Quote Originally Posted by captenaj
They are almost all paved. Some are crushed limestone. I did part of my test ride on one of these trails and it seemed OK.
I know many, many women who have Rubies love them. So, if you're going to want a road bike, and if it fits you well, it would probably be a very nice bike to have for your future purposes.

If they don't throw them in, are they worth buying? How much are these?
I had some Armadillos after a spate of flats from winter cr@p alongside the road, and I got just as many flats. I quit using them because they are heavier, and they didn't seem to help that much. But then, I don't live in an area with massive thorns, etc, like some places. Our kind of debris runs to lots of winter gravel and pieces of stuff off logging trucks, and broken glass, etc.

I don't know their reputation. The tour is run by WomanTours. Anyone ever hear of them?
From Lisa's report, sounds like a reputable company. Just to settle your mind a little, you might call them and ask what the on-road support is like for mechanical issues.

I don't know anything about myself as a climber. This is my first tour.
Well, how has it been for you when you have had to climb a few hills? Totally exhausting with burning legs in a short amount of time? Or, no, you seem to not have much trouble? For instance, when I first started riding, there was no question that long hills really, really tired me out and made me SORE...and winded me, etc. I've known other people who climb much more easily than I do, even as beginners.

What do you know about the route and any passes you might have to climb, etc?