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February 7, 2012

Burgundy Wine Harvest with The Hungry Cyclist

Filed under: Drink, European bike tours, France, Guide posts, Wines, burgundy — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 3:47 pm

Explore the vineyards in Burgundy first-hand.

On DuVine bike tours in Burgundy, you have a unique opportunity. While cycling in Burgundy, you get to do more than just drink some of the world’s most outstanding wine. You get to put your nose and your hands right in it, right into the very soil from which it comes. Yes, you could just buy a bottle and imagine yourself there. But why not go to the source? Why not immerse yourself fully in the wine-loving experience that is a bicycle tour in Burgundy, getting yourself intimately familiar with a wine that you cannot help but love. We promise it will taste even better. Just ask DuVine guide Tom Kevill-Davies (aka The Hungry Cyclist), who spent ten days working the Burgundy Grape Harvest in 2011. With his palate and nose at the ready and his camera close by,  he put together this captivating recount of his time there and this stunning collection of photos.

“Its 8:30 in the morning and an autumnal chill remains in the air from the night before. The sun is doing its best to burn off the low-lying mist that clings to the fields and gullies of the Cote D ‘Or.

Beams of sunlight gradually break the day, spotlighting the lichen and moss that cling to ancient dry-stone walls and the bold colours of autumn begin to sing. A rough carpet of deep reds, purples, ochre, and gold stretches as far as I can see and the astonishing natural beauty of this celebrated wine region has caught me off guard again. Gazing dumbfounded at this age-old image in front of me, I forget my purpose for being here at this early hour.

Get to know the men and women who make the wine.

“Allez Thomas!”

The assertive voice of the vigneron I am working for reminds me why I am here and reluctantly I slip out of sight below the row of vines to my left. Down here the world looks very different. Drops of dew cling to delicate cobwebs while harvest spiders scramble for cover. The damp air hangs amongst the vine stock and the rich earth hangs heavy on my rubber boots. Moving amongst the wet vines my shorts and shirt are wet and cling to my body. My back is all ready complaining about another day of this repetitive work. Focusing on my prize, I handle a heavy bunch of plump red grapes and…snip! The bunch joins the dozens others in the basket by my feet and, edging uncomfortably forward, I move to the next vine in the endless row of Pinot Noir ahead of me. Only another seven days to go….

When not picking grapes in the Burgundy harvest and working as a lead guide for DuVine Adventures, clients often ask me when the best time to visit Burgundy is. In the spring you see the grapes in flower and witness the lively village wine fetes. In mid-summer the warm sun ripens the grapes in front of you. But for a real idea of the work and energy that goes into making the world’s greatest wine, a trip in early autumn to witness the harvest is a must for any oenophile.

Maybe even give them a hand.

Transformed from its usual calmness for the few days the harvest takes place, the vines become a hive of human activity. Teams of pickers work lines of vines with locust-like efficiency. Porters carry “hods” overflowing with fruit and tractors with full trailers rush between the fields and the winery. This grape harvest has been taking places in this region for millennia, and most vineyards still insist on picking their precious crop by hand. Workers still travel from all over Europe to pick and carry the grapes, while many are locals who involve themselves in this historic get-together year after year. The work is not easy but the camaraderie is overwhelming. Working together, eating together, drinking together, and sleeping together, the energy of the harvest is rewarding and addictive.

In my opinion, witnessing the wine harvest is a must for any real wine lover. Here at DuVine Adventures we won’t force you into the fields to pick any grapes, but book a cycling tour in Burgundy with us or any other of our European wine regions and we guarantee you’ll experience the true nature of this important annual event first hand.”

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January 27, 2012

Vincent’s Love of Brittany

Filed under: Bike, Brittany, European bike tours, France, Guide posts — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 4:11 pm

The peaceful sunset on the coast of Brittany.

For the 2012 season, DuVine Adventures has added an all new bicycle tour to our French repertoire: the Brittany bike tour. We are extremely excited about and proud of it, but our French cycling tour extraordinaire, DuVine guide Vincent Reboul, might be even more elated than anyone else. While he has lived all over France, he has fallen truly in love with the singular and spectacular region of Brittany, and cannot wait to be leading bike tours there. Find out why:

In the 1990’s I lived in Brittany for seven years. Being a “modern gypsy” as I am, seven years is the maximum amount of time I can spend in the same place. This is a record for me and my lifestyle – I must have loved the place.

Looking back, I can say without a doubt these years have been amongst the nicest in my life. I’ve met some of my best friends on this French peninsula, and where the land here ends, the neartest neighbors for the Bretons are Americans across the Atlantic. Maybe this is why I’m leading tours for DuVine today?

Before I thought to be a DuVine tour guide, I was teaching tennis in a small town in northern Brittany called Tréguier. Bretagne is like an Island: You can easily drive everywhere and the distances are never too long. If you stay in the middle of the country the sea is at an equal distance away wherever you go, about 100km (except from the east).

I say “country” intentionally because, even if this region is part of France today, that has not always been the case and you can still feel the air of independence and uniqueness, and sometimes the notion is so drastic that you really have the impression of being in an entirely different Pays (which means country in French).

