Ultimate Group Bike Tour

What would be the ideal place & circumstances for a group bike tour?

I'm looking to lead a couple of group bike tours in the off-season to warmer climes and was wondering whether there would be some interest in taking an overnight journey from Chicagoland on Amtrak for some great cycling. Two sample destinations: New Orleans & Cajun Country or the Southwest.

New Orleans & Cajun Country
New Orleans during the winter is like late Spring/early Summer in Chicago. Besides the great temperatures, there are also many things to do. A February trip to New Orleans could include bike riding on the Mississippi River levee trail system (including visiting a plantation), rides through interesting neighborhoods like the French Quarter & Garden District, a swamp tour, visit to the National WWII museum and even a ride in a Mardi Gras parade! An April trip to New Orleans would miss Mardi Gras but could include participation in Cycle Zydeco or JazzFest.

Southwest
A trip to the Southwest could include visits to Santa Fe, Albuquerque, a variety of Native American reservations, Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon, Sedona and a ride down to Las Vegas from the Hoover Dam (obviously, the logistics of this trip would be much harder than a trip to N'awlins). If timed for September of 2010, the Las Vegas segment of the tour could take place during Interbike, making it possible to include rides or elbow rubbing with bike racers, manufacturers, designers, etc.

Naturally, visits to either destination would be faster via air travel but rail is more sustainable, gives participants time to interact and socialize en route and makes transporting bikes cheaper/easier.

I've contacted Amtrak Vacations to get more ideas; however, it's more important to get some feedback from potential riders.

Regards,

Larry Lagarde
RideTHISbike.com
Practical & Fun Bicycles That Fold For Storage, Travel & Convenience