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Welcome!
Since
1986, Easy Rider Tours has specialized in bicycling vacations in
Ireland, Portugal, Spain, the Canadian Maritimes, and New England.
Over the past twenty years, our cycling programs in Ireland and
the Iberian Peninsula have grown to be the most extensive of any
American adventure tour outfitter! We're proud to offer four unique
biking itineraries in the west of Ireland, and eight different cycling
vacations in Portugal and Spain. Our many years of in-depth experience, combined with our off-the-beaten-path
routes and experienced guides, make each of our tours a cultural
adventure on two wheels!
Accommodations
Our
inns are chosen not only for their number of stars or mentions
in guidebooks, but also because they capture the authenticity,
history, and character of the places we visit. Often we stay
in one-of-a-kind manor houses, castles, and country inns that
are just large enough to accommodate our group. Whether you find
yourself enjoying legendary Irish hospitality in a cozy B&B or
surrounded by Spanish splendor at the magnificent Parador in
Santiago, your day will always end with a gracious combination
of Old World charm and modern comfort.
Culture
Each of our trips is carefully designed to emphasize the
people, traditions, and landscapes which make a place unique. Each day's
itinerary includes spectacular scenery, a history lesson or two, and
plenty of opportunities to soak up the local color. A flamenco performance
in Spanish Andalucía, a schooner cruise in Nova Scotia, and a spirited
music seisiun in an Irish pub are all part of an Easy Rider vacation.
Cuisine
Experienced
travelers know that one of the most enjoyable ways to get to
know a country is through its food! We celebrate each day's adventures
with the very best of regional cuisine, from freshly-caught Irish
salmon or Nova Scotian lobster to an Azorean cozido cooked in
a volcanic steam vent. Our restaurant selection includes an eclectic
mix of well-known establishments as well as a few of our own
serendipitous discoveries. You'll also enjoy home-cooked feasts
at several of our inns, gourmet picnic lunches, and substantial
breakfasts each morning.
Our Groups
A friendly ambiance and lots of laughter are the
status quo on our tours. We limit our groups to a friendly size
of eighteen. Our trips attract young-at-heart cyclists of all ages,
with a congenial mix of singles, couples, and occasionally
families.
Guides
We consider our international team of European, Canadian, and American
tour guides to be Easy Rider Tours' biggest asset! Their expertise, enthusiasm,
flexibility, and humor ensure that each tour moves smoothly, both on
and off the road. On European tours, we team an American with an Irish,
Portuguese, or Spanish guide, whose insight into local culture and customs
adds an invaluable dimension to your vacation experience. Our guides
are multilingual, trained in first aid for both people and bicycles,
and average nine years of experience as Easy Rider leaders.
Support Van
A support van accompanies each of our tours to carry luggage and offer
mechanical assistance, water, and snacks. Van support means you're never
pressured to ride any more than you want-we're always available
to give you a lift.
Cycling Routes
Our
off-the-beaten-path routes will lead you along back roads and
byways you might never have discovered on your own. Each road
we pedal has been carefully chosen for its regional "flavor," scenic
beauty, and low traffic. Cycling days average 35-40 miles, and
most days offer a choice of longer options as well. Our Club Series
tours for experienced cyclists average 50-70 miles per day. With our
detailed maps and written directions, cyclists are completely
free to pedal at their own pace. Shorter riding days or layover
days are planned for those destinations where you'll want extra
time off your bike to explore.
Terrain
Our tours are designed for cyclists who enjoy active vacations. We hesitate
to assign ratings to our trips because we've watched "beginners" charge
up hills, and triathletes enjoy slowing down to smell the roses! Our
support van makes it possible for an energetic beginner to enjoy virtually
any of our tours. As a very general guide, we've included
a note about terrain at the beginning of each trip description. For more
details about the terrain on any tour, please call us at (800) 488-8332.
Bicycles
All trip prices include the use of a top-quality bike for the duration of the tour. Our bicycle fleet consists of 24- and 27-speed Trek, Cannondale, and Marin hybrid and touring bikes. Please note that hybrid bicycles only are available for our European tours. Our hybrids are light enough to be efficient on paved roads, yet have the comfort of mountain bikes, with flat handlebars and sturdy wheels to take on the occasional dirt-road option. All bicycles come equipped with toe clips, handlebar bag, lock, and water bottle. Our leaders will adjust your bike to fit you properly and offer friendly coaching on shifting and riding technique.
Getting to a Tour
Please note that tour prices listed do not include airfare. If you would like assistance in making air arrangements, our travel agent can issue your ticket at the best possible fare from any city. Call early for the best availability.
What's Included
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All
accommodations (double occupancy, with private bath) |
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Most
dinners, two picnic lunches, and all breakfasts |
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Two
experienced guides/cyclists/mechanics |
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Support
van and snacks |
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Detailed
maps, written directions, and background information |
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Selected
museum admissions, presentations, tours, and special events |
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Airport
transfers at specified times, chartered land transportation, and ferry trips. (Airfare is not included.) |
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Detailed
trip preparation information |
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Easy
Rider T-shirt and water bottle |
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Use of a top-quality
24-to-27 speed bicycle |
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