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December 29, 2011

Andy’s Top 10 Wines on 2011 DuVine Bike Tours

Filed under: Bordeaux, California, Corsica, Costa Rica, France, Italy, Latin America, Piedmont, Portugal, Sicily, Top 10 lists, Tuscany, Wine Tasting — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 12:31 pm

No DuVine Adventures bike tour or adventure travel journey would be complete without the wine, and lots of it. We definitely take pride in our noses and palates, and are always on the lookout for another bottle that will leave us in awe for years to come. I know I’ve found more than a few on my adventures over the years, and this year was no different. So, I raise my glass to you on another fantastic year and give you the DuVine Top 10 Wines/Spirits of 2011, as part of our series of Top 10 Lists.

Domaine Fiumicicoli Rose, Corsica
It’s no surprise that the old adage warns a first time visitor to the island of Corsica, “get away from here before you’re completely bewitched and enslaved…” and the same might be said about this Corsican rose. This soon became my favorite as it lends a softer side to rose, quite different from those in Provence, more exotic with hints of passion fruit and bold fruit flavors on the palate. Not to mention it is the ideal beverage of choice to sip as you relax seaside after a great day climbing the mountains of Corsica – ever so refreshing!

bike tour and wine tasting in piedmont italy

Guido leading a tasting of his Marcantonio Barbera

Cascina Marcantonio Barbera
A perpetual on my list. Honestly, I’m not sure a year can go by without me including this in my top 10. This is the wine made by Guido, our guide, who also is the winemaker at his family’s vineyard in Piedmont. A very complex and complete wine with a base of sweet plums and an herbal-fruity finish of some length. Oh, and it makes a wonderful compliment to his mother’s plin (homemade ravioli)! Found on bike tours in Piedmont.

Gulfi Valcanzjira
It was a pleasant surprise to find this incredible ‘Chardonnay’ in Sicily at the Gulfi winery best known for its red Nerojbleo. This unique treat is created from a blend of several Chardonnay clones, grown on the plain of Chiaramonte Gulfi and autochthonous white grapes varieties of eastern Sicily: the Caricanti and the Albanello. You really need to check this one out. Found on bike tours in Sicily.

bike tour and wine tasting in tuscany italy

Heading in to Gulfi winery for a tasting

Sassicaia
You might recall hearing about this wine in the movie Sideways. I have to agree with Maya – this is one great Super Tuscan wine. I had the opportunity to sample this again while I was in Tuscany this past September and knew this Bordeaux-style Italian red had to make my list this year. Found on bike tours in Tuscany.

Ridge Valley Sonoma Zinfandel
What can I say? This wine is picked in various different vineyards around Sonoma County, and in many ways could be considered the epitome of Sonoma wine, as it offers broad flavors of the county and a glimpse into the history of winemaking in the region. If you are looking for a solid, go-to Zinfandel from Sonoma County this is your wine. Found on bike tours in the Napa Valley and Sonoma.

Volnay Santenots
The village of Volnay sits high up on the hill between Meursault and Pommard in the Côte de Beaune area. It was on one of my recent trips to Burgundy this past season that I became reacquainted with this Premier Cru made from Pinot Noir grapes and fell in love with it all over again. Whether you choose to sample while traveling through the vineyards of Burgundy or simply open a bottle at home, you are sure to be impressed with this selection. Found on bike tours in Burgundy.

Domaine de la Vieille Julienne Châteauneuf du Pape
Jean-Paul Daumen, the proprietor, winemaker, and Mr. Everything at Vieille Julienne has taken advantage of the ancient vines his family owns in the northern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape and, biodynamically farming the entire vineyard, has produced extraordinary wines since 1998. This wine is no exception. A truly classic Chateauneuf du Pape worthy of inclusion in this year’s list. Found on bike tours in Provence.

bike tour and wine tasting in portugal

Casa de Sabicos selection

Casa de Sabicos
I had the pleasure of joining Joaquim Madeira on a visit to his property in the Alentejo region of Portugal. What a wonderful memory I have of our lunch on the front porch of his home. Not only did we enjoy an amazing meal prepared by his wife Graça, but I had the chance to taste this memorable wine that he produces from Aragonez, Trincadeira, Alicante Boushet and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Don’t miss your chance to try this Portuguese wine! Found on bike tours in Portugal.

