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May 29, 2009

Join DuVine on a Bike Tour in Spain

Filed under: Bike, European bike tours — Bike tour guru @ 2:47 pm

Take a trek through Spain. No…not the brand of bike, but a pilgrimage by bike – along the Camino de Santiago.

Are you looking for a interesting journey? Fascinated by meeting intriguing people and hearing the personal tales of individuals from all over the world? Then look no further. Hop on a bike and join us as we follow St. James Way on a bike tour in Spain. Wind your way through the Galician countryside – climbing up hills that overlook the scenic vineyards, descending down into small medieval villages, riding along the river and the plains of Castilla.

Be it a personal, physical or spiritual journey…the experience will transform you. The lush green vistas will inspire you, the uniquely delicious cuisine of Northern Spain will nourish you, the nectar of the vines will quench you, and the rolling terrain will challenge you.

May 28, 2009

The World through Rosé Colored Glasses

Filed under: Drink, European bike tours — Bike tour guru @ 2:37 pm

Memorial Day has come and gone, and with its passing, has issued in the ‘unofficial’ start to summer. It’s time to prepare for warm summer evenings, balmy breezes and the ideal accompaniment – the perfect pink potable – a crisp, dry Rosé.

This oft overlooked wine truly deserves more attention. Not only highly versatile in terms of food pairings, it’s low tannin levels, pleasant aromatic bouquet, and crispness make it an ideal warm weather option. Perhaps it is time to cease looking at the world in terms of red and white, stop entertaining the notion that ‘real men don’t drink pink’, and start seeing the world through rosé colored glasses.

You’d be surprised at what a wide world it is! From it’s origins in France to the vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina – it’s range is as diverse as its various hues. If you’re interested in a brief article about the roots of rosé or would like to follow the wine and bike at the same time – join us on one of our bike trips to the many different destinations that produce this neglected wine.

May 22, 2009

The Shadow Knows…

Filed under: European bike tours — Tags: , , — Bike tour guru @ 11:40 am

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I’m going to fill you in on a little secret…Umbria is a hidden gem!Settled in the shadow of it’s illustrious and better-known neighbor, Tuscany, this mystical region is an secret spot – a true “ombra”. This small Italian region emanates incredible beauty and incomparable charm from beneath a cloak of relative obscurity.

Known as the “green heart of Italy”, the Umbrian landscape is blanketed in lush chestnut groves and elm forests. Rolling hills dotted with castles and medieval monasteries plunge into valleys flowing with countless gleaming rivers. And the beauty of its scenery is matched by its delicious cuisine and wine – Umbria is truly a DuVine find!
Andy is currently in Umbria designing this new bike tour in Italy – and from all accounts – this is guaranteed to blow us all away. It seems with every update I receive – the adulation increases – “out of this world”, “over the top” are but a few.
Stay tuned for more information on the latest Umbrian tour as well as tales from our “on the road with Andy” series.

May 20, 2009

On the Road Again…

Filed under: Bike — Tags: , — Bike tour guru @ 2:47 pm
cypress-trees

going places we’ve never been…

Where o where has our Andy gone? Last I heard he had boarded a train in Dijon, France – Destination: Umbria, Italy.

No, it’s not some covert mission, but rather a scouting pursuit.

His ‘job’ (and I use that term loosely – as this ‘work’ he is doing seems all too enjoyable to be considered such) is to create a new offering from DuVine Adventures - a bike tour of Umbria. And from the updates I’ve received…this promises to be a hidden gem!

Apparently Montefalco “the balcony of Umbria”, is a quiet retreat set amidst gorgeous scenery with cypress-lined roads that stretch along long flats and climb up rolling hills. Both the villa and the winery have received top notch ratings by our very own Mr. DuVine – and the ancient city of Spoleto is a must-see. And this is just Day 1 of his visit…there are still more details to come.

So I thought that I would share this sneak-preview with you…and keep you abreast of Andy’s antics abroad.

May 19, 2009

Bike.eat.drink…run with bulls

Filed under: European bike tours, Rioja, Spain — Tags: , , — Bike tour guru @ 3:21 pm

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Have you ever wanted to tempt fate and partake in this exciting tradition of encierro? – or perhaps merely catch a glimpse of the action while tucked away safely on the ’sidelines’? Forget the craziness of Pamplona and join us in Rioja this September and experience this traditional practice as a true local – in a small scale, small town way.

It just so happens that our tour coincides with the town of Pedraza’s fiesta which honors its patron – the Virgin of Carrascal. Continuing a tradition that has been in existence since 1550, this beautiful old town square is turned into a ‘plaza de toros’ – where the streets are blocked off and the the running of the bulls begins.

Here’s your chance to bike and run…so why not add a little fun to that run?

Raise that glass of Rioja, fuel up on tapas and begin training for your DuVine duathlon this September in Spain.

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May 14, 2009

Switzerland, crossbows and Rossini

Filed under: European bike tours — Tags: , — Bike tour guru @ 1:39 pm

williamtell

What do these seemingly disparate things have in common? If I mentioned apples, would that help?
Why, William Tell, of course!