Need some examples? Here’s your proof that Bretagne is really a different place:

1) The Breton language: Never say to a Bretonnisant that Breton is a dialect or he will be very upset likely not talk to you anymore. Remember the expression têtu comme un breton (stubborn like a Breton).

Can you resist these treats?

The language is part of the Celtic family (actually, a variation of Breton is spoken in Wales and Galicia). It is a very peculiar language and, like in Ireland or Cataluña, you may see signs along the road in both French and Breton. My mother, who now lives in Central Bretagne, was amazed by the fact that if you watch TV or listen to the  radio, two hours a day is dedicated to Breton only and you don’t understand a word of it – no translation is permitted. 300,000 Bretons speak the language today, and after WWII almost nobody was speaking French there. This just shows you how much Bretagne was isolated for such a long time.

2) Another unique trait is the dancing: It is not at all folklore, and remember, don’t upset the bretonnisant. It is a serious matter .Very different from the aérial Irish dances, the Breton dances are quite the opposite and are more down to earth. You stick to your partner the whole time, even when the dance brings you down to the ground.

The origin of the dances comes from a ritual when a new house was built, during which all the inhabitants would gather to stamp the clay ground of the main room. All these dances occur during events called fez noz (night feast) or fez deiz (day feast). The energy you feel during this dance is incredible.

3) The instruments played during these show are the third unique aspect of Brittany: A small diatonic accordion, a bombarde (very small kind of flute that makes sounds that can raise the dead), a biniou (a Breton bagpipe), and singers, of course. Going to a fez noz in Britanny will be the experience of a lifetime that you will surely never forget. You don’t have to dance, you can grab a beer and just observe the locals – you will feel as if you have traveled back in time.

4) The food is also very different: If you are a seafood lover this is the place to go. It has the best oysters and best lobsters in France. Brittany is not known for its wine, but great cider and an alcohol made with honey, called souchen, are available in plenty. And they are delicious.

Galettes, buckwheat crepes, stuffed with all kind of delicacies such as andouille sausage and apple together is fantastic. Regular crepes are just for dessert, and just as good. A real crêperie should always offer a lait ribot (a kind of sour drinkable yogurt) to go with galettes. Don’t leave without trying kouign aman, probably the worst enemy for anyone watching their weight! They are just too good to resist. Or you may want to try a far breton: a flan cake stuffed with pruneau. There is no wine but local beers abound, and are my second favorite, after the ones in Belgium and Ireland.

One of these ships may be catching your dinner tonight.

5) The architecture looks austère in this part of the country, and all the houses have a slate roof and most are made of granite. You will find beautiful churches and calvaires as well, but the most interesting are the monuments from the Neolithic age. Megoliths of tumulus, cromlech, standing stones (known as menhirs), and stone tumulus known as dolmens are a striking view, like mushrooms in a field. The south of Bretagne is particularly blessed with such magnificent ancient structures.

For a non-Breton, the most important subject is the weather. Of course, Brest, the most western city in France, can claim to be the rainiest place in the country, but the truth is that, in Bretagne, you’ll experience all kinds of weather in a single day. There is a saying here that goes: “En Bretagne il ne pleut que sur les cons” (in Brittany it rains only on the idiots). I have a saying on my own: “Authenticity is in Bretagne, superficiality is in Paris.”

Go to south Brittany with DuVine and you will not regret it. People are shy, but when the ice is broken they are amongst the nicest around. To prove my point, here is a little true story: One day of cafard, I decided to stop for a drink in a bar that I’d never seen before. I entered the bar anyway and ordered something, sitting down at the comptoir. The only other customers there were two men and a woman, who appeared to be musicians. We started to chat and they soon realized that I was a little depressed. Without questioning me, they started to play music for me and improvised a little concert. I was touched by their incredible generosity and will never forget that gesture. The Breton people gave without waiting to be asked or without asking anything in return!

DEGEMER MAT: Thank you very much
BREIZH DA VIKEN: Breton forever
KENAVO AVE SHALL: Goodbye and see you soon…on a bike tour in Brittany!

-Vincent

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January 16, 2012

A DuVine Pro Series Bike Tour in Costa Brava

Filed under: Challenging Rides, Costa Brava, European bike tours, Pro Series, Spain — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 2:55 pm
Costa Brava Bike Tour

The quiet Catalonian countryside

Go on a DuVine Costa Brava Pro Series bike tour, and you’ll soon see why pro cyclists from around the world, including the likes of Lance Armstrong and David Millar, have based themselves out of Girona, Spain for years. With the flatter roads of the Costa Brava shores in one direction and the endless Pyrenean climbing in the other, the Costa Brava is a veritable biking paradise. And with its total lack of winter (at least by our standards), the Costa Brava region of Spain is the ideal spot for a cycling tour any time of year. Sound like your kind of vacation? Then DuVine’s Costa Brava bike tour is perfect for you.