Casa Grande – Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
On a recent trip to Mexico City, I had the opportunity to first sample this delicious Mexican red. What a surprise to find more than wonderfully aged tequilas and refreshing local beers produced in Mexico! This wine is produced by Casa Madero, probably the oldest winery in the American continent, dating back to 1597, and is definitely worth a taste! Next time you are cooking Mexican food, bring a bottle home and give it try.

Centenario Rum
Ok, so I am straying a bit from topic with this selection, but feel it needs to be included in my top 10 this year. This unique rum was one of the highlights of my November visit to Costa Rica. And I didn’t even think I really liked rum! The volcanic soils of Costa Rica make an ideal environment for the cultivation of sugar cane, and the best of those crops are utilized for the production of this award winning rum. Give it a shot! Found on bike tours in Costa Rica.

bike tour and wine tasting in bordeaux france

Next stop: St. Emilion

St Emilion
You can’t go wrong with this classic Bordeaux wine. Made from a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes, Saint Emilion wines are considered the most robust of the Bordeaux. If you have yet had the chance to try, make a point to include this on your next tasting list. Found on bike tours in Bordeaux.

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December 20, 2011

Andy’s Top 10 Bicycle Rides of 2011

Filed under: Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Bordeaux, Challenging Rides, Corsica, Costa Rica, European bike tours, France, Italy, Pan Mass Challenge, Portugal, Pro Series, Provence, Rioja, South America, Spain, Top 10 lists, Tour de France — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 1:36 pm

As our 2011 season nears the finish line and our 2012 adventure travel season gets ready to kick off, I want to take a few minutes to look back on some of my favorite rides of the year and share them with you — and perhaps inspire some of the DuVine spirit of adventure in my fellow cycling enthusiasts.

And, though I may be revealing some “DuVine secrets” by rating my top 10, the real secret to the DuVine experience is experiencing these rides and places yourself. So, while I may be divulging the “where” and my perspective on these rides, only you can make them truly DuVine. Come see for yourself in 2012!

My top 10 of 2011 (in no particular order…)

bike tour in corsica

Epic ride in Corsica

Bicycle Tour Corsica, France
Enough is never enough at DuVine, and as proud as we are of all our tours, we are always looking to add more. So, this past summer, I set off to explore the magnificent French island of Corsica. And I was simply wowed at everything I found there. Corsica is a truly cycling haven, dotted with over 120 peaks taller than 2000 meters (talk about epic riding), but utterly devoid of traffic, leaving you to tackle climb after climb in complete peace. The riding aside, Corsica itself is the epitome of Mediterranean grandeur, and I made sure to take it all in. The landscape is as diverse as anywhere else I’ve seen, ranging from ocean-side vistas to breathtaking rock formations and lowland deserts. And when the day of riding is done, the island offers only the most sublime opportunities for rest and relaxation, whether that means lounging on the beach, indulging in some fine French cuisine, or taking in the island’s rich history (I made sure to do all of them). Now that it’s a new year, I can’t wait to introduce you to Corsica as one of the latest DuVine Adventures.

