Adventure Travel Group Blog

This Climber’s Dream Vacation Features the Best Italian Climbs

2010-02-26T13:14:00.000-08:00

Take an unforgettable trip through some of Italy’s most scenic valleys and follow winding mountain roads for breathtaking views on our Italy: Lakes, Alps, Sud Tyrol & Dolomites-Maratona professionally-guided bike tour.

On a single tour, you’ll bike from Milan to Venice, ride Europe’s highest cog railway in Switzerland, sample fantastic cuisine and wines, and take part in one of Europe’s most popular cycling events: the Maratona dles Dolomites! You’ll have a unique opportunity to ride like a pro for a day and test yourself on the classic climbs of the Giro d'Italia!

Ride alongside apple orchards and vineyards, sparkling blue lakes and conquer some of the most challenging climbs in Italy. With all the climbing on this trip, you’ll keep your strength up with delicious Italian food and wine, as well as German-style beer and cuisine of the Sud Tyrol region. As with all our cycling vacations, we’ve selected quaint, welcoming inns and fabulous restaurants to make this an experience to remember.

Discover the Best of Slovenia for an Unforgettable Adventure

2010-02-12T15:39:00.000-08:00

Slovenia is a cycling paradise: Spectacular mountain climbs, scenic valleys, vineyards, charming villages and lightly traveled roads that are perfect for cycling. Our professionally-guided cycling tour of Slovenia takes us through the most beautiful areas of Slovenia: through the Julian Alps and dramatic Karst caves, the charming medieval villages and along crystal-clear alpine lakes. You’ll fall in love with the well-preserved monasteries, Austrian architecture, and welcoming and friendly people.

We'll take some of the training routes used by Slovenian cycling professionals, so if you’re looking for a challenge you won’t be disappointed. As with all our cycling vacations, we have selected quaint inns and restaurants that offer a true taste of the area. Whether you’re interested in challenging or more relaxing riding, our daily route options offer something for everyone.

There are several departures to choose from, so whether you join us in May, late September or October it will be an unforgettable experience. Contact us today to reserve your spot.

Spain Offers a Great Mix of Mountains, Coastline and Everything in Between

2010-01-21T13:39:00.000-08:00

All of our professionally-guided biking trips offer fantastic riding, breathtaking scenery and a unique taste of each area’s cuisine and culture. That being said, our Spain Tour (Barcelona, Girona & Catalan Pyrenees) is one of our personal favorites. The quiet roads, hilltop villages and coastal views make Spain an ideal destination for cycling. We begin in cosmopolitan and architecturally rich Barcelona and ride along sun-soaked beaches, through quiet forests and on secluded mountain roads with spectacular scenery.

Our route offers challenging climbs in the Pyrenees, rolling terrain through hilltop villages and along the Costa Brava, Spain’s “Big Sur.” We’ll spend time in Girona and ride some the favorite training routes of Lance Armstrong and other pros. Accommodations range from a four-star parador (a historical building converted into a hotel) that was once an 11th century monastery, to a quaint B&B with a sophisticated astrological observatory. There’s something for everyone on this trip!

Join us in April/May or September for a perfect mix of cycling, cuisine and culture. Contact us today to reserve your spot.

Happy New Year from Adventure Travel Group

2010-01-07T10:22:00.000-08:00

We hope you had a great holiday season! Although 2010 has only been here a short time, it's not too early to start planning your cycling vacation now as our tours are starting to fill up.

We have been in South America on a month-long professionally-guided bike tour expedition, and are currently on a Hut Ski Trip in Colorado. We hope to see you on one of our tours this year.

The featured Tour in today's post is Island Hopping in Dalmatia! Experience the Mediterranean Sea "the way it used to be," with crystal clear Adriatic waters, lush islands, unspoiled fishing villages, beaches and vineyards. Roman ruins and medieval walled cities are some of the reasons that make Croatia one of the top travel destinations.

Our tour starts in the "World Heritage" Town of Dubrovnik and continues by boat to the oasis of Miiet, an island blanketed by forests and edged with hidden limestone coves. We also include a special "off the beaten path" evening at Gary's cousin's sheep ranch, where we will get acquainted with the local culture and customs as we enjoy a lamb BBQ, homemade wine and grappa!

Cycling Tip: Trimming Down For Your Trip

2009-12-16T14:11:00.000-08:00

by Robert Panzera

Trimming off a few pounds may make a difference in your cycling performance, especially in the hills. By making some minor dietary changes and using eating strategies, you may be able to trim down before your cycling adventure trip.

A dietary tactic is simply to eat healthier food. Follow these tips from the USDA Nutritional Guidelines to help you trim down and remain healthy for your ATG professionally-guided cycling trip:

Two cups of fruit and 2½ cups of vegetables per day are recommended for a reference 2,000-calorie intake, with higher or lower amounts depending on the calorie level.

Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables each day.

Consume 3 or more ounce-equivalents of whole-grain products per day.

Consume 3 cups per day of fat-free or low-fat milk or equivalent milk products.

Eating strategies may work as well, for example:

Try to eat larger portions earlier in the day, when you need the energy most, and smaller portions at night when you need energy the least.

Eat while riding, consuming between 200 to 300 calories per hour of a variety of “real” foods and nutrition bars. You will be less hungry after a ride, and prevent a post-ride “pig-out.”

Stay hydrated to maintain your body’s well-being, help process ingested foods, and give your stomach a “fuller” feeling

The above is not a diet plan. Before modifying your diet, consult a physician.

Robert Panzera is a Level 2 USA Cycling Coach and owner and operator of Cycling San Diego (CCSD).

This tip was originally published in the Adventure Travel Group (ATG) monthly newsletter. For more information on ATG, visit www.adventuretravelgroup.com or contact info@adventuretravelgroup.com

For the Perfect Holiday Gift, Give the Gift of Cycling!

