Help X. pick a bike vacation!

[Xrayted]

Well, it's time for me to pick vacation time at work for next year. My first one will be in the spring (probably Apr or May) and I need your help. So here's my idea...
Since I'm such a biking newbie, I'm just not sure where to even start when it comes to going on a (mostly) biking vacation. I need ideas from y'all as to where you would go. I'm leaning towards a single destination/general area that offers multiple opportunities for varied rides and unusual experiences. I'm open to all suggestions within the following guidelines. >>>

the details:

1. You provide the suggestions and reasons
2. I'll have final decision on where to go, this isn't a public vote type of thing. (unless you're willing to pay the bill;))
3. You can nominate more than one idea
4. You can "second" someone else's destination (these will get extra consideration.)
5. Must be w/in the lower 48. (sorry CWR)
6. It can be where you live or a trip you've done and loved (or heard about)
7. I'm a roadie so keep that in mind.
8. Not really into the guided tour thing, prefer independent type stuff
9. I'll most likely be going solo, *tips hat to Denise G* so keep that in mind too.
10. No camping trips, don't like roughing it much. Will be returning back to "hotel/base" every night.


I'm gonna make the cutoff for this Dec. 1, 2006 so I have time to plan out and book it all. (well, and pay for it :o )

Thanks ladies for any and all ideas! It's in your hands now. :eek: :cool:

X.

p.s. If I need to clarify anything further, please speak up or PM me.

[crazycanuck]

Dearest X,

I realize you're thinking of a trip specifically in the Northern Hemisphere however as a thought, you're more than welcome to come down our way & am more than happy to have you has a guest.

The reason I am suggesting coming down this way? Umm because it's a completely different continent, country and just a nice place to bike.

Even if you don't want to come down to Western Australia there are many other cool places to bike in Aust & NZ.

I will throw out more idears later.
c

[Grog]

Virginia. Lots of spring training camps there....

[Hammer02]

Asheville NC.

It's beautiful...and you could go to a Carmichael camp....who for those who might not know...is Lance Armstrongs coach.

http://www.trainright.com/info.asp?action=display&uid=3370

[DeniseGoldberg]

First, some questions:
Do you prefer a series of day trips from a base, or will you be touring (that is, carrying your gear, and moving from place to place every day?
Is your only activity going to be cycling, or do you want to do some hiking or other activity too?
Is there an area of the country that really feeds your imagination?

Of course there aren't any right or wrong answers here, hopefully just a way to focus your dreams.

With a target date of April / May, you will need to consider the usual spring weather patterns. If you're looking for dry and relatively warm riding, I think that you'll need to rule out much of the northern part of the country. May can be a wonderful time to ride in places like Maine, but it can also be very wet and somewhat cold. One of my favorite places to visit to ride is Glacier National Park in Montana - but that's too early in the year to go there since Going to the Sun Highway isn't usually open by then. Another favorite for me is the Big Island of Hawaii (to help you dream, here's a link to my journal: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/Denise2003Hawaii. My trip was a tour, but you could easily pick a place to stay and ride from there.). Is there a reason why you've left Hawaii out of your possible destinations?

Let's see, if I were dreaming of a trip in the lower 48 in the April / May timeframe, where would I go? The states that immediately jump out at me are Arizona, New Mexico, and maybe California. Another option that might be interesting is Moab. Yes, you're right, that's a mountain bikers mecca - but I've done two trips there with a road bike, staying in Moab and doing day rides in the area. My journal for those trips is at http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/denise2001moab.

What I think it most important is that you pick a location that jumps out and says to you "come visit and play". I'll be very interested in hearing your decision - but for now, happy dreaming!

--- Denise

[hiker chick]

Will second Grog and Hammer on VA or NC. Specifically, Skyline Drive/Blue Ridge Parkway.

Bikes are common on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. You could stay at Big Meadows Lodge or in one of the Big Meadows cabins. Or further up the road is "Skyland" lodge and cabins. Big Meadows has more ambience and is my preference.

Swing by DC on your way home -- bike along the Mall, the Potomac and on the C&O Canal. All memorable.

Am less familiar with accomodations around the NC portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The BRP drive is fantastic. Asheville might be a good base for exploring the area.

www.snowbirdmountainlodge.com -- a fantastic place to stay! It's near Robbinsville, NC, in the Smokies. Southwest corner of the state. The best meals (included in the room price) I've ever tasted. The Cherohala Skyway might be a good ride (would certainly be challenging). I've only driven it.

I'm biased toward the east coast's "mountains."

Good luck.

[Blueberry]

these folks might be a good place to inquire: http://www.bicycleinn.com/

I can't recall where I heard about them (but it was in a favorable context), and I've not stayed there.

