Ultimate Group Bike Tour
NOTE: At Leah's suggestion, I've posted the following here in the tourer's group as well as in the discussion forum.
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
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: 11
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Michelle Gartner on
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I would be up for a weekend getaway, leaving early Friday and coming back late Sunday early Monday... if the train schedule allows... Have you thought about North, or South Carolina? a little cooler, a little closer and beautiful country.
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Permalink Reply by RideTHISbike on
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Charleston & Savannah would be fun destinations but I think getting to New Orleans would be easier (better air & rail connections).
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Permalink Reply by BalloonBiker on
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A weekend trip somewhere would be great. How long is the train ride to New Orleans? The Gulf Coast of Texas might also be interesting. I really don't know much about the Southeast.
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Amtrak's City of New Orleans departs Chicago's Union Station daily at 8pm and arrives in New Orleans at 3:30pm the following day. The return journey leaves New Orleans at 1:45pm and arrives in Chicago at 9am the following morning.
So if we used Amtrak to do a bike tour in New Orleans, at a minimum, I would recommend an extended weekend type trip, leaving Chicago on Thursday evening and with sleeper car accommodations on the train. Besides having your own compartment and a bed, sleeper accommodations include meals, coffee, showers, etc. on the train so everyone can arrive refreshed and ready for action. If we departed New Orleans on Sunday for Chicago, that gives 2 days of riding fun in the Big Easy and tour participants that work downtown can be in the office by 10am Monday morning.
By the way, the train station in New Orleans is just a short 5 min. bike ride to the French Quarter. -
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