Plan my Vacation for me!

[sulis]

Well, sadly it looks like my trip to Belgium is not going to happen next month. The friend I was supposed to meet up with has injured her back and will be out of commission for a few months. We are going to reschedule and hopefully go in the Spring - yeah spring classics!.

But I already had the time scheduled off work and am in great need of a fab vacation this year, so instead, I am going to take the time to do either one long or a few small road trips (but I'm not opposed to flying). My new travel buddy is also a budding cyclist and we want to visit places we have never been but are also cycling friendly - if we drive, we're taking our bikes, if we fly, we want to rent. So, since the members of this board live all over, I decided to post and take suggestions.

Alright ladies of the forum, convince me to travel to your home state or your favorite travel destination. While I can only afford a North American trip right now, I wouldn't be opposed to hearing from those of you acrossed the pond for future adventures.

[Veronica]

Cycle the Pacific Coast. The California section has campgrounds spread out at reasonable intervals, or you can hotel it, or do a combo.

V.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Beautiful French-speaking Quebec, from village to village along the Saguenay River!

[bcipam]

I was going to recommend to travel to Utah (which is where I always like to go) but realize you are already there!

When are you travelling? And is there anything specific you want to do? Hot weather/cold weather? Fall colors... what?

[sulis]

I was going to recommend to travel to Utah (which is where I always like to go) but realize you are already there!

When are you travelling? And is there anything specific you want to do? Hot weather/cold weather? Fall colors... what?

We will be traveling within the last two weeks of September.

Te he. I do love Utah but I get to be spoiled here all the time. So time to venture out and see some other parts of the beautiful North American continent.

I honestly am not picky...I just love being and exploring new places - hot, cold, whatever. WHen I was in scotland we went hiking in a downpour. In Guatemala, we explored the ruins in 100 degree heat and 100% humidity. I just figure, enjoy where you are at when you are there.

Love the suggestion of Quebec. Always wanted to go there. And it would kind of be like going to Europ without traveling so far.

I absolutely love Seattle. I have heard great things about the San Juan Islands. Is it easy to get to the San Juan Islands without a car? ( I know there is a ferry but once on the islands, is everything pretty walkable until we get bikes?)

Oh the Pacific Cost and Northern California. Sounds beautiful and Very interesting. What is the terrain like? Mostly hills or a good mixture of flat and rolling hills? Any suggestions of a good start point?

Thanks everyone. I'm getting excited.

[Veronica]

If you decide to do the Pacific Coast, I'd drive to wherever you decide to start, so you can take your own bikes. Then you can either Amtrak back to the start or do a one way car rental back. Your starting hotel would probably be okay with you leaving your car. I'd make a point of staying at one that was.

Northern California seems very hilly when we drive it. Once you get to the Bay Area, I'd describe it as large rollers. You are heading downwind though.

I've ridden the section from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara. It's gorgeous. I've also done day rides up the coast from SF. It's beautiful. Heck, if I weren't going back to work... I'd do this trip.


V.

[oxysback]

I absolutely love Seattle. I have heard great things about the San Juan Islands. Is it easy to get to the San Juan Islands without a car? ( I know there is a ferry but once on the islands, is everything pretty walkable until we get bikes?)

When we went to the San Juans, we went without a car. We did drive to Anecortes, though, to park by the ferry. We had no problem at all walking our bikes on the ferry. When you arrive on San Juan, the city (Friday Harbor) is very conducive to walking and there are several bike shops you can rent from. You may have to do some calling ahead, though. Once you get your ferry ticket, you can 'island hop' for free! Orcas Island has some nice biking, as well as San Juan. We went in July a few years ago and the weather was gorgeous!

Happy vacationing wherever you decide to go!

[mimitabby]

I absolutely love Seattle. I have heard great things about the San Juan Islands. Is it easy to get to the San Juan Islands without a car? ( I know there is a ferry but once on the islands, is everything pretty walkable until we get bikes?)