2009-12-08T16:13:00.000-08:00

These colder, shorter days of winter make us long for warm-weather riding more than ever, so now is the perfect time to start thinking about a cycling vacation for 2009! And what better holiday gift for a cyclist than a cycling tour? Getting through the cold winter months will be a snap when you have an upcoming dream vacation to look forward to:

Relive the colors of fall in February and March in South America on our Chile & Argentina: Cycling the Lake District Tour. Ride through vibrant forests and alongside sparkling lakes, conical volcanoes and snow-capped Andean peaks.
Take part in one of Europe's most popular amateur cycling events, the Maratona dles Dolomites, and visit some of Northern Italy's most picturesque villages on our Italy: Lakes, Alps, Sud Tyrol & Dolomites Tour in June.
If you like to climb, the France Alps, Vercors & Mt. Ventoux Tour offers a true climbing challenge. Test your climbing skills on 20 classic Alps cols, including the infamous Mt. Ventoux in May/June or September.
Enjoy spectacular beauty, Roman ruins and medieval walled cities in the area that Conde Nast calls "The Next Riviera" on our Croatia: Island Hopping in Dalmatia Tour. Choose from May, late September or October departures.

Whether it's scenery, cuisine, culture or fantastic cycling you're looking for, our trips offer the perfect blend of these and much more. Look over our 2009 schedule and find the tour that suits your tastes. Regardless of which trip you choose, all our tours feature quaint, welcoming inns and delicious restaurants off the beaten track for a truly unique travel experience.

Guest Diary from 2007 Cycling Trip

2009-12-02T14:28:00.000-08:00

By Lonna Ramirez

It was an hour into the first climb (Port de Bales) of our 10-day cycling trip. The group had split up, tackling the seemingly endless climb at their own pace. It was foggy and a little cold, but perfect for climbing. I kept hearing what sounded like dozens of people banging pots and pans somewhere off in the distance, but the fog was too thick to see where it was coming from. As I came around a switchback I saw the source: Cows, scores of them, with bells around their necks, grazing along the road and the surrounding hillsides. They were completely oblivious to cyclists, and several of us had to maneuver around a group of particularly stubborn ones that wouldn’t budge from the road.

Port de Bales, an hors catégorie climb, was our first taste of climbing in the Pyrenees on the 2007 Tour de France trip with Adventure Travel Group (ATG), run by SDBC members and professional cycling tour guides Gary Bezer and Lise Fleury. We’d be hearing the cow (and sheep) bells on most of the climbs over the next nine days. As hard as the climbs were, I always looked forward to the sound of the bells and coming across the grazing animals.

Good People, Good Times …

My husband Dan and I had dreamed of watching the Tour de France in person and attempting some of the epic climbs, and the ATG tour offered an ideal opportunity to do both. The group included several members of our local San Diego cycling club, a father-son duo and a recently married tandem couple from New Jersey came along—she wore a veil on the back of her helmet every day and was photographed and cheered on by the French. Theirs was the only tandem we saw in the mountains (for good reason).

Another group member from Northern California had just finished an ATG Tour in Italy.
Two Florida cyclists rounded out our tour group and were the strongest climbers in the
group, even though there are no hills in Florida. They claimed they practiced on bridges, but I’m guessing they trained in an undisclosed location with Rasmussen.

With the exception of the roads along the Tour route (tons of RVs and campers) and the
Col du Tourmalet (very popular with cycling tour groups),we had most of the climbs to ourselves. We wound our way up lightly traveled mountain roads, rolling over spray-painted names of riders from previous Tours. The scenery was spectacular, with green
meadows, wildflowers and snow-covered peaks in the distance—it was like a movie set from “The Sound of Music.” We rode past waterfalls, waited for grazing animals to cross the road and had the satisfaction of looking back over miles of switchbacks from the top of the cols. As beautiful as it was, it was tough. There was probably a lot that I missed while I was staring at my front tire, slipping into a climbing coma on some of the more difficult climbs.

Partying Tour de France Style Watching a stage of the Tour is like attending a huge picnic, party, parade and sporting event combined— something that every cyclist should try to see at least once. As the riders are preparing for the start, the Tour caravan begins its drive of the entire course, with costumed people tossing hats and other samples at spectators amidst loud music. The caravan doesn’t look out of place at the start or finish lines, but it’s an odd sight driving along narrow mountain roads. At the stage 15 finish line in Loudenvielle, we joined hundreds of people on the grass in front of the TdF jumbotron to watch the progress of the race. We saw Vinokourov get his last stage victory of the Tour before he was kicked out. Similarly, we watched the stage 16 finish on Col du Aubisque, where Rasmussen earned the yellow and polka-dot jerseys for the last time. And we were there to watch Team Discovery’s Alberto Contador and Levi Leipheimer seal their positions on the podium.

You Call That a Climb?

Looking back on our ride, the miles didn’t seem so significant— around 40 to 60 miles a
day—but it felt like so much more. They were definitely some of the hardest, but
sweetest miles I’ve ridden. Everyone in the group improved as a rider, and all of us had different opinions about which climbs were the toughest (it was Tourmalet for me). And because most days included hours of climbing, nothing seems daunting anymore— an
hour of climbing? A grade of over 10%? No problem, we did that for days.

Cycling together as a group also gives you an opportunity to get to know people a little better— whether it’s because careers and lives outside of cycling are secondary, or whether people are more likely to let down their guard on a bike. It’s hard to beat the friendships you develop through cycling. We all came away from the trip with memories of great cycling, shared pain (the good kind), scenery, food and new friends to call for a weekend ride or to plan future cycling adventures with.