Our journey begins in Palamos, a spectacular coastal town overlooking the azure Mediterranean. After a relaxing start to the day and a review of what is to come with your guides, you’ll be heading out for an afternoon spin in sight of the coastline to get your legs opened up for the week ahead. We’ll take advantage of the afternoon by making it a tradition lunch ride, something all the pros do on their lighter days, stopping in Llafranc for some local tapas before cruising back to our base for the night at the gorgeous Hotel Malcontenta, where you will be anything but malcontent as you fuel up on a dinner of fresh and exquisitely prepared seafood.

Day two will see us cover 40 miles to St. Feliu de Guixols, and will see the road pitch up more often than not. We’ll take in the sites of the ancient burial chambers known as dolmens as we ascend up toward Llagosatera, from where you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking coastal road that overlooks the Mediterranean. With nothing but nature and the sea surrounding you, it will be easy to forget that there is anything in the world but you and your bike. We’ll finish in the port town St. Feliu de Guixols, where, as is the norm, we’ll relax over a late afternoon lunch before a transfer to the hotel.

Costa Brava Bike Tour

Going up.

If anyone is an authority on climbing, it’s certainly Lance. Since Els Angels was one of his favorite training climbs during his reign over the peloton, it’s one we could not let you miss. As we leave the coast on the third day of our cycling adventure, we’ll wind our way up a series of undulating Catalonian roads before tackling the 8-mile stomping ground that is Els Angels. And don’t be surprised if you spot a few pros along the way – their headquarters of Girona is not far away. As the climbing gets tougher, we have something to motivate you to brave your way to the top: a gourmet picnic that any ravenous cyclist would be envious of. Reinvigorated, we’ll remount for the descent into Girona, the province’s capital. This ancient city offers a remarkable amount to explore, from the Gothic cathedral at the city’s heart to the Roman muralla (wall) that surrounds it all. And there’s a good chance you’ll run into another pro or two along the way as you explore this spectacular city before feasting at one of its many outstanding restaurants. Tomorrow is the queen stage of our tour, so eat up.

Once we depart Girona, it won’t be long before we’re on quiet country roads with hardly a car in sight. Today’s 75-mile ride features many of the roads popular with the locally based pros, visiting cities like Olot and Besalu. Our ride will take us through the Garrotxa Valley, an awesome volcanic region that marks the transition into the foothills of the Pyrenees. Look around you as you ride and you’ll see some of the more than 40 volcanic cones and 20 lava flows that make this region truly unique. What is truly remarkable, though, is that amidst all this volcanic landscape, we will still be surrounded by an incredible variety of trees and vegetation, getting the best of all worlds into our epic day of riding. With nearly 2,800 feet of climbing, lunch in Besalu will be well-deserved before we finish off the ride into Peralada, where we’ll recover from our efforts with some pro-style relaxation by the pool or with a soothing glass of vino.

Our last day of riding will send us 36 miles back to the coast, but with the most climbing of the week, you’re going to have to earn every one of them. We’ll wend our way up to the Abbey of Sant Pere des Rodes, from where you can stop for a break to take in the view of the bay of Llançà before zipping down to the port town of Selva. From there it’s a nice and gradual climb up to just above Cadaques and Port Llegat. Now it’s up to you whether you want to head back to the hotel or squeeze in a little more riding and check out the coastal village area that Salvador Dali called home. For the day’s grand finale, a grand feast awaits us tonight. Starting with a comprehensive tasting tour of the wines from all over the region you’ve explored, we’ll then dine on treats l

Costa Brava Bike Tour

No one said this was going to be easy.

ike jamon Iberico and local seafood delicacies like sepia. The pros celebrate their victories with a glass of bubbly and a satisfying meal, and so will we. (OK, maybe a few glasses in our case.)

By the time our Costa Brava bike tour gets back to Barcelona and Figueres for one last day of site-seeing to take in the Catalonian culture, your legs will definitely be thankful for the break. The pros choose this region as their training grounds not only for its looks and endlessly idyllic weather, but also because its roads offer a myriad of challenges for the daring cyclist who wants to push him or herself day after day. But the challenges are all worth it since you get to enjoy the rewards that much more. From the mountain and maritime vistas to the indulgent meals, each and every moment of this trip will be DuVine.

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January 12, 2012

Sybille’s DuVine Experience – A Bike Tour in Mallorca

Filed under: European bike tours, Mallorca, Spain, Staff Posts — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 2:02 pm

A bike tour in Mallorca is every cyclist’s dream, so I was very excited when I found out that this wonderful island was going to be the destination for my (Sybille) very first DuVine bike tour. While I was thrilled about traveling there, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect in terms of riding difficulty, knowing that Mallorca is the training ground for professional cyclists from around the word. Luckily, it turned out that there was no reason to be concerned.  Mallorca has it all, no matter if you are a novice biker looking for flat, gentle rolling roads, or if you are an experienced rider  who wants to climb and meet the challenging terrain of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.  You won’t be disappointed, no matter what your skill level is.  Mallorca is a true cycling paradise with many riding options to choose from. Your DuVine guides are also always there to support you, offering a lift in the van when necessary, or mapping out additional rides if you desire to log some extra miles.

bike tour in mallorca

The Cathedral in Palma

I began my adventure with a pre-night in Palma.  If your schedule allows it, I definitely recommend spending an extra night in the capital of the Balearic Islands.  Not only to get over your jet-lag and refresh after a long transatlantic flight, but also to explore the charming Old Quarter of the town and its main attraction, the spectacular Cathedral of Palma.  La Seo, as the locals call it, is without a doubt the crowning architectural jewel of the island and worth a visit as its interior reveals the entire history of Mallorcan art. Palma also offers endless shopping opportunities from fashion to shoes, gifts and jewelry.  Many streets are pedestrian zones littered with art galleries and cafes, with Passeig des Born being the main shopping street.