My experience with Asheville has been that if you're not interested in serious climbing, choose your routes very carefully and talk to someone who has ridden them. There are a couple of TE folks who live in the area, and have steered me to some lovely rides. The ones I've tried to do out of books have been way more climbing that I can actually *enjoy* doing.

The Boone area is nice too. It's about a 2 hour drive between the 2, so you could stay at one for half and the other for half.

Carrie Anne

[SouthernBelle]

I've just gotten a catalogue from these folks, and am considering one, if not for next year, then the year after:

http://womantours.com/

HTH,

PS: Has anybody else used them?

[Xrayted]

This is why I came here. All good comments, where to begin...

CrazyCanuck - Thanks for the invite and I will certainly be coming down at some point over the next few years. It's a must-do for me. But for the first biking one, I didn't want to bite off more than I can chew. Then there's the added hassle of passports, possible innoculations, customs, etc... I'll certainly be wanting to meet up with you when I finally do get there tho. You really are a crazy canuck! (BTW, I've got a nephew who was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia. So, you and I are practically family.;) He's a crazy canuck too. Must be something in the water.)

Hammer - I've been to Asheville and you're right, it's gorgeous. I spent many evening hours sitting at Tressa's grooving to the jazz and blues. Cool atmosphere. I would love to go back again. I didn't even consider a training camp as part of my experience somewhere. I love to learn new things. Good suggestion.

Denise G - Above all, I value your comments most highly. (Sorry ladies, but this is the Denise G we're talking about here.) So to respond to your questions:
Yes, I prefer to have a base to come back to. No major touring like you do. (Yet.:D) More than just cycling but I want to spend most of my days on a bike seeing the sites. Long or short jaunts. I'm a stop and take in the view kinda rider so mileage is of no great consequence to me. I'm trying to stay off the touristy path, if you know what I mean. I like all kinds of terrain like mountains and beach. (ok, still hate riding hills tho :p) I'll probably be renting bikes and so I can change up what types of places I can roam. As for an area, I just want to see some of this wonderful country I live in - but not through a window on an interstate. I've roamed a lot on the east coast and some in the mid west. So, I guess, for a truly different experience, the west coast would hold a strong pull for me. As for the weather, it's spring and it's gonna rain and do God-knows-what no matter where I am. I'm ok with that. I prefer to visit a place in it's natural state. Some of the best pics I've ever taken have been during/after total downpours. I actually like playing in the rain. :p (Hmmm... Mud wrestling on a bike... could be a new sport! Oh, wait, that's cyclocross, huh?)
As for Hawaii, when I go there it will be a combination biking, hiking, swimming, scuba, some other things I can't say on a family forum... type of vacation with an equally outgoing someone I can really enjoy it with. This is a solo trip (for now) so no Hawaii. But, yeah, someday soon I hope. I just gotta find the right person to share it with first. Easier said than done.

HikerChick - very good input. That gives extra possibilities in a wide area of exploration. Thanks!

CA - I plan on utilizing many routes and suggestions on specific rides from those who live in the area I visit so thanks for your comments. Hopefully, I can meet some of these wonderful TE ladies while I'm there. That would be the ultimate adventure.

Southern Belle - I believe Denise Goldberg has used them and can shed more light. She's my personal biker chick hero so whatever she tells ya, trust her.

Thanks ladies, I've been taking notes and look forward to more suggestions. I do accept choc chip cookies or promises of home cooked meals as a bribe, just for future reference.:D

X.

[CyclChyk]

I'm thinking Vegas... you can bike from one casino to the next and drink for free........ can you get a CWI (cycling while intoxicated)???

[mudmucker]

I always used to center my vacations around the bike or xc ski. These past vacations however, were only in the northeast area where I could throw the bike on the car and go. Now I live in an area where I don't have to do that - the opportunities are all around me for both without ever having to get in the car. Rural woods and fields, and many hills.

These are suggestions - I haven't done these but I have been thinking of doing them in the next couple of years. My approach would be to stay at a "base", then make day trips. Possibly move the base depending on how much time I have. I would like to do a bike trip in Napa Valley. I have never flown and packed the bike anywhere (noticed you lived in PA). I loved going to the wineries there where I visited a couple of years ago. Make some day trips and do the wineries - plan it so you're not mixing biking and drinking but maybe pick one winery destination at the end of the day near the end of your loop, hang there, eat. Some have good food. If the ride doesn't require too much recovery, then taste some wine. (Obviously you're going to want to devote a day or so doing the winery circuit by car for the "Napa experience" and in order to get several tastings in).

I also want to do a bed and breakfast circuit somewhere with the bike. You might not have to loop back to your place of stay during the day - some of them might transport your luggage to your next destination. Keep the the car in the original b&b and just book your last night at your original place to get back to the car. This way, you're transporting yourself to each destination with your bike. Obviously you'd have to plan b&b distances with what you're capable of riding in a day. Not only that, the b&b's I've chosen in the past have over the top fabulous breakfasts. By April, we're all craving really warm in the NE. I birded in Arizona during April (perfect time to do this). I've wanted to bike Arizona in April or so, so I could bird and bike at the same time. All my vacation planning is just a little research on the internet. You can see pictures of the b&bs.