Costa Rica Active Adventure: Tamarindo to Playa Puerto Viejo
I hope you’re an animal lover, because this ride brings you as close to tropical wildlife as you could ever hope to get. After a morning of surfing at Tamarindo beach (this is a multisport adventure, after all), we hopped on our bikes to tackle the dirt roads from our beautiful surf spot to Puerto Viejo, Conchal, and Brasilito beach. We were followed all the way by the sounds of howler monkeys, toucans, cicadas, and way more. It’s like going on a safari, but instead of speeding along in a Jeep, we were up close and personal with nature as we pedaled along through the dense rain forest. And as if the ride weren’t reward enough, we then found ourselves parked in front of a fleet of ocean kayaks, ready to tackle the new terrain of crystal clear waters ahead of us. Half the adventure was just getting from our morning to our afternoon ocean-bound adventures, and it would have been such a shame to get there by car…. Good thing we didn’t!

bike tour in costa rica

Riding the beach in Costa Rica with guides Vlad and Ronald

Bicycle Tour Provence, France: Gordes to Mont Ventoux
Mont Ventoux may not be required on this day of our Provence bike tour, but I can’t get in the neighborhood of this legendary climb without pointing my wheels skyward and giving it my all. Battling the wind the whole way up, only the moon-like landscape and the sound of my own breathing to keep me company, this climb was anything but forgiving. But it’s definitely worth the battle. The route leading up to this iconic ascent, fortunately, is a lot more forgiving, but no less spectacular. We rode from the village of Gordes, exploring all that Luberon has to offer. Rolling towards Roussillon, we took in the famous Ochre cliffs which surround the village and are responsible for the ochre-colored homes you see all around you. After riding along above the great valley below, a decadent afternoon snack at the House of Truffles and Wine was enough to fuel my bonus mileage assault on Mont Ventoux, helping me chase the ghosts of Marco Pantani and Lance Armstrong all the way.

Bicycle Tour The Alps – Tour de France: Galibier to Alpe d’Huez
What a day, what a day, what a day. I’m not sure who had a better time on this ride: Pierre Rolland with his race winning move up the Alpe d’Huez, or me as I relieved decades of Tour de France glory with my own epic assault on the Galibier and the Alpe. With two HC climbs in succession, it was nothing short of one the most epic days I’ve had on the bike yet. With the Tour de France and the DuVine Pro Series TdF bike tour rolling in just weeks after my ride, I had a race of my own on my hands against the owner of the bike shop Cycle Huez. (I won’t tell you who won, though.) Needless to say, this ride is an absolute must for any Tour de France aficionados, and anyone looking to push their limits. It’s a good thing DuVine Adventures has both its Alps – Tour de France bike tour and its Alps Pro bike tour to get you there.

bike tour alpe d'huez

On the descent of Alpe d'Huez

Bicycle Tour Piedmont, Italy: Orsara Bormida Loop
Isn’t everything better with a glass of wine? Isn’t everything even better with a bike ride with the man who makes that glass of wine…followed by a dinner at his vineyard…made by his mother? Yeah, I think so too. Leaving from Acqui Terme, this ride follows an enchanting route to quaint Italian villages like the precariously perched Orsara Bormida and the hilltop town of Cremolino. The reward for keeping pace with pro mountain biker, wine maker, and DuVine tour guide Guido Rapetti is well worth the effort, though. In addition to that exquisite meal prepared by Guido’s parents in our own priavte restaurant, we are we privileged with the chance to see first hand what goes into a great bottle of wine.

Lake Como, Italy: Bellagio to Madonna del Ghisallo
How could a ride that includes a hill named for the patron saint of cycling (Madonna del Ghisallo) be anything other than absolutely perfect? Well, it couldn’t be. Never one to just sit back and stop exploring, I set off on a new adventure this summer to check out the Lake Como region for, you guessed it, another new DuVine Adventures destination. And man was I thrilled. The riding around this gorgeous lake was nothing short of epic — the Madonna del Ghisallo is, after all, one of the major obstacles in the Giro di Lombardia every year. The climbing is well worth it, though, for a chance to visit the shrine of the Madonna del Ghisallo, which also happens to be an awesome cycling museum, filled with rare artifacts of the sport like old photos and jerseys.

lake como bike tour

Climbing around Como

The Pan-Mass Challenge: Day 1 – Sturbridge to Bourne, Massachusetts
This is a ride that is not just an unbelievable journey, but is of unbelievable importance to me. This was my third straight year participating in this incredible event, which has raised over $300 million dollars for cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. And I couldn’t be more proud that DuVine is a part of it, contributing several trips to help raise money for this outstanding cause. And the riding is almost as amazing as the cause itself. This monster of a day covers 111 miles from Sturbridge to Bourne, and is by far the hardest day of the event. The real brunt of the route comes in the first 50 miles, with hill after hill after hill. Thankfully, the next 60 miles are a lot flatter, but by the end of the day you’ve ascended 2,500 feet, which is no small amount. But with thousands of other riders around you, all pedaling for the same cause, it’s pretty easy to get inspired and tough it out to the end.

