Gear - Trek Travel

Bring On Old Man Winter

Posted on January 22, 2016 - 4:29 pm by keith_ritter

It’s that time of year when fat bikes are out in hoards. Although they have only recently become popular, fat bikes have been around for nearly 10 years and they are a ton of fun to ride.

Over the holidays my brother and I rode our Trek Farleys out in Spearfish, South Dakota on some amazing trails. We have been riding together for many years and we rode plenty of miles in the Minnesota snow long before fat bikes were around. But we had such a blast this Christmas, reminiscing about how much fun we had back then and how much more fun it is with bikes that are actually designed for snow. Even with new bikes, however, some things never change. Like the laughter that ensues after going over the bars right into a big, soft pile of snow. Did I mention we had an awesome time?

“Isn’t it so cold,” you might ask? Well, I won’t lie. It can be cold but you warm up quickly. Just like any outdoor activity, it’s all about the right layers and keeping your hands and feet warm. Having bar mitts makes a world of difference in keeping your hands toasty, and the right footwear is a must as well. I prefer to ride clipped in, though many people like to ride with a simple platform pedal. In the end, it really makes no difference so long as you have a dedicated winter boot to keep your toes warm. The Bontrager OMW Winter Shoes (yes, it does stand for old man winter) are really awesome. I bought a pair to replace my old winter boots and I absolutely love them. They are warm, keep the snow out, and are a great option for clipless or platform pedals. Pro Tip: Buy one size bigger than you typically would. Trust me.

There are more and more places that cater to fat bike riding as well. Riding on a groomed trail is really a treat, and these are popping up in many cities as more people turn to fat biking for their winter activity. I know there are plenty of ice races on frozen lakes in Minnesota, which are super fun to watch and even more fun to participate in. Pro Tip: If you are riding on ice, be sure to have a good set of studded tires. You can buy them pre-studded or you can stud them yourself, but make sure you have them. The large footprint of the tire isn’t enough for traction on the ice, and studs will make a world of difference (no promises you still won’t slide out once or twice).

On that note, traction is directly proportional to tire pressure. You will think I’m nuts when I say that I ride with 3-5psi in my tires. Yes, you read that right: 3-5psi! And the difference from 3psi to 5psi is still incredible when it comes to the amount of grip you can get when cornering. Your standard floor pump won’t be able to give you readings like that, so you’ll have to get a low pressure gauge. I actually carry my gauge with me in my seat pack in the event of a flat tire because it’s really hard to tell pressure by just squeezing these tires.

Ultimately, fat biking is just a really fun way to extend the riding season. I’m sure that if given the chance, most of you would rather be outside on a bike as opposed to riding a stationary a trainer. Am I right? Besides, why wouldn’t you want another bike in the quiver?

In case you were wondering, my personal choice (go figure) is a custom Di2 Trek Farley. I had a lot of fun building this up exactly how I wanted it and have almost as much fun riding it.

Top 10 Reasons to Ride Electric-Assist

Posted on October 30, 2015 - 2:18 pm by keith_ritter

close up of a red and black Trek Domane plus bike

Trek Travel is proud to introduce a new fleet of electric-assist bikes, including the Trek Domane+ LT and Verve+. These bikes flatten hills, improve endurance, and make every ride a little more fun. There’s no reason not to love an electric-assist bike. But we can find at least ten reasons why you will:

[trek-fullwidth-img src=”https://trektravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/TrekDomaneplus_Oct2019_Nice_-940_1600x1000.jpg”]

1. Fall in love with two wheels.
We believe that bikes show a different perspective, and provide a more magical way to experience the world. Sometimes, that magic is lost in the struggle up a mountain. With electric-assist, you can ride further and see more of the world from the seat of a bike.

2. If you’re reading this, they’re built for you.
Young, old, avid or amateur, you’ll definitely enjoy a spin on an electric-assist bike.
It’s more fun than you think, and just the ticket to a perfect day on the bike.

