Mickelson Trail, from Guide to Guest
Preparing for South Dakota
“There were side bets going on, I was wondering if I could relax and let others work…” I told Jill, Brad Barnard’s wife, “I am going to prove them all wrong…” – Teri Smith, Bicycle Adventures guide on her first trip with Bicycle Adventures as a guest. The following story is from her Facebook Page.
Pre Trip: Leading up to this Custom “All Dawgs” Mickelson Trail tour in South Dakota, Dave, my husband, was feeling a little uneasy… By Memorial Day, however, the weekly bike rides had become fun, and on this day we hit a trail in the Columbia Gorge that would feel similar to what we would encounter on the Mickelson Trail with Bicycle Adventures. Next stop, Rapid City, SD!!!
Taking a trip as a guest, and not a guide was a first for me. Having never been in the state of S.D., I had zero expectations. Dave and I were blessed enough to find the best United Airlines employee in Portland and received standby tickets for an earlier flight out of Denver. She also went ahead and scheduled our bags to be on the earlier plane. All worked out, and all but three of the All Dawgs crew filled many seats on the 3:45 to Rapid City. (They call these trips the “All Dawgs” trips because the participants are all rowdy UW alumni.)
Parks, cool alleyways, surprising restaurants, presidential statues, and smiles of friendly locals filled Rapid City. We had a fabulous night with friends! After having dinner, I laid down ready to sleep. Soon after, I looked at the clock and almost immediately thought of our guides, Carrie and Renee. They were probably outside, finishing up. Maybe shopping for our lunches or trying to organize packets. Oh boy… quiet mantra in my head to let these thoughts go, I fell into a sweet slumber, ready to ride. The next morning, on our way to breakfast, I saw Todd Starnes carrying the water jug to be filled and felt a small twinge of guilt… but changing into bike clothes and sharing in the fun banter about the coming days melted those thoughts. David, my husband, was about to see what I have been doing all of these years and I was about to share a passion with him. It could not be a better day!
Day 1: Waking up in darling towns is always special. As a guide, our faces light up just as a guest’s will when we see something interesting. The biggest difference between the two roles is that, as a guest, I was able to have the time to explore and discover little hidden gems. On this day, we explored Hot Springs, SD, had a delicious cup of coffee, wrote in chalk on a table, took goofy pictures of Brad Barnard (would have done that anyway), saw some incredible nature moments, watched a film about Tatankas, and had a very memorable (50th) birthday surrounded by love. Phone calls from Charlie and Jalen that weren’t interrupted by work capped off a perfect day!
Rails to Trails…what better way to see parts of our country that only train engineers, passengers, and folks on horseback used to see.
Well, hello beauties! Tatanka, or Bison, are powerful and beautiful creatures. Their eyes have stories to tell, and this day allowed ample opportunity to learn their history, see them up close in their natural environment, and to remind us all that we must stay diligent in our respect of all living things.
Day 2: The All Dawgs week with Bicycle Adventures continues to shine. After a heavy storm last night, we slept in a bit and woke to sunny skies and lower temps. Our ride is just 17 miles with about 1,200′ of elevation gain, but it bookends a visit to Crazy Horse Memorial and culminates in Custer at Sylvan Lake Lodge… read the picture caption to follow along on our memorable day!
Old architecture makes me happy… and a bank turned coffee, ice cream, and beer shop makes me even more so. Perfect combo!
On this tour, we watch a movie, take a bus tour, and explore the grounds at Crazy Horse Memorial. There is a lot to learn, both about the family who made this happen and continues to work their father’s vision and about the monument itself. Thank you for bringing us here!
Day 4: Today, our rest day, was PACKED and WONDERFUL! We asked if we could hike early, and Todd, Brad, Jill, and David joined the two of us at 6:30 a.m. for a hike to Black Elk Peak (once known as Harney Peak.) Black Elk Peak is the highest natural point in South Dakota at 7,242′. It is also the highest point east of the Rockies. Leaving early, we were able to walk without seeing other people until we hiked out, saw some mountain goats settle in place for their morning sunning, and made our way back to the lake for an afternoon paddle. A visit to Eye of the Needle and Mount Rushmore capped a beautiful and adventurous day!
