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.
You never really understand what a great fit feels like until you’ve had a bad one. Our guides have been trained to adjust every bike to individual comfort and preferences to ensure an excellent fit.
We believe that vacations of a lifetime shouldn’t include back pain, sore wrists, neck strain or general discomfort. That’s why, unlike other bicycling vacations, every Trek Travel adventure includes a bike fit customized to you, guided by the expertise of our sports medicine physician, Dr. Mark Timmerman.
Simply stop in to your local Trek dealer before your trip to get measured, and we’ll have your bike adjusted with the right stem length, saddle height, reach, drop and more, all ready for your first ride upon arrival. A few final tweaks and your bike will feel like home. That is, if home were the best vacation you’ve ever had.
A close friend and member of the Trek Travel family, we interviewed Dr. Timmerman to learn more about the lifelong athlete turned Sports Medicine physician.
Briefly, tell us your story.
I grew up in a northern Minnesota mining town – father in construction, mother a social worker. I graduated with a Geology degree from Carleton College, and then had an opportunity to teach secondary school math and science for three years. I was also a head wrestling and assistant football coach, having done both of those sports while in college. While I enjoyed teaching and coaching a great deal, I eventually returned to my lifelong dream of becoming a physician, and attended Mayo Medical School in Rochester, Minnesota. I attended a Family Medicine Residency in Madison, Wisconsin, and then a Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of Minnesota. After practicing Family Medicine and Sports Medicine in Madison for 15 years, Peggy and I moved in to the country after becoming empty nesters. I now practice in a small clinic in Spring Green, Wisconsin, and we live on a 200-acre wooded farm.
What was it that called you specifically to sports medicine?
I have been a lifelong athlete myself, and have dealt with a significant number of my own sports injuries. Also, my experience with teaching and coaching adolescents helped to further spark my interest in caring for athletes.
How long have you been cycling and what inspires you to ride?
I have always enjoyed long distance events – and in fact my first long ride was at the age of 10, when I did a solo ride of 8 miles on my Schwinn American to my elderly baby sitter’s house – after which she fed me chocolate chip cookies and drove me back home! But I never really started biking until I started training for my first triathlon, and I purchased a Trek 5200 carbon road bike. I couldn’t believe the difference a great bike could make in riding enjoyment – and I had a professional bike fit which also made a huge difference. I have loved riding ever since.
How did you become involved with Trek and what has been the most rewarding experience?
Many years ago, when I was a Sports Medicine Physician in Madison, I helped Dick Burke and some other Trek employees with their sports injuries. Now I travel to Waterloo once a month to run a sports medicine clinic at their integrative medical center. When the Trek Fit Program was being developed, John Burke asked me if I would help by educating dealers about anatomy, biomechanics and injury prevention. I have really enjoyed being a part of the Trek Team. The most rewarding experience has been the thrill of riding with Trek employees and friends in L’Etape du Tour, a citizen’s bike race which tackles one of the toughest stages of the Tour du France each year.
What are the lesser known, but still important, medical benefits of biking regularly?
The great thing about biking is that it is so good for your knees. While it is well known that biking is easier on the knee than running, it is less known that biking strengthens the best muscles to support your knees. While running sports generally develop or over-develop your lateral or outside quadriceps (and this sometimes causes kneecap pain), biking helps develop the medial or inner quad muscle, which stabilizes the kneecap. I often therefore prescribe biking as cross training for any athlete that develops kneecap pain.
Tell us about your best day on a bicycle.
My first Wisconsin Ironman race. I was on my 5200 with snap-on aerobars. My only goal was to finish before they closed the race, and I had a terrific day. I struggled a bit later on the run, but I remember smiling almost the entire ride.
What is your favorite place you’ve ever traveled and why?
Well, I have been fortunate to travel to a lot of great places, and my Trek Travel trips have all been spectacular, but I have to admit that my FAVORITE place is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. We go wilderness canoe camping there every year, and I have most years since I was 16 years old. Being truly in the wilderness and completely unplugged for a week each year is a very rejuvenating experience.
Which Trek Travel trip is top on your bucket list and why?