Cycling Tip: Recovery and Transition to Base Miles

2009-11-25T11:14:00.000-08:00

by Robert Panzera

Last newsletter we learned about overtraining, and how taking an end-of-season break from riding can help prevent overtraining. So, what sort of activities should you do during the break? Remain active by incorporating non-cycling-related activities:

• Swimming is low-impact and can help build aerobic fitness.
• Lunges/squats are great non-weight-bearing exercises that can help increase leg strength.
• Easy uphill hiking can build both thigh strength and aerobic fitness.
• Crunches and leg raises are great core exercises to improve overall fitness.
• Push-ups build arm strength and endurance.
By incorporating these activities, you’ll give your mind a much-needed break from cycling and use your cycling muscles in a different way.

Transition into cycling with base riding

After a few weeks, begin cycling again by slowly building volume, intensity and frequency through the late fall. This type of riding, known as base riding, should be at endurance pace (below 80% of heart rate maximum). Base riding helps recharge and build your aerobic engine for more intense efforts in the late winter and spring.

Robert Panzera is a Level II USA Cycling coach and owner and operator of Cycling Camp San Diego (CCSD). CCSD is designed to provide a venue of warm-weather base miles in the off season for serious touring and elite racing cyclists. For more information, visit www.cyclingcampsandiego.com or contact him at robert@cyclingcampsandiego.com.

Cycle the Island of Sardinia from the Coast to the Mountains

2009-11-19T17:35:00.000-08:00

The Italian island of Sardinia boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine beaches, mountains and scenic and quiet roads, making it a perfect cycling tour destination. Our route traverses Sardinia's spectacular coastline, known as the "Big Sur without traffic," and the island’s remote mountainous interior.

Enjoy fantastic professionally guided cycling and sparkling lakes, numerous archaeological sites and an amazing variety of wildlife including flamingos, falcons and wild boar.

Our multiple-night stays offer plenty of time to ride and explore coastal and mountain terrain. Relax on one of the beautiful beaches, explore the ruins and colorful fishing villages, and enjoy Sardinia’s famous Pecorino Sardo cheese and freshly baked bread. As with all of our tours, you decide how much or little you want to ride.

Choose from May, late September or October departures and enjoy an unforgettable experience. Contact us today to reserve your spot.

Belgium: Ardennes Classic Tour

2009-11-09T13:25:00.000-08:00

So we love going to Belgium, and are excited that the Ardennes Classic Tour is still one of the premiere guided biking tours that we offer at Adventure Travel Group! Offered in partnership with Cycling Camp San Diego, this tour allows you to ride, train and watch the Ardennes Classics.

Highlights include:

- Entry into the Amstel Gold Amateur Cyclosportif
- VIP access to Amstel Gold, La Fleche Wallonne and Liege-Bastogne-Liege events
- Optional training with professional coaches

You will ride and train an average of 40 - 80 miles daily over challenging terrain, and all routes are designed so that you can choose shorter or longer options.

Our Belgium: Ardennes Classics Tour is available in both 8- and 12-day options. Check it out today!!

Cycling Tip - Taking Breaks

2009-11-04T15:42:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago we talked about over-training, and how taking an end-of-season break from riding can help prevent over-training. So, what sort of activities should you do during the break? Remain active by incorporating non-cycling-related activities:

• Swimming is low-impact and can help build aerobic fitness.

• Lunges/squats are great non-weight-bearing exercises that can help increase leg strength.

• Easy uphill hiking can build both thigh strength and aerobic fitness.

• Crunches and leg raises are great core exercises to improve overall fitness.

• Push-ups build arm strength and endurance.

By incorporating these activities, you’ll give your mind a much-needed break from cycling and use your cycling muscles in a different way.

Transition into cycling with base riding

After a few weeks, begin cycling again by slowly building volume, intensity and frequency through the late fall. This type of riding, known as base riding, should be at endurance pace (below 80% of heart rate maximum). Base riding helps recharge and build your aerobic engine for more intense efforts in the late winter and spring.

Robert Panzera is a Level II USA Cycling coach and owner and operator of Cycling Camp San Diego (CCSD). CCSD is designed to provide a venue of warm-weather base miles in the off season for serious touring and elite racing cyclists. For more information, visit www.cyclingcampsandiego.com or contact him at robert@cyclingcampsandiego.com.

Cycling Tip: Indoor Training to Stay Fit

2009-10-27T12:29:00.000-07:00

If bad weather is keeping you inside, now is the time to get yourself in shape in preparation before you hit the road. Using an indoor trainer is a perfect way to sharpen your fitness in time for outdoor riding.

There are many good trainers out there—your local bike shop can give you tips. Ensure that you choose one that provides enough consistent resistance to mimic “road feel.”

A simple workout you can do will cover most of your cycling fitness. After a 10-min spinning warm-up:

Un-clip your right foot and pedal with one leg for 2 minutes. Switch feet and repeat for a total of 2 sessions per leg

Switch to a bigger gear and simulate climbing. Stand for 5 minutes; sit for a minute, repeat. Try to build to 20-30 minutes of total standing over a month’s time.

No need for intense intervals right now—save that for the road. Instead, do lactate threshold intervals: For 15 minutes pedal a big gear at 85-95 rpm cadence with your heart rate between 80-82% of max. No HR monitor: pedal to the point were you can only speak in short sentences. No need to pedal till you can’t speak. Repeat 2 times with 5 minutes rest between.

Do this trainer workout a couple of times a week, and you will notice a positive difference when you hit the road this spring. Always check with your doctor before starting a strenuous exercise program.

Robert Panzera is a Level 2 USA Cycling Coach and owner and operator of Cycling San Diego (CCSD). CCSD is designed to provide a venue of warm weather training miles in the off-season for serious touring and elite racing cyclists. For more information about Robert Panzera and CCSD, visit www.cyclingcampsandiego.com or contact him at robert@cyclingcampsandiego.com

This tip was originally published in the Adventure Travel Group (ATG) monthly newsletter. For more information on ATG, visit www.adventuretravelgroup.com or contact info@adventuretravelgroup.com.

Watching Lance Battle for an Eighth Win at the 2009 Tour de France!

