Cradled in the heart of Kenmare Bay, between the famous Ring of Kerry and the unspoiled Ring of Beara, the picturesque town of Kenmare is steeped in legends and rich in archaeological history. Renowned for Kenmare lace, respected for gourmet food and revered for breathtaking scenery, it is no wonder Kenmare has become a popular tourist destination.
As all places in Ireland do, this heritage town has both an Irish and English name. Neidín, meaning “Little Nest”, is the Irish name of the town which nestles between the MacGillicuddy Reeks to the north, the Caha mountains to the south, the rivers Roughty and Sheen to the east, and the broad expanse of the Atlantic Ocean to the west. But in the late 18th century, after word quickly spread that this was a little town of thieves and liars, landlord William Petty Fitzmaurice chose to rename the precious land that was gifted to him by Oliver Cromwell for painstakingly completing the mapping of Ireland.
There are two sides to every story. In Ireland, however, a new rendition is told with every pint. While locals will tell you the name Kenmare was chosen in honor of Lord Kenmare of the Brown family from Killarney, historians in favor of etymology make a connection to Ceann Mara, which translates to “Head of the Sea” in English. While there’s no saying which interpretation is accurate, one thing is for certain–the tradition of Irish folklore is alive and well.
A seanchaí (pronounced “shan-a-key”) is a knowledgeable person, usually a man, who has the gift of entertaining his listeners by relating stories with a captivating tone of voice, the use of colorful language, and with a most interesting turn of phrase. The story content is of any topic whatsoever but most often has an element of fun.
Long before the advent of television and radio, it was common in rural Ireland to visit one’s neighbors for a chat when the day’s work was done. This tradition was called “ag scoraíocht”(skur-eekt). One house in particular always emerged as the most popular to visit, and it became known as the “rambling house”. Encouraged by the gathering, it was to the rambling house that the seanchaí invariably came to draw them into the wonder of his story.
Despite the onslaught of modern social media, the use of the spoken word has been and still is cherished by the Irish. According to Donal Sleator, a retired primary school teacher, principal, storyteller and Kenmare native, language must be appealing and entertaining in order for others to learn. “We feel compelled to share our stories because of the deep, rich heritage of which we are aware. Whereas in the past stories were communicated through the medium of the Irish language, we now share a common language (English) with most visitors to our shores. Our stories today perhaps have less emphasis on fairies, leprechauns and the little people. Through pride of place, they dwell more on our history and on who we are.”
Cradled in the heart of Kenmare Bay, between the famous Ring of Kerry and the unspoiled Ring of Beara, the picturesque town of Kenmare is steeped in legends and rich in archaeological history. Renowned for Kenmare lace, respected for gourmet food and revered for breathtaking scenery, it is no wonder Kenmare has become a popular tourist destination.
As all places in Ireland do, this heritage town has both an Irish and English name. Neidín, meaning “Little Nest”, is the Irish name of the town which nestles between the MacGillicuddy Reeks to the north, the Caha mountains to the south, the rivers Roughty and Sheen to the east, and the broad expanse of the Atlantic Ocean to the west. But in the late 18th century, after word quickly spread that this was a little town of thieves and liars, landlord William Petty Fitzmaurice chose to rename the precious land that was gifted to him by Oliver Cromwell for painstakingly completing the mapping of Ireland.
There are two sides to every story. In Ireland, however, a new rendition is told with every pint. While locals will tell you the name Kenmare was chosen in honor of Lord Kenmare of the Brown family from Killarney, historians in favor of etymology make a connection to Ceann Mara, which translates to “Head of the Sea” in English. While there’s no saying which interpretation is accurate, one thing is for certain–the tradition of Irish folklore is alive and well.
A seanchaí (pronounced “shan-a-key”) is a knowledgeable person, usually a man, who has the gift of entertaining his listeners by relating stories with a captivating tone of voice, the use of colorful language, and with a most interesting turn of phrase. The story content is of any topic whatsoever but most often has an element of fun.
Long before the advent of television and radio, it was common in rural Ireland to visit one’s neighbors for a chat when the day’s work was done. This tradition was called “ag scoraíocht”(skur-eekt). One house in particular always emerged as the most popular to visit, and it became known as the “rambling house”. Encouraged by the gathering, it was to the rambling house that the seanchaí invariably came to draw them into the wonder of his story.
