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Arizona Sunshine "A+, an amazing selection of routes with outstanding local interests, great views and variable distances." -Vern C. -Hallowell, Maine "Let me just tell you that it was the most amazing and beautiful trip I could imagine. I have been joking that I wished it were a bit less perfect, so that it was not so hard to go back to DC. On Saturday, everyone was sad and wanted to stay. If not for the work, I would have taken the next week's trip without hesitation! And, like Maggie, I would like to know where do I sign up for the next year's trip? I am thinking I could make it a routine birthday present from now on - and thanks to everyone for that great cake, by the way! In particular, I think that John and Matt did a wonderful job in taking care of all of us, making everyone happy. I don't think that I had been taken such good care of before in my entire life!" -Katya V. - Washington, DC
"It was our first bike tour and we had a fantastic time. The interesting thing about the trip was the great group of people (11) that it attracted and the fact that it was organized so that riders with different interests and abilities could plan their rides to maximize their pleasure and satisfy their interests each day. In this case, there was lovely scenery, local culture and wild life, particularly birds. We visited the old mining towns of Tombstone and Bisbee, a touch of the Wild West, and nature reserves in Patagonia and Ramsey Canyon. Escapades certainly meets the needs of a niche market for interested and interesting riders who like to live and bike. It is fantastic fun and value for money." -Tony C. - Bethesda, Maryland "The trip was fantastic and I'd like to sign up for next year, the same week, in February. This trip was impeccable. John and Matt are just excellent. I can't think of a thing I'd change." -Maggie S. - New York, New York "I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. The people, guides, routes, scenery and towns were a wonderful mix of scenery, history, challenge and breathtaking beauty. The weather held and the B& Bs and inns were wonderful, especially the Ramsey Canyon Inn." -Tish M. - Washington, DC California Coast and Desert "The bike trip to the Anza Borrego desert was, once again, a wonderful trip with Escapades. The bikes and the guides were top notch. The hotel in Borrego Springs was lovely, but best of all, was the 11 mile downhill into the desert, with a view of the Salton Sea in the distance."
-Susan P., New York City
"The trip felt perfectly balanced there was more than enough serious biking for those of us who wanted it, yet there was plenty of relaxed whimsy as well. There was terrific information about the area if we were curious, yet it was also easy just to sit back and enjoy the beauty. And speaking of which, the scenery was unbelievable. Half the time it looked like another planet, with crazy rock formations and desert on all sides. The main thing is that it was a great time, relaxed fun, and a really great bunch of people in a very positive environment." -Tom G. -Los Angeles, California
"I loved the trip. The scenery was spectacular, and the company equally stunning." -Catrin D., Baltimore, Maryland
Georgia Spring Azalea Trip
"There is great pleasure in leaving snow, ice and a North Wind for the sunny south. It was a joy to see the colorful Azalea's in full bloom and the gentleness of the blooming Dogwoods with the stately live oaks in the background. The quiet and serene countryside was the perfect place to shed the winter blah's and enjoy mother nature at her best." -Mary O.,
"The trip was well planned and included different activities and routes. The choice of accommodation was terrific from the wonderful bed and breakfasts to the prestigious Jekyll Island Club Hotel. Each day the choice of restaurants was excellent. I spent the week eating shrimp, salmon or scallops almost twice a day."
-Suzanne B., Toronto, Ontario, Canada "This was one of the most pleasurable biking trips I have been on - great weather, blossoming azaleas, beautiful accommodations, and very helpful and supportive leaders. Kayaking through the swamp and playing croquet on the lawns of Jekyll Island Club were special first-time experiences! I'm hooked and ready for more!"