[mudmucker]

I like the Chris Carmichael idea too. That's something I've wanted to do.
I also noticed you might be travelling alone. Most of the major trips I've taken in the last 10 years have been alone. In fact, most times I've never really been alone. You meet people along the way - they are all in vacation mode too - hook up with them for a couple of hours or a day. Part with them later. Especially at the b&b's. Everyone there usually shares where they've been, what they'll be doing at the breakfasts. It can be very social.

[DeniseGoldberg]

Denise G Yes, I prefer to have a base to come back to. No major touring like you do. (Yet.:D) More than just cycling but I want to spend most of my days on a bike seeing the sites. Long or short jaunts. I'm a stop and take in the view kinda rider so mileage is of no great consequence to me. I'm trying to stay off the touristy path, if you know what I mean... I like all kinds of terrain like mountains and beach. (ok, still hate riding hills tho :p) I'll probably be renting bikes and so I can change up what types of places I can roam. As for an area, I just want to see some of this wonderful country I live in - but not through a window on an interstate. I've roamed a lot on the east coast and some in the mid west. So, I guess, for a truly different experience, the west coast would hold a strong pull for me. As for the weather, it's spring and it's gonna rain and do God-knows-what no matter where I am. I'm ok with that. I prefer to visit a place in it's natural state. Some of the best pics I've ever taken have been during/after total downpours.
If you're planning on renting a bike, I suspect that you are limiting your destination somewhat. If you're traveling with a touring company, they usually provide decent quality bikes. But if you're going on your own you'll need to find a shop that rents bikes in the area you're visitng. Once you start to focus on a destination, I recommend calling bike shops in the area to see if they rent bikes - and if they do, find out what kind of bikes are available (as in mountain vs. road). For example, I mentioned Moab as a possible interesting destination. I know you can rent mountain bikes there, but I suspect that road bikes wouldn't be available.

If you don't like riding hills, you should definitely pick someplace that will allow you to mix hill riding and flat riding - as opposed to someplace that would see you rolling up and down hills all day every day.

On the rain front - I agree that you can get some beautiful pictures in the rain. And yes, it is possible to be happy riding in the rain. But if it was me, I'd try to pick a dry location as opposed to someplace that could be teeming with water (which was why I mentioned the southwest as a possbility). If you really don't mind cool and wet weather, then I'd add coastal Maine and potentially Nova Scotia into the mix of destinations. (Yes, I know that Nova Scotia is in Canada - but it's so close! And there are definitely areas in Nova Scotia where you could do a series of day rides. Unfortunately the ferry doesn't start running until the end of May, so it would be a longer drive or a flight.)


Southern Belle - I believe Denise Goldberg has used them and can shed more light. She's my personal biker chick hero so whatever she tells ya, trust her.
Nope, not me! But I believe that several of the women here have used them.

--- Denise

[Eden]

Not sure in PA where you are from, so you may already have had enough of it, but some of the most beautiful biking territory is in central PA around the State College area. It's Amish country with wide rolling valleys and many small, low traffic country roads. There's an old book called 25 bicycle tours in Eastern Pennsylvania (http://www.amazon.com/25-Bicycle-Tours-Eastern-Pennsylvania/dp/0881501271/sr=11-1/qid=1162742632/ref=sr_11_1/104-5322416-7955138), that has a lot of really nice 25 - 60 mile loops in it. It's out of print, but still available on Amazon. And even if you don't want to go on vacation in PA - even from the ends of the state this stuff is still accesible for weekends.

[Xrayted]

Not sure in PA where you are from, so you may already have had enough of it, but some of the most beautiful biking territory is in central PA around the State College area. It's Amish country with wide rolling valleys and many small, low traffic country roads. There's an old book called 25 bicycle tours in Eastern Pennsylvania (http://www.amazon.com/25-Bicycle-Tours-Eastern-Pennsylvania/dp/0881501271/sr=11-1/qid=1162742632/ref=sr_11_1/104-5322416-7955138), that has a lot of really nice 25 - 60 mile loops in it. It's out of print, but still available on Amazon. And even if you don't want to go on vacation in PA - even from the ends of the state this stuff is still accesible for weekends.

Yeah, I'm from Lancaster County and my goal is to get as far away from it as possible. (Not just geography wise.) It is a beautiful area to bike though and I've been enjoying as much of it as I can. State College area (GO Penn State!) is always teeming with cool activities but I haven't been up since I started riding in Sept b/c of football season. For me, it's a crazy nightmare up there that whole season. If you don't have game tix, ya stay away. :D

Edit: Found out last night that our beloved Joe Paterno got his leg broken on the side lines this w/e. Healing wishes going out to Jo Pa.