2009-10-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

Watching the Tour de France is always an unforgettable experience, but this year's Tour de France trip offered that and more: A chance to watch Lance attempt to make history with his eighth victory, and watch the comeback of cycling's best. If you've ever regretted not seeing Lance ride in previous Tours, that was your chance! Challenge yourself to 14 of the best Alps' climbs and watch three Tour stages - including a mountaintop finish on the infamous Mt. Ventoux.

This Tour de France-Alps trip allows you to experience all the Tour excitement, without the hassle- no long car rides or parking necessary, since we're close enough to ride to the action. The hotels we select are conveniently close to the Tour route and are a perfect starting point for 14 epic Alps climbs, including Alpe d'Huez, Col du Galibier, Col du Telegraphe, Mt. Ventoux and more! You'll watch the last three decisive stages of the tour- the individual time trial in Annecy, the mountain stage finish at Le Grand-Bornand and the epic stage finishing on top of Mt. Ventoux- and put your legs to the test on many of the classic Tour climbs! You can't beat the feeling you get from conquering these colls.

The riding may be challenging, but the accomodations are welcome and comfortable. You can relive the highlights of the day's ride over a "recovery" beer or espresso at a local cafe, then refuel with a delicious group dinner featuring the area's fantastic cuisine and wine. Our small group size allows us to choose restaurants that the locals favor so you get a true taste of the region.

Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime event! Contact us today to join us for an unforgettable guided cycling tour and experience that offers a perfect balance of Tour action and riding.

Cycling Tip: Skills for Inclement Weather Riding

2009-10-21T12:53:00.000-07:00

Many of us experience wet weather during this time of year, which may lead to slippery road conditions. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee of dry weather when you are bicycle touring, as well. The following tips may help you stay upright and safe in case you encounter poor riding conditions.

In inclement weather:

1.) Always ensure you wear a reflective safety vest and have a blinking light on both the back and front of your bicycle.

2.) Ride to the right, but avoid deep gutters. Cars may have trouble seeing you in a gutter, and you may hit an unseen obstacle in an overflowing gutter.

3.) Always ride with your hands in the drops. Keep your elbows flexed and loose, but keep a nice, firm grip on the handlebars.

4.) Look up and ahead. Maintaining a line of sight beyond your front wheel will help you avoid upcoming obstacles, and help maintain better balance.

5.) Avoid “paint” in the road (i.e., crosswalks, white lines, yellows lines, etc). The paint when covered with rain is very slippery. If unavoidable, ride straight over the paint with little or no front wheel turning. If you see paint in an upcoming turn: slow down before entering the turn and make the turn at the slowest speed possible to limit leaning the bike. This tip works for railroad tracks too!

6.) Give yourself ample time to brake as the rain will make brake pads and rims slippery.

7.) Part of being safe, is being comfortable — a fender for the rear tire is recommended. It is hard to remain in control, and focused, on your bike with a spray of wet water from your rear tire hitting you in the back.

This information is not to condone riding in foul weather, but is given to increase your chances of safe riding if you get caught out in the rain!

Robert Panzera is a Level 2 USA Cycling Coach and owner and operator of Cycling San Diego (CCSD). CCSD is designed to provide a venue of warm weather training miles in the off-season for serious touring and elite racing cyclists. For more information about Robert Panzera and CCSD, visit www.cyclingcampsandiego.com or contact him at robert@cyclingcampsandiego.com

This tip was originally published in the Adventure Travel Group (ATG) monthly newsletter. For more information on ATG, visit www.adventuretravelgroup.com or contact info@adventuretravelgroup.com.

Cycling Tip: Over-training

2009-10-16T14:37:00.000-07:00

Over-training is a physical condition caused by training with too much volume or too much intensity, or both, over long periods of time. Its signs are poor performances, exhaustion and lack of motivation. Other non-training–related factors can exacerbate it, including life- and work-related stress, lack of proper exercise recovery, and poor diet. If you feel tired all the time, have “heavy” legs, experience irritability, or a downturn in mood, you may be over-trained.

If you think you are over-trained, take a 2-week or even month break from exercise—that is, a total break. If you still feel run-down after the exercise break, see a physician, as a medical reason for your condition may exist.

To lower incidences of over-training:

- Plan recovery days, and even recovery weeks, into your overall training plan, where you cut volume or intensity, or both, by half.

- When building for an event, increase volume or intensity at no more than 10% a week

- Lower work-related and life stress

- Eating healthfully always

- Sleep 7 to 8 hours a night, and take naps after very long or intense training rides

Robert Panzera is a Level 2 USA Cycling Coach and owner and operator of Cycling San Diego (CCSD). CCSD is designed to provide a venue of warm weather training miles in the off-season for serious touring and elite racing cyclists. For more information about Robert Panzera and CCSD, visit www.cyclingcampsandiego.com or contact him at robert@cyclingcampsandiego.com

This tip was originally published in the Adventure Travel Group (ATG) monthly newsletter. For more information on ATG, visit www.adventuretravelgroup.com or contact info@adventuretravelgroup.com.

Challenge yourself next summer in the Alps and Dolomites

2009-10-12T13:29:00.000-07:00

In the summer of 2010, why not travel with a group of Cyclo-Vets and challenge yourself on some of the classic Giro d'Italia passes in the Alps and Dolomites?

This is an unbelievable opportunity for Cyclo-Vets and the Adventure Travel Group cycling tour includes:

Substantial discounts of up to $500 are being offered if enough riders sign up early;
The tour is being advertised first to Cyclo-Vets, so this can be a virtual club-trip, if riders get into gear quickly;
The tour is limited to 14 riders and will be led by Bezer.

As with all of Bezer's Adventure Travel Group tours, riders travel in style, in this case to some of the most picturesque cycling routes in the world. Tour participants will sleep in boutique hotels'inns located in some of the most beautiful villages in northern Italy.

