Category Archives: Great Rides

Behind every great Trek Travel trip is a trip designer that has spent countless hours handcrafting the most perfect experience from start to finish. For our new collection of mountain bike trips, that person is Tony Ferlisi. A guide for Trek Travel since 2006, Tony drew upon his years of experience in the field when he designed our trips to Peru, Iceland, Whistler and Switzerland.

Tell us your story. How did you end up at Trek Travel?
I’m originally from Jacksonville, Florida. It was a great place to grow up but after college, I yearned for something different. At 22, I moved to Jackson, Wyoming, worked at a resort hotel in Teton Village and fell in love with the west. Soon after moving to Jackson, I met Mark Thomsen, our Trek Travel marketing manager. He was a bellman at the hotel at the time. In addition to working together, we climbed, skied and drank beers together. One summer, he got a job with Trek Travel. We kept in touch that year while he guided at the Tour de France, in the Alps and other spots. All along, I was discovering that the hotel management career track wasn’t something I was inspired to pursue. I asked Mark about my chances of becoming a guide and at his behest, I applied. That following March, I put the few things I owned in storage and started with Trek Travel. I’ve been with Trek Travel since 2006 but took the years of 2010-2012 to attend graduate school in Idaho, work as a Wilderness Ranger with the US Forest Service and run a program with a small conservation non-profit in Wyoming. I returned to Trek Travel full-time in 2013 and have been guiding since.

How do you spend your off-season?
I call Lander, Wyoming home and typically dedicate a good chunk of my off-season to being there. Chopping wood for the woodstove is a daily activity (warm yourself twice!), cooking, spending time with friends, reading and skiing are a big part of those few months. I’ve spent considerable time the past few winters riding my mountain bike in Moab, Utah, Sedona, Arizona and Southern California, but regardless of the activity or location, the off-season is a rejuvenating time for all guides at Trek Travel.
 
 

 
 
What is your favorite trip you’ve ever guided and why?
I draw consistent inspiration in my life from the ancient landscapes of the Colorado Plateau. I’ve had the opportunity to guide there, more specifically in southwestern Utah for over 10 years with Trek Travel. The privilege of being able to witness the reactions and responses of our guests as they ride across those vast, remote landscapes of Escalante, Bryce and Zion canyon country brings me renewed joy every single day I go to work there. When some aspect of that place resonates with one of my guests or a co-guide, I know that I belong there.
 
 

 
 
Is there an especially memorable story from the road that you find yourself telling again and again?
Too many to count. One in particular comes to mind that folks seem to enjoy hearing, except for my mother. Guiding in Glacier National Park years ago, I had a day off and decided to hike to a lake I’d heard amazing things about. On the hike, alone of course, I encountered a grizzly bear on the trail. If I hadn’t looked up, I probably would have walked right into him. I thought my time was up. Long story short, I’m still here.

Tell us about your best WOW.
This past fall, Zack Jones and I guided a private trip in California Wine Country. Most of that trip takes place up in Sonoma and Napa Valleys. Beautiful, super unique country. In casual conversation, a few guests mentioned that they had never been to the Pacific Coast. Zack and I decided that we had to do something about that. After a quick morning brainstorm, we scrapped the original ride. As a group, we rode out along the Russian River to the Pacific Coast Highway and north to Bodega Bay (accompanied by a stout tailwind), ate lunch at a crab shack right on the Salmon Creek estuary overlooking the ocean. To cap it off, we loaded up bikes after lunch and drove everybody back to taste wine at one of their favorite wineries. It was pretty awesome.

You recently took on the role of Trip Designer, creating our new mountain bike collection. What is your process in designing a trip?
With the trips that we’ve designed for our mountain bike collection, we took an already outstanding product provided by Big Mountain Bike Adventures and re-shaped it a bit. This involved a few specific trip itinerary changes to reflect our Trek Travel standards as well as creating an entire marketing and guest services platform. Everything from arranging pre and post trip logistics to how we would present these new trips to the world. There’s a creative element to trip design that I really enjoy. From beginnings as a sketch on a paper napkin to a full-color spread on our website, witnessing the growth of a brand new trip is pretty exciting.