For accommodations I suggest the Puro Hotel Palma, a cosmopolitan property set in an 18th century palace right in the heart of the Old Town.  A more luxurious option would be the The St. Regis Mardavall, about a 20 minute drive from the center of town, offering stunning views of the ocean and its lush gardens.  Your DuVine guides will pick you up from either one of these properties or from the airport on the first day of the tour.

Our tour began with a tapas lunch at the Café Varadero (be sure to only eat a light breakfast), which is located right on the Palma waterfront offering a stunning view of the coastline and the cathedral in the background.  Following a toast with Spanish sparkling wine to the start of a great week, our guides gave us each a bike fitting.  After the safety talk, we started pedaling out of town along the flat, coastal bike path.  It’s an easy route to ride and designed to get you comfortable with your new bike for the week.  As you travel along the promenade, you get to enjoy incredible views of the beaches and trendy neighborhoods you pass by.  At the end the ride we transferred to our first hotel, the unique Hotel & Spa Son Brull.  Set against a hill, this former monastery is surrounded by century old olive trees and citrus fruit orchards.  The grounds and views are just spectacular.  This being our first evening, we started out with a welcome cocktail followed by a 5-course dinner at the hotel restaurant 3/65. (Legend has it that Son Brull had many windows throughout the Finca, hence the name 365.)  The menu included many different choices for starters, entrée (meat, fish, chicken, suckling pig, etc.), and dessert.  The meal was truly amazing and a wonderful introduction to Mallorcan cuisine.

bike tour in mallorca

The beautiful Mediterranean coast.

Our second day started out quite wet with heavy rainfall, but after a short delay we decided that bad weather would not keep us from having fun. Only later did we find out that the most rainfall in 70 years was recorded on this day!  We got on our bikes and started cycling towards the enchanting Port of Pollenca, originally a fishing village, but now a hotspot with cafes

and restaurants that invite to a paseo or stroll. The wind and rain had increased since we left our hotel, so we took a quick break to determine whether or not to continue up the winding road to Cap de Formentor, one of the highlights on this tour.  In this weather, the road really appeared quite daunting, but nonetheless we decided to push on as nobody wanted to miss out on this stunning route. The ride up proved to be quite challenging, not necessarily because of the incline, but because of the forceful wind gusts that came sideways and tried to knock us off our bikes. After about an hour of fighting natural forces, we all reached the Mirador de Formentor. We were rewarded with spectacular views of rocky cliffs plunging into the sea and the scenery was worth everything we had endured during the uphill climb. Everyone in our group made it to the top and felt accomplished and triumphant.  We now also understood why Majorcans call the cape the meeting point of the winds!

The following day the sun came out and showed us the true face of this idyllic Mediterranean island.  The next couple of days were pure cycling bliss.  We traveled along quiet, deserted, and almost traffic-free back roads, passing vineyards and small rustic villages in the heart of the countryside. Each day we covered about 40-50 kilometers of rolling terrain with perhaps one or two small climbs. Along the way we would stop at a café for a short break, to recharge and to interact with the locals. While we rested, our DuVine guides would refill our water bottles and supply us with snacks.  They always carry refreshments in the van, so a piece of fruit or granola bars are always available should you be in need of it.

bike tour in mallorca

Mmmm, paella.

Another highlight of the trip was a visit to the local winery Binigrau. The owner, Matias, gave us a tour of his wine cellars and explained how he uses state-of-the-art technology to make his wines, while conserving certain traditional manual techniques when handling the grapes.  Following the introduction, Matias served us an array of delicious appetizers, followed by homemade paella, Spain’s national dish.  There are three widely known types of paella, Valencian paella, seafood paella, and mixed paella. Valencia paella consists of white rice, green vegetables, meat (rabbit, chicken, duck), land snails, beans, and seasoning.  We were served delicious seafood paella, which essentially replaces meat and snails with seafood. Of course we also tasted each of his signature wines, from the fruity Nounat to the elegant Obac. Wine was available for purchase after the meal, and most of our group members did get a bottle or two to bring home. This was a truly DuVine dinner and we all agreed that it was one of the best meals we had ever eaten.

