The Camino de Santiago (“The Way of Saint James”) is an 1,100-year-old pilgrimage route across Spain ending at Santiago de Compostela, where, tradition has it, the bones of the saint are buried. Seekers and adventurers from around the world sojourn to Santiago under their own power – by foot, bicycle, even donkey – to earn that most esteemed souvenir: the compostela, or certificate of completion. It’s a challenging journey, complete with mountain passes, unpaved roads, and weather that can be less than cooperative. Easy Rider Cycling Tours, an adventure travel company that specializes in European bike trips, has been guiding bicycling tours along the Camino since 1998.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
The Evolution of Cycling: E-Bikes now available on European Cycling Vacations
Don’t hang up your helmets just yet… Always on the cutting edge, Austin Adventures is charging up their European vacations by introducing electric bicycles as an option on all European Biking Vacations.
Ron van Dijk, ALA Director of European Operations, with over 40 years in the industry; has witnessed many changes in the way bicycles have been used in European vacations. From the use of increasingly lighter touring bikes and gears moving from 10 to 27 gears, as well as high-tech brakes and now, battery-powered bikes. “With e-bikes now anyone, regardless of age, strength or ability, will be able to take on even the most strenuous tour itinerary.”
Electric bikes, originally the rage of bike commuters, are quickly becoming the next major evolution in recreational cycling. With Austin Adventures leading the way in Europe by offing an e-bike option to guests on all of their multi-day cycle tours. Essentially e-bikes level the playing field. Couples can cycle together without fear of leaving a companion in the dust. For the first time the arm chair/casual cyclist thinking of an Italian bike tour can do a challenging trip like Tuscany without fearing the inevitable long ascents synonymous with the area. These bikes are ideal for multi-generational groups and families.
To learn more, call 800.575.1540 or visit Austin Adventures - Adventure Travel.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Ciclismo Classico cycling mama Lauren Heffron & kids in Copenhagen.Attention husbands, children, brothers and fathers! What do “cycling mammas” want most for Mother’s Day? Sure, cards or flowers are appreciated, but what she covets most of all might be time to bicycle with her family.
Sign up the Mamma in your life on a Ciclismo Tour by May 13th and receive a $250 discount on her trip! (They’ll give you the discount too. Valid on all trips except More Miles for Less, cannot be combined with any other discounts.)
Suggested Mom escapes from the ultimate cycling mama, Ciclismo Classico director, Lauren Hefferon:
La Bella Puglia Enjoy laid-back cycling, delicious cuisine and mystical cities of stone
Swept Away in Sardegna (Lauren’s personal favorite) Explore dramatic coastlines, mesmerizing scenery and a rich, vibrant culture
The Grand Tour D’Italia Experience the Best of Italy on this stunning 15 day North to South, six-region, cycling portrait of Italy - a Ciclismo exclusive
Lovely Lofoten For peaceful pedaling on a Norwegian Paradise that ventures over the Arctic circle and pedals along soaring mountains and the crystal sea
Vietnam For sensory cycling overload of lush scenery, intense cultural experiences and smiling, super friendly natives
Provence For a glorious spin in France’s most famous and magical cycling region.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Their trips to Chile & Argentina, New Zealand, and Vietnam are sure to make you forget about your winter blues and have you start doing the cha cha. Make like the birds and head south this winter where summer is in full swing. There’s still plenty of time to plan a winter vacation. This could be the perfect gift to yourself this holiday season. Chile & Argentina - 8 days (+2-day post-extension)
Discover an unspoiled and often less-visited countryside in the Andes and Chile’s Lake District, just north of Patagonia. The area’s landscape has been sculpted over millennia by glaciers and volcanoes and has created the backdrop for riding-tranquil lakes, coastal cities, ancient forests, snow-capped mountains, waterfalls and thermal springs. By bike, you will explore the Andes, cruise across Pirehueico Lake and meet the largest group of indigenous people in the area. You will also have the option to extend your stay on a three-day Santiago and Chilean Vineyard Tour, including a visit to Chile’s capital, sommelier lectures and three private winery visits.
Trip Info | Request a Detailed Itinerary
New Zealand - 10 days (+4-day post-extension)
Cycling New Zealand’s South Island is like soaring through a virtually untouched microcosm of the natural world.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
My husband and I are thinking of cycling through Europe next March. Where would you recommend we start? - Stacey M. 
Hi Stacey, Thanks for touching base. It’s good to hear from you after our meet up in Baja.
A European biking vacation sounds fabulous. I just spent an invigorating week at the Adventure Travel World Summit with some of the world’s best outfitters ,a few who specialize in just that sort of trip. A personal favorite, Ciclismo Classico, based in Massachusetts and owned by female dynamo, Lauren Hefferon, comes immediately to mind. I cycled with them in Sicily and am thrilled to be traveling again with them in Norway in 2010. Check out their innovative menu of trip offerings at www.ciclismoclassico.com
Another longtime adventure travel favorite, and recently voted World’s Best Tour Company by readers at Travel + Leisure, is Austin-Lehman Adventures.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
For the first time, in summer 2009, Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA) brings its sought-after active family vacation programs to Europe with four family-friendly cycling trips exploring France, Holland, Germany and Austria.
“Routes have been carefully assessed both for cycling ease and inclusion of those sites and scenes that will be of most interest to children as well as their parents,” says director Dan Austin.
As a point of distinction that sets ALA apart from other cycle tour operators, Austin explains, “Instead of focusing on the most prestigious lodgings with paths that get us there, we first choose the best pedaling paths, most scenic routes and least trafficked byways and then target the most charming, authentic lodgings to serve as our way stations along our family-friendly routes.”
ALA is one of the most trusted names in all-inclusive, active and culturally rewarding vacations, widely recognized for their unique family travel programs.
The four new European itineraries for 2009 include:
France Family: La Loire Valley of the Kings
July 11-18 and Aug. 15-22; 8 days / 7 nights at $3,498 per adult double ($565 single supplement); $3,148 first child, $2,798 additional child. Includes a stop at Le Clos Lucé in Amboise, to explore the countless inventions at this last residence of Leonardo da Vinci plus kayaking on the Vienne River.
Holland Family: Bike Paths, Windmills & Pancakes
July 19-26 and Aug. 9-16; 8 days / 7 nights at $2,998 per adult double ($510 single supplement); $2,698 first child, $2,398 additional child. Itinerary includes exploration of a 17th century working windmill in Schermer and a breeding center for giant storks.
Germany Family: Mosel Magic
July 11-17 and Aug. 8-14; 6 days / 5 nights at $2,498 per adult double ($480 single supplement); $2,248 first child, $1,998 additional child. Itinerary includes a forest hike to fairytale Berg Eltz Castle and a visit to the doll museum in Neef.
Austria Family: Fun in the Alps
June 27-July 4 and Aug. 8-15; 8 days / 7 nights at $3,298 per adult double ($780 single supplement); $2,968 first child, $2,638 additional child. Itinerary includes a toboggan ride in the hills of Hochkönig, scenic ride on a cable car, optional tandem paraglide or an afternoon of glacier skiing and a swoosh down the giant slide at the entrance to the Hallein salt mines.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".