Denise, thanks for your prompt reply. You've helped me formulate some additional questions to ask BA if and when I move forward with making plans. I'd like to think that some of the kinks for their Crater Lake trip have been worked out.

I really like Backroads' intinerary for Bryce/Zion/GC because they almost always offer daily mileage options. And the long options are, indeed, long. There is at least one day "off" from cycling, but that might not be such a bad thing after a few days in the saddle. They do offer a "singles" week for that tour, but it's the last week of August. I could be wrong, but I'm guessing that the daily temps--at least in Zion--will be in the 90s. That's just too hot for me.

Did you have a feel for the "average" age of the people both BA and Backgrounds attract? I went on a "small boat" cruise in Alaska two summers ago. My friend and I were one of only a handful of people who weren't of retirement age. I don't want to sound like I have an age-bias, especially since I met so many nice people on the cruise. It's just that I would have preferred more of a mix.

Thanks again for your help! Sorry if I've hijacked this thread a bit!

Kate