Sylvan Lake Lodge to Trail 9 to Black Elk Peak, then Trail 3 to 4 for a round trip of just about 9 miles… perfect! Sore legs all around at the end, but the BEST views and lots of stories to share. Don’t miss this!
Day 5: Today our intrepid group rode from Hill City to Rochford, then into Deadwood, SD. We have 23 miles to ride with 1,300′ elevation gain… David is feeling legs today but is staying strong and intends to finish this week with over 100 miles. Others in our group (all of us!) are feeling our legs, too, but the beauty of the Mickelson Trail (well, one of the beautiful things about this place) is that the grade stays around 1-3 percent and is doable. Slow or fast, your riding style doesn’t matter. Just doing it takes you on a ride through time, brings a sense of becoming one with our beautiful outdoors, evokes moments of “I can’t wait for our next tour,” and allows all of the senses to be present in each moment. We all feel very blessed to be able to ride this trail, and I am very much in my happy place.
Another little gem in the city park at Hill City. Here, early in the morning with no one overseeing your time, you can walk inside this old cabin and read about the history of Hill City. South Dakota is amazing, and YOU should visit, too!
Al, Doug, and Betty enjoying the trail
Day 6: Riding in Spearfish Canyon to Cheyanne Crossing is just plain fun! We all enjoyed a nice long downhill today, and David decided that, next time, he’d like to go on the Bryce/Zion trip. I am down… you in?
Brad and Jill take in the beauty of Spearfish Canyon. It does not disappoint.
Post Trip: To say the last six days were wonderful would be an understatement. I do believe that David and I had what was arguably the best trip we have ever taken together. To quote Dave, “I have heard that you will appreciate the country better from a bicycle. Having had that opportunity, I understand what Teri and the others are talking about. The world slows down around you, allowing you to be one with the beauty as you pedal each day, sharing time with new friends…” Brad Barnard took some photos of the two of us along the way, and I am sharing one of those now… I did not have a hard time being on a trip as a guest (sorry Deb!) but I did truly enjoy looking at what I have done for work from the other side. Renee, Carrie, and Todd did a very good job during our trip. We felt cared for, informed, pampered, heard, and each day that passed was better than the last. Being on a trip during my birthday was such a wonderful blessing, and the entire day I felt special. THANK YOU to everyone for sharing in this trip with me, and now I shall return to what I am passionate about… creating the “best vacation” experience for those I am lucky enough to guide. I really do feel like I work alongside the best in the business, and I hope you will ride with us soon so we can share our passion with you.
David, Jill, and Brad playing around on rocks…
Road Cyclists: You’ve Got to Try MTB, and Here’s Why
We do all kinds of tours at Bicycle Adventures—rails to trails, road tours, mountain bike tours. The fact is, we love riding our bikes. Period.
And now that we’ve got that disclaimer out of the way, here’s a little secret: Mountain biking is flat-out awesome. If you’re a committed road rider, you really owe it to yourself to try mountain biking.
If you’re hesitating, let’s start with a little humor—and six great reasons we think MTB really is incredible. Ready?
- How about the obvious? No cars. Does anything harsh your mellow faster than heavy traffic?
- You get to commune with nature, up close and personal. If you’re a city person, how often do you get to enjoy that? It’s the perfect time to meditate, listen to the sound of the birds, smell the fresh air, revel in the sight of the trees and flowers and sky. And fresh air is such a tonic.
- Like on the road, mountain bike riders enjoy competition. Roadies have their KOMs to protect and MTBers look for hole shots and bits of trail side flair, But it’s all about having a good time…the camaraderie of the bike, enjoying the ride—you know what we mean.
- So many choices! Cross-country, all-mountain, enduro, downhill. Road riders get…the road (not that we’re knocking all the amazing road choices like TT, Road Crit, Century, Commuter, so it does kind of balance out in the end, doesn’t it?)
- It’s an awesome, dynamic workout. Road rides are great for cardio endurance, but mountain biking gives you a more well-rounded experience. And if you do both, you have an amazing advantage over people who prefer just one or the other. The leg strength you get from road riding translates beautifully to the trail—as does your road-biking cardio endurance. Straight mountain bikers may even have trouble keeping up with you!