Despite the onslaught of modern social media, the use of the spoken word has been and still is cherished by the Irish. According to Donal Sleator, a retired primary school teacher, principal, storyteller and Kenmare native, language must be appealing and entertaining in order for others to learn. “We feel compelled to share our stories because of the deep, rich heritage of which we are aware. Whereas in the past stories were communicated through the medium of the Irish language, we now share a common language (English) with most visitors to our shores. Our stories today perhaps have less emphasis on fairies, leprechauns and the little people. Through pride of place, they dwell more on our history and on who we are.”
Just north of San Francisco in the heart of Sonoma County lies the delightful city of Healdsburg. Surrounded by three major wine-producing regions, Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valley, this is truly wine country. This charming city is a treasure for food-lovers and offers stunning views as you bike along the rolling hills of grape vines.
Our newly redesigned California Wine Country 4-Day Weekend trip takes you through these captivating landscapes and lets you unwind in the charming epicenter of Healdsburg. Here you can sip on very good wine at countless wineries and tasting rooms and feast on equally good food at one of the award-winning restaurants. In a city where old-town culture combines with new, award-winning features, Healdsburg will in some way or another win your heart. When you’ve got the time to take in the city on your own, here’s where I would go to get the most out of my visit.
Where To Go to Wander: Downtown Healdsburg
Just steps away from Hotel Healdsburg, take a stroll through the downtown center surrounding the town plaza. Each block is lined with charming shops, tasting rooms, galleries and outstanding restaurants. In true Wisconsinite-fashion, I search out specialty cheese shops to indulge in new bites of local flavors. Stop by the Cheese Shop of Healdsburg for local artisan cheeses and accoutrements and take your snacks and a blanket to the plaza for a relaxing afternoon picnic. Stop for a pick-me-up with the perfect cup of coffee at Flying Goat Coffee, or for a lovely cup of tea, chai, or hot chocolate. If you have Saturday morning available, be sure to visit the Farmers’ Market one block west of the Plaza to enjoy the the local food community.
Where To Go for Baked Goodss: Downtown Bakery & Creamery
Stopping in to this family run bakery is a must while visiting Healdsburg. Owner Kathleen opened this bakery in 1987 with her friends, all former colleagues at the award-winning and renowned Chez Panisse. Today Kathleen and her children run the bakery, serving up the best baked goods in the area. Using the best local and organic ingredients they can find, the quality of their creations is impeccable. Satisfy your post-biking sweet tooth with one (or two) of the famed sticky buns, or peel apart one of their fresh, buttery croissants. Don’t miss out on trying the cinnamon and sugar-dusted donut muffin that is raved about by locals and visitors.
Where To Go to Dine: Bravas Bar de Tapas
Healdsburg is considered the gourmet center of Sonoma County, and there is no shortage for where you can grab a really great bite to eat just a walk away from your hotel. Enjoy Bravas Bar de Tapas, awarded with “One of the top 20 tapas restaurants in the US” by Travel + Leisure and a “Top 100 Bay Area Restaurant” by the San Francisco Chronicle for the past three years. This tapas bar serves up traditional Spanish and modern tapas-style dining. Owners Mark and Terri Stark are James Beard nominees and own a few restaurants in Sonoma County, this one being their newest, and well-recognized already. They have created a relaxing and fun space to share plates and sip on a cocktail from their impressive drink menu. Sit out on the patio under romantic strings of lights and share the paella with a group of friends or try a selection of smaller plates. This restaurant is a top-choice for locals and visitors, so be aware of busy weekend nights. I’d recommend calling ahead to reserve a table, 707-433-7700. Read more culinary favorites by our Trip Design Manager Meagan Coates from her trip to California Wine Country, including Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen and h2’s Spoon Bar.
Where to go for a snack and shopping: SHED
Winner of a 2014 James Beard Award for restaurant design, SHED is a community gathering space designed to bring us closer to the way we grow, prepare, and share our food. Part market, part café, part farm, this culmination is a delightful stop for fresh flavors and local shopping. Earlier this year we had the honor of interviewing owner Cindy Daniel to learn more about her creation of SHED. The offerings start with a large menu selection including beverages made at their fermentation or coffee bar and a café serving up combinations of fresh, local ingredients. While you’re there pick up artisan-made goods in their packed “pantry” that you won’t be able to resist perusing. Try a refreshing kombucha or shrub at their fermentation bar or a sandwich or salad from the café, grab a seat on the terrace and enjoy.