While we thought the scenery could not get more beautiful, day 5 proved us wrong and showed us yet another spectacular side of the island greeting us with magnificent vistas at almost every turn. We left the Hotel Reads in the heart of the countryside and started out with easy cycling from Santa Maria del Cami to Esporles.  From there, we ascended on a steep, curvy mountain-road amid pine forests with incredible views of the emerald-green valleys and rugged cliffs. Once we made it to the top, it was downhill all the way to the idyllic town of Valdemossa. Valdemossa is an old mountain village with houses constructed out of stone.  It is also home to the Royal Carthusian Monastery, where composer Chopin and George Sand spent the winter of 1838-39. From Valldemossa we continued on to Deia, perhaps the prettiest village on the island. Nestled on a hilltop, it became an artist meeting point and inspiration place after Robert Graves discovered its charm in 1946. Don’t be surprised if you run into someone famous. Many celebrities have vacation homes in this area, which is not surprising given the beauty of these hamlets.

Your Mallorca bike tour would normally end here at the luxurious Hotel La Residencia, but due to a private event we spent the last night in Sóller, deep amidst the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range.  Today’s ride offered some of Mallorca’s most stunning scenery and the gorgeous fall weather made it feel like a dream. We weren’t ready for the week to end and say good bye to this incredible place, but every journey and adventure must end at some point– mine was simply DuVine.

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January 2, 2012

Top 10 DuVine Adventures Blog Posts 2011

Filed under: Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Connemara, DuVine Apres Velo, European bike tours, Guest Posts, Guide posts, Ireland, Portugal, Puglia, Switzerland, Top 10 lists, Video Blog — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 2:29 pm

From our Top 10 Bike Rides, Top 10 Wines and Top 10 Hotels for 2011, you can see just how incredible our year has DuVine Adventures Top 10 Listsbeen. And with our Top 10 Blog Posts, as voted for by our guests and followers, we can see what your favorite moments were as well.

Thanks to our awesome team both in the field and at our home base, our blogging in 2011 has covered every aspect of DuVine Adventures. From our new Pro Series bike tours to the DuVine Apres Velo series, from our guides’ pre-tour adventures to the blow by blow accounts of the tours themselves, we’ve covered it all. And it’s all here, on the DuVine Blog, for you to relive your favorite adventures or plan your next your next journey.  So without further ado, we present to you the Top 10 Blog Posts of 2011, in order:

1 – A Brief History of Bicycle Racing in Europe – At DuVine Adventures we spend much of our Summers with our guests on bike tours in Europe, several of those bike tours correspond with famous European bicycle races such as, the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia – where we run our specialty tours; The Pyrenees Bike Tour – Tour de France and The Giro d’Italia Bike Tour -

2 – Guest Blog: Erica Stokes, repeat DuViner – In August of 2010, I (Erica Stokes) was badly in need of a scenery change.  I had to get away.  Feeling the itch to get out of town, I Googled “life changing trips” and clicked away until a I found myself on the DuVine Adventures website a short while later.

3 – The Conde’ Nast Travel Specialists Summit – Earlier this month I attended the Conde’ Nast Travel Specialist Summit in Las Vegas (mentioned also in my How to Fly Home in a Blizzard post).

4 – Puglia Bike Tour – biking in a land of conquest – Italian tour manager Tom Coppock shares the history of Puglia and why it makes it such a great place to consider as a bicycle tour in Italy.

5 – The World’s Greatest Bicycle Tour Guides – Andy has just returned from our guide training in Italy and shares his thoughts in this quick video.

6 – The Best of Provence in 2011 – DuVine has done it again! In 2011, we’ve altered and improved our Bicycle Tour Provence Itinerary to make it the best trip we’ve ever offered in the region.

7 – Lugano – Switzerland’s Italian Gem – Many of our guests spend a few days before and after their bicycle tour in the area that a tour begins or ends.

8 – DuVine Ireland – Cycling the Connemara Coast – You’ll find no blarney here, but an accurate description of what awaits you when you join a DuVine bicycle trip in Ireland.

9 – Where in the Alentejo was Andy? – Cycling deep into the heart of  Portugal in typical Andy DuVine style!

10 – The European Wine Harvest 2011 – A hundred days ago, while western Europe was basking in some unusably warm April sunshine, vines from Burgundy to Bordeaux, Touraine to Tuscany and Alsace to Alentejo began to bloom.

Check out all of these posts for some great reading and ideas for your future bicycle tours and adventure travels.

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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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November 18, 2011

DuVine Apres Velo – Annecy, France

Filed under: DuVine Apres Velo, European bike tours, France, Pro Series, Tour de France — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 2:14 pm
Tour de France bike tour

The beautiful Thiou Canal that runs through Annecy.

Annecy, France is known as the “Venice of Savoie,” and for good reason. The prefecture of the department of Savoie, this centuries-old town is bisected by the Thiou Canal, forming a beautiful riverfront across the city that cannot help but conjure thoughts of Venice. Surrounded by the Alps and facing the handsome Lake of Annecy, this charming town has more than enough to offer both within the city limits and just a short train or car ride away to make it well worth a visit before you embark on your DuVine Tour de France Alps bike tour.

Sitting right in the middle of the Thiou Canal is the Palais de l’Isle. This 12th century building that once served as the Count of Geneva’s headquarters and then as a jail is now home to an historical museum and is the symbol of the town, clearly its most distinctive monument, both for its location and its striking resemblance to front of a ship.