- Mountain biking increases your focus. Mountain biking takes a lot of concentration. You’re paying attention to sharper curves, tree roots, banked corners, narrower riding spaces like forest roads or trails. You need to make faster decisions. Even if you’re on a flat, cruisy forest trail, that focused attention translates into better skills that in turn translate to better road riding skills. Specifically, technical skills like cornering and braking. On the mountain bike you are always working to center your balance and maximize traction control so that you have a better understanding of how the brakes affect the traction and weight placement affects the corners.
These are not your parents’ MTBs…
All fun aside, mountain bikes have come a long way. An MTB magazine did a casual survey, asking casual riders if they could spot the differences between two bikes of the same model, one from the year 2000 and one brand-new this year.
And while the riders struggled to identify the cosmetic changes, everything changed once they climbed on the bikes. The suspension on the new bike was remarkably improved with rear air shocks, the cockpit was more ergonomic for greater stability and control, and a modern, intuitive drivetrain replaced the clunkier one of the past.
And it’s true—every detail has been reimagined. Tires and wheels for example: Larger diameter wheels roll over obstacles that would have stopped older wheels. Tubeless wheels allow for a wider footprint on the trail which translates to a considerable traction advantage—and they all but eliminate flats!
The frame and suspension designs have also come to form. Modern bikes are efficient and effective. That means you can have a bike that is quick and capable for climbing but have a plush and active suspension which opens up a much wider range of trail options. In the past you could pick one or the other, climb or descend. Now you can go anywhere. It also means less fatigue from the rough terrain.
Here’s what our own Bicycle Adventures team is saying about today’s MTBs:
“The bikes have changed dramatically making it easier and more forgiving, —- lighter, better suspension, more relaxed geometry, dropper posts, better gearing, easier shifting, better brakes.” Todd Starnes, President
I’m convinced! How do I get started with MTB?
If you’re ready to get your MTB groove on, we have a few suggestions to help you get started.
- Do a local clinic or camp. If you’re a road rider, you’re going to need new techniques—descending, cornering, even arm and foot positions are different on a mountain bike. It’ll also give you an opportunity to try new bikes to see what you like.
- The right clothes make a difference. You might consider ditching your spandex, at least in the beginning (or at least cover up that chamois with more street-style shorts). You’ll want to cover your body because you will fall at first and a layer of fabric can make all the difference to your skin.
- Don’t worry about clips right away—just wear your sneakers. It’ll increase your confidence and it makes it easier to walk through technical situations when you will be walking your bike (and there are times we all walk our mountain bikes).
- Hydration packs are an awesome invention,. Packs even come with a handy pouch to store your camera, keys, phone, and glasses—things that would otherwise bounce out of open pockets when you’re riding the trails.
- Learn to shift often and early. You need to anticipate the terrain and shift before pedaling gets difficult. Timing is everything if you want to maintain momentum and overcome obstacles without gear-shifting fuss.
- Rethink your attitude about walking—it’s a very normal part of the MTB experience when you hit steep terrain. It’s not a sign of weakness, it’s just an acknowledgement that you are in challenging terrain. It’s all good.
Ready to hit the trail?
When you’re ready to rock and roll, take a peek at some of our most popular MTB tours—and even if you’re still a novice, all of our Bicycle Adventures MTB tour guides are International Mountain Biking Association certified and can teach you the basics or give you a refresher in technique. No matter where you are in your MTB journey, you’ll enjoy these tours.
For Beginners
The Leavenworth Green tour is perfect if you’re new to mountain biking. Starting in Seattle, you’ll bike the eastern slopes of the Cascades where the trails are smooth, the elevation profiles are forgiving, and the views are incredible.
It’s a five-day adventure with highlights that include riding the Cle Elum Ridge Trail, Cashmere and Mission Ridge (you can try your hand at hiking if you like), a chair-lift ride with your bike up Hogsback and an amazing assortment of trails to cruise down—plus awesome local craft brews and a soak in the hot tub. What’s not to love?
A little more challenge?
Try our High Cascades Mountain Bike Tour—a seven-day trip through some of the most breathtaking terrain in the country. It’s almost a religious experience…rare and colorful trees, gorgeous views, and amazing wildlife (think eagles, mountain goats, timber wolves, marmots, and even bears).
