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Category Archives: Industry Insider

Industry Insider: Jordan Roessingh

Posted on December 18, 2014 - 3:34 pm by

Meet Jordan Roessingh, technical director for the Trek Factory Racing team. While talented riders put on a show, men and women like Jordan are behind the scenes making it happen.

Tell us your story in 140 characters or less.

Born in Canada, raised in Wisconsin, live in Luxembourg. Engineer by trade, cyclist by heart. Trek-y since 2008. Now Technical Director at Trek Factory Racing.

What’s the most rewarding part about your job?

Helping our riders go faster.

Favorite place you’ve ever traveled and why?

It’s tough to name one favorite, but Siena, Italy would rank high. It combines Tuscany and the Strade Bianche–one of the most beautiful places in the world and one the best bike races to spectate in the world. The race finish in the Piazza del Campo is amazing.

If you were a trip designer at Trek Travel, where would you design a trip?

I would design a monuments trip. I would challenge guests to complete the full distance of all five one-day monuments (Milan San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris Roubaix, Liege Bastogne Liege, Tour of Lombardia). You’d have to train a bit for that trip, though.

Tell us about your best day on a bicycle.

Tough to choose a best day, but the best road I’ve ever ridden? Gotthard Pass in Switzerland. A 13km cobbled climb, closed to traffic.

Favorite post-ride beverage?

Apfelshoerle. It’s a German drink made with sparkling water and apple juice.

What and where was the best meal you’ve ever enjoyed?

Casa Gala Restaurant in Montecatini Alto, Italy. Marginal hotel, but amazing restaurant. The meal? Steak with porcinis and a bottle of Chianti. Incredible setting, even better food.

What’s the best advice you’ve never followed?

“Stay close to home.”

Outside of your family, who inspires you the most?

Markel Irizar. He is a cancer survivor on the Trek Factory Racing team who embodies his personal motto: Bizipoz (Basque for “Joy for Life”).

What is your favorite travel song?

“Goin’ Home” – Dan Auerbach

Favorite hotel you’ve ever stayed in and why?

Pax Montana, near Sarnen, Switzerland. Located in the foothills of the Alps, overlooking an alpine lake. The hotel is from the 1800’s and recently renovated. Decidedly old-tech (no, there are not TV’s in the rooms), but the setting and views more than make up for it.

Industry Insider: Melissa Stockwell

Posted on September 25, 2014 - 12:00 pm by

Meet Melissa Stockwell. She’s an American hero and champion triathlete; a dog lover and expecting mother. Prepare to be both inspired and motivated as you learn about her incredible story!

Tell us your story in 140 characters or less:

Melissa_Stockwell_Blog_4On April 13, 2004 while serving in the US Army in Iraq, I lost my left leg above the knee from a roadside bomb. After a year of therapy at Walter Reed Hospital trying to find my new normal, I fell back in love with athletics. In 2008 I competed in swimming at the Beijing Paralympics. In 2009 I turned to the sport of triathlon and have since competed around the country and the world. Thanks to my custom USA themed Trek Madone, I am a 3x Paratriathlon World Champion and hope to compete in Rio in 2016. Away from athletics, I work with prosthetics to fit other amputees with artificial limbs, am a motivational speaker, and co-founded the Chicago based Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. I am a proud American, a proud above the knee amputee and proud to live a life of sport.

(OK, that’s a pretty tough story to tell in 140 characters. We’ll give you a free pass, Melissa.)

What’s the most rewarding part about your job?

Working in the field of prosthetics, I literally get to give people their lives back. They come into my office defeated just after loosing a limb and we can provide them with a prosthetic. We get them up and enable them to do the things they love. As a speaker, I get to motivate others to follow their dreams and live life to the fullest. My jobs rock!

Favorite place you’ve ever traveled and why?

New Zealand in 2012 for Paratriathlon World Championships. It’s beauty is un-matched!

If you could only bring one unnecessary item on a trip, what would it be?

Does my dog count?

Melissa_Stockwell_Blog_3What is one thing you never fly without?

My neck pillow, plenty of Chapstick and some snacks for the ride.

Tell us about your best day on a bicycle.

Riding my new Trek Madone at World Championships in 2012. I got the bike a short week before the race and had limited time to practice on it. To ride it with its speed and effortless gear changes was amazing. Not to mention I was inspired every time I got to see the stars and stripes when I looked down. It led me to my 3rd World Championship win and I fell even more in love with Trek that day!

Favorite hotel you’ve ever stayed in?

Anyplace with great staff, a lounge pool and a lap pool, clean rooms and a coffee shop in the lobby gets an A+ in my book!

What is the best advice you have for our readers?

Melissa Stockwell Trek MadoneNever compare yourself to someone else. Be happy with who you are and your own accomplishments. And to live each day happy, you never know when it could be your last.

Outside of your family, who inspires you the most?

Anyone who has ever overcome a disability and gone on to succeed with whatever it is they want to do.

What is your personal motto or mantra?

To be my own rockstar. To be proud of what I do and to encourage others to dream big and go for their goals.

 

If you want to follow Melissa and learn more about her story, follow her on Twitter @MStockwell01.  

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Ultimate Luxury:

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Luxury:

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

Explorer:

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

Combined:

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of Explorer and Luxury hotels. Rest assured, no matter which hotel level you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

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Activity Level

Find your activity level here

Level 1:

Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Level 2:

Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Level 3:

Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Level 4:

Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - Reserve:

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discover:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

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Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself

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