A deeply rich historical site in many regards, Annecy is also home to two striking chateaus: the Château d’Annecy and Château de Montrottier. The Château d’Annecy was once home to the Counts of Geneva during their rule there and is now home to the Art and History Conservatory of Annecy, a rich tribute to the art, culture, and geography of the region.

The nearby freshwater Lake Annecy offers a charming place to bask in the French summer sun as you go for a refreshing swim or take a sail or rowboat, absorbing the breathtaking view of the surrounding Alps. This lake also happens to be one of the cleanest in the world, and is perfect for the avid fisherman.

Annecy is also perfectly located to make daytrips to Geneva, Chambéry, or Chamonix. Just 35km away, Geneva offers all the attractions of a booming European metropolis. Lake Geneva alone is worth the trip, and a ride around the lake is the perfect way to spend a morning before grabbing a bight to eat and visiting one of the city’s many museums or the Palace of Nations, home of the United Nations.

It’s also just a short journey to Chambéry, the capital of the Savoie department. Visit the Château de Chambéry or the Fontaine des Éléphants, the city’s most well-known monument. Or make a trip to the famous ski village of Chamonix, whose world-famous ski slopes will be no less stunning in the summer-time. Home of the first Winter Olympics in 1924, Chamonix has incredible hiking and biking to offer, and a tram ride to the peak of Mont Blanc will bring you to the highest commune in all of France.

With historical and natural wonders alike, both within and without the city, Annecy is the perfect headquarters for exploring the Alpine region of France before your DuVine tour. Take in the culture and history by visiting the many museums in Annecy and beyond or get your riding legs ready by venturing into the mountains and around the nearby lakes. Whatever you choose to do, you will not regret showing up to Annecy early.

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November 16, 2011

A Bicycle Tour in Umbria with Something for Everyone

Filed under: European bike tours, Italy, Staff Posts, Umbria — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 3:30 pm

Deborah has been on tours to six different destinations with DuVine Adventures including, bike tours in Europe and bike tours in South America and enjoyed all of them. A leisure cyclist who travels more for the cultural experience and beautiful scenery, she understands that some people may be a bit nervous about going on anything other than an Easy rated tour. After her recent bicycle trip to Umbria, Deborah shared her thoughts to dispel the nervousness of people like her who just want to enjoy the experience in relaxation.

As a non-cyclist I was unsure of what to expect heading on a week-long cycling vacation. What I found with DuVine’s bike tour in Umbria was complete flexibility and options for all ability levels.  Eating, drinking, and exploring the local cultures are as much what the week is about as the cycling, which was designed to enjoy the country-side on quiet roads.  With this bike, eat, drink sleep philosophy it is possible to enjoy any DuVine destination, though unless you don’t plan to bike at all, I would generally start by choosing a tour to match my cycling ability. There are plenty to choose from: Loire, Bordeaux and Portugal, for example, are all Easy rated tours.  Umbria, while rated Moderate,  is a large valley making the cycling not as difficult as I’d expected.  Many of the towns are perched on the sides of the valley, making for a beautiful setting, and adding some hills to each ride. For those with partners who like an extra challenge there is a great long ride on the last day, however the majority of the cycling was in the valley and very manageable.

Bike Tour Umbria

Overlooking the Valley

I planned to cycle as much as I could and prepared by going to spin classes and getting out on a bike for a few weekends before the tour. There really is nothing like actually getting on a bike to get used to balance and learning to change gears going up and down hills.  While DuVine includes the choice of either a hybrid or road bike, I would not take the road bike with its thinner tires and bent over handle bars unless you are used to this style of cycling, they are designed for the experienced cyclist and speed.  The hybrid bikes we had were top of the line with 21 gears and very comfortable memory foam seats.  We had a few novice cyclists in my group and a number who had requested the extra gel seats, but most agreed that the memory foam made for better butt positioning and ultimate comfort.  Pedal options are given in advance, most novice cyclists pick the flat pedal, the other choice is a loose toe cage option to slip your foot into.  The more experienced cyclists will generally bring their own clip-on shoes and pedals, which the guides will fit for them.

Bike Tour Umbria

Beautiful Sunrise in Umbria

Before getting on the bikes our guides gave us each fittings to ensure the correct seat height, helmet adjustment, etc.  All of the equipment is included.  The DuVine cycle jerseys were great with their back pockets to keep a small camera or store your mobile phone (in case of emergencies).  I did find a jacket and gloves were useful for early morning starts in the cooler Autumn weather.  Each rider also has a bike bag on the front of the bicycle, which is a good size for holding all the little things you might need during the day such as a wallet or sunscreen. They also equipped with the route map for those who want to know where they are or wish to cycle ahead, and can even be taken off the bikes and used as a bag while touring.  If you think you’ll spend more time off the bike a small back pack with extra items or a clothing change can be put in the in van, which is always close at hand.

Bike Tour Umbria

Enjoying the Ride in the Valley

The guides gave us a clear safety talk before we started, explaining how to ride in traffic with Italian drivers. They actually are  very good at sharing the road with cyclists.  They explained how to take the down-hills and described the route ahead.  It was very reassuring having the guides on-hand at all times, one on a bike and one in the van, letting us know where to make the next turn and taking photos as we cycled, allowing us to really enjoy the scenery.  They were there to handle anything from the occasional flat tire, to gear change tips, to an extra push up a hill.  And the van was always nearby for those who wanted a break.

