Our Tours

Here we showcase some of our tours, but first some people have asked "What stimulated us to undertake such an exploit?"

The answer isn't straightforward. We had been thinking about travelling the World for a number of years. Should we trek, ride or what? Finances were lean so lots of air travel was out of the question not to mention the environmental issues. We had always ridden and done a few shorter trips, but never really contemplated the "round the world thing." One day I stumbled across a book by Tim Travis of their travels in Central America, The Road That Has No End: How We Traded Our Ordinary Lives For a Global Bicycle Touring Adventure It was probably this book more than any other that made us realise that we could do this, even on a limited budget. If you are contemplating doing the same I would wholeheartedly recommend reading this book. Since we read his first book he has also now written his second book about their travels in south America.

Our friend Christina runs a great web site about the New Forest area in South England. She has a great page on cycling.

If cycling is not your thing, but you are nonetheless an avid traveller, have a look at World Travel Options. Feed your travel bug there and find inspiration for your next vacation. You can book accommodation, flights,  and more. Also meet Marly the traveling teddy bear.

Following are a few of the rides that we have done over the last few years. It takes time document them so we will add more rides as time permits and our travels develop

UK Coast to Coast

Our first trip is the mountain bike route from St. Bees Head on the West Coast of England to Robin Hood's Bay on the Yorkshire coast of East England takes you through the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors, experiencing the most stunning scenery to be found anywhere in the UK. The route guide promised 210 miles of challenging riding.And indeed it was. Read our adventures and experience the stunning scenery.

Lake District

The Pyrenees

A couple of years after our Coast to Coast bicycle trip we were up for another challenge and we had previously looked for possibilities, more challenging than the Coast to Coast. We decided upon cycling across the Spanish Pyrenees mountain range from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. We carried our own gear with no support and the temperatures were extreme, but we completed the challenge despite many highs and lows, both literally and figuratively speaking. The scenery was just as beautiful, but in a much more dramatic way with huge gorges and 3000 meter plus mountains.

The Pyrenees

The Outer Hebrides

Our first year in Scotland and we took the opportunity to make a bicycle tour of the Outer Hebrides.

Taking a beautiful train ride from Inverurie to Oban and then ferry hopping around the Western Isles, experiencing strong winds, rain, sunshine and stunning sunsets.

Camping on the edge of the sand dunes, watching basking sharks, seals and sea otters. We sampled the local foods, customs and music.

This was a very different experience and for those looking for something different, the Hebrides is a great place to visit.

The Outer Hebrides

Southern Hebrides

The following year we wanted to see some of the Southern Hebrides.

A chance to visit the Isle of Islay renowned for the peatiest single malt whiskeys and of a most interesting renovated distillery still producing whiskey in the traditional way without computers.

A much more sedate ride than our Outer Hebrides ride we stayed in bed and breakfast or hostel accommodation, although the standard varied tremendously.

Bicycle touring is without a doubt the best way to travel. You can cover greater distances than on foot and see things much more closely than you can ever do by bus, car or train. Rather than passing by or through countries at speed it enables you to interact with the country and its people. You experience the sounds, smells and fantastic views that no other form of travel offers.

What if you only have a day or two? Then take a weekend tour. What if you fitness level is low? Then take an easier ride over less challenging terrain. There is always a ride to suite you.

Over the years we have undertaken different types of cycle riding. We started originally on traditional road touring bikes. Later as our kids grew we took up mountain biking and have since returned to road touring, but we still love both forms of riding and have made tours on both types of bike.

The Southern Hebrides

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