It is always my next Trek Travel trip! In this case, we are headed to Croatia in May for our next Trek Travel adventure as a family, and I can’t wait. After that, Belgium is high on our list due to art for Peggy and beer for me! And, because we love Italy so much, there will likely be another Italy Trek Travel trip in the near future as well.
“17 switchbacks. That was how my Trek Travel guide described the climb up Col de Soller on the third day of my Trek Travel Ride Camp in Mallorca, Spain last month. And that was just the warm up.
That day my Garmin told me I put in 5 and 1/2 hours of ride time and climbed over 8,500 feet. My route took me up and over Col de Soller, then up and over the highest peak in Mallorca, the Puig Major, and then out and back to Sa Calobra, a gorgeous port town on the western side of the island accessible by a single winding road. Sa Calobra – the Cobra – descends 2,000 feet over the course of six miles. Reminiscent of ribbon candy or coils of spaghetti, that descent is at once both thrilling and terrifying as I hit the brakes sharply into the hairpin turns, then accelerated to get back up to speed, again and again and again…but more on that later.
When I dreamed up this vacation last fall, I had a few simple requirements. I wanted to ride a bike outside in February. I didn’t want to spend a ridiculous amount of money. And I wanted it to be in a stunningly beautiful place. Oh, and I didn’t want to have to worry about flying my bike or riding a hybrid. Easy, right?
Trek Travel’s Mallorca Ride Camp fit the bill to a tee. This enchanting island jewel off the coast of Spain isn’t just for beach goers; it’s a choice destination for cyclists everywhere, including many pros. There, I got a rider’s-eye view of the Tramuntana mountains, fertile valleys, and tranquil turquoise waters on picturesque, pothole-free roads.
I’ve flown my bike across the country and I’ve rented bikes before on vacation. I’ve even resorted to trying to get in some training time on a heavy, ride-share bike now available in most big cities. It’s always kind of nerve racking (and expensive!) to hand over your bike to the airlines – fingers crossed it will get there in one piece. And somehow rented bikes never really feel the same to me. Call me spoiled.
What sets Trek Travel vacations apart is the quality of the bikes you ride. I had the option to ride a Domane 5.9 (included) or upgrade to an Emonda SLR, either one equipped with Shimano electronic Di2 shifting. Because Mallorca is a climber’s paradise, I opted for the Emonda upgrade. When I arrived, my guide had already set up my bike using my fit coordinates, which included swapping the stem out to a smaller length. After installing my own pedals and saddle, I hopped on for quick ride around the hotel parking lot. It fit like a glove.
But what really made the trip head and shoulders above other cycling vacations I’ve taken was our guides. It was a pleasure to show up each morning and have my bike ready, water bottles filled and Garmin maps loaded. Our guides’ knowledge of the country, language ability and most of all the pure joy and sense of adventure they brought to each ride – whether they were driving the support van or riding along with us – was awesome.
On the last day, as I was cycling along the coast from one ridiculously picturesque mountainside town to the next, I saw a large peloton approaching. Fast. A pack of thirty or forty men went streaming by in a flourish of colors, followed by their team car — Leopard. I gave them a friendly wave and a nod, communicating that feeling of joy of being out on your bike in one simple gesture. Yeah, I wasn’t going anywhere nearly as fast. But during my week with Trek Travel, I truly felt like a pro. And frankly, it’s something I could get used to.”
If you ride all year like a growing number of people in the world, I’m sure you have experienced less than ideal riding conditions, especially during these winter months. I’d like to give you a few pointers on good riding technique to keep your ride safe and uneventful!
Eye contact: This is true in all weather conditions, but eye contact with motorists is very important. Don’t assume that people see you 100% of the time. Intersections are a place where the unexpected can happen in a heartbeat. Make sure you have eye contact with someone driving near you. It’s always better to know that someone sees you than to make assumptions.
Lights: The nights still come upon us early and riding without lights is unsafe and sometimes illegal in certain states. Not only does it help with vehicles, but it helps with fellow pedestrians on the bike path. I can’t tell you how often I barely see other riders because they don’t use a light. I can’t imagine driving without headlights, and we shouldn’t be riding without lights either. Personally, I’m a fan of multiple rear lights too–one blinking and one steady. You can never be too safe!