"We have five 2-night stays which allow us lots of options for spa/massage, relaxing by the pool, hiking and, of course, great biking," said Bezer. "Riding will average 40-60 miles daily along lakes, vineyards and spectacular mountain passes. Climbing days average 4000-6000 feet, with options for more or less, so this is for the intermediate/advanced rider, or virtually all of the Cyclo-Vets."

Included is a climb of the spectacular Passo Stelvio, which, at 20km/5304ft, is one of the highest mountain passes in Europe and was ridden in the 2005 Giro d'Italia. The guided bike tour also includes the Grande Strada delle Dolomiti, a road built between 1895 and 1909, and one of the most famous cycling roads in Italy.

Details of the "Italy: Lakes, Alps, Sud Tirol & Dolomites," tour are described on the Adventure Travel Group website.

Cycling Tip: Pick Your Priority Event

2009-10-07T15:55:00.000-07:00

With the holiday season coming up, it makes sense to start getting your cycling fitness in order by picking a priority event. A priority event can be any cycling event at which you want to be in proper shape.

A good example is an upcoming, multi-day cycling tour. At the tour, you want to be in good enough shape in order to enjoy all aspects of the tour—dinner, sightseeing, riding in general, etc. From the start of the cycling tour date, back track at least 3 months. This should give you enough time to prepare for the challenge.

Specifically, for a tour starting in early May, you would want to back track to the first week of February. Start small — easy rides of short distances — and as each week passes, incrementally up your mileage and eventually your pace, until you are completing rides comparable to the tour schedule on back-to-back training days.

Robert Panzera is a Level 2 USA Cycling Coach and owner and operator of Cycling San Diego (CCSD). CCSD is designed to provide a venue of warm weather training miles in the off-season for serious touring and elite racing cyclists. For more information about Robert Panzera and CCSD, visit www.cyclingcampsandiego.com or contact him at robert@cyclingcampsandiego.com

This tip was originally published in the Adventure Travel Group (ATG) monthly newsletter. For more information on ATG, visit www.adventuretravelgroup.com or contact info@adventuretravelgroup.com

Cycling Tip: Vary Your Workout with Cross Training

2009-09-28T14:56:00.000-07:00

Robert Panzera

The best way to improve in a specific sport is to practice the sport — this is the idea of specificity. Cross training involves training the same elements you would in your chosen sport, but through non-sport-related activities. For example, in cycling you’re mainly training your leg muscles and aerobic capacity. Cross training can help improve strength, cardio, power, endurance and overall cycling fitness.

Improve your cycling fitness with these cross-training exercises:

Swimming – This low-impact activity can help build aerobic fitness

Lunges/Squats – These non-weight-bearing exercises can help build overall leg strength

Hiking – Build both thigh strength and aerobic fitness with easy hiking up hills

Crunches and Leg Raises – These core exercises improve power transfer

Pushups – Add these to your routine to build arm endurance for long days in the saddle

Implementing these exercises in your training a few times a week can help you focus on one aspect of your cycling fitness and give your mind and body a short break from cycling. Cross training should not take up more than 10 to 20% of your cycling time during the week, and should be done in the early stages of training for a target event. As the target event nears, decrease cross training.

Robert Panzera is a Level 2 USA Professional Cycling Coach and owner and operator of Cycling San Diego (CCSD). CCSD is designed to provide a venue of warm weather training miles in the off-season for serious touring and elite racing cyclists. For more information about Robert Panzera and CCSD, visit www.cyclingcampsandiego.com or contact him at robert@cyclingcampsandiego.com

This tip was originally published in the Adventure Travel Group (ATG) monthly newsletter. For more information on ATG, visit www.adventuretravelgroup.com or contact info@adventuretravelgroup.com

Cycling ‘Super Moms’ Take a Trip to Remember from Colorado to Croatia

2009-09-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

By Lonna Ramirez

Ordinarily, a typical day for Sarah McAllister and her friends includes preparing meals, dropping and picking up kids from school or various activities, errands and a multitude of other duties. But for 10 days in the fall of 2007, McAllister and her friends left their families and responsibilities at home for a guided cycling trip in Croatia with Adventure Travel Group (ATG).

This adventurous group of moms, ranging from 37 to 50 years of age, live in Colorado (four in Crested Butte, one in Boulder), where they raise their kids, ski and bike together when they can. After McAllister and another girlfriend went on an ATG cycling tour in the Italian Dolomites the year before, McAllister convinced her friends with stories of days spent riding and exploring, free of decisions and responsibilities, that they too should go on a cycling vacation. They decided on Croatia, since none of them had ever been there before. For two of the moms, this vacation was the first time they had ever left their kids and husbands—one woman had never had a passport before. McAllister (second from left) and friends—all in Marmot PreCip jackets.

After much juggling of schedules and mixed emotions of leaving husbands and kids at home, the group landed in Dubrovnik, Croatia, for the start of their tour. “After getting off the plane, we arrived in this beautiful city and spent the day touring the city, sitting in the sun, sipping cocktails and swimming,” recalls McAllister. The next day the tour began, covering 50 hilly miles or more each day exploring the Dalmatian Islands of Croatia. Although all the Colorado women were athletic, two bought their first bike just a few months before the trip. “There was quite a bit of climbing, but they did just fine—we all do a lot of skiing and other activities to stay in shape,” says McAllister.

ATG Owners Gary Bezer and Lise Fleury, a husband-and-wife team, are experienced, professional cyclists who have vast knowledge of the areas they offer tours, giving cycling tour guests an opportunity to experience the best riding, dining and accommodations. Each morning, over steaming cappuccinos and breakfast, ATG provided maps and detailed descriptions of the day’s route, offering easier or more challenging options. Throughout the day, Frano (Gary’s Croatian cousin) parked the van along the route, offering water, snacks and transporting jackets and other items so cyclists didn’t have to carry them. The van was also available for anyone who wanted to rest their legs or cut their ride short.

