Coffee serves up a great cup of coffee to fuel a drive up the 101 or a delicious espresso to cap off an amazing meal at their Pedalers Fork restaurant. These guys also share a passion for cycling, operating a high-end bike shop in the back of the restaurant and sponsoring some of the biggest bike races in the United States. Whether sitting at their coffee bar in California or on the bumper of their truck on a mountaintop in Colorado, a cup of Kickstand blend makes me feel at home.

Slate Coffee Bar: Ballard, Washington
Living in Seattle, and working for the last decade in Italy, have dealt a one-two punch of epic, coffee-snobbery. While in Italy, the perfect macchiato can be had at any roadside gas station, I have not found this to be true stateside. I am lucky to have good friends who are the head roasters for two shops I enjoy very much—Victrola Coffee in Seattle and Boxcar Coffee Roasters in Boulder, Colorado—and yet, my vote for favorite coffee shop goes to Slate Coffee Bar in Seattle. Here, the coffee is more than just a beverage. It is an experience that will likely be the highlight of your day. The care and attention that the owner, Chelsey, puts into every detail of your coffee—with a special emphasis on crafting your drink—comes through in the final product. This place was so hot that when it first opened, there was a lineup of well-trained baristas knocking down the door offering to apprentice—for free—just to learn the finer nuances of the highest level of coffee. When you go, be sure to try the deconstructed cappuccino, which features a shot glass of perfectly pulled espresso, a small tumbler of micro-frothed milk (from local, happy grass-fed, hormone free cows), followed by a marriage of the two ingredients, and…I dare say, the most perfect cappuccino.

Northwest Coffee Roasting: St. Louis, Missouri
The one place to sip a cup of joe that is etched in my mind is Northwest Coffee Roasting in the West End of St. Louis. Picture this: old garage, set back about 100 feet from a quiet residential street, concrete countertops, local artwork covering the walls, a cork board with ads and cards for nearly everything the locals are peddling, a long rustic portico with chairs and tables giving it an earthy, open air simplicity rich of the aroma from the beans roasted daily inside. I’ve been frequenting this place for over 10 years, before they were open 7 days a week, when it was only one guy. I don’t go there for the espresso (although it’s killer!). I go there for a good old-fashioned cup of coffee served in a stout little mug. It’s smooth, rich, definitely well balanced, not a hint of char or burnt-ness, super consistent, heart-racing coffee, and about as fresh as you can get because the beans are roasted in front of your eyes. Don’t even get me started on the scones. Get there early if you want to try them, or I may have already taken the last one…

Angry Catfish: Minneapolis, Minnesota
For me it is everything a cyclist looks for in a coffee shop. First: Amazing coffee. I’m a huge fan of Intelligentsia which is brewed at the Angry Catfish. Second: Their baristas are awesome and pull some amazing shots. Third: But perhaps the best thing about the Angry Catfish is that it is primarily an amazing bike shop. They have amassed some of the most knowledgeable bike mechanics around and they are all just really great guys. The atmosphere there is pretty calm, great seating areas to hunker down and read a book, or catch up on the latest road disc whohaa’s. Definitely a place to visit if you are ever in the Twin Cities!

Verve Coffee Roasters: Santa Cruz, California
A good cup of coffee is about more than just the flavor, and no one gets that more than Verve. They are involved in their beachfront Santa Cruz neighborhood, where surfing is as important as roasting. They are connected with the farms in rural Kenya and Costa Rica, where they source the best green coffee. They are committed to their award winning baristas, who take pride in the meticulous cupping process. And they are invested in their customers, who line up for the experiment each morning. If you like your coffee sweet and your environment laid-back, Verve is the cafe for you.

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

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Author Archives: keith_ritter

Bo Bikes Bama

Industry Insider: JoLe Farm to Table

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Agua Tibia Surf School

Industry Insider: Tim Vanderjeugd

World’s Best Coffee Shops

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

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