How has your guiding experience influenced your role as a trip designer?
I think about it like this: My friend and housemate Mark builds furniture. I think we’ve probably had three different kitchen tables in the time we’ve lived together. He builds one. Learns through the process of building. We eat at that table for a year. Maybe it’s a little too tall. It blocks the kitchen door a little too much. He builds and replaces it with another, taking into account a year of feedback and the lessons he learned from building the first one. Same process again. All along, he gains a better understanding of what makes a good table, not only for our house but for any house it lives in. As a guide, you quickly gain a keen sense of understanding what works and what doesn’t in the field. We always encourage our guests to provide us with feedback while we’re on the trip. Often times, they’ll offer thoughts on what might be done differently and why. All this feedback carries equal weight when it comes to making decisions to refine the details of our trips. After years of receiving feedback and tweaking trips from my guide role, I’m really confident in my ability to identify trends and nuances that make designing a trip from the ground up much simpler.
 
 

 
 
What excites you most about Trek Travel’s new partnership with Big Mountain Bike Adventures?
We’re thrilled about this new partnership. In teaming up with Big Mountain Bike Adventures, we now have the opportunity to take the Trek Travel level of service and meld it with the logistical expertise of one of the world’s preeminent mountain bike guiding companies in some of the most sought-after destinations on the planet. There’s some really exciting things to come from this.

Whistler, Switzerland, Iceland or Peru. Pick one and tell us why.
I knew you would ask this question. Not an easy one. I appreciate open space. Coming to the realization that you are in on your bike in a truly wild place is intoxicating for me. All of these regions provide for that but something about Iceland is a little different. Riding between remote backcountry huts is a pretty surreal experience. The adventure here extends far beyond Iceland’s awesome trails.

We believe the world is best seen from the seat of a bike. Tell us about your best view from a bike seat.
There was a light post just down the road from the house I grew up in. When I was just a little guy, my mom only allowed me to ride my bike as far as that post before I had to turn around. The day that she told me that I could ride past that old light post, my world grew 1000%. It was all in front of me now. Those childhood dreams of whatever laid beyond that light post are the realities that I see today from the seat of my bike. Subalpine Crested Butte singletrack, remote stretches of Montana highway, the Lander dirt jump park or the grocery store parking lot. Pretty good views.
 
 

 
 

From a young age, passion for the outdoors has been the driving force in the life Big Mountain Bike Adventures owner Chris Winter. And whether it’s professional freeskiing or founding a charity, Chris pursues every endeavor with the same fervor. It is this thirst for world-class adventures and focus on incredible experiences which makes us excited to call Big Mountain Bike Adventures an inspiration in the industry. With this level of energy and enthusiasm behind us, there’s no telling what the future holds.

 

 
 
Briefly, tell us your story.
I was born into a cycling family, and my parents began running European cycling trips in 1972. Their trips were more like journeys that lasted three weeks to a month and covered impressive swaths of the European continent. In 1992 I moved to Whistler, British Columbia and joined its passionate, forward-thinking mountain bike community. In the late 90’s I co-founded “Joyride” mountain bike event that evolved into Crankworx, the world’s largest mountain bike festival. Then, in 2001 I started Big Mountain Bike Adventures. I’m also a professional freeskier and founder of a Whistler-based charity, Zero Ceiling Society, that provides transformative mountain-based adventure for at-risk youth and young adults.
 
 

 
 
What inspired you to start Big Mountain Bike Adventures?
Big Mountain Bike Adventures melds my favorite things in life: mountain biking, travel, adventure and sharing amazing experiences with fellow riders. Since the first trip to the Swiss Alps in 2001, I’ve travelled and explored the world extensively with my mountain bike. It’s my dream job!