Bicycle Tour Bordeaux, France: St. Emilion to the Medoc

There’s truly no better way to appreciate a glass of wine than to see where it came from…and then drink it! So that’s what I did, heading to Bordeaux to join one of our tours right in the heart of the harvest. On this magical day, we wound our way from village to vineyard, and down the majestic banks of the Dordogne river and to the Gironde estuary. Taking in all the rich history of this home to some of the world’s most outstanding wine, we paused for lunch before hopping on the ferry across the Gironde. We rode into the heart of the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Medoc, landing finally at incomparable Cordeillan Bages. Bikes and wine. Wine and bikes. What’s not to love! in Bordeaux, it’s hard to choose which is better.

bike tours portugal

Portugal...where everyone's a cyclist!

Bicycle Tour Portugal: Monsaraz to Evora
I always knew that any bike ride had the potential for great adventure, but until my trip to Portugal this year I didn’t realize it could be a trip through time as well. Riding along the bucolic Portuguese roads, I could have sworn I’d ridden backwards in time, before the automobile took over the world. Virtually everyone I encountered was commuting around on ancient bikes, whether on their way to work, the market, or just a date at the local cafe. Clearly, this country was made for riding. And the route from Monsaraz to Evora is my absolute favorite. On this journey through time, we rolled past quaint old pottery shops and along streets lined with cork trees. Best of all, this ride brought us to the doorstep of the eponymous Joaquim Madeira, one of the foremost authorities on Alentejo wine and our gracious host for an afternoon gazpacho and wine tasting. Refueled with a healthy dose of the local vegetation and vino, we wind down the day with a ride into Evora, where we are spoiled once again by the warm Portuguese hospitality.

Bicycle Tour Rioja, Spain: Madrid to Abalos
After the only long drive of the week from Madrid to Abalos (which I promise is well worth the wait), there truly can’t be a better place in the world to get out and stretch your legs. We kick off the week right with a spin out alongside the Rioja wine country, with nothing in sight but a seemingly endless sea of vineyards…and you and your bike, of course. There is hardly a car in sight, making for a smooth transition into a week of pure paradise. After a rolling loop in the country, we get one steep kick back up to the hotel, which is the perfect chance to open up the legs for the riding ahead and to race to be the first to enjoy an evening cocktail to toast the beginning of a great adventure. Salud!

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December 13, 2011

Andy’s Top 10 Hotels of 2011

Filed under: Active Travel, Adventure Travel, California, Champagne, Corsica, Croatia, Dolomites, France, Hotels, Ireland, Mallorca, Portugal, Provence, Sicily, Top 10 lists — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 2:40 pm

Bike. Eat. Drink. Sleep. That’s the DuVine way whether you are on a luxury bike tour or expanding your horizons with an adventure travel trip. But none of it would be truly DuVine if you didn’t get the perfect night’s sleep (and evening’s rest and relaxation) every single day.

So, I give you my Top 10 Hotels of 2011. The only way to be sure that the hotels we bring you to are up to DuVine standards is to stay in them ourselves. So, I sucked it up and bedded down in each of them myself, just for a little quality control. It was hard work, putting my feet up and lounging in the incredible luxury, but someone had to do it. Now here they are for you, to either dream about if you haven’t been or to relive if you have. (These are in no particular order.)