And the rides—even their names set your pulses racing: Esmeralda Peaks, Angels Staircase, Starvation Mountain Loop, Cutthroat Pass. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the rewards are more than worth it. You’ll come away challenged and satisfied deep in your soul.
If only an epic adventure will do…
How about an international adventure? Our Slovenia MTB tour has it all—from the Alps to the Adriatic sea and everything in between. The Peca Mountain Bike Park is a mecca for MTB riders with 300+ miles of trails and paths straddling Austria and Slovenia. We also hit the Petzen Flow Trail, one of the longest in Europe, descending some 7-½ miles.
And if you haven’t had your fill of adventure on the bike, there’s also whitewater rafting, spelunking in Skocjan Caves, and hiking through Vintgar Gorge to round out the trip. This is truly an epic adventure for the die-hard MTB enthusiast (and we may still have spots available for our September 7th departure—ask today!)
Let’s do it!
If you’re thinking “I’ve read enough, let’s go!” why not get in touch today and we’ll help you plan your perfect Bicycle Adventure. There’s never been a better time to hit the trails—and we have a tour to suit every taste and ability level.
And if you’re not ready to take the next step but want more information about bicycle tours, sign up for our free email course and learn everything you ever wanted to know about planning a cycling vacation.
See you soon on the trails!
5 Different Bike Adventures Right Here in the USA—What’s Right for You?
It’s vacation time and cycling enthusiasts are lining up their bike adventures for the summer.
Sure, it sounds exotic to visit another country and get another stamp in your passport, but we have some of the world’s most beautiful places – and bike rides – right here in the USA. National parks, scenic byways, and hidden gems off the beaten path offer some authentic natural experiences.
But how to choose the perfect adventure?
We’re betting you’ve got a tour type – and here’s a cheat sheet to help you figure it out.
If you can’t live without water, beaches and coast, you’ll love these tours.
On Day 1 of our six-day San Juan Islands tour, you’ll get a taste of the magic in store for you: Gorgeous views of Mt. Constitution and the San Juan Islands, an afternoon browsing Friday Harbor’s eclectic museums and shops (Conde Nast Traveler named Friday Harbor—where you’ll spend a good bit of time—one of the Most Beautiful Towns in America), and a stay at idyllic Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes (did we mention the Fine Living Channel named Lakedale one of the 10 most romantic resorts in the world?)
And it only gets better from there…biking, hiking, kayaking, glorious mountain views, seal-watching, private gourmet feasts and a spectacular chartered floatplane ride over the islands and sound and back to Seattle. Is it any wonder Fodor’s Travel Guide gushes, “You won’t find a nicer place to ride than these islands in the Pacific Northwest’s Puget Sound.”
Of course, if you want more of the deep blue sea, why not spend six days in Hawaii riding the Kohala Coast and exploring Volcanoes National Park and the black sand beaches of Punalu’u? There’s also sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving, sea turtles and whale watching, a spa day if you like—and a chance to ride part of the IronMan course at Waikoloa Beach.
As Paul Theroux said, “Hawaii is not a state of mind, it’s a state of grace.”
Deserts more your style? Enjoy spectacular sunsets and breathtaking views on these tours of the desert southwest.
If the colors of the desert stir your soul, ride the Sonora Desert in southern Arizona—land of saguaro cactus, fragrant mesquite, fluttering hummingbirds, and acres of flame-colored desert paintbrush blooms. Saguaro National Park is a magical place to ride.
You’ll also be tempted by the surprisingly excellent Elgin and Sonoita wines and the colorful birds and butterflies at Casa de San Pedro. A spa day, a ride up the fabled Mount Lemmon, and some of the best Mexican food you can imagine round out your Sonora adventure.
And if the mountains of the desert southwest set your pulses racing, why not travel the peaks of Taos and Santa Fe? It’s the land that inspired Ansel Adams’ stark photos and Georgia O’Keefe’s lush florals—awash in the most glorious jewel tones of nature. You’ll ride the Sangre de Cristo mountains and the mesas and hills of Chimayo and cap your adventure with the Enchanted Circle and the High Road to Taos.
There’s rafting the Rio Grande and three pampering nights at the Casa Benavides in Taos, ranked by Sunset Magazine as one of the best in the southwest.