Avoiding Debris: While riding on the roads be careful about riding too close to the curb. That’s an area of the road that collects debris this time of year. Broken glass and a lot of miscellaneous items that can ruin your day live by the curb during the winter months. Riding just a bit further into the lane, away from these potentially dangerous items, can be a good idea to avoid a puncture or flat tire. Also keeping a straight line and riding predictably is much safer than weaving to avoid debris and keeping the cars behind you guessing your next move.
At a certain time of year in Wisconsin, riding outside becomes more dangerous than beneficial. Iced-over roads and the ever-present threat of sketchy weather still even the hardiest souls. But the urge to train never ceases, because we all know July’s races are won in February.
So we begrudgingly descend into some deep and hidden indoor space to hammer out monotonous base miles on stationary trainers or rollers, thinking always of the far-off days of post-17:00 daylight.
In the Paincave, we grind away hours in solitude while staring at 19″ rotary dial tube TVs and race numbers from seasons past. We drown out the hum of resistance units with headphones and let the rhythm of the ride take us deep into our heads. Here, we set our minds on goals for the coming year.
A Paincave is a personal space. Some are elaborate whereas others border on Benedictine in their simplicity, but each one is an intimate portrait of its inhabitant. This is where we spend our winters, with stacks of tires, the boiler churning beside.
We talk about our bikes all the time. You hear us say how excellence comes standard on all of our trips, with our first class Trek Bikes included in the price. We brag about the Trek Domane 5.9 with Shimano Di2 Electronic Shifting. But for those of us who aren’t racers, who don’t spend free time reading gear reviews, and can’t understand the technical jargon, we find ourselves wondering what it all means.
So I’m here to break it down for you – to put into layman’s terms what makes the Trek Domane the best bike for you. It’s a top of the line road bike, but it is perfect for riders of all abilities. If you’re used to riding a hybrid, the switch to a Domane is nothing to lose sleep over. If you’re an experienced rider, the Domane will be something to write home about.
First, the Trek Domane is equipped with Di2 electronic shifting. While this may sound intimidating, Di2 stands for ‘Digital Integrated Intelligence’. The shifters will look the same as those on your road bike at home, but they will function better. Instead of having to move the lever to switch gears, the Di2 system allows you to change gears with simply the ‘click-of-a-mouse-button’. This makes it easier for people with small hands. It makes shifting effortless. It allows you to focus on enjoying the ride rather than worrying about gear malfunctions.
Secondly, the Trek Domane is an endurance fit road bike. You’ll hear shop guys and techies talk about the relaxed geometry and higher head tube. But to break it down, endurance fit simply means the Domane is a smoother ride. Rather than being stretched out and bent over, the Domane allows you to sit more upright if you wish. It is the perfect solution for long rides or multiple days in the saddle.
Lastly, the smooth ride provided by the Domane will keep you coming back for more. The Domane is equipped with an IsoSpeed decoupler. Never heard of a decoupler? Neither had I. It’s a fancy term that means the seat tube is isolated from the rest of the frame. What you really need to know is that it absorbs a lot of the road vibrations. Combined with padded handlebars, every road is instantly transformed into brand new blacktop.
As for the racers who are reading this, the Domane is Roubaix-tested and race-ready. Fabian Cancellara rides the Domane and has been on the podium in his last 12 monuments. It has even been in yellow at that famous race in France during the month of July. I assure you this bike will make you feel like a champion.
And just in case you fall in love with riding this bike on one of our trips (after all, you wouldn’t be the first one), you will receive $300 off a 5 or 6 series Trek Domane or Madone, or Project One purchased at your local Trek retailer.
If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.
Don’t see exactly what you are looking for or looking for a custom date? Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735
What is the Difference?
Ultimate Luxury:
Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.
Luxury:
Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.
Explorer:
These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.
Combined:
On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of Explorer and Luxury hotels. Rest assured, no matter which hotel level you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.
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.
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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