“At the end of the day, we’d relive the day’s ride over drinks and then a group dinner at one of Gary and Lise’s great restaurant choices—they always picked unique places with great ambiance” says McAllister.

“Croatia is beautiful and the scenery was spectacular. It felt like the Mediterranean and although it’s influenced by many different cultures, it has a culture that is uniquely its own. We loved taking the ferries to the different islands; every island was different and great to explore. We did a lot of swimming as well as riding,” says McAllister. “Another highlight was going to Gary’s cousin’s farm and watching them prepare homemade grappa and sampling it directly from the alambic still!”

For this group of moms, McAllister explains, the vacation was more than just great scenery and cycling. “Being able to ride all day every day was addicting! It was incredibly liberating, there were no decisions to make, no meals to prepare or errands to run—we had the luxury of simply getting on our bikes every day and riding at our own pace. We were no longer mothers, PTA members, wives or anything else—we could simply be ourselves without any responsibilities. Gary and Lise took great care of us!”

In 2009, McAllister and friends (a few from the Croatia trip and few new friends who couldn’t make first trip) are planning another cycling trip with ATG, this time to Slovenia or Spain. “I keep looking at my Croatia photos and look forward to a new adventure with my friends in another new locale,” says McAllister.

For more information about fully guided cycling tours Italy, Spain, Croatia, Slovenia, Chile, Argentina and Canada visit www.adventuretravelgroup.com.

Experience the Best of the Tour de France with Adventure Travel Group

2009-09-09T13:33:00.000-07:00

Test yourself on epic Pyrenees cols and enjoy all the Tour action!

"My husband and I have been dreaming about a cycling trip to see the Tour de France and ride some of the classic Tour cols for years-you guys gave us that opportunity," said one of our guests from our 2007 Tour de France trip. "The trip really inspired me," said another 2007 guest.

Of all the trips we offer, our Tour de France trip is always inspirational to our guests because of the personal challenge the routes offer and the ability to see the pros tackle these very same climbs- and how fast they do it! This year's trip includes 18 epic cols, and there's no better sense of accomplishment than taking in the view from the top.

When we create the route for our Tour de France trip, we design it to include the best of everything-tour action, unforgettable riding, plenty of flexibility, and great restaurants and accommodations. This year's trip includes some of the same areas we traveled in 2007, so we're incorporating all the favorites from the trip:

Easy access to all the Tour action

We'll watch three stages - two exciting mountaintop finishes and a start - and they're just a short ride from where we're staying. We'll join the world's biggest cycling-themed party, with booths selling refreshments and Tour memorabilia and thousands of fans enjoying picnics as they wait for the riders. The race start is a great opportunity to get autographs and photos as the riders line up at the start.

Unforgettable riding

If you like climbing, this is your trip. With 18 cols close by, you'll have your pick of world-class climbs. We select lightly-traveled roads that offer picturesque scenery and plenty of challenge. Some of last year's favorites that we'll be doing again this year include: Col du Tourmalet, a long expansive climb that travels through mountain meadows of grazing sheep; Superbagneres, which winds through a beautiful green valley, along switchbacks up through the clouds for spectacular views; Col d' Aspin, considered one of the more beautiful climbs of the trip.

By the end of the bicycle trip, there's no climb that will intimidate you: Via Capri? That's nothing. Mt. Palomar or Montezuma grade? You call those climbs? Tackling the Pyrenees will make you feel invincible!

Flexibility makes this a real vacation

We've arranged the European bike tour to include several multi-night stays in some of the Pyrenees most picturesque spa towns. You'll feel like you've stepped into the pages of a storybook in our Luz St. Sauvier B&B, you'll enjoy St. Lary's shop- and cafe-lined cobblestone streets and the awesome views of the surrounding peaks in Luchon. Because we remain in each area for a few days, there are unlimited options for riding-take it easy, go as hard as you want, explore the area off the bike, it's up to you.

Delicious food, great accommodations

Lise and I take our guests off the beaten track to find some of the area's best restaurants-places that only the locals know about. The area's cuisine includes fresh fish, succulent duck and flavorful meats along with plenty of fresh vegetables. We take the same care when selecting accommodations, choosing quaint, family-run inns and B&Bs that offer hearty, cyclist-friendly breakfasts and comfortable rooms.

We offer a variety of fully-supported guided bicycling tours to France, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Chile, Argentina and Quebec. Please visit the ATG website for details at: www.adventuretravelgroup.com or contact us at info@adventuretravelgroup.com

Cycling Tip: Improving Your Hill Climbing

2009-09-01T17:01:00.000-07:00

by Robert Panzera

When you’re on an ATG guided bike tour, there is no way to avoid hills. The following tips on position, pacing, and gearing will make climbing hills more manageable and enjoyable.

Positioning yourself properly for climbing is important:

- Slide back in the saddle to provide more power from your hamstrings
- Rest your hands lightly on the tops of your handlebars to release tension in your upper body
- Sit up as straight as possible to open your hips allowing for more powerful pedal strokes

Pacing a climb is equally as important:

- Start off the climb conservatively in a gear that feels extremely easy
- Pick a gear that ensures you are able to spin your pedals at greater than 70 rpm throughout the entire climb
- Maintain a steady speed, especially on flatter sections where you can slightly recover
- Stand occasionally, but do not pick up the pace, to alleviate saddle pressure and activate other climbing muscles in your legs

Gearing on your bicycle is perhaps the most important:

- Choose a compact crank (50/34T) and a 12/27 minimum rear cassette (Another option is a triple chain ring on the front - 52/39/30T)
- Use your gears early on a hill—never “save” an easier gear for later, because your legs may be worn out by the time you use that saved gear

Use these 3 tips to help train on hills prior to your trip. Build up your hill training over a few months. A training target should be a simulated hilly trip day about 3 weeks prior to your trip. Basically, this means- ride a training ride, which has similar total elevation gain as the hilly day of the trip. Also, try to find a hill with similar gradients like the hilly day of the trip and be sure you have the proper gearing to climb it at minimum 70 rpm at the end of your training ride.