[Bikingmomof3]

You where not plannning to come visit me? :eek: I admit the state is not that exciting, but I am here.:cool:

[Xrayted]

You where not plannning to come visit me? :eek: I admit the state is not that exciting, but I am here.:cool:

I'm absolutely coming to visit you! We have a "date" remember? Just "tri-ing" wait for you to give me the word...
(I think they'll figure that one out, not very cryptic, huh?)

[Bikingmomof3]

Whew, I was getting worried. As soon as I can bike and you can run, we are set. :)

[Xrayted]

That I'm not worried about. We can do it. It's the sinking like a rock that gives me the shivers. Do they let ya use water wingies in a Tri? :p

[Bikingmomof3]

LMBO, you can try. ;)

[Bad JuJu]

OK, X, I know you said you prefer to vacation independently, but let me just put in a little plug for Womantours anyway, and you can make what you want of it.

Other than a three-day, based-out-of-one-B&B bike trip that DH and I did in Vermont when we were younger and stronger and possibly not very bright, I'm new to the bicycle touring, and I'm totally new to bicycle touring on my own. So last spring, I took a 4-day with Womantours on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Rather than bore the whole present company with the details, I direct you to my blog entry on the tour experience, which I personally dubbed my "Tour de Chesapeake" and was generally wonderful:
Tour de Chesapeake (http://wksinprogress.blogspot.com/2006/06/tour-de-chesapeake.html)

WT is not cheap, but everything is taken care of for you--route planning, booking of lodgings, restaurant choices and al fresco lunches en route, baggage transport, sag support, and even a rental bike if you need it. On my tour, the guides even offered "happy hour" beverages and snacks every afternoon when the ride for the day was over. And the guides themselves were each a remarkable combination of bike mechanic, tour guide, cheering team, and biking buddy--they were simply superb.

Anyway, the upshot is that I just reserved a space on the WT Meandering Mississippi Tour (segment I--I don't have the time, money, or stamina to do the whole thing) for next May. I've got a lot of training to do between now and then, and I can't wait.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

[EBD]

Two recommendations:

First, I live in NC and can recommend the Outer Banks as another scenic, but flatter, option. Of course the Asheville area is also lovely - but I prefer to see it on foot (or from the picture window of a delicious restaurant!). I go on bike tours to enjoy myself, not grunt and curse my way up mountains! (I realize many people feel the opposite, including my BF - and good for them, I say!). And the coast is lovely in the spring - shops and restaurants are open for the season, but the tourist hordes have not yet arrived. Here is a tour company that does bike tours of the Outer Banks, staying at some lovely B&B's - however they are quite expensive, so if it were me I believe I'd cheat by checking out their routes and then planning my own trip. http://www.carolinatailwinds.com/ (They also have Blue Ridge and Shenandoah trips). I think after we pass the Bar exam this summer, BF and I are going to bike and camp our way down the Outer Banks.

Second, this summer I had a wonderful vacation in Northern California that included a bike tour of Napa, organized by Napa Valley Bike Tours (http://www.napavalleybiketours.com/). We just did a day trip, starting with an optional hour-long "serious" ride, followed by a leisurely day of riding from winery to winery, tasting wine at each one. It may have been the most fun day of the year. The company also rented us actual road bikes with clipless pedals, so we felt like the cool tour-ists. I would have loved to spend another day just riding around Napa or Sonoma (parts of which are quite mountainous), stopping in the adorable little towns and gazing at all the grapevines. Then you could do a day or two of riding in the Bay Area - lots of people rent bikes in Sausalito and ride over the Golden Gate Bridge. I've never done this, but my boyfriend has, and still talks about it years later.

Aw, now I'm jealous!

[Xrayted]

Thanks Bad JuJu. I read that one when you posted about it earlier. Because of you, I actually have that one in mind for later next year. This first one I really want to setup on my own though. Just to see if I can do it. Honestly, I don't know why I do these things to myself. :D

EBD - The outer banks is a great destination. I love it there. I wonder why it didn't occur to me? I've never there been in the spring. Thanks for your suggestion.

Keep 'em coming! We have all month. If you are the quiet type or just don't want it broadcasted for whatever reason, go ahead and PM me. I'd love to hear from as many as possible.

X.

[Trek420]

All this talk of the Blue Ridge Parkway, that is deffinately on my "list of places for my next ride". Tell me more.

[tnbikergirl]

I'm new to the forums but thought I'd jump in here....:)

I like to 2nd the Outer Banks suggestion. I vacationed there two years ago - stayed in the middle of the islands and biked both directions - it was great!

Also, another 2nd for Womantours. My very first bike tour was with them (several) years ago, and I just signed up for their Glacier NP tour next July (I need something to look forward to to get me through the winter).

