Touring with a Women's Group

[Crankin]

Yep, the guides have a lot to put up with; being a lowly ride leader has given me an inkling of they deal with. The leaders of our trip to Spain last year told us that we were the most "together" group they had on a tour. We stayed together for the most part when riding... although spread out and everyone got along. I got a little miffed at the 87 year old guy (yes, he was 87) who told me to "get out of his line" when riding. But, he was a gruff old survivor of Communism, who I took with a grain of salt. I know I don't ride all over the road, so I guess he was having a bad day.
I don't want to sound anti- American, but the difference in this trip is that since it was a company based out of Europe, it attracted riders from all over. There were 2 other Americans, from California, but everyone else was from Australia, Canada, or the Netherlands. It made a real difference.

[kjay]

I've done a number of tours in the US and Europe but with a women's group I've ridden two tours in the US: the Big Island and Death Valley, both of which were with WomanTours, whom I highly recommend.

[Dog]

Thanks for the great tour company suggestions. Does anyone know if there are any organized tours where you haul your own gear?

[maryellen]

Adventure Cycling could be a great resource for that. Here's the link to the page for self-contained tours on their site. I've never done a tour with them but perhaps someone else can chime in re experience. They are well-established and do lots in the cycling realm other than tours as you will see from their website.

http://http://www.adventurecycling.o...menu=SC&t=sc11

[tulip]

I do at least one organized tour a year; sometimes two. They are my vacations. I don't do woman-only tours because that would exclude my SO, and we are riding partners. I've gone on tours in Vermont, Arizona, France (not organized tour but on our own), Texas (same as in France-on our own), Louisiana, New Mexico (on my own), and Virginia (lots). Upcoming are New York and Europe.

[Jaclyn]

Another satisfied WomansTour customer. I did my first tour with them. It was in Idaho, and we stayed the week at a condominium and did day trips in the Tetons. This was nice because I didn't have to pack every morning. The trip featured a daily, two hour bike maintenance class which helped me learn what I needed to be a confident rider. There was also a daily yoga class at a local studio. The guides were excellent and I still have fond memories of the other riders.

I also took a trip to Italy with Women's Quest. Colleen Cannon, the owner, does a fantastic job with her tours. Again, great guides and fellow guests. Several years later I rode LiveStrong Austin with one of the women I'd met on that trip.

I've also done tours with Backroads (Tour de France), Bicycle Adventures (San Juan islands camping and Napa/Sonoma), Experience Plus (Costa Rica), and Iron Donkey (Ireland).

The last few years I've had the confidence and time to put together my own tours. My husband and I have toured Oregon coast, Tucson spring training, Natchez Trace and are doing a France tour in August.

There are advantages and disadvantages to organized versus self supported tours but I suggest starting with an organized tour. There are hundreds of tour operators - most specialize on a region and have a clear vision of what they offer. Almost all the reports I've ever read have been of satisfied customers who've had a great experience.