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.
As one Irish actor told me in a Dublin pub…”I like the English. In fact my wife is English. That being said, I don’t care much for the British.” That barb was followed by a knowing Irish wink and another sip of beer.
Like Americans, the Irish also speak English. But it is a far different version of our flat twang, and it takes a while for Americans to develop an ear for the colorful lilt of the Irish tongue, especially in the beautiful green countryside, where the rural folks speak in a heavier local version of the language.
The fondest memory I have of Ireland occurred in the small town of Oranmore outside of Galway. It was when our large clan went to a nice, polite brunch of Irish salmon. Upon exiting the restaurant my father spied a thatched roof pub across the lane named McDonough’s. With a touch of the dramatic Dad said, “Follow me. I’ve been wanting to do this my entire life.” He proceeded to lead his wife and six adult children into the bar and announced with a broad smile, “We’re the Roaches of America and we’d like to buy the pub a round!”
There were some twenty folks in the bar, and we were witness to one of the great Irish rituals…the pouring of the Guinness. Twenty large pints were lined along the bar and then with ceremony rivaling a papal coronation, the bartender minded each glass so that the rich head of the brew would be allowed to rise and breathe for the perfect amount of time before being served.
Your eyes are closed, sitting in a highback Adirondack chair with a glass of wine in hand, overlooking a great valley below.
Two dogs are playing fetch, roosters crow occasionally, hens cluck, horses neigh, and faint mumbles of conversation are heard between the passing summer breeze. You are on vacation in the wine country of California. You just experienced a challenging, yet rewarding climb called Ink Grade. Your guides told you that morning, “Oh, it’s not that bad…I have faith you can make it!” Maybe it was the toughest 4-mile uphill stretch you’ve ever done. Maybe it wasn’t. What really matters is where you are now, and that indescribable feeling washing over you.
As traveling staff members schedule their out-of-office replies and guests call in to finalize their trips to the Tour de France, I sit here wanting to go with. Then I realize I have little idea what is about to even happen.
I’m the new intern here at Trek Travel. So when people around the office start talking about the tour, I can’t begin to imagine everything that goes into it from Trek Travel’s point of view. I know that it is a huge collective of hours and hours of work put in to make the trips happen flawlessly. But along with the hard work comes a trip of a lifetime. I want to be in their shoes, experience the tour, be surrounded by cycling-fanatics and take in the biggest cycling event in the world from stunning views. Until then, I’ll listen to their stories and daydream. Read about the Tour de France from the eyes of the Travel Travel team here in Madison.
Briefly, describe how Trek Travel is involved in the Tour?
Meagan: Trek Travel offers the premier trips in the industry at the Tour de France, hands down. From trips that allow guests to ride the routes on the same day as the pros, to trips and spectator vacations with Official Tour Operator VIP passes and Trek-Segafredo team access to Paris finish packages, and even supported trips at the Etape du Tour, we have something for every fan of the race. We put a lot of effort up to a year or more in advance to the race being announced to source the prime locations for on course viewings and hotels and overall we have a team of designers working on Tour de France year round.
What would you say is one of the “I can’t believe this” moments for a Trek Travel guest?
Meagan: This is very personal for everyone and depends on the drama that unfolds throughout the race. But I think nearly all guests have a moment during their trip–perhaps while sipping a glass of champagne at a perfectly-situated on-course viewing spot looking out over the French Alps–and they realize they are actually there in person and not watching the Tour footage from the helicopters as broadcast on tv.
What’s going through your mind on your way to the tour?
Mark: Typically trying to learn as much as I can about the areas of France the Tour will visit for that year. I like to find fun facts that are not obvious. Also I like to have a solid understanding of the top cyclists that could podium or win a green jersey. Guests love talking shop, so I have to keep up.
Brie: Study! It is imperative to study maps, regional highlights, trip materials, pro riders and more. You want to be as prepared as you possibly can be heading into any trip. The TDF takes it to the next level. All guides have to be firing on all pistons to make these trips successful and awesome! Other thoughts always include daily back-up plans and what ifs! Our job is to deliver a Trip of a Lifetime, in order to do that, we have to be prepared for absolutely anything. A saying we use often: “It is the Tour. Anything can happen. Always have a Plan B!” Roads close earlier than they are supposed to, thunderstorms roll into the mountains in a matter of minutes, bridges give out weeks before a stage causing a complete reroute. You name it, it can happen at the Tour. “Fun and Flexible” is the name of the game and Trek Travel guides are the masters!