Weather will be iffy if you stay in the east, but if that doesn't bother you, there are lots of choices!

[roguedog]

California is nice usually that time of year thought this last year was wet for a long time.

I hear a lot of folks say do Napa and I enjoy wine but Napa is too touristy for me. Though if I'm going to do Napa Jan - mid May is a good time. Less tourists, the pourers are less crazed and actually have time to be civil to you. The mornings are often beautifully foggy, the leaves are yellow and it's quiet. Sun break thru usually in the afternoon.

There are several "off the beaten path" options if you want to mix wine country with your riding. I swear California is going to become one large vineyard!

There are great wineries and great winding trails along the Russian river. Great pinots out there and it's not so main stream. It's a beautful area and it's on the Sonoma side where it's more mellow and earthy. It's gorgeous with hills, woods, the river and riding towards the ocean. Lots of roads to get lost on as well.

Farther norther in Mendocino, the wine region up there is growing. Navarro Vineyards has an awesome late harvest riesling, there great champagne jsut a mile or so down the rode @ Roederer (who's own by the same people who do Kristal). There's also great beer and Mendocino is just gorgeous. Depending on how much you want to break the bank.. I can recommend a few nice places :))

To the south, I also love the Santa Barbera area and the Paso Robles area for great wines. Santa Barbera has some some wonderful Rhone varietals.. and contrary to Sideways, I'm not a big lover of their Pinots. Stay in quaint little Los Osos and you can ride into Solvang or into Santa Barbera. Or if your more sophisitcated, stay in Santa Barbera cuz there's lots of wonderful food to entice your wallet and palate!

Another great area is Monterey wine area. I'd stay in quaint little Carmel Valley. From there you can launch to some great wineries: Bernardus, Galiente, Talbot and others. YOu can stay @ Bernardus which is also a spa and the restaurant is pretty good as well

And then.. for the really little know regions.. there's Amador County or Plymouth, Ca where they are making some really interesting wines. They seem to be growing Italian varietals up there in the foothills. There's a wonderful winery called Renwood who makes great zinfandels. And the wineries keep growing up there.

Lastly, there's also wineries in Silicon Valley. The appellation is called the Santa Cruz Mtns. Lots of little mom & pops out here and.. some not so little, like Ridge, Mt Eden, Thomas Fogarty, and David Bruce. All of which are um.. nice hills for you to cut some teeth on!

Obviously, those places that are closer to larger metro areas will probably have some shops(s) that will rent road bikes. For the smaller places.. hmmm maybe when you rent a car, you'd better rent a bike before you head off into the boonies :)

Um.. ya.. sorry for the long post. Did I say I liked wine.. and drink a little of it? :o

[SouthernBelle]

You might also look at riding the Natchez Trace. Womantours has one for that but it only covers the bottom part. The Trace is one of those standard rides.

[Xrayted]

CyclChyk - sorry, just caught your post. Vegas huh? Biking in downtown Vegas would be suicide girl. Of course, I could ride at night and not need lights on the bike. It's lit up like daytime 24 hours there. I love old Vegas/Freemont St. area the best. Lot less walking btw casinos. More old school, retro. (my feet were killing me the entire trip) I hear they got the monorail up now in new Vegas. Hmmm... still, I think I'll save Vegas for a different kind of vacation. :cool: :D Thanks, CChyk. ;)

X.

[CyclChyk]

Hmmm... still, I think I'll save Vegas for a different kind of vacation. :cool: :D Thanks, CChyk. ;) X.

Yeh you can definately tell my mind wasn't on cycling when I thought of Vegas..... Free drinks always wins my vote (they don't call me a lush for nothing ;) ). Maybe that will be my vaca this year......... :rolleyes:

[mtbdarby]

X - sure you want to do this alone? I'm starting to salivate over here thinking this would be so much fun! Doing a bike tour of California wine country would be my preference though **hint, hint***:D

[Xrayted]

Trek420 - BRP does sound good. I heard it's a great area to get out and hammer or just cruise along. Come on out for a visit with us east coast girls! (and blow our doors in with those CA legs!) :cool:

Hey tnbikegirl - Welcome to TE! :) :) Glad to have you aboard! Thanks for your input. I accept seconds. (mostly food) One more OBX person tallied up.

roguedog - Wow what a post. :cool: I can tell you really love that area. That's what I like to see, enthusiasm.
Wine country sounds divine, but I'm (sadly) such a cheap date, that there would be no tastings for me unless someone was there to watch over me. (yeah, really that bad :o )
I do love wineries though and would still go just for the experience and the conversations with others. Meeting new people is one of the goals/perks of this trip. Are there any TE'ers nearby?
Is Napa anywhere near the ocean, ladies? In other words, is this a trip that I could pair with some seaside rides easily? (I'll be renting a vehicle too.) I need major water somewhere on the trip. It centers and relaxes me. Can't have a vacation with out that dynamic.