Robert Panzera is a Level 2 USA Cycling Coach and owner and operator of Cycling San Diego (CCSD). CCSD is designed to provide a venue of warm weather training miles in the off-season for serious touring and elite racing cyclists. For more information about Robert Panzera and CCSD, visit www.cyclingcampsandiego.com or contact him at robert@cyclingcampsandiego.com

This tip was originally published in the Adventure Travel Group (ATG) monthly newsletter. For more information on ATG, visit www.adventuretravelgroup.com or contact info@adventuretravelgroup.com

Cycling Tip: Descending Safely

2009-08-28T13:26:00.000-07:00

Guided Bike Touring companies, like Adventure Travel Group, take you to beautiful riding destinations, and part of that beauty stems from climbing up to gorgeous vistas. After you take in the view, follow these 4 tips to help you descend:

1. Look ahead. Looking up the road will prepare you to avoid obstacles and line up turns. This is especially important for corners, where you should look as far “around” the corner as possible. A good rule of thumb is that your front wheel should be in your periphery and the road ahead, as far as you can see, in your direct line of sight.

2. Weight the bike properly. For straight roads place pedals parallel to the ground; place hands firmly in the handlebar drops with loose elbows; keep your back flat; keep your knees close to the top tube; and slide back in the saddle slightly, and hover as necessary based on the roughness of the road. For cornering, form a “tripod” on your bike with the outside (of the corner) pedal down, your body firmly on the saddle, and your inside hand (of the corner) applying light pressure on the handlebar drop.

3. Brake before the corner. You should be at a controllable speed before you enter a corner. Braking in the middle of a corner creates the chance of losing traction or control.

4. Attack the downhill. Using the above techniques, work on each descent to look ahead and position yourself for each corner. Never sit up and lock the elbows out.

Safety is of the utmost importance. These tips do not condone reckless behavior. Know your limits, and always descend slowly to maintain the highest level of personal and group safety.

Robert Panzera is a Level 2 USA Cycling Coach and owner and operator of Cycling San Diego (CCSD). CCSD is designed to provide a venue of warm weather training miles in the off-season for serious touring and elite racing cyclists. For more information about Robert Panzera and CCSD, visit www.cyclingcampsandiego.com or contact him at robert@cyclingcampsandiego.com

This tip was originally published in the Adventure Travel Group (ATG) monthly newsletter. For more information on ATG, visit Adventure Travel Group or email us info@adventuretravelgroup.com.

Cycling in Croatia: The New, Hot Cycling Destination

2009-08-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

With its sublime stretch of Adriatic coast and 1,045 islands, Croatia is Europe's hottest new travel destination and a fantastic place to visit by bicycle! Conde Nast and GQ magazine pro-claimed the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia as the "next Riviera" and the Istrian Peninsula "the New Tuscany."

Croatia, formerly part of Yugoslavia, became an independent country in 1992 and is located along the Adriatic Sea just east of Italy. European tourists quietly visited Croatia for decades until tourism was interrupted by the Balkan war in the early 1990's. The best time to visit Croatia by bicycle is May, June, September when the weather is warm... but not too hot!

My grandparents immigrated to the USA from Croatia in 1914 so I have a special interest in this wonderful country. In fact, my grandmother took the last ship that departed from Yugoslavia before the outbreak of World War I when all emigration from Yugoslavia was banned!

"For Cycle Trips, there are two main destination areas: The Dalmatian Coast and The Istrian Peninsula." - Gary Bezer

If you love islands, the sea and want to visit Dubrovnik, a World Heritage City, then Dalmatia is the place you want to visit. You can experience the Mediterranean Sea. "The way it used to be," with crystal clear Adriatic waters, lush islands, unspoiled fishing villages, beaches, vineyards, Roman ruins and medieval walled cities.

Start your trip in Dubrovnik, then continue by boat to the oasis of Mijet, an island blanketed by forests and edged with hidden limestone coves. Next, explore the beautiful island of Korcula, the birthplace of Marco Polo. Sail onward to the sun-soaked of Hvar, accented with vineyard-draped hills and friendly coastal villages. Finally, visit the isle of Brac, featuring Croatia's most photographed beach., Zlatni Rat, before returning to the mainland in Split, an exuberant town famous for the Diocletian palace, one of the most imposing Roman ruins in existence and a UNESCO World Heritage site. From Split, take the bus back to Dubrovnik for your return travel home.

If you want to ride on roads so small you think you are on a bike tour path and want to go "off the beaten path" and discover "authentic old world charm," visit Tito's former summer residence on the Brijuni Islands, and see a Roman Coliseum that rivals Rome, then the Istrian Peninsula is for you.

"The heart of Europe" is what the Istrians call their peninsula, inspired by its geographic form and its liveliness. This is where Central Europe and the world of the Mediterranean meet. On one trip you can easily visit Italy, Slovenia and Croatia and explore both the interior countryside, which is dotted with remote hilltop villages that some are calling the "New Tuscany," as well as the scenic Adriatic coast of Kvarner Bay and the popular western Istrian coast. You can also take a cycling tour ride through scenic wine country and visit Roman ruins, Venetian and Austro-Hungarian architecture left over from the heyday of these historic empires.

Riding the Pyrenees with Adventure Travel Group - 3 of 3

2009-08-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

At the start of stage 17 in Pau, we watched as a spectator booed the first Rabobank rider as he rode to the start line- this was the first day the team rode without Rasmussen. The rider stopped, angrily glared for 30 seconds, then circled back to the spectator and squirted him in the face with his water bottle. Across the way, a group of people dressed as giant hypodermic needles protested in front of television cameras. Tensions were definitely high at the start of this stage, but it didn't ruin the Tour experience. Several of us were close enough to the Discovery riders to get autographs from George, Levi and Popo. We were able to see all of the teams up close as they assembled at the start.

