Help me find a bike vacation!

[makbike]

I am in need of a vacation for numerous reasons which have been shared in other threads (I'll spear everyone a rerun of my summer from h*ll). School starts in two weeks so getting away at this point will be nearly impossible. However, we have a week off in October (Oct 8-12) and I'm thinking there has to be an organized bike trip somewhere in this area but have the foggiest idea how to find one. Does anyone know of a bike tour that will take place during this time? I need one I can drive to in a day or two at the most so most likely would need to take place in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Virginia, Tennessee - basically anyplace within a day or two of Louisville, Kentucky. I know many of you have participated in such events so could you please make suggestions, share websites and experiences? I think a few days away in October would do my spirits good and give me something to look forward to.

Again, thanks for all the words of support. Everyone has been so kind and it has touched me deeply (I've shed many tears of joy these past weeks).

Thanks!

[Zen]

The only rides I saw were short (not multi day) weekend rides

[Duck on Wheels]

So glad to hear you're regaining momentum
Hope you find a gorgeous and congenial ride to do.
Here's a list I googled up for Illinois: http://www.mikebentley.com/bike/oct2007.htm
I just googled - ride calendar mid-West - and this was one item I found. In amongst mc ride calendars as well. I prob'ly could've done a better job of picking search terms, but there were bike ride calendars in the mix there.

[crazycanuck]

You can always come & visit me

C

[Thorn]

How organized? How big?

One of our favorite North America operators has a week long trip starting out of Lexington on 7-Oct (http://www.timbertours.com/HL_KBC.html ). Maybe too close to home for you.

This is van supported touring, but really, really, really low key. Queue sheets may be hand-written photocopies. It isn't Backroads, 4-star luxury, but more as if your "Aunt Sally" were taking you out for a trip. That is, if there isn't a nifty hotel in the area, you may find yourself in a Holiday Inn. Dinners are in a nice, but not fancy restaurants (no need to pack the little black dress or a skirt for that matter--you'd be out of place). You eat well, but not gourmet. They scout good roads.

In the two trips we've taken with them, there hasn't been a klunker co-participant. Fun, low-key and out to enjoy the experience.

The Kentucky trip has been on our list, but we'll be on the next week's trip this year (http://www.timbertours.com/HL_BRNC.html ). How could I not after they used my picture for the website? :-)

[BikerJen]

Bad link thorn, but I found it... here it is Timbertours - I might have to keep them in mind next year. Never been to KY in my adult life, and I've always wanted to explore...

[Triskeliongirl]

I did a great tour with the folks at bike mexico. Try www.bikemexico.com. Even if they don't have a trip for your dates, the folks at Los Pinguinos (email Ursula from that link) organizes custom tours.

[SouthernBelle]

Go down to Places to Ride>Southeast and read about the Bicycle Inn. I haven't been but want to go.

[jobob]

I happened upon this website, perhaps you can find something here? Bicycle Tour Packages


- Jo, who would love to go on the Rolling Pub Crawl someday