Southern Belle - I'll look that one up as soon as I get off work tonight. Thanks for the suggestion! I may be PM'ing you if I need more info, ok? :)

******************
******************
Well, another great group of suggestions. Most of them I wouldn't have thought of, so that's perfect. I'll keep trying to post to everyone, but I'm sorry if I miss anyone. I really do appreciate you taking the time to respond when you have so many other things you can be doing with your precious time.

THANK YOU!!! ((hugs all around)) and to those who have PM'd me instead. Some very cool suggestions there. :cool:

X.

[roguedog]

[B]roguedog - Wow what a post. :cool: I can tell you really love that area. That's what I like to see, enthusiasm.
Wine country sounds divine, but I'm (sadly) such a cheap date, that there would be no tastings for me unless someone was there to watch over me. (yeah, really that bad :o )
I do love wineries though and would still go just for the experience and the conversations with others. Meeting new people is one of the goals/perks of this trip. Are there any TE'ers nearby?
Is Napa anywhere near the ocean, ladies? In other words, is this a trip that I could pair with some seaside rides easily? (I'll be renting a vehicle too.) I need major water somewhere on the trip. It centers and relaxes me. Can't have a vacation with out that dynamic.
X.


Ya sorry for the long post. You don't really have to drink wine. The scenery aroudnthe wine regions are just lovely.

Napa is about an hour or so from the coast. You can ride to the coast like they do in the Waves to Wine event! However, Napa does have great food and it has Calistoga if you want to "take to the waters."

Monterey, Mendocino, & Santa Barbera are right on the coast and there tons of other stuff to do than taste wine in these places.

The more remote areas like Amador is really far from the coast. And really, you'd go there just to taste wine and ride. Not that it isn't beautiful but it's inland and it's still very small towny so don't be expecting night life or anything.

Silicon Valley (is also about an hour away from the coast but many people ride there. Um.. I think there are many TE'ers out here. Lots to ride. Lots to eat and see. YOu can go up to SF in about an hour. Though I'm not sure I'd stay in SV itself. NOthing but suburban sprawl though there are LOTS of nice rides. Might be better to stay in SF or Sausalito area as your base camp and drive around with your bike.

Also the coasts of Santa Barbera and the coasts of Mendocino are waaayy different so it depends on what you're looking for.

To give you a high level idea of the areas I'm talking about try this url: http://www.davidstuff.com/wine/california.gif.

happy choosing!

[Xrayted]

roguedog - I know you've got plenty to do without helping me out so my sincerest and most deep felt THANKYOU!! Your descriptions and details are so amazing. No matter what I decide, someday I will definitely go to the wine country. You've planted a seed in my brain.

Come on girls, I need ideas! I'd love to end up meeting some of you as well, so if you live in an area that is good for biking, let me know about it. I may end up doing 4-5 days one place and 4-5 another. I'm looking for a destination that is more than just good for biking though. I love art galleries, museums, theatre, concerts, parks, little dimly lit blues bars... so if you live in a culturally diverse area, please speak up.

many thanks

X.

[Veronica]

California is awesome. Lots to see and do if you come to the Bay Area.

V.

[chickwhorips]

5. Must be w/in the lower 48. (sorry CWR)


i feel like i'm discriminated against.

well there goes my suggestion. :(

[DebW]

i feel like i'm discriminated against.

well there goes my suggestion. :(

This Alaskan tour in the just-arrived WomanTours catalog caught my eye:
http://www.womantours.com/wt.alaska.html

Have you been in that area, CWR? And come on, tell us your suggestion. Some of us will listen.

[Bad JuJu]

Hey, Deb, I was actually considering that tour myself. Those parts of Alaska are gorgeous, once you get away from the tourist centers of Juneau and Skagway (and even they have their attractions--when they're not flooded with cruise ship passengers). My brother and his family live in Juneau so I visit there about once every couple of years.

Alas, the dates won't work for me, but I'd love to hear about the tour if you--or anyone else here--decides to take it.

[Kitsune06]

I vote you come to PDX and take a day to swing down through Eugene, too. Eugene is incredibly popular with bikers and culture, esp. with the new hospital going in. Lots of fun folks there, too. PDX and the surrounding area is home to TE and hey, I'm here! :D

[chickwhorips]

This Alaskan tour in the just-arrived WomanTours catalog caught my eye:
http://www.womantours.com/wt.alaska.html

Have you been in that area, CWR? And come on, tell us your suggestion. Some of us will listen.

no i haven't been down to that area. looks like it would be beautiful though. nice little tour of the area.

i personally would go anywhere where there wasn't a lot of tourists or poeple in general, but thats just me.

not sure of any other specific tours like that around here, but i'm sure they wouldn't be hard to find.