Days are designed with regular stops, giving guests plenty of non-cyclist options.  Day One starts with an introductory ride.  In Umbria you head up to Trevi, a quaint Medieval town on the side of the hill, for a typical leisurely Italian lunch, our group all transferred up as the annual Celery festival was in full swing, most groups cycle up but the van is always there for those who don’t want to start the week with a climb, and it was downhill after lunch.

Italians love their food and this tour gives guests plenty of opportunities to enjoy it as well.  Menus typically have multiple courses.  Umbrian’s eat an unsalted bread, which they dip in their fresh tasty olive oil… heavenly.  Italian meals usually start with an antipasto course, generally a mix of various meats and some cheeses, prosciutto, capocollo, salami etc.  Their Primo course is generally pasta, risotto or maybe pizza.  The Secondo will then be meat or fish, though as Umbria is land bound the latter was not generally one of the options selected for us.  If you order from a menu note that the Contorno or vegetable/salad side dish is usually served separately rather than with the meat.  The Dolce or dessert would be a cake, maybe a tiramisu, or zabaglione style dish, of course you can always do as the locals and head out for a gelato with friends.  We generally had a set menu, which chefs prefer, so dietary restrictions should be noted in advance.  In Italy the meal ends with a short espresso, or caffé corretto with a shot of grappa, or for a delicious digestif try limoncello.  Know that in Italy if you want the watery style coffee that is drunk in North America you have to ask for caffé Americano, while cappuccino and caffe latte are only drunk at breakfast.  My favourite is the macchiato, an espresso stained with a spoonful of frothed milk.  Buon appetito!

For those that know they don’t want to spend too much time on the bike, Umbria is filled with little towns to explore and plenty of off bike activities.  Day Two, for example, consisted of an easy ride to Montefalco where we took an olive oil tasting in the oldest establishment in town. Olivio & Daniela, who make their own oils, were very generous and informative.  We were there in mid-October and they had just picked and pressed their olives so the oil was still green and so fresh. All oils become yellow with age regardless of how they are stored – heat is the worst thing for oils, they are best stored in a cool dark place.  It was interesting to taste the various blends, similar in many ways to a wine tasting.  From there we took another short cycle to the Antonelli winery, where we were taken on a tour of its production facilities followed by a lunch with wine parings. Again, the host was very informative, explaining each wine and why it had been served with each course.  After lunch we were given cycling choices, an easy ride, transfer, or a more challenging route via another picturesque hilltop village.  There’s always an option for everyone.

Bike Tour Umbria

Interior of a Cathedral

Day Three included a visit to the Gothic city of Assisi. The pace was again easy in the valley.  Our ride took us to Santa Maria degli Angeli, which houses the tiny church built by St. Francis, and known as the Porziuncula. It was a calming and serene experience.  There was usually some traffic entering/exiting the main towns but most of the riding was on small quiet roads.  We transferred up to Assisi to avoid the traffic, and were given the choice of a tour or free time to explore at leisure. The Basilica is amazing and there was so much to see in the town.  Our fourth day included a cooking class, one of the highlights of the tour, with Tres Vaselle’s amazing chef Domenico. He showed us local secrets such as how to make his amazing pasta.. we learned some great dinner party tricks too.  Our lunch that followed included the results of our labour.  Many took the afternoon off at Tres Vaselle to enjoy the hotel facilities, spa, sauna and massages, while there was also the option to visit Deruta and a local pottery factory.  Orvieto was the highlight of Day Five, and while it was a big ride the van was at our call the entire way.  Our group included a mix of abilities and some decided they would rather spend the full day in Orvieto and took an early transfer.  For a non-cyclist this can be done at any time, distances in Umbria are not that far and a taxi can easily be arranged for you if you choose to take an excursion on your own.  Orvieto has a stunning Duomo in its town square, the cathedral dates from 1290 and the black and white marble stripping of its main body and stunning mosaic façade is impressive.  If you spend the day there you’ll find plenty to do with all the churches, museums and many alleys of shops, or if you have the extra time take the opportunity to tour the underground catacombs.

Our hotels throughout the trip were wonderful with lots of character. It was a joy to sit down with new friends at the end of each day for an aperitif and relax with great company.  Villa Zuccari was charming with painted walls and gorgeous items displayed everywhere. The owner was lovely and made scrumptious breakfast cakes, she really treated us as her guests.  L’Orto Degli Angeli was as old as the Roman town it was located in; Bevagna a charming town.  The hotel is comprised of two parts connected with a bridge into a central garden, a wonderful place to sit for a drink during balmy summer months.  The hotel is owned & lived in by a noble family and is really very special, while dinner the first night is in part of the old Roman Amphitheater, a gorgeous setting with lots of atmosphere.  Tres Vaselle in Torgiano offers great relaxation towards the end of the week with its 5 star facilities, the interior was the more modern of the properties that we stayed at, giving us variety throughout the week.  Many took advantage of the spa, while the final wine tasting in their cellar was most prestigious.