3. It’s a workout, with just a little less work.
It’s called “electric-assist” because that’s what it is; a boost when you need it, and a bike when you don’t.
This isn’t a moped, and there’s no reason to feel guilty. It’s just another way to ride on your terms.

4. They’ll take you to the very best and back.
No longer are the greatest views and most satisfying stops reserved for the hard-core riders.
With electric-assist, you’ll see more summits, skylines and horizons that make every destination magical. You might even get there first.

5. They’re where the latest meet the greatest.
Simply put, nobody makes electric-assist bikes better than Trek.
With a longer-lasting battery, lighter-weight frame, and extra-stylish design, we’ve got those other bikes beat.

6. Grins are guaranteed.
We know they’re fun. We’ve been riding them at the Trek Travel headquarters for months now.
Yes, our guests love them. Yes, our guides love them. No, you can’t stuff one into your luggage.

7. They’re also built for the buddy system.
We introduced electric-assist bikes so travel partners of two speeds can ride together.
Because the best memories are shared, no matter the level of riding experience.

8. They’ve already taken the world by storm.
Electric-assist bikes are standard equipment in Europe, where locals zoom from work, to home and anywhere in-between.
And now they’re making a big entry into the U.S. market. If you’re riding one, you’ll fit in just fine.

9. They slay the mightiest hills.
To some guests, hills are half the fun. To others, they’re roadblocks to get to the next activity.
Luckily, electric-assist bikes can turn any mountain into a molehill. You’ll be surprised at how fast you can defy gravity.

10. They’ve got all the speed you need.
Now you won’t need to worry about gaps from the group, changes in pace, or if you want to stop for a photo opportunity.
Electric-assist bikes make it easy to stay with the Trek Travel tour at any speed. Watch how.

Don’t miss out:
They’re first-come, first-served, so act now. It’s the easiest way to electrify your experience.

Explore Electric Bike Trips

E-bike Tours

[trek-fullwidth-img src=”https://trektravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Verve_Plus_4_Lowstep_20_30632_A_Alt1_1600x1000.png”]

How To Brake Into Corners

Posted on September 29, 2015 - 3:29 pm by keith_ritter

Safety is our first priority at Trek Travel. Our guides give a daily safety talk on trips, our entire fleet of bikes is equipped with the Bontrager Flare R tail light, and we always set a good example out on the road. In recent years we have observed that most crashes happen while riding through a corner, so we are here to provide you with the knowledge to prevent that from happening.

While our guides do everything in their power to keep your safe on the road, the majority of crashes happen when someone is riding too fast for the conditions and strongly applies the front brake. This results in the front wheel washing out and the rider landing on the pavement. It can happen very fast, but there are a few things that you can do to keep this from happening to you:

1. Perform the majority of your braking before you enter the corner. Brake before you turn. You want to slow your speed to the point you are comfortable leaning into the corner.

2. It is very important to ride in a predictable line, especially if you are in a group, so that people understand where you intend to go.

3. If you feel that you are riding too fast into a corner and need to slow down, it is best to straighten the bike and apply both brakes at the same time (with a little more braking power in the rear brake). But be sure to get back into the corner right away in order to keep from riding off the road!

4. Slippery conditions makes turning corners even more dangerous. Making sure to slow down more than normal while riding in the rain, and avoid riding over painted lines on the road. These lines can act like ice, and braking on ice typically ends with a crash.

When To Replace A Bike Helmet

Posted on August 21, 2015 - 8:57 pm by keith_ritter

When is the last time you bought yourself something nice that can also save your life? If it’s been more than 3-5 years since you bought a new bike helmet, then do yourself a favor and don’t wait any longer. Most helmets have a manufacturer recommended lifespan of 3-5 years, even if it has never been in a crash.

Helmet technology is almost as amazing as smart phone technology. Advancements in design, weight, retention systems, cooling and fit have come an incredibly long way in the past few years. Every time I purchase a new helmet, I ask myself how they possibly improved the fit and technology so much when I thought my last helmet was perfect!