[bcipam]

Well I second everyone's suggestions - all good.

Another one to consider - The Skinny Tire Festival in Moab Utah. 4 days of the most glorious riding. Great people to meet. It's for a good cause (LAF) and doesn't cost much (OK when there I realize you have to fly and travel in).

For info go to skinnytirefestival.com. The dates are alittle earlier than you want (March 2 - 5, 2007) but it's worth the travel.

[Xrayted]

i feel like i'm discriminated against.

well there goes my suggestion. :(

Well, then convince me, dear. I'll listen. Since when do you give up so easily? :D

[chickwhorips]

good point, but i know its expensive to fly up here and a long trip.

[Kitsune06]

I still vote for the PNW. In fact, I second myself. Why? If the US was a box of granola, and one shook it hard enough, all the fruits, flakes and nuts would roll to this coast.

... and I know for a fact you're a nut. ;)

[Xrayted]

Ya mean I graduated from flake to nut? Coooool!!:cool:

Kitsune - I'm afraid if I come over there with you, I may never leave. Hmmm, come to think of it, that's not so bad, is it? :D

X.

Edited: Sorry CWR. **on my knees, giving the puppy eyes, with fresh veggies and fruits in hand**
I really do value your opinion on all of this. I've actually dreamed of going to Alaska since I was a kid. I just never had the guts you've got. I'm working on it though, really. Don't give up on me yet, ok?

Signed,

Chicken Sh*t X. :o

[maillotpois]

Have to second Rogue Dog's posts about Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino. I'ver ridden thousands of miles (truly) in all of those counties and it's just fantastic here. If you decide to do that, I can give you heaps of specific ride route suggestions. And yes, there are a group of TE-ers here. They're (we're) weird enough to be fun, too. :rolleyes:

[Xrayted]

Thanks, MP. It seems like a lot of people like the Napa Valley area. I'm getting lots of Cali posters on this thread.

I'm still keeping an open mind though. I'm writing down things that catch my eye in each post.

Need to hear from more states. I know we have people in just about everyone.

BMo3 - I may have to come to Ohio for a short jaunt just to calm you down, woman. :D It might be cheaper to mail myself to ya, though. **Uh oh, the little wheels are turning up there** :rolleyes:

[KnottedYet]

Xray - maybe you should go down there just to get that nurse at Dr. KIJ office to pull her head out of her *** and start treating our BMo3 RIGHT!!

"Yeah, and there's more of us where THAT came from!"

Ok, sorry for the thread hijack...:o

[Xrayted]

Xray - maybe you should go down there just to get that nurse at Dr. KIJ office to pull her head out of her *** and start treating our BMo3 RIGHT!!

"Yeah, and there's more of us where THAT came from!"

Ok, sorry for the thread hijack...:o

Hijack me anytime, my dear Knot.

Well, I'd have to stop to take the time to x-ray Ms. Cratchet, RN, PITA first. That's just too cool of a shot to pass up. :D We're digital, so if anyone wants a copy... :rolleyes:
Then a massive shin kickin' would ensue. Good thing I saved those steel-toed boots. Swore I'd never wear them again, but anything for you, BMo3. ;)

Now back to vacation talk.>>>>

[Xrayted]

BUMP!

Come on ladies, we're not done yet! We've got 'til the end of the month. Lots of ideas out there to be had.

I need a vacation BAD, so all ideas are welcome. :D :D

[chickwhorips]

i'll meet ya in anchorage and we'll wing it.

does that work?

[Xrayted]

CWR - If you're there, it works! Can we bring the youngun'? You know she'll stow away anyhow. :D

[chickwhorips]

sure. she would be very upset if we didn't.

[Bikingmomof3]

If you choose to go to Alaska, you had best pick me up along the way. I did give you directions, head southwest...

[IFjane]

X,

I second the nomination for rides in VA! I live in Madison County (at the bottom of the mountain below Big Meadows & the Skyline Drive). This county alone has hundreds of paved roads that are excellent for cycling. Add to it the counties of Culpeper, Rappahannock & Greene and you have more cycling than you can do in a couple weeks. There are many cyclists here so the traffic is generally very friendly. For other diversions, hike from Big Meadows down to Hoover's Camp. It's an easy hike and you can see the cabins President Hoover used as his "Camp David"-type retreat. Other good hikes are Old Rag (great rock scrambling) & White Oak Canyon for the falls. If staying on the Skyline Drive is too remote for you, the nearby towns of Culpeper or Orange both have places to stay.

As for the Blue Ridge Parkway, I have taken my bike down to Peaks of Otter, stayed there & used it as a base for cycling. Great trip & fun time, but the weather can be iffy in spring.