We believe the world is best seen from the seat of a bike. Tell us about your best view from a bike seat.
Of all the locations I’ve ridden, Iceland trumps them all for best views. It really is like nowhere else; around each corner you’re presented with yet another other-worldly view of lava fields, spectacular glaciers, gushing geysers, ice-covered volcanoes and earthy colors like you’ve never seen. Bring an extra memory card if you go to Iceland, because you’ll be pulling out your camera every five minutes!
 
 

 
 
Whistler, Switzerland, Iceland or Peru. Pick one and tell us why.
Whistler. Yes, it’s where we’re based so I’m partial. But after having spent a lifetime exploring the world on my mountain bike, every time I return home to our backyard trails I am reminded that it’s one of the best places to ride. Besides a seemingly endless network of super-fun trails in the region, it also boasts pristine lakes, a super-passionate riding community, and diverse experiences from vibrant Whistler Village to the remote South Chilcotins…and so much more.
 
 

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.
 
 

 
 

A pinstripe suit, fedora hat and handlebar mustache are not what most people expect when they first meet one of the founding fathers of mountain biking. But for Gary Fisher, this bold style is matched by his larger-than-life personality, and it is his unwavering passion for bikes, not his attire, that catches our eye.

 

 
Briefly, tell us your story. What inspired your passion for bikes?

I started riding and racing when I was just 12 years old. I found the sport on my own. I met some 16 year olds who road raced at the bike shop where my father bought me a 10-speed, and they told me I was too young and too little (89 lbs.). This only furthered my resolve and I refused to turn around. That first ride was better than 20 miles. I was accepted! I soon fell in love with the endless roads, the strategy of racing, and the science and art of the world’s most efficient transport.
 
 

 
From the time you and your partners founded the company “MountainBikes” in 1979 until today, what do you believe has been the single most important development in the bicycle industry?

Bikes in the ’70s were like a regulation piece of sporting equipment. They were essentially the same from year to year. The old steel bikes were works of art, but the new technology in bikes is the way to go if you want a fast, comfortable ride. In one word, it is: carbon. What you want is a carbon designer and maker with a lot of experience. I am happy to work with that group, and it has been all about creating real bikes we only dreamt of, and making a lot of people very happy.
 
 

 
You once said, “Anyone who rides a bike is a friend of mine.” In your opinion, what are the three keys to getting more people on bikes?

1. Education: How to ride a bike, starting young. How to drive a car around a bike. How riding a bike can be key to solving your health issues. How riding a bike can make you happier. Why it makes sense for cities to invest in biking and walking.

2. Law: Protecting venerable users. Those that control the massive power rolling down the street have a greater responsibility. Many countries have or are adopting these laws. More of these laws need to come to the United States.

3. Infrastructure: Bike routes are sort of a new thing. But they have proven to work really well and be really good for cities financially. We have built them and the people have come. Next up will be making real investment. Making bike routes that are really fast, safe and even fun. Creating places that invite people to walk, ride a bike and interact with each other. The “five-minute community”, where you can walk or ride to do most (or all) of your daily errands in five minutes or less, have shown lower health costs. Cities are changing fast and the younger generation wants to move back. 100 years ago, families of wealth and power would raise their children in the city, where culture was. Raise your kids in the city? Yes, that’s just where city leaders want to go. Exciting times.

You have seen much of the world from the seat of a bicycle. What is your favorite travel destination and why?

I think Italy has to be my favorite place to go ride a bike because there are so many different roads, paths and trails. You get to be in the postcard. The bike riders are not only fun to ride with, but they are also properly emotional and never boring. The events are classic but verging on insane. And you know about the food. Need I say more?
 
 

 
What is the influence behind your very distinct style?

My family.

My grandfather worked for Warner Bros in Hollywood for 50 years. He created the job “Script Director” and would bring home big actors. He also took me out on the set. He taught me how to speak, and how to hold myself in front of a camera.