You Call That a Climb?

Looking back on our EuroBike Tour, the miles didn't seem so significant - around 40 to 60 miles a day - but it felt like so much more. They were definitely some of the hardest - but sweetest miles I've ridden. Everyone in the group improved as a rider, and all of us had different opinions about which climbs were the toughest (it was Tourmalet for me). And because most days included hours of climbing, nothing seems daunting anymore - an hour of climbing? A grade of over 10%? No problem, we did that for days.

Cycling together on a group cycling tour also gives you an opportunity to get to know people a little better - whether it's because careers and lives outside of cycling are secondary, or whether people are more likely to let down their guard on a bike. It's hard to beat the friendships you develop through cycling. We all came away from the trip with memories of great cycling, shared pain (the good kind), scenery, food and new friends to call for a weekend ride or to plan future cycling adventures with.

SDBC Rides the Pyrenees with Adventure Travel Group - 2 of 3

2009-08-26T10:28:00.000-07:00

by Lonna Ramirez

The Hills Are Alive...

Our guided bike tour began and finished in the city of Pau, and we spent three days in Luchon, St. Lary and Viscos - all great towns with charm, picturesque surroundings and great cycling trips. Daily routes included some of the most beautiful and brutal climbs in the Pyrenees. We climbed four of the five cols of stage 15 a few days before the pros came through (we rode them over two days, while the pros knocked them out in one), and watched two Tour finished and a start. We climbed Port de Bales, Superbagneres, Portet d'Aspet, Col de Mente, Col de Peyresourde, Col Pla d' Adet, Col d' Aspin, Col du Tourmalet, and Col du Solour/Aubisque. Most of these climbs had steep sections, many over 10%, and to do a few of these climbs was tough enough, but several in the same day at race pace like the Tour riders... absolutely mind blowing.

With the exception of the roads along the Tour route (tons of RVs and campers) and the Col du Tourmalet (very popular with cycling tour groups), we had most of the climbs to ourselves. We wound our way up lightly traveled mountain roads, rolling over spray-painted names of riders from previous Tours. The scenery was spectacular, with green meadows, wildflowers and snow-covered peaks in the distance - it was like a movie set from "The Sound of Music." We rode past waterfalls, waited for grazing animals to cross the road and had the satisfaction of looking back over miles of switchbacks from the top of the cols. As beautiful as it was, it was tough. There was probably a lot that I missed while I was staring at my front tire, slipping into a climbing coma on some of the more difficult climbs.

Partying Tour de France Style

Watching a stage of the Tour is like attending a huge picnic, party, parade and sporting event combined - something that every cyclist should try to see at least once. As the riders are preparing for the start, the tour caravan begins its drive of the entire course, with costumed people tossing hats and other samples at spectators amidst loud music. The caravan doesn't look out of place at the start or finish lines, but it's an odd sight driving along narrow mountain roads. At the stage 15 finish line in Loudenvielle, we joined hundreds of people on the grass in front of the TdF jumbotron to watch the progress of the race. We saw Vinokourov get his last stage victory of the Tour before he was kicked out. Similarly, we watched the stage 16 finish on Col du Aubisque, where Rasmussen earned the yellow and polka-dot jerseys for the last time. And we were there to watch Team Discovery's Alberto Contador and Levi Leipheimer seal their positions on the podium.

SDBC Rides the Pyrenees with Adventure Travel Group - 1 of 3

2009-08-26T10:07:00.000-07:00

by Lonna Ramirez

It was an hour into the first climb (Port de Bales) of our 10-day cycling trip. The group had split up, tackling the seemingly endless climb at their own pace. It was foggy and a little cold, but perfect for climbing. I kept hearing what sounded like dozens of people banging pots and pans somewhere off in the distance, but the fog was too thick to see where it was coming from. As I came around a switchback I saw the source: Cows, scores of them, with bells around their necks, grazing along the road and the surrounding hillsides. They were completely oblivious to cyclists, and several of us had to maneuver around a group of particularly stubborn ones that wouldn't budge from the road.

Port de Bales, an hors categorie climb, was our first taste of climbing in the Pyrenees on the 2007 Tour de France trip with Adventure Travel Group (ATG), run by SDBC members and guides extraordinaire Gary Bezer and Lisa Fleury. We'd be hearing the cow (and sheep) bells on most of the climbs over the next nine days. As hard as the climbs were, I always looked forward to the sound of the bells and coming across the grazing animals.

Good People, Good Times...

My husband Dan and I had dreamed of watching the Tour de France in person and attempting some of the epic climbs, and the ATG tour offered an ideal opportunity to do both. The group included fellow SDBC member Andy "Il Falco" Gurney, Mark Warlen, Richard "The Gentleman" Lakier and Keith Kumm. In addition, a father-son duo from San Diego and a recently married tandem couple from New Jersey came along - she wore a veil on the back of her helmet every day and was photographed and cheered on by the French. Theirs was the only tandem we saw in the mountains (for good reason). Two Florida cyclists, Fred and Michael, rounded out our guided bike tour group in France and were the strongest climbers in the group, even though there are no hills in Florida. They claimed they practiced on bridges, but I'm guessing they trained in an undisclosed location with Rasmussen.

Each morning we discussed the details of the day's route over freshly baked croissants, pastries and coffee. ATG provided directions, maps and highlights of the day's ride along with easier or more challenging options for the day. Throughout the day, Lise parked the van at various places along our route, offering water, snacks and transported jackets and other items to lighten our load on the bike. After our ride, we'd gather at a local cafe or bar to have a "recovery" beer and watch the Tour. We'd end the day with a group dinner that gave us a chance to try the local cuisine and wines. Gary and Lise chose restaurants that offered excellent food and great ambiance.