Is there any way you can take your own bike instead of renting? My bike is such a part of "me" that I don't think I would enjoy a trip as much on another! If you decide to head in this direction (quick trip over to Rt. 15 at Gettysburg, then head south :D ) let me know and I'll map some rides for you!

[Xrayted]

IfJane - Yeah, I think I'll be packing my own bike for this trip after having talked to Denise Goldberg. It's jsut so much better and for the amount of riding I'm hoping to do, I'd feel like I was cheating or something.

thanks for the feedback. I'll check it out online later today!

X.

[AllezGirl]

You asked for it...so here's my 2 cents!

You could join myself and the 10-12 other women from I will be meeting up with in CA in March. Last year two of us flew out from PA, the rest of the group is from Salt Lake City (long story of how that happened...) We toured Sacramento the first day, rode down to Lodi the second day and hit some of the area winerys and then rode in the Cinderella Classic on the 3rd day. It's a blast...three days of non-stop laughter on the bike! I should be getting more details within the next week so I can make my plans...I'll keep you posted!

I believe there are quite a few TE members that do the Cindy...

[chickwhorips]

i think you should go to arizona and stay at the valley ho. :rolleyes:

[Xrayted]

You asked for it...so here's my 2 cents!

You could join myself and the 10-12 other women from I will be meeting up with in CA in March. Last year two of us flew out from PA, the rest of the group is from Salt Lake City (long story of how that happened...) We toured Sacramento the first day, rode down to Lodi the second day and hit some of the area winerys and then rode in the Cinderella Classic on the 3rd day. It's a blast...three days of non-stop laughter on the bike! I should be getting more details within the next week so I can make my plans...I'll keep you posted!

I believe there are quite a few TE members that do the Cindy...

Thanks, AG. Sounds like a blast. I've already got my name on the list to receive an entry application just in case that's where I end up.
Oh, and BTW, careful how you word that last part, will ya? hehehe


i think you should go to arizona and stay at the valley ho. :rolleyes:

Or how about Colorado? Say, Denver area? ;) :D

[chickwhorips]

Or how about Colorado? Say, Denver area? ;) :D

i'm thinking that sounds really good. i hear you can solve alot down in that area.

[Xrayted]

i'm thinking that sounds really good. i hear you can solve alot down in that area.

Yup, I believe your right. I think sometime before April (?)might be best. Whadya think? :) Although, Anchorage is a possibility too. Could be quite a bike adventure. I hear they have nice big mountains both places. I love hills! (Well, not really.) Maybe get some fishing in too. Hang out and play with some 'peanuts'... ;) :D

[crazycanuck]

HEy X.

Where are ya gonna go? Tell us k..Hey hey.

c

[Xrayted]

Hey CC, as usual, you're a little ahead of me. :D I have made a decision. Many factors went into it and there was a lot of scheduling to be thought out on this one. Just about have my post typed up in Word. I will transfer it here ASAP. Hang in there.

I got a few vacation destinations out of this. It was hard to choose which one comes first. But, I finally did. All wonderful ideas as I knew they would be. So many I wouldn't have thought of myself because I didn't know they existed. I already know that I will be doing at least two of those "new to me" ones in later 2007/2008 vacations.

Thank you everyone. You really helped me out a lot. Looking forward to meeting as many of you as I can on this trip. I'll be back soon to post my decision.

X.

[Xrayted]

Ok, CrazyCanuck - here ya go. :D

My decision came very hard, I must tell you. There were so many great ideas and I was very torn. So I decided to do a couple of them that are near enough to each other to make it feasible to combine them. So................

I'll be flying into Oakland mid-week Mar. 28th or so. Not sure of specific date yet. Will ride around the Bay area and Napa a few days and then do the Cinderella Ride on the 31st. I'll fly out within the next day or two into the Portland area. From there, I will be taking day trips up to Seattle and other places. I hope to meet tons of TE ladies while I'm on the west coast. Anyone with any specific ideas for any of these places, speak up please. :D

As for the Blue Ridge Parkway, I think I'd like to go there in the fall, 2007. Maybe OBX too. Do that trip as a split week kind of deal. It sounds great there.

As for Ohio, well, I went to visit BMo3 and her lovely family last weekend. Drove out 7 1/2 hours one way. Phew!! We also had Kitsune fly in from OR. What an eclectic grouping that was. Lots of fun. We will definitely do that again but next time I will fly as well. My azz is still stiff. :D

EBD - those day Napa trips that you posted will come in handy. Thanks.

Dar - I will only be flying alone on this trip. I have a feeling I won't be alone while out there. There are plenty of TE'ers and other bikers to keep me company. But feel free to join us. The more, the merrier!!

That's it for now. As I get some details, and more ideas from you all, I will update this thread.

Thank you to all who posted and all who PM'd me. It really meant a lot. I just love this forum. You ladies are the best!

Talk to ya soon...

Cindy :)