Finally, the ultimate bucket-list adventure for every desert lover—the haunting landscapes and breathtaking panoramas of Bryce and Zion National Parks. Bicycling Magazine’s editor called it “the most awe-inspiring and unique landscape I’ve ever pedaled through.”
Hike the Fairyland Trail and get a glimpse of the famed hoodoos. Ride downhill beside Bryce Canyon and get an eyeful of them. The Zion Canyon Scenic Ride is a lifetime ride—no cars, just the quiet sounds and fabulous sights of massive red cliff canyons. You can spend some time hiking, or challenging yourself on some amazing rides. A quiet stroll to a stunning waterfall is also an option.
Love lakes and streams and emerald forests? Take a look at these delightful destinations.
There’s no more magical lake destination that Oregon’s Crater Lake. No, really—just check out these accolades:
- Bicycling Magazine calls it one of the most spectacular one-day rides in the country.
- PureWow Travel Pages calls it one of the 11 Most Zen Places on the Planet.
- And our guest Lynn P. of Florida says, “If I had one last day on Earth, I’d ride the rim at Crater Lake.”
Need we say more? There’s also the stunning McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway, the lodgepole pines of Willamette National Forest, stellar hiking and mountain biking, a little flyfishing if that’s your jam, and a brewpub crawl in quirky Bend.
If low-to-no traffic and one of the most beautiful lakes in the world is more your style, spend four days biking the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes in Idaho. Lake Coeur d’Alene is one of the five most beautiful lakes in the world according to National Geographic, and there’s 109 miles of shoreline to explore and gorgeous rail paths and bike trails—including the Route of the Hiawatha Trail. And you’ll love every minute of your stay at the historic five-star Roosevelt Inn, just a short walk from the lake.
If weird but wonderful is more your ethos? Your taste? these tours will tickle your fancy.
Bend, Oregon, is a place where nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts love to get their adrenaline pumping. Cyclists, climbers, skiers, snowboarders—there’s something for everyone in Bend. Ride the smooth pavement of the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway and Deschutes National Forest.
Test your skills in the high desert forest and volcanic peaks near Sunriver and spend a day enjoying the resort’s swimming pools and water parks. Pedal the Three Sisters Scenic Bikeway to one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon: Smith Rock, a climber’s mecca with over a thousand bolted routes. End your adventure with a trip up to the incredible volcanic moonscape atop McKenzie Pass.
For something a little more “out there,” don’t miss the Death Valley Ranch Bike Tour, four days in one of the most weird and wondrous scenery in the world. Where else can you see sailing rocks, abandoned mines, and of course, jump off from wacky Las Vegas?
Dante’s View, Ubehebe Crater, the Badwater Basin (the lowest point on the continent!), hiking onto immense salt flats and a lovely stay at Furnace Creek Resort are just a few highlights—plus a day riding Death Valley’s sand dunes.
Taking your family on a weird and wonderful adventure? Spend six days on the Mount Rushmore Family Tour pedaling “Big Mick,” the Mickelson Trail (dubbed by Bicycling Magazine the number one bike trail in the country). What kid—or his parent, for that matter—can resist active mammoth digs, Wind Caves, Wall Drug, waterslides, Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, Crazy Horse Monument, and the world’s largest indoor pool?
When only a challenge will do, get your adrenaline fix with these epic tours.
Sometimes you just have to push yourself to the limit on a bicycle adventure—steep mountain climbs, 100-mile days, the sweet sense of accomplishment when you know you’ve done something truly awesome.
Our Empire Builder Epic, a National Geographic Adventures Top 50 Tours of a Lifetime, has everything you’d expect with a name like “epic.” Ten days, 700 miles, Glacier National Park the Cascades, 5,000-feet climbs, Lake Roosevelt and the Grand Coulee Dam,an 83-mile ride over the Continental Divide and an overnight ride on the Amtrak Empire Builder train back to Seattle. It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for the true cycling enthusiast.
If the word “glacier” caught your attention, take a look at our eight-day Glacier-Banff-Jasper tour through the Northern Rockies and some of the most amazing scenery of your entire life. Ride Going-to-the-Sun Road past waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and sweeping glacial valleys. Canada’s Icefields Parkway is equally spectacular, winding past pristine mountain lakes and ancient glaciers; don’t miss the Weeping Wall, a 2,000-foot cliff decked with cascading waterfalls.