Château Les Crayères

Château Les Crayères

Château Les Crayères in Champagne, France

Complete and utter elegance. That  is the only way to describe Château Les Crayères, which is the definition of French-style art de vivre if there ever was one. It is this majestic, 100-plus year-old chateau in Reims that we call home for two nights on our bicycle tour in Champagne, France. The work of Pierre-Yves Rochon, the stunning interior is a prototype of French classicism, and the ideal spot to contemplate a flute of Champagne after a spectacular day roaming the vineyards and countryside on your bike. The only thing that tops it may be the terrace outside, which offers a breath-taking view of the estate’s park. And if you haven’t had enough Champagne yet (could you ever, really?), Les Crayères features the finest in dining at its in-house restaurant, Le Parc, where French haute cuisine is exquisitely married with a comprehensive selection of vintages from the most prestigious growers. From the ride, to the room, to the dinner table, your experience at Château Les Crayères will be nothing short of exceptional.

Relais et Chateaux la Signoria in Corsica

After a day tackling the ceaselessly undulating terrain on the isle of Corsica, come to rest at night at the foot of the Corsican mountains at La Signoria, which will be more than a welcome site for your tired legs and hungry stomach. Looking out over the azure Mediterranean Sea, Hotel Signoria is a magical Genoese estate from the 18th century, whose private beach and pool offer chance for complete seclusion from the outside world while you fulfill he eating, drinking, and sleeping requirements on your DuVine bicycle tour in Corsica.

Andy’s Top 10 Hotels of 2011

Lešić Dimitri Palace

The Lešić Dimitri Palace in Korcula, Croatia

Intimate is a word that cannot be stressed enough when you are looking for true refinement. In the 18th century bishop’s palace that is the the Lešić Dimitri Palace, that is just what you will get. Stashed away behind the medieval walls in the town of Korcula, this palace features a mere six residences. Rather than carve up this historic building into traditional hotel rooms, the owners have instead chosen to form each story of the palace into a residence, each with no more than four bedrooms. When you do emerge from the confines of your private residency, the full treatment of a Thai therapy spa awaits, along with an astoundingly fresh meal at LD Terrace, the palace’s own first-class restaurant. On your bicycle tour in Croatia, this will certainly be a highlight.

Château de Roussan in Provence

Welcome to the home of Bertrand de Nostredame, brother of the famed Nostradamus. If only his brother could have predicted how much you are going to adore your stay at the former family chateau. Step inside and marvel at the flawless preservation of centuries of Provencal history. From its library that houses the collective works of names like Socrates and Montesquieu to the luxurious lounges where guests find a cozy seat to chat away, the Château de Roussan feels like paradise in Provence. And if you aren’t tired from you invigorating day of riding on your bicycle tour in Provence, the hotel’s park, greenhouse, and ponds offer a gorgeous landscape to explore on foot before heading off to dinner.

Cap Rocat

Cap Rocat in Mallorca, Spain

Be ready to be shocked when you first step into the island fortress that is Cap Rocat. Once a military outpost, this fortress on the Spanish island of Mallorca has been transformed into a palace of true grandeur. Tucked into the Bay of Palma and featuring a magnificent view, the hotel is one of the most unique we have seen, and has retained many of its defining features from its days of military service while adding all the amenities you could ever desire. Home for two nights on your bicycle tour in Mallorca, Cap Rocat offers the chance for serene relaxation in complete peace, removed from the crowds on the beaches and out in town. And as is the Spanish way, the hotel is just as food-centric as it is luxurious. With two outstanding restaurants on the premises, you will be wined and dined to your heart’s content (and your stomach’s), ready for the next leg of your DuVine adventure.

Convento do Espinheiro in Evora, Portugal

Staying with the theme of transformation, this gem in the Alentejo region of Portugal has been the home of serenity for over half a millennium. Originally a 15th century convent and now a UNCESCO world heritage site, the Convento has set the standard for luxury as long as anywhere we know of. Home for two nights on you bicycle tour in Portugal, the Convento do Epinheiro features not only marvelous guest rooms in which to recharge after an exhilarating ride, but also the first-class Diana Spa, where you can fully immerse yourself in the depths of relaxation. And after two days of outstanding cycling, Divinus Restaurant, which sits in the hotel’s ancient and charming wine cellar, offers an intimate experience with the sophisticated yet authentic local cuisine.

Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle in Ireland

Steeped in tradition in more ways than one, Ashford Castle in Mayo, Ireland is also a part of one of the most well-known Irish institutions today: Guinness. While the original structure was erected in 1228, in 1852 Ashford fell into the hands of  Sir Benjamin lee Guinness, who extended the estate to 26,000 acres and added thousands of trees and two large Victorian style extensions. Today, it is a five star hotel and recognized by many as one of the top 50 resorts in Europe. In addition to the magnificent rooms that have been meticulously preserved over time, the resort features a golf course, equestrian center, and countless lakes and rivers for fishing, any of which are the perfect way to pass an afternoon after a day spent tackling the Irish the countryside on your bicycle tour of Ireland. That is, of course, after you’ve indulged in a celebratory pint at the cocktail bar.

Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa Relais & Châteaux in Badia (Dolomites ski tour)

Set in the village of San Cassiano in Badia, right in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, the Hotel & Spa Rosa Alpina is renowned for a discrete and refined hospitality. It belongs to the tourist district of Alta Badia, which was voted “Queen of the Alps” by the prestigious Italian Touring Club. Home for the first leg of your Dolomites ski tour, Rosa Alpina is the ideal spot to warm up by the fire and loosen your muscles at the spa or in the hot tub after a day carving turns in the Dolomiti.

Castello Cememi

Castello Camemi in Sicily

Shouldn’t a hotel leave you feeling like royalty when you finally settle in for the night? Nestled deep in the Sicilian countryside, Castello Camemi is sure to do just that. Tucked away in this spectacular 15th century castle that has since been converted to a 5-star hotel, it will be easy to believe that you are Italian nobility, enjoying a summer retreat in the Ilbei mountains of Sicily — that is, of course, until you step back on your back the next day, when you’ll realize that life is even better than that on your DuVine bicycle tour in Sicily. With just fourteen rooms, the Castello Camemi will feel for all the world like your own private castle, with your own private dining room and wine cellar to boot.

Solage in Calistoga, California

Is 22 acres enough to call your own? We’d like to think so, and at Solage in Calistoga, California, those are 22 of the finest acres that Napa Valley has to offer, flanked on either side by the Mayacamas and Palisades mountain ranges and which offer only the most stunning of viewpoints from which to watch the sunset, glass of chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon in hand. Solage is home to far more than just breath-taking views and world-class guest rooms, though. The epitome of over the top, it boasts in the number one rated spa in the Americas, as voted for by Conde Naste Traveller, as well as the Michelin-starred restaurant Solbar, where we will refuel our engines after a day of scenic wine country riding on your bicycle tour in Napa Valley and Sonoma.

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December 7, 2011

DuVine Launches First Bike Jersey into Space

Filed under: Bike Gear — Tags: , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 12:27 pm

Space, the final frontier…or is it?

Here at DuVine, we hold true to our mission – no detail too small, no surprise too extraordinary, no nuance too subtle – and now, add to that, no destination too unreachable, whether it be a bicycle tour or adventure travel experience.

That’s right, we have launched the first bike jersey into space – boldly going where no cycling jersey has gone before – offering a new perspective, an unforgettable experience, an adventure of a lifetime and, in essence, a metaphor for DuVine style.

To make this vision possible, we partnered with Space For All, a business run by a group of space enthusiast university students in central Illinois. Space for All describes themselves as both an idea and a service. The idea: everyone wanted to be an astronaut at some point in their childhood, and most are still fascinated by outer space. The service: launching items of commercial or sentimental value to near-space to give everyone a piece of that childhood dream.

On the morning of Friday, November 25th crews arrived to a launch site at a lakeside park in Springfield, IL. Over the course of two hours, they engaged in pre-flight procedures for testing their electronics and ensuring a properly balanced payload. At 12:50 CST, the jersey and photographic equipment, connected with a large custom aluminum superstructure, were launched from the site using a helium balloon (the size of a small car) towards the edge of space.