-Elfreda B, Arlington, Virginia Great trip! I would recommend it. Great company, excellent organization, easy riding and a good group." -Bev M. Toronto, Ontario, Canada "This trip was very interesting and a great mix of natural beauty, fun bike trails and a historical perspective of Savannah and surrounding areas. The guides were helpful and knowledgeable. It was fun to stay in small bed and breakfast inns as well as the Jekyll island resort." -Kathleen M., Pound Ridge, New York "Your Georgia trip is a winner. Smartly planned to include many delights of the Ga. coast,nicely paced to give me time to bike and enjoy my way along the coast. And good and helpful guides." -Tom G. Arlington, VA
Washington DC Cherry Blossoms and Virginia Hunt Country
"The Washington/Virginia bike trip was on of the most satisfying trips I've ever taken. The contrast between big city riding and the gorgeous countryside was phenomenal. Riding into downtown Washington on a splendid bike path after several days of rural quiet country roads was a real high point in my biking life. I also loved the people, the inns, and the fact that I never had to get in a van!" -Susan P., New York City
"The trip was above and beyond my expectation. I can't believe we saw so much of DC and Virginia in the short time we were there. I'll never forget that warm sunny day in DC...the cherry blossoms were spectacular and to be able to see all the monuments in one day was also amazing. The variety of roads, trails and tow paths made each day an interesting and different experience." -Lou Ann and Larry R, Shoreview, Minnesota "The best part of the trip were to see the cherry blossoms. The rides through rural Virginia horse farms and towns were nice. George Washington's estate was also a highlight for us. The tow path and paved bike trail system in the area are a wonderful way to experience the area." -Marjorie and Bill B. Nelson, British Columbia "The Washington DC , Cherry Blossom tour was all I thought it would be. The lodging, guides, friendly folks ,and beautiful bike routes, made for a very memorable trip! I shall return." -Ellie P., Forest Lake, Minnesota
Texas Wildflowers
"It is a terrific trip, and I was very excited to get to know another corner of this country, not only geographically, but also culturally....the little ranch roads were a delight to bike on, the flowers, the quaintness of some spots." -Irmgard D. - Bethesda, Maryland "The routes were perfect. The sites were truly inspired slices of Texana (new word). The whole week was cinematic." -Bill T, Merchantville, New Jersey "The trip was wonderful - well organized, diverse, with lots of options on length of cycle. It was my first organized tour so I have nothing to compare it to but I thought the tour leadership was first rate." -Marie M. - Bethesda, Maryland "If you do not know the Hill Country it is difficult to imagine what you will find. Yes there are lots of wild flowers, some cattle, but you also see sheep, goats, horses, many deer, bison, zebra, antelope, llamas, and the possible ostrich or emu as you cycle through a variety of scenery of farms, ranches, haciendas, a few fine vineyards, the Guadalupe River recreational area and the beautiful wild flowered scenery of the Willow Loop. The surprise for me was that much of the riding reminded me of Wales. Many of the roads are narrow and crossed by cattle grids and small streams. Like Wales these roads carry very little traffic and wind their way through oak trees and grassland giving the impression of a huge private estate. There are some hills, not too long, but quite steep. Individual rides can be tailor made, the maximum possible for the week was about 350 miles. I rode about 320 miles averaging just over 50 miles per day with a daily high of 65 that I found enough. We started from Austin, worth a visit, and drove to the LBJ Ranch to be mated with our bikes on the first day and then rode to Comfort, a pleasant little town, and stayed in a very comfortable B& B adjacent to a beautiful cypress tree lined creek where deer were lured to feed by an automatic feeder that was triggered for breakfast time. Here we were introduced to a southern breakfast of baked eggs with peppers, tomatoes and onions. This was to be repeated in similar form at most of the other B& Bs. During the week we also stayed in Bandera, the cowboy capital of Texas, where we saw the real thing in spurs and somewhat worse for wear after participation in many rodeos. In the evening we dined in a small restaurant that opened especially for us and provided an excellent meal, including a wonderful beef tenderloin. Our next stop was Utopia, known for its excellent climate and good living. We did in fact meet a reformed Philadelphia native living in Utopia now intent on keeping Texas city kids out of gangs and prison, something with which he had had personal experience. We found Utopia at our B& B with again a river with cypress trees where we swam and a hot tub. From Utopia we made our way, via a night stop in Kerrville to Fredericksburg the centre of an old German settler community and the home of the Nimitz Museum of Pearl Harbor notoriety. The riding on these two days and the final day around the Willow Loop was truly superb and the B& B in Fredericksburg charming and spacious with a variety facilities including a hot-tub.