How many times have you been on this trip, and how does it change year by year for you?
Mark: I’ve guided it four years’ worth. Personally I always looked forward to the mountain stages as I love to climb. I loved the variability of the Tour as well, always having to think on your feet was fun to me. Road closures, crazy fans, our incredible viewing sites halfway up mountains. It’s always hectic, but I tend to thrive on that. I also always love going into Paris at the end. It’s a great party at the Automobile Club where all the guides and guest come together for one last big party. It’s the perfect way to wrap up three weeks of crazy Tour de France trips.
Brie: My first year guiding at the Tour de France was in 2012 in the Alps. I’ve guided TDF trips every year since and head to France in a few short days for the Etape this time around. Each year the route changes throughout the beautiful Alps and Pyrenees mountain ranges but always ends in Paris. From the most challenging days on a bike to the utmost breathtaking views I’ve ever laid eyes on, the Tour de France has been a real pleasure to experience with Trek Travel over the years!
How do you prepare for the tour?
Mark: Ride, Ride and Ride. See above, love to climb. Also we do a lot of pre-trip research as guides. We’ll go out for a couple weeks prior to our first group, to review all routes, hotels, meeting locations, etc. As guides we like to know as much as possible before any guests arrive.
What’s going through your mind on your way home?
Mark: Can’t wait to sleep in my own bed!
Brie: Guides are pretty exhausted at the end. I typically sleep the entire plane ride home. From take-off to landing, no joke. Tour de France trips run at a high level mentally, physically and emotionally. When headed home there is often the feeling of, “I survived…that was the craziest trip ever…I CAN’T wait to do it again next year!” That was how I felt in 2012, it hasn’t changed since.
Favorite TDF moment?
Mark: The first time I climbed Alpe d’Huez the day the pros did. It was my first year guiding and only second trip guiding ever. You get to the base and it just looms overhead…21 switchbacks to the top. The crazy thing was that all the fans were already lining the route. They cheered us on as though we were pros. And the Dutch corner was a sea of orange. Truly an incredible experience and one I can’t wait to get back to some day.
Brie: There are many! Paris is always a favorite. I love seeing the pure joy on guest’s faces—they are loving life and thrilled to experience the tour finale in such a stunning city. As of late, I have also really enjoyed seeing the happiness and relief on my guide’s faces in Paris. Once you reach Paris, it’s a home-free feeling for guides. You have the opportunity to relax a bit, drink champagne with colleagues and have a grand ol’ time in the City of Lights. Other memorable moments include helicoptering guests off the top of Alpe d’Huez at the end of a mountain top finish to their luxury hotel on Lake Annecy. A VIP experience they never forget.
“I survived…that was the craziest trip ever…I CAN’T wait to do it again next year!” That was how I felt in 2012 and that feeling hasn’t changed since.
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.
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.
Meet Katie Compton, known to her fans as KFC. Trust us, the “F” isn’t for Francis. Compton earned her middle initial the hard way, powering through nine grueling seasons of cold, muddy Cyclocross mayhem. Turns out powering through is sound strategy: Compton was the first American to win the Cyclocross World Cup overall title. F’n cool.
Tell us your story in 140 characters or less:
Wife, dog lover (especially Rottweilers), bike racer, lover of the outdoors, wine enthusiast and foodie with some food allergies. A delicate body but strong will.
Tell us about your best day on a bicycle:
That’s a hard one to answer, I’ve had a lot of really good and fun days. I want to choose a specific race where I felt great and had great legs but those, unfortunately, don’t happen as much as one would like. The one that stands out the most for me is winning the 3k tandem pursuit at Paralympics in Athens in 2004 (I was a pilot for a blind athlete). I had great legs that day and just felt fast. My tandem partner and I had a perfect race to win and it was just a great day. Other than that, winning a Cyclocross World Cup in Roubaix, France after a bad start. I had great legs and only passed people the whole time. Winning on the Roubaix velodrome is also very special.
What is your favorite travel destination and why?