Oh the Pacific Cost and Northern California. Sounds beautiful and Very interesting. What is the terrain like? Mostly hills or a good mixture of flat and rolling hills? Any suggestions of a good start point?

Thanks everyone. I'm getting excited.

It's easier to get to the Islands without a car. No lines!! or short lines i should say. sometimes cars have to sit while ferries load and get filled, and have to wait for the next one. bikes never have to wait for the next ferry; and the fares are a lot less expensive .
What do you mean UNTIL you get bikes? won't you be ON bikes?

the terrain is very variable; we have flats, hills, mountains.

[mimitabby]

Cycle the Pacific Coast. The California section has campgrounds spread out at reasonable intervals, or you can hotel it, or do a combo.

V.

the best weather for Seattle in the pacific northwest is in September.
cool crisp mornings, pleasant afternoons. We have flats, hills and mountains.
take your pick. start in seattle and head down to california!

[crazycanuck]

Hey,

Have you thought about coming down yonder way? There's some awesome mtn biking on the North & South islands in New Zealand.

How long would your vacation be? If it's only 2 weeks, venturing down here to aust/nz would be a bummer as you wouldn't see tons. However, in saying that you'd could base yourself somewhere like Taupo(north island) & do rides in that area. Otherwise, you could do the queen charlotte track on the south island...

If you plan on Australia-why not do Tassie (tasmania) as you can hike & bike in a really really nice place!!!! This is if you don't mind mountains...

Now, if you want to do Canada...Why not look at www.intrepidtravel.com.au-they have some awesome tours...!!!!(small groups-max 10-12 folks)

Why not do Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba-basically acrross the praries, tons of history,scenic & booooooteaful..

Many thoughts

c

[sulis]

Wow. Thank you to everyone for all the fabulous suggestion. I am very excited about all these possabilities and am actively researching them to see what is feasible money and time wise. I'll definitely give a trip report of where I end up. If only I could take off 4 + months from work and go everywhere.

CrazyCanuk - I can't make it to New Zealand this year but it is definitely at the top of list for places to visit - yes I have an actual hand written list of all the places I dream of visiting before my time on this earth is done. Sigh..maybe in the next year or two.

Thanks again every one. You are amazing and always so helpful!

[Trekhawk]

Ooohh what about this - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natchez_Trace_Parkway

I saw this area listed on the Womens Bike Tours site http://www.womantours.com and thought it would be a great place to ride.

Hmm I was so hoping to win that Womens Bike Tour Competition they had here at TE and Natchez Trace was the ride I would have picked out.


Anyone done this ride?????

[sulis]

Good Morning ladies of the forum
I just wanted to revive my old thread and thank you again for your wonderful suggestions.

My travel buddy and I spent last week in the San Juan Islands and it was beautiful. Everyone kept telling us that we must have brought the good weather with us because just before we had arrived it was raining non-stop. Well we had bright sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 70s. After much research and debate we found that it would be cheaper to rent bikes on the island rather than ship them over. So we rented some hybrids from Island Bicycles in Friday Harbor. Once we were on the road, we were glad we did. The hybrids were better suited for the pressed gravel and dirt roads that we were prone to wandering down. We had a tremendous time biking all over the island - and what a way to see it. Of course, I loved the Specialized Crossroads that I rented so much I am desperately trying to fudge the budget to justify purchasing one. How fun would it be to tool around on the parkway with the niece or for a quick run to the grocery store!

Because of work obligations, my biking buddy could not get more time off. But I still have vacation days to burn so I am dragging my mom away for a much needed vacation. We will be driving to Estes Park to explore Rocky Mountain National Park and will hopefully make it to Mount Rushmore, Rapid City and the Black Hills. Sadly, the weather looks like it might be more grim. But we'll go on and just enjoy ourself anyway. My mom does not really ride (I'm working on her) but I am debating on whether or not I'll take my trusty road bike. It would be fun to get a few rides in if weather permits. Either way I will have a detailed report of both the San Juan Islands and my next road trip, with many lovely pictures upon my return.

Happy Riding!