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

Views: 70

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

nice domain name
Cycle Zydeco is a lot of fun. Unfortunately it sells out in about 15 minutes and is already full for 2010.

Northern New Mexico in early October is beautiful although it does get below freezing over night.

other places to consider riding during the winter

Austin Texas
San Diego California
San Diego & Austin are both fun and have great weather but would enough riders want to go to either destination from Chicago? My gut tells me that New Orleans would be a bigger draw.

Gary Gilbert said:
Cycle Zydeco is a lot of fun. Unfortunately it sells out in about 15 minutes and is already full for 2010.

Northern New Mexico in early October is beautiful although it does get below freezing over night.

other places to consider riding during the winter

Austin Texas
San Diego California

RSS

© 2008-2016   The Chainlink Community, L.L.C.   Powered by

Disclaimer  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service