It’s probably Japan. We were there for a short trip but the country is beautiful, the people are so nice and polite, and the food is amazing. I loved everything about that trip. It snowed and was cold while we were there, and I was really happy to find hot tea in vending machines as well as heated toilet seats in every bathroom, even in highway rest areas. I also had the best Unagi I’ve ever eaten in Tokyo.
If you were a trip designer at Trek Travel, where would you design our next bike trip?
I’d create a trip in New Zealand, probably riding through their wine country. I love their wines and both of the islands are beautiful. The food is also really good no matter where you go. It would also be fun to take a few days, rent a boat and sail around the northern coast of the north island. I think that’s the best way to see the coast.
What is your favorite hotel and why?
A high-end hotel in Tokyo, Japan. The service was above and beyond and the room and bathroom were amazing. The hotel offered so many amenities to enjoy, along with the view of the city. The breakfast was also one of the best I’ve experienced.
What is your favorite unnecessary travel item?
I bring my aeropress coffee maker and coffee beans. A good cup of coffee is the best way to start a day of travel and you never know if the hotel’s coffee is drinkable.
What is one thing you never fly without?
My Westone earbud headphones. They cancel the noise and have the best sound quality. They also pack small and don’t take up much room in my carry on.
What is your favorite type of post-ride beverage?
I love a nice bottle of wine, usually I choose New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs in the summer and California Red Zinfandels in the winter. If I didn’t have to worry about my weight then I would add White Russians to my list of go-to drinks. I love those, but I can’t stop drinking them.
What and where was the best meal you’ve ever enjoyed?
It’s a tie between two. The first is Unagi in a very small and hard to find restaurant in Tokyo. The eel is fresh everyday and the place closes when the cook runs out of it. They only sell Unagi and the only choice you make is how many pieces you want. The second is a breakfast at a hotel in Prague, Czech Republic. They had an amazing buffet of fresh food all professionally prepared and it was the best breakfast I’ve ever had. My husband and I actually stayed long enough to eat two breakfasts that morning.
What is your personal motto or mantra?
Never quit. Do what makes you happy and what makes you feel good.
Who inspires you the most?
I don’t really have any one person who inspires me, I get the most energy from anyone who struggles to accomplish something difficult or challenging, and anyone who has true grit to work hard for something they want.
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
It’s early morning but I wake well rested. The sunlight is soft, the Mediterranean calm, and now the alarm clock buzzes in the background. From the comfort of our hotel room, my eyes slowly open and I am reminded of the counsel from my father, half a world away:
Don’t you know you’re living the dream?
And, as it turns out, I am. I woke this morning in a Leading Hotel of the World. A five-star paradise. A Mediterranean retreat. If the spectacular beauty of the surrounding rocky coastline and unspoiled beaches aren’t enough to put a smile on your face, then surely the balcony, spa or pool outside your door will do.
You wouldn’t pick our group out of a crowd – a couple of studious doctors, a NASA flight controller chasing a dream, a self-proclaimed half-assed real estate lawyer and a State Department diplomat to Cyprus. But as I walk downstairs I am reminded that after just one week and a handful of conversations, names are known and stories are shared. The receptionist embraces my broken Spanish because she knows I’m trying to progress. The bellman admires our bikes because a former racer knows a good machine. The teachers will arrive outside early after years of preaching punctuality to their students.
It’s the second-to-last day of our weeklong Costa Brava trip but there came a point this morning when I couldn’t focus on preparations for tomorrow’s trip end. The sun was shining bright and I filled water bottles for the umpteenth time, grease smeared across my calf, bike tools in my pocket, and a fresh cortado cupped in my hands. The caffeine had combined with the excitement of the day and left me far too distracted for the likes of goodbyes and shuttle transfers.
So with the wind in our hair and sun on our faces we took to the road. Pedal we did, hill after hill, turn after turn. Open roads are places to escape with friends. Views are supposed to be shared. After yesterday’s recon of the costal road from the comfort of a sailboat, today we took to the pavement and made our way to the next seaside village. Turns out heaven lies somewhere between S’Agaro and Tossa del Mar, with a finely tuned bicycle and good company, beside rugged cliffs and contrasting colors.
After exploring the seaside villages and centuries-old castles, we turned back the way we came. It would be hard for the flavors of tonight’s Michelin-starred dinner to improve upon such a perfect day, but seamless conversation and bottomless laughter erupted effortlessly in-between each decadent course. So with tired legs and energized hearts we raised a glass of cava and toasted the wild coast.
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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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