The tour was lead by Tim and Valerie Cookingham, who come from Austin but now live in Ireland. They provided terrific support in the form of picnic lunches, cycle equipment and maintenance, customizing rides, and local color. Their route, restaurant, and B& B selection was first class. The group included some good riders and some not so good riders, but everybody was looked after and made happy, including one participant who was unwell for part of the time. What better way to spend a week in April." -Tony C., Wales, United Kingdom
We had so MUCH fun on the Texas Hill Country ride!!!!!! Liz and Brian were fantastic! The maps and cue sheets were great as well as the accommodations! We had perfect weather too! Thanks for making the trip possible as a self-guided adventure! -T Scully, Lindenhurst, Illinois
Maine Four Island
"I really have fond memories of our Maine trip. It was one of the nicest rides I have ever been on." -Ellie P., Lake Forest, Minnesota
"This is one of the most wonderful trips I have ever undertaken. I felt surrounded by the beauties of the Maine coast, by the friendliness of our fellow travelers and upheld by the knowledge, experience and skills of our guides." -Ruth S, Dubuque, Iowa
"It was a dream trip. Very memorable. It was all great! Great food, wonderful places to stay and nice scenery. The guides were great and the participants made a great group. Roads chosen gave us maximum views, minimal traffic". Jack W. - Cottonwood, Arizona "The trip was absolutely fabulous! We loved the routes, the scenery, the food, the accommodations and the other people on the ride. The leaders were warm, knowledgeable and completely supportive. It was wonderful seeing parts of Maine I had never been to before." -Debra and Bob M., Brooklyn, N.Y "The best parts were the fun, the laughter, the chance to accomplish a significant goal every biking day, the food, the friendship, the scenery and the opportunity to experience a part of the country I have never experienced before and the nice weather. Also, a chance to be away from the normal routine and have a real vacation..." -Marion G. - Wilmington, Delaware "This was our first bike tour and we had an excellent experience. Would rate the trip a 10 out of 10! Not only was the scenery picture book perfect, this trip opened up to us the world of late 19th century Maine, from the extravagance of the summer residents and their cottages to the everyday life of the fishermen." -Wayne J. - Potomac, Maryland "It was a great trip and started a love affair with Maine."- Pamela M. - Arlington, Virginia
"This was a five star experience for me. I loved the entire trip. I would recommend this trip to everyone I know who bike and haven’t seen this part of the Maine coast." -Anne Z, Bear Lake, Minnesota
"I thought the trip was great and I would highly recommend it to friends. I really enjoyed the different experiences and activities available-biking, kayaking, hiking, quarry swimming and ferry rides. The scenery was spectacular. The guides really added to the experience since they were local and highly knowledgeable and helpful." -Kathleen M, Pound Ridge, New York
Hudson River Fall Foliage and Historic Houses
"I loved the trip! An orgy for the senses 1. Visual beauty and color with the trees and, architectural and landscape shapes 2. Olfactory excellence breathing in the clean, fresh air to include the country air (horse and animal farm) 3. Taste treats the wonderful lunches and dinners 4. Hearing the whistling of the wind, rustling of leaves, breathing (particularly going up hill), listening to the guide's and fellow cyclists' stories of other bike trips." -C. Preston,
"I loved it! On a scale of 1-10, I'd say 11 or 12. What could have been better? -Susan B, Washington, DC "The Hudson valley is a beautiful area and is wonderful in the fall. This trip included little used country roads, wonderful woods and fields and farms. We visited some of the working farms that were open for tours and cycled through some gentrified areas of rural bliss. In addition stops included great views of the Hudson, intriguing country stores for deli lunches, vineyards and visits to FDR's and Eleanor's houses as well as a Vanderbilt home. As I found out in Arizona Mike finds excellent places to eat (including the Culinary Institute of America and one restaurant that ranks with any that I have visited) and sleep. His team was experienced, extremely attentive to individual needs and each day's program provided alternatives for a full range of riders. I recommend this trip as a rewarding way to see wonderful fall colors and to meet interesting people from different parts of the world. On this trip doctors were well represented-4, there were 6 couples, 5 individuals, and their homes included Japan, Costa Rica, Wales, California, Missouri, New York State and the Washington Area." -Tony C. - Bethesda, Maryland "There is no place more awesome and gorgeous than the Hudson River Valley to experience the fall foliage. The bike route takes one through quaint towns and gentle rolling hills, and after an exercise-filled day, the evening always ends with a fabulous meal and exquisite wines. A wonderful way to see the best of New York State in fall-a trip we would definitely do again." Dot and Paul D. - Arlington, Virginia "There are wonderful rolling hills and working dairy farms. The foliage was at its peak, so each turn was a visual "A Ha" moment. Lots of pumpkins, some in piles and others lined up on benches like a church choir, were calling out to us," Happy Halloween and come and buy a pumpkin." -Mark W., Woolwich, Maine
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