And voilà…DuVine Adventures launches the first bike jersey to space; dispatching a dream and celebrating the spirit of adventure – DuVine style. We go above and beyond to deliver unforgettable experiences.

Houston we have lift off…one small step for bike touring!

Where will your next adventure take you?

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December 6, 2011

Video Blog – Preview – DuVine Adventure’s Top 10 Lists for 2011

Filed under: 2011, Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Hotels, Top 10 lists, Video Blog, Wines — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 10:17 am

It’s time for the Top 10 Lists of 2011 and DuVine Adventures’ President and Founder Andy Levine has a great set of lists for the year, including: Top 10 Bike Rides, Top 10 Wines and Top 10 Hotels from across our bike tour and adventure travel activities in 2011.

Check out this preview and keep an eye out for all of the lists coming out in this blog, as well as on our DuVine Facebook page and DuVine Twitter posts.

Savor the best of 2011 and join us in 2012 as we create a new best of in adventure travel!

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December 1, 2011

How to Dress for Cycling Year-Round

Filed under: Bike Gear, Technology, Training — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 3:08 pm

Not too cold, not too hot.

Once you’ve caught the cycling bug from being on a classic DuVine bike tour or getting ready for something really adventurous like one of our Pro-Series bike tours (which, if you’re reading this, you likely have) you’ll quickly realize that cycling is a year-round sport. Rain or shine, blazing heat or frigid cold, and everything in between, it’s hard to ignore the two-wheeled ticket to open-aired adventure parked in your garage or basement. No matter the weather outside, you can always comfortably enjoy a day on the bike if you master the technique of dressing appropriately for the conditions.  Here at DuVine Adventures, we are dedicated to riding our bikes all 12 months of the year, so we know a thing or two about dressing for success, and we want to pass that knowledge onto you so you can enjoy your training and riding as much as you should.

The Good

Particularly in the late spring and throughout the summer, dressing for your ride is pretty straightforward. When the sun is out and the temperature is anywhere above 60 degrees, all you usually need is a short sleeve jersey and a pair of shorts and you’re all set. If it’s a little nippy at the start of a ride, you may want to wear a thin sleeveless base layer, or possibly bring along a pair of arm warmers that you can peel off as it warms up later.

In the fall and early spring, when the temperature is a little more brisk, it’s time to accessorize. If it’s in the 50’s, you may want to wear a long-sleeve base layer and possibly a pair of warmers as well if you tend to get cold. A long-sleeve jersey by itself or paired with a sleeveless base layer should also get the job done, though wearing removable layers is always a good idea whenever possible so that you can regulate your temperature with ease throughout the ride. A pair of knee warmers or leg-warmers is definitely a good idea as well, unless you’re particularly warm-blooded. A regular cycling cap will usually do the trick underneath your helmet, and a thin pair of long-fingered gloves should have your digits covered for those nice early and late season rides.

When the temperature dips a bit more into the 40’s, dressing for your ride is still pretty simple, but a few more items should be added to your list of must-haves. For one, a long-sleeve base layer is pretty much requisite, and you will likely want at least a long-sleeve jersey. It’s often nice to wear a regular jersey underneath your uppermost layer as well, both for an added layer of insulation and for the extra pockets it affords you to tote along food and other cool weather accessories. Now is also the time to don a slightly warmer cap like a beanie or skull cap, as well as some mid-weight gloves (nothing too heavy duty, though, as that will only make your hands sweaty and chilly). By now, you will definitely want to have your legs covered with at least a pair of leg warmers, or full length tights if you prefer. Unless your toes tend to get cold easily, regular cycling socks should be fine, but a pair of shoe-covers will make a world of difference in shielding your feet from the cool wind. It’s never a bad idea to stuff some lighter alternatives like thinner gloves or a regular cap into your pocket in case you start to overheat. Then you can swap items later on so that you stay comfortable without having to choose between only too hot or too cold.