Have you figured out your type yet? Found your perfect match? Then let us help you arrange a date with your ideal tour and get your summer adventure underway – just fill in some details here!
12 Cyclists You’d Love to Ride With
Sometimes it’s all too easy to snark on our fellow cyclists. You’ve probably seen several variations of the BikeSnob site or this none-too-subtle video or even had a good laugh over bike fashion disasters like these. (Hopefully, you’re not wearing them yourself!)
But in truth, most of the cyclists we ride with are really wonderful people—and in the spirit of showing our appreciation, we’d like to acknowledge a few of our favorite bike personalities here. Recognize yourself or someone you know—or even one of our Bicycle Adventures guides? Let us know in the comments!
Mr. Fixer
This is the guy you never knew you needed—until he shows up, that is. Struggling with a flat? Slipped your chain? He’s right there fixing it up “because I can do it faster and get you back on the road sooner.” If you’ve ever ridden with Mr. Fixer, you know how indispensable he can be.
The Happy Host (or Hostess)
We’ve all ridden with this person before—the one who always has a friendly welcome greeting for everyone in the group. This person just radiates positivity with cheery salutations like “Beautiful day for a ride!” or “Isn’t this the most glorious sunshine you’ve ever seen?” And if your energy is flagging, you really appreciate the encouraging “You’re doing great!” the Happy Host tosses your way.
The Non-Sneaker
No one likes to be surprised by a rider approaching from behind. The Non-Sneaker takes care to always alert you he’s there with a few chimes of his bell, a considerate cough, or even a happy “Hey-o! On your left!” After a few rides with a sneaker or two, you’ll appreciate the Non-Sneaker even more.
The Fender Friend
On a wet or rainy day, have you ever ridden with someone who doesn’t have a bike with fenders? Then you know why we appreciate our Fender Friends so much—no one likes to be sprayed with brown street gunk! And bonus points for our Fender Friend: No unsightly brown “racing stripes” up the back of his bike shorts (ick!).
The Cheery-O
Don’t you hate that awkward moment when you encounter another rider going the opposite direction and it’s like you’re invisible? The Cheery-O always acknowledges you with a friendly wave or a nod in your direction.
Just a little gesture to let you know he appreciates the kinship of the bike. You’ve both made a choice to be outside, facing the elements (not overtaking cyclists like you in a car) and just a quick nod and a smile enhances that feeling of community. It kind of makes your day, doesn’t it?
The Light Show
There’s something reassuring about riding with the Light Show—visibility is always a good thing! Plus, it actually makes everyone more safe. And we salute our riders who use a tail light all the time, even during the day. Kudos to them! We’re all about safety on our rides.
The Snappy Dresser
Everyone likes to ride with the Snappy Dresser. He’s got a great kit and all the best accoutrements—a little bit of eye candy for the ride. Best of all, though, he’s got rock-solid bike shorts (because this is one place we really don’t need great visibility, if you know what we mean).
The Domestique
Even if you’re not on a racing team, you’ll love riding with the Domestique. Struggling a bit? She’ll let you tag onto her back wheel to help you catch your breath. She’ll even share a snack when you need a boost. Every group appreciates the Domestique—she’s got everyone’s best interests at heart.
The Fabulous Foodie
This rider is one of our favorites—because we’re all big fans of great food. The Fabulous Foodie has a knack for knowing where to find the perfect snack, whether it’s a freshly baked oatmeal-chocolate-chip cookie or an ice-cold craft beer from a local brewery. And if you’re going to stop for a meal? You’ll definitely want the Fabulous Foodie’s recommendations for where to find the best burger you’ll ever have. (Trust us, he never disappoints.)
The Regional Expert
This is the rider who knows your route like the back of his or her hand—how to avoid a killer climb and where to find the five-mile add-on loop with a refreshing dip in the lake along the way. Riding to a new favorite destination? Try to include the Regional Expert in your group—you’ll be glad you did.
The Consistent Companion
This rider never lets you down—she’s as reliable as the sunrise. You know she’ll never fail to show up (ready and on time) for your weekly ride, rain or shine. And she’ll ride at your pace with you because that’s what the best cycling companions do. Need a little boost preparing for your bicycle tour? She’ll help you with that, too.