My father had a very successful architecture firm in Downtown San Francisco, right on top of Tadich Grill. We always had art in the house. When he started his new firm, he made the furniture in our little apartment in the Sunset district of San Francisco. He later bought many classic iconic pieces for the house. I sit in an Eames chair he bought me when I was 14 years old. My father also did Abstract Impressionism, and one of his paintings from the ’50s is on our wall. We even had a darkroom. He did some remarkable black and white photos of the very best road racing in the USA in the mid-sixties.

Ultimately, my mother taught me how dress and be social. She went to Beverly Hills High School.
 
 

 
Tell us about your most memorable day on a bike.

I have spent so many great days on a bike! I did more than 300 rides in 2015! I could never narrow it down to any one day. I continue to be pleasantly surprised that I still have many great places to go and great people to share these times with. I am completely grateful that I can ride a bike.
 
 

 
 

 
 

Our 3700-mile seven-week Portland to Portland cycling odyssey ended about two weeks ago…and I’ve been thinking about it ever since as I return to “normal life”. My friends ask, “What was the hardest day, the best day, the worst weather, etc.?” For a trip of this magnitude there were many bests and worsts.

Words by David Kindler, Trek Travel Guest

 
 
Among the toughest standout for me was the challenge of climbing Big Horn Pass, hour after hour, at steep grade and high elevation with wind and cold temperatures. The nothing-left-in-the-tank day after Big Horn. The hail pummeling at the top of Lolo Pass. The strength-sapping winds across South Dakota and Iowa, with that morning of I-can’t-see-but-six-inches-in-front-of-my-face stinging rain. The three days of cold rain in New York. And, how could I forget to mention baking in the sun for hours on end as we rode the flat-tire-producing interstate shoulders out West! Or those early smoky rides in Idaho? Or the days when I blew it with poor layering decisions on the day’s clothing! The list goes on, but these are rides that build character!
 
 

 
 
Then there’s the subject of how your mind and body hold up to the day-after-day grind. Some days great and some days not-so-great. Now that all the miles are done it’s easy to forget the hamstring twinges, the sore left calf that-I-hope-won’t-get-worse, the overcompensation with the right leg shifting the pain to that knee, the inevitable sore-butt days, the burning quads, and so on. Fortunately, some of us had Tara–the miracle worker masseuse (we nicknamed Tiramisu) who tended to our knotted-up muscles, patching us up well enough to keep going! Of course there were mental challenges too. Probably everyone on the trip at some point asked themselves, “What have I gotten myself into?” I certainly did. Possibly somewhere on a highway shoulder scorched by the sun, pushing just a little harder than I should have early in the trip. For the first couple of weeks I lived with the worry that a twinge or muscle pain would escalate and threaten the trip. I was extremely lucky to work through the aches and pains without facing the decision about whether to rest or ride. My roommate Jay’s mantra–just keep pedaling–applied in many situations. Many days became test of wills. Facing and overcoming these challenges has made the achievement that much sweeter!
 
 

 
 
There were so many outstanding routes it’s hard to single them out. Among the favorite moments that I recall are riding from Hood River along the Columbia River Gorge, the screaming 54.4 mph downhill from the continental divide at MacDonald Pass into Helena, the views from Big Horn, the surreal landscape of Badlands National Park, the windless day after being battling it for four days, then crossing the Mississippi River into Wisconsin, riding miles of gravel wherever that was, riding the rollers in wooded Pennsylvania and the feeling of getting closer to home, and meeting my Monster friends at the summit of Moosilauke then riding the Kancamangus pass together. Kudos to the guides for their research to get us onto fabulous roads, and bike paths, often skirting traffic in and out of the larger cities.
 