The Bad

Unfortunately, in many parts of the world the weather is not idyllic year round. The winter months can be especially harsh, and they do require a little more know-how in order to get out and enjoy your ride. But with the right attire, you can easily tackle sub-freezing temperatures. The most important thing to keep in mind is your core temperature – if it gets too cold, you’re going to be in for a tough day. Start with a tight-fitting and thick base layer, one that you would likely also use for skiing. Make sure it breathes well, though, as you don’t want to get too sweaty, which will only lead to a chill. Next, you may want a short sleeve jersey again, if only for the extra pocket space. If it’s only in the 30’s, a winter cycling jacket should be enough on its own, but if it is below 30 degrees you will probably want to add a long sleeve jersey underneath your jacket. A wind vest on top of everything is also a good addition to shield your chest from the icy wind.

A thick pair of winter tights is a great thing to have as well, but you may find that you are fine with just a pair of leg warmers, or a leg and knee warmers combined. Experiment and see what works best for you. A thin pair of long winter socks will also help to keep both your feet and calves warm. Don’t try to pull on the thickest socks you can find, though, as that will only cut off the circulation to your feet once your shoes are on and will make them even colder. A pair of warm shoe covers is definitely a must now as well. A warm winter cap is also crucial, and if your face and neck tend to get cold you may want to add a balaclava or a neck gator. Either way, you’ll be happy to have something keeping all that warm air from escaping through your helmet. Finally, we can’t emphasize enough the importance of a good pair of warm winter gloves. Either regular fingered gloves or a pair of lobster gloves designed for cycling is definitely what you should look for. These will both keep your digits warm and give you the dexterity you need to shift and brake safely and with ease. There is nothing worse than struggling just to keep your hands on the bars, so don’t skimp here.

The Ugly

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Always be prepared, rain or shine.

Alright, so now you know how to dress for all kinds of temperatures. But what about when other factors like rain and snow come into play? Even if they are less than ideal, neither of these has to stop you from enjoying a day on the bike. In the warmer months, dealing with a little precipitation is as easy as donning a rain cape or a vest. If it’s not raining when you set out but you think it might later on, it’s easy to store a rain jacket in you jersey pocket or, better yet, under your jersey. Simply fold up your jacket so it is as compact as possible, then stuff it up the back of your jersey so that it sits on the small of your back just above your pockets. This ensures that your jacket will stay in place and won’t inhibit access to anything you have in your pockets.

This same advice holds true year round, and you can don a rain jacket over whatever else you are wearing. But when it is both wet and cold outside, there are a few other items you may need. Some neoprene gloves and shoe covers will be a huge boon to your comfort, as they will keep the water out while your hands and feet remain toasty on the inside. Some people like to throw on a pair of water-proof pants for wet rides, but these can often be a bit baggy and flap around in the wind. Instead, before pulling on your leg warmers or tights, apply a layer of embrocation, which is a type of lotion that has a warming effect as you ride, followed by a layer of Vaseline, which will create a protective sheath between your skin and the rain, causing the water to bead up on your legs and helping keep you dryer and warmer for longer.

Whether the weather outside is delightful or frightful, dressing accordingly is integral to your enjoyment of your ride. With these tips in mind, though, you should have no trouble braving the elements throughout the year. Above all, there are two key points to keep in mind:

1.       When it’s cool outside, if you’re already warm and toasty before you hit the road, you’re probably going to get too hot as the ride goes on and you start riding harder. The best strategy is to start off just a little cooler than you’d like, as the warmth your body produces while you pedal will heat you up quickly, and before you know it you’ll feel just right.

2.       Figure out how to combine different layers so that you’re warm enough when the weather is on the chillier side – say on the descent from a climb – but not melting while you climb to the top. The ability to regulate your body temperature will keep you happy from start to finish.

So, keep on biking year-round with these helpful hints and we will see you on a DuVine bike tour soon!

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