Purchasing a new helmet is also a great opportunity to make sure it fits properly. The safety of your helmet relies on the adjustment of its straps. It is important to make sure the strap buckles fit right below your ears and the chin strap isn’t too loose. My rule of thumb: always err on the side of caution. If you can’t remember when you purchased your helmet, stop into a local bicycle dealer and get fit for a new one. Your safety and security is worth the price.

So. Many. Choices.

How To Adjust Bike Shifting

Posted on July 21, 2015 - 9:53 am by keith_ritter

If you’ve been on the bike a lot since your spring tune-up, it’s probably time to readjust your shifting. For go-getters who want to tackle this project themselves, here are a few pointers:

For every click of your rear derailleur shifter, the derailleur should move the chain one complete gear change. Start with the chain in the smallest cog. If you click your shifter to move the chain up to the next largest cog on the rear and it does not go up or hesitates before moving, you need to tighten your cable tension. You can do this with the barrel adjuster that is built into either your shifter or derailleur. As you turn the barrel adjuster counter-clockwise, it screws the adjuster out taking up slack in the cable tension. This results in moving the derailleur a little further.

Pro Tip: A little bit can go a long way! Start with ¼ turns only and try the shifting again. Keep trying ¼ turns until you have it just right.

There are a few screws on the derailleur that will be tempting to adjust. Don’t! These are already adjusted to their positions to stop the derailleur from shifting the chain into the spokes and into the frame on the two most extreme gears. They only provide stopping points for the derailleur, they do not adjust the derailleur.

One thing to note. If you just can’t seem to get the shifting right, there is the possibility that the part of the frame that the rear derailleur is mounted to could be bent. This is called the derailleur hanger. Telltale signs are scrapes on your derailleur or if your bike tipped over onto its drive train side. Some are replaceable and some are not. If this is bent, there is nothing you can do to the cable tension that will help your adjustment. Go to your local bike store to get a professional opinion on your options. If you do have a replaceable hanger, it is good to get a couple as spares. Keep one in your seat bag just in case you need to do an on-the-road repair.

The Things That Spark Joy

Posted on June 24, 2015 - 8:11 am by keith_ritter

I am a “stuff” person. My west-end apartment was my sanctum; it contained my collection of loved things and it was my place to retreat to and enjoy when the outside world was just a little too much. As a friend said to me recently, my apartment was “curated.” Everything had its place and seemed somehow precious for one reason or another. Nothing had much monetary value but it definitely had some style points and I appreciated all of it.

When I got the job at Trek Travel 12 years ago, I thought I would guide for a year [maybe two?] then return to my life in Toronto to continue on to the next phase. I sublet my apartment for the first couple of years, only to return to less than desirable side effects. A memory of the forgotten potatoes comes to mind. I came back after seven months away having discovered that there had been a constant water drip from the freezer directly to the crisper drawer, creating a swamp in my fridge – and a great study in the perseverance of the rooting system of the tuber. While it was the product of one particular person’s lack of grasp on day-to-day tasks, it was at that point that I decided it was time to let my beloved apartment go. And so my place then turned into my storage unit, because I was still somehow convinced that I would be back and would need to recreate my living space all over again. Exactly as it had been.

It has been about 10 years of paying rent to store all those things that somehow I had decided were a part of WHO I AM. Things that included garbage-picked furniture, an 80-dollar couch [albeit a sexy 70s lime green vinyl number], garbage cans, rolled rugs, pots, pans, a lovely collection of vintage glassware, a smattering of clothing and an old mountain bike.

Almost every year I would return after my guiding season in Europe, usually in the winter, and open my storage unit. I kept my winter coat and boots near the door, along with some other useful Canada-only items like my hockey stick and skates. I would grab them, look at the mountain of “things” behind them, and shut the door. I have had fleeting intentions of doing something about them but it was either too cold or I didn’t have enough time to pare things down.