 

 
 
Our group was exceptionally strong – in both determination and physical stamina. On any given day a different mix of smaller groupettos formed, so in short order everyone had cycled together, and got to know one another. I’d often ride with a different group, depending on desired pace, the alluring call of a good coffee shop, weather, flat-tire occurrence, etc. Every morning without exception the group was anxious to get on the road by sunrise. One of the tougher jobs for the guides was reigning in the early birds! We quickly fell into a daily routine: up at 5-something, repack your bags and drag them to the luggage van at 6:00, eat breakfast, finish dressing and bring your day bag to the van, get your bike ready loading course routes into your Garmin (or three Garmins in my case), grabbing blinkies (Flare R taillights), and setting off on the daily ride. Usually the group stayed together for the first 20 or 30 miles up to the first van stop, where we refueled as needed with Clif bars, peanut M&M’s, bananas, etc. We’d take a short break, and hit the road again.
 
 

 
 
The line of cyclists stretched out as the morning passed. Usually we’d have another van stop and then on to lunch, around the halfway mark for the day. Lunch was typically an assortment of stuff for sandwiches, salads, fruit, and desserts. Despite burning a lot of calories, overeating was entirely possible. Learning what and how much to eat took some trial-and-error. Frequent re-application of sunscreen became ritual for at least the first half of the trip. After lunch the push was on to complete the day’s ride, especially during the hot-weather days. More van stops, lots of Coke and Gatorade as the day wore on. If we were lucky we found a milkshake “recovery drink” near the end of the day’s ride. Finally we rolled in to the next hotel. On to a hot shower, daily washing of the cycling kit, hanging it to dry, plugging in the rechargeables, resting a bit, or getting a massage, and then to dinner. Meals were most often buffet style, which catered best, since we sometimes acted like an uncivilized flock of vultures. After dinner I usually caught up on email, wrote my daily blog entry, and crawled into bed later than I’d hoped, and slept until it was time to do it all over again. And that was the cycle…for 45 days, performing 1.1 million pedal strokes and 1.6 million heartbeats to span the USA. An adventure of a lifetime!
 

 
EXPERIENCE THIS CROSS COUNTRY BUCKET LIST ADVENTURE»

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

Prove to Dad you’re his favorite and give him a gift he’ll remember forever. Here are our favorite gifts for Father’s Day this year.

Classic Climbs of the Dolomites – from $3799
For the dad who loves the mountains, the Classic Climbs of the Dolomites cycling trip offers the very best of the dramatic Dolomites and Italian Alps. The landscape of the famed Dolomite mountain range offers epic riding: as you climb the jagged peaks and legendary roads made famous by the Giro d’Italia. Experience the passion of Italian cycling beneath clear blue skies, as you ride past proud pale mountains and through lush green alpine pastures.

Solvang Ride Camp – from $999
Few destinations in the U.S. offer mountains, sea, and wine country with the luxury, hospitality and small-town intimacy and friendliness you discover in this captivating area. This trip has it all. On our 4 day Solvang Ride Camp, combine your full days of cycling with sightseeing, dining, hiking, and relaxing along the Central Coast. With a home base in the wine country north of Santa Barbara you’ll be just miles from the chance to tackle some of the classic climbs which extend beyond the valley.

Moab Mountain Bike Trip – from $1399
Believe the hype: Moab is the mountain bike Mecca that all fat-tire lovers dream of. Its trails offer astounding views of snow-capped mountains and valleys that redefine words like “epic” “awesome”, “sick” and “killer”. Trek Travel takes you into the belly of the beast, through a network of fireroads, singletrack and doubletrack that drop you between boulders, along cliffs, and up over the ever-so-grippy slickrock terraces and ledges. Each day is jaw-droppingly better than the last, with expansive vistas, the red hue of Utah’s ancient soil, and a small-town Wild-West feel. Moab isn’t just another mountain bike trip. It’s the birthplace of the mountain bike.

Trek Emonda upgrade – $300
Give Dad the best of the best on his bike trip and upgrade to the new Trek Émonda SLR. Trek Travel’s fleet of world-class bikes just got a little lighter with the race-ready, Project-One designed bike. It’s Trek’s lightest production road bike ever. Perfect for climbing in the Alps or just cruising the back roads of wine country.