The Face Saver
OK, we’re all grateful for the Face Saver in our group. He or she’s the rider who kindly alerts you to the dirt mustache you’re sporting (you know, the one you got riding behind the guy with no fenders!) before you saunter into the brewpub after your ride.
Ready to Go?
Thinking about your next bicycle adventure? I bet you’ll find more than a few of these cycling personalities on your ride. Why not sign up to our email course – How to Plan Your Perfect Bicycle Adventure – it’s a totally free 6-part series that will get you thinking about all aspects of your next vacation.
And if you’re ready to speak to us about your next cycling vacation, get in touch. We’d love to help you find the tour of your dreams.
Bicycle Adventures Has Hiking Tours?
Wildflowers in bloom on the slopes of Mt. Rainier, Washington State
Sure. We understand that your first question may be, “Why would I go on a hiking tour with a company named Bicycle Adventures?” The answer is simple.
Bicycle Adventures has run dozens of hiking tours in the past and our current series of tours is better than ever. They are hand-picked, planned and led by our staff naturalist and experienced guide, Chad Maurer (24 years at Bicycle Adventures).
Of course, each of our hiking tours offers fantastic scenery, but are you inclined to wonder: How did that mountain get there? What was this place like 25, 100, 1000, 10,000, a million years ago? Who lived here? How did they survive? What tree, plant, bird or animal is that? Why is it here? What is its role? How does it survive? Is it edible, medicinal, useful, poisonous, or dangerous? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” then Bicycle Adventures’ Hiking Tours are for you! Explore these fascinating mysteries while admiring the spectacular beauty for which the Pacific Northwest is famous. We guarantee you will come away feeling connected to the area in a way that no mere “walk in the woods” can deliver.
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK HIKING TOUR
The Olympic Peninsula is the home of the largest of the four North American species of elk, the Roosevelt elk, named after Teddy Roosevelt. So revered were these elk that the park was almost given the name “Elk National Park.” It is also the home of the Blue Glacier, the lowest glacier in the contiguous United States. This tour encompasses the most variety of any of our hiking tours: temperate rainforests – inland and coastal – wild beaches, lowland lakes, alpine lakes and snow-capped mountains. Each of the lodgings has accessible walks and trails nearby, providing opportunities for self-exploration.
Sea Anemones, Olympic National Park Hiking Tour.
Since its establishment in 1938, the Olympic National Park has become the 6th most-visited of our National Parks and continues to attract travelers from all over the world. In 1976 it was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and later a World Heritage Site as well – recognizing that it is older than any nation and thereby in a sense belongs to the entire world. True to that spirit, it remains virtually undeveloped by comparison to our other National Parks and truly wild at its heart. This is evidenced by the fact that to this day not one single road, paved or unpaved, crosses this 1500 square mile wilderness.
Concerned about the weather? It is a rainforest after all. The good news is that, while up to fourteen feet of precipitation falls here every year, the area averages less than four inches per month during the summer. July is a good time to visit, and there’s no better way to do it than staying at two of the National Parks Lodges along the way!
MT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK HIKING TOUR
Mt Rainier was the 5th National Park to be established in the United States. To the Pacific Northwest native tribes, the mountain was Tahoma, “the mountain that was God.” To the current residents of Puget Sound she is reverently acknowledged as simply “The Mountain.”
Wildflowers blanket the slopes of Mt St Helens
The August tour is scheduled to be after most of the snowmelt to improve trail accessibility and still catch the tail end of the wildflower season. In September you should enjoy spectacular fall color! We operate this tour during midweek-only to avoid the weekend crowds from the city.
COLUMBIA GORGE HIKING TOUR
Hikers on Bicycle Adventures’ Columbia Gorge Hiking Tour soak it up at Multnomah Falls
Learn about the rich natural history of the region as we visit each of these diverse environments up close, including a whitewater rafting trip down a spectacular gorge. From Multnomah Falls to Hood River to Mount Hood, easy to reach trails abound, making this the ideal location for a hiking tour!
Hiking the Hoh River Trail on the Olympic National Park Hiking Tour. Photo: Head Guide Chad Maurer