On this latest spring-weather visit back to visit family and friends, inspired by a couple I guided last fall in Andalucia who have taken the idea of the “empty nest” to its most literal level, I decided to put myself to task. It was time to get rid of my s**t. I had set my intention and I have to say that once I had made up my mind, I had very little emotional attachment to all those things that had seemed so important to me–important enough to pay many, many times over their value in rent. I sorted. I tossed. I donated all my furniture and kitchenware to a place that helps people get a fresh start in life. I cleared myself of most of my belongings, allowing myself to keep those things that still resonated with me and pulled on my heartstrings (there wasn’t much of that in the end).

Which brings me to my old mountain bike. I donated it to a place called Charlie’s Bike Joint over on the east side of the city that has a program that empowers urban youth by exposing them to cycling. They are taught bike mechanic skills by working on bikes that need overhauling. They get to keep the bike at the end of the program. To me a very cool idea so, after getting rid of all of my furnishings, lots of vintage knick-knacks, and my entire vinyl collection [!], the only thing that choked me up and got my eyes watering was when I handed off that bike. I didn’t see it coming but in retrospect, it made sense. That bike had seen me through a lot. A trip around the world, an albeit brief career as a bike courier and a concussion or two on some technical single track in the city’s river valley to name a few. A constant companion that I more or less had neglected. I said as much to the guys at Charlie’s–that I felt that I was abandoning an old friend–but they were quick to remind me that it was now on its way to creating some new adventure stories for the lucky kid who got to fix it up. I do feel good about that, at least.

I have recently been reminded of Marie Kondo, whose popular books on her method of organizing known as KonMari encourage you to keep only those things that “spark joy.” This certainly rings true for me now. I do still have a storage unit. It is now half the size, is less than half full, and is the new parking spot for my two Toronto-based Trek friends that wait patiently for my return.

– Leanne Welbourn

Rethinking Stuff Sacks

Posted on June 3, 2015 - 10:00 am by keith_ritter

As a guide I have accumulated a nice little stash of Trek Travel guest bags over the last six years.

I really like the ones with side pockets and real shoulder straps that we give at our Tour de France trips, but even that petal pink one from a few years back is kind of nice. I’ve discovered that instead of becoming closet clutter these little bags can be repurposed for all kinds of tasks. Most recently I packed a stuff sack into my backpack on a Patagonian trek through Torres del Paine National Park, thinking it would make a perfect summit bag. Sure enough, this simple tote was just the solution for a late evening scamper up from our campsite to catch sunset on the famous towers for which the park is named.

Of course, that’s not the only way to reuse these industrious bags. Here are my top five ways to repurpose our day bags:

1. Contain muddy mountain bike shoes in my duffel after a ride

2. Grocery bags, especially when traveling by bike

3. Dirty laundry bag while traveling or guiding

4. Hanging holder for empty water bottles in my pantry

5. Beach bag for my towel, sunscreen, book and beer

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

5 Essential Pieces of Luggage for Every Traveler

Posted on March 26, 2015 - 5:08 pm by keith_ritter

Whether you’re booked on a weeklong luxury cycling vacation in Europe or embarking on a self-guided South American excursion, having the right luggage is essential to successful travel.

It must be light. You only have 50 lbs. and you don’t want to be that person repacking your suitcase at the check-in counter.

It must be spacious. When you ‘have to have’ one more pair of pants, or ‘can’t live without’ those shoes, every inch counts.

It must be functional. Organization is crucial if you want to stay on schedule for all your planned activities.

It must be durable. Whether you’re shoving it into the overhead because you did in fact over pack, or the airlines are throwing it under the plane, you need to know your luggage will withstand the test of flying.

Here are our five luggage recommendations to get you through every packing misstep, terminal sprint, unexpected rainstorm, and shopping spree that stands in the way between you and your next epic adventure.

TUMI VAPOR TRIP PACKING CASE