In another tale from DuVine’s “On the Road with Andy” series comes this tidbit of historic trivia. Yes, William Tell is the legendary hero from the canton of Uri. We all have heard the famous tale of how he shot an apple off the top of his son’s head – without incident – but did you know the reason behind this event? Punishment for refusing to bow and remove his hat to the hat-topped pole Hermann Gessler, the newly appointed Austrian Vogt of Altdorf, raised in his ‘likeness’ in the village square. The rest is history.

Rossini, of course, used a play about the ‘legend’ as the basis for his opera William Tell…the Overture being one of the most recognized and inimated pieces of music.

Stay tuned for more tales and trivia from the road…as Andy is currently in Switzerland, then off to France, and on to Italy. If you’d like to follow in his footsteps…we have plenty of enticing bike tours from which to choose.

May 12, 2009

DuVine Adventures – 50 Trips of a lifetime Award

Filed under: Bike — Tags: , — Bike tour guru @ 9:35 am

DuVine is proud to be awarded again by National Geographic Traveler Magazine. Thank you.

Every year, the editorial team combs the world to find the most authentic, most innovative, most immersive, best-guided, and most sustainable tours,
This year, NGA wanted to make sure that the trips they picked were also a great value, given the economic climate.

What National Geographic Traveler found is that there is no better time to go on a guided tour than now as the traditional savings offered by an outfitter being able to negotiate better rates on a trip’s components is magnified by cheaper airfares, a strengthened dollar, and more discounts, freebies, and extras.”

The tours on this year’s list are organized into three categories-active, classic, and cultural-and include 47 tour listings, plus in-depth features on an alternative route to Peru’s iconic Machu Picchu, a tour of Old Bavaria, a self-guided ramble through Newfoundland. You won’t find any $50,000 round-the-world by private jet tours on this year’s list. On the other hand, many of our tours don’t necessarily qualify as “cheap.” But every tour, whatever its price tag, offers small-group, thoughtfully crafted experiences that are eco- and culturally sensitive, provide uncommon access, and foster interaction with the locals.

DuVine Adventures bicycle vacations have been selected as one of of National Geographic Traveler magazine’s 2009 Tours of a Lifetime. The Tours of a Lifetime are the most authentic, most innovative, most immersive, best-guided, and most sustainable tours in the world.

May 11, 2009

Bay State Bike Week

Filed under: Bike — Tags: , , — Bike tour guru @ 10:58 am

Just a quick FYI to all our Massachusetts fans:

May is National Bike Month and here in Massachusetts we’re doing our part to celebrate this great event with Bay State Bike Week, May 11th -17th, 2009. It’s your chance to join thousands of other bikers across the country by doing something for the environment and having a great time while you’re at it. It’s a win/win proposition.

Bay State Bike Week events will be taking place all across Massachusetts from May 11th to 17th.

Don’t forget to stop by our DuVine Adventures booth this Friday the 15th from 7am – 10 am at City Hall Plaza.

May 9, 2009

A DuVine Bike Guide at home in France

Filed under: Bike — Tags: , , — Bike tour guru @ 9:49 am

Last night was the annual exhibiton of photography by the photo club of Gevrey-Chambertin. After the exhibit it was time for thedinner ensemble, and again I am reminded why we choose to live here: its the FOOD! (OK, so the wine is good, too). Which asks the question: why are French restaurants so good? Because they must compete with French home cooking! Even no less a luminary as Paul Bocuse has said as much. Remember, those Michelin stars are not earned meerly for good food, it must be superior to what Maman can produce, and presented in a way to be a feast for the eyes, the nose and the palate. And, believe me, the cooks of Gevrey are a tough lot to beat, as anyone who visited the domaine Drouin-Laroze and sampled Christine’s fare will attest.
We did of course have a little wine to go with the meal. Not Grands Crus, alas, but our own village wine, which IMHO is the best village apellation in the world (I am a homer, aren’t I?). The 2000 was good, but the 1992 was sublime. Ah, the virtues of patience, and a good cellar.
Can’t wait to lead the bicycle tour in the Loire valley, and sure that the cooks are up to the standard set by the Burgundians. And to renew my aquaintance with Vouvray, Chinon, Bourgeuil, etc

May 8, 2009

Family Tour – Czech Republic

Filed under: Bike, European bike tours — Tags: , , — Bike tour guru @ 4:17 pm

czech1

Are you looking to take your family on a fairy tale adventure? Looking for something different than Cinderella’s castle or the Magic Kingdom? Transport your family to a land that feels untouched by time – the Czech Republic.

Imagine biking your way through small medieval villages, savoring the rich and varied cultural treasures – learn how to make traditional struedel, get lost in the labyrinth of wine cellars, tour the fairy tale Czech castles and chateaux, discover the art of falconry at a falcon exhibition- the possibilities are endless. Treat your family to a once-in-a-lifetime experience – and create your own classic tale.

The legend begins July 12th – don’t miss out. This is guaranteed to be family affair to remember.

School’s out for the summer…so plan ahead to keep them busy with a DuVine bike tour in the Czech Republic.

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