Carbon Wheels upgrade – $200
Upgrade his bike with a pair of Bontrager Aeolus D3 Clincher carbon wheels. These wheels are lighter and ready to roll. A wider rim profile and extreme rotating weight savings means extra speed where it counts. Give Dad the opportunity to train like the pros with his bike all suited up.

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.

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.
 
 

 
 

 
 

Like many on the Trek Travel team, Mark has traveled the world to pursue his passions. He chased the snow to Jackson Hole and dipped his toes in Lake Tahoe. He stood at the top of Europe’s distinguished climbs and walked the terraced hillsides of Vietnam. Ultimately he put down roots in the city he knew as a child and trusted his keen eye and eloquent tongue to serve him well in a marketing career. He’s a family man with a thirst for adventure, and this is his story.

Tell us your story in 140 characters or less.

Born in Kenosha, WI. Badger grad, ski bum, marketer, love Lake Tahoe, found my wife in Jackson Hole, had a baby, passionate about all things bike.

How long have you been riding bikes?

As long as I can remember. My first memory is of my dad taking the training wheels off and letting me go, in a restaurant parking lot, to crash on my own. I did the standard newspaper delivery route on bikes, had a “BMX gang” called the Freestyle Frogs, and then found mountain bikes. I was the kid through high school who rode mountain bikes when everyone else was driving cars. Embarrassingly, I even took my high school photograph posed next to my bike. Riding bikes has always given me a great escape. It’s a true passion, a place where I find joy every time I hop on the pedals.

How did you end up at Trek Travel?

After college I was a ski bum in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and my roommate at the time received a Trek Travel catalog. Little did I know, Trek Travel had just started one year prior. I thought it looked like a fun job and decided to apply. That was almost 10 years ago. Since that day I’ve worn a lot of different hats, from guiding to trip designer to logistics guide to now Marketing Manager.

What is the most rewarding part about your job?

Showing people the world by bike. It’s part of our mission statement, but I fully believe seeing a new place on a bicycle is incredible. The bicycle gives you momentum to travel around, and you have the wind in your face and all of your senses are experiencing something new. Being the marketing guy, I am fortunate that it is my job to share this experience of places with other people. And then there is the whole part of being partners with the best bike company in the world.

Which Trek Travel trip is top on your bucket list and why?

Classic Climbs of the Dolomites. In all my years guiding I never made it to Italy. And while my wife surely would love if I said Tuscany, there is something about the mountains of the Dolomites that I find stunning. Sheer cliffs, steep climbs, and great food all combine to create the perfect experience.

Tell us about your best travel adventure.

Probably the first time I traveled with my then-girlfriend, now-wife for the first time to Vietnam. We found out we were really good travel partners and that helped seal the deal!

Tell us about your best day on a bicycle.

Every day I ride my bike is a good day. I can’t say I have only one “best” day as there have been many. Climbing Mount Ventoux right before the Tour de France riders came through, getting lost along the coast of Spain only to find a small café for a cup of coffee, mountain biking the 401 trail in Crested Butte surrounded by wildflowers, or just riding the bike path here in Madison with my wife…I love them all. They are all equal, just different to me.

What does a perfect day look like to you?

Leisurely morning drinking a couple cappuccinos while reading the news, playing with my daughter, going for a mountain bike ride (preferably in the mountains), drinking a couple beers at a local brew pub after, and hanging out with my wife for dinner once the baby is asleep.

What is your favorite travel destination and what excites you most about it?

Right now I’m leaning towards Central and South America, having recently traveled to Peru and Nicaragua. I have been impressed by the people, the food and the history of both these destinations and I’m looking forward to exploring more countries south of the equator soon.

Favorites:

• Bike You Own: Remedy 9. This bike allows me to explore anywhere I want to go.
• Post-Ride Beverage: West Coast IPA. Not overly hoppy, but very drinkable. Think Lagunitas.
• Restaurant: Teton Thai because of all the great memories.
• Hotel: Amangani in Jackson Hole. Best hotel I’ve ever stayed in.
• Sport Other Than Cycling: Skiing. No brainer.