Umbria has something for everyone, for every level of cycling.  You can choose to simply explore in your own time, soaking up the history, art and culture of the region, or take advantage of the extra rides that are always offered.  A bit of biking justifies all the eating and drinking!  It’s your adventure to enjoy – mine was simply divine!

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November 4, 2011

Guide Post: Building a Bike Tour of Brittany

Filed under: Bike, European bike tours, France, Guide posts, Tours — Tags: , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 11:20 am

Lighthouses, sunsets, crêpes, and Caramel au Beurre Salé. Brittany is an excellent destination for a French bike tour for food lovers, those in search of beautiful scenery, and everyone in between.

Bretagne as it is known to the French, has its charm in the old world style with its villages filled by rows of stone houses surrounded by extremely well kept gardens.  There is color wherever you look: brightly painted shutters, soft green fields, hollyhock, hydrangeas, fishermens’ nets, well-kept boats and the sailors that navigate them. The mix between old villages and coastal harbors allows travelers to experience both the fields of the region and the views of the sea.

Bike Tour Brittany

Sunrise on the Water

The biking is pretty easy and the locals say the biggest challenge is the easterly wind, but as long as we have it at our back (and the trip is designed to allow just that) we’ll be smooth sailing. For anyone looking for a relaxing bike ride along beautiful coastlines, this is the place for you. When the breeze is just right, the crisp air soothes the senses and leaves you wanting to just cycle on and on.

We have visited many beautiful seaside towns full of fishing boats and ancient lighthouses, still a pride of the area even though they are seldom used for what they once were, lifesavers. At each one, we stop to enjoy the views and take in the smells of the sea.

Bike Tour Brittany

One of Many Stone Houses

The food is simple but delicious, with only local ingredients: catch of the day, crayfish, sardines, thin pancakes also known as crêpes, chocolates, salted caramel, baked & caramelized sugar cake, the list goes on and on.  It’s all so good. The mix of fresh seafood and tasty dessert treats leave us all watering at the mouth wishing our stomachs could handle twice the amount.

The first hotel we found to start the tour, Villa Tri Men, is a nautical themed comfort zone that is the perfect setting for some of the best sun rises you’ll ever witness.  The morning couldn’t be any more relaxing when sitting and looking out over the water where the boats all rest with their sails flowing in the soft wind. The gleaming sun’s rays bounce of the water and brighten the sky, leaving long shadows behind the autumn colored trees.

As we work our way southeast, down the Finistere coast we’ll be witnesses to the French wild coast that few foreigners know about.  It is the French’s best kept secret to date.  Tomorrow we will see Vannes and Belle Ile, and the next day will include Guerande (famous for their salt) and le Croisic. It looks like this weekend is going to be full of great treats.  We are really excited about this new bike tour in Brittany and it joins a long list of DuVine’s famous bike tours in France.

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October 31, 2011

DuVine Apres Velo – Paris

Filed under: 2011, Bike, DuVine Apres Velo, European bike tours, France, Guide posts — Tags: , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 1:40 pm

Our Apres Velo series is meant to give readers and active travelers insight into places they can visit before or after a bike tour with us. When traveling in France, the obvious place to check out is Paris. Paris is one of the most famous cities in the world, so instead of telling you to check out the Eiffel Tower, we are going to tell you about some less obvious, yet still amazing, places to visit.

Bike Tour France

Gorgeous View at Night

These locations are not obscure, but they may fall a little lower on the “to do” list than the Arc de Triomphe. That being said, we do think you should walk up the 1,665 steps of the Eiffel Tower. Paris is such an incredible city that you should give yourself plenty of time to explore everything that sounds interesting, not just the typical tourist spots.

Located on the river Seine, Paris is one of most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. The Jardin des Tuileries is a reason for that reputation. Created by the philanthropist family of the Medicis in the 16th century, is a grand garden that was meant to remind Catherine de Medici of her native Tuscany. You can grab a seat anywhere and enjoy the fresh air among the landscaping. There are several sculptures and two fountains spread throughout the grounds as well.

Bike Tour Paris

Side of the Pompidou

Everybody knows about the Louvre and Centre Pompidou, but another great museum to visit is Les Invalides. The most notable tomb in this museum is that of Napoleon Bonaparte. Though his ashes were not originally placed here, they were moved in 1840, with a red and green quartzite and granite tomb finished in 1861. Many of his family members and other military officers are also are buried here.

A little bit less beautiful and romantic than the gardens is the Catacombs of Paris. This underground ossuary holds the remains of about 6 million people. 6 million! Though the thought of walking through tunnels holding the remains of that many people from centuries before our time can seem a bit morbid, the sight of endless pile of bone is incredible. The almost artistic nature of the piles makes for a unique and exciting experience.

Bike Tour France

A view of the Jardin

Other than see sights, an important part of enjoying Paris is the walk from place to place. Traveling on foot is definitely the best way to experience the City of Light, and while you can cross the city in just a few hours, you shouldn’t. Stopping at cafes to enjoy the desserts, coffee, or whatever treat you desire is half the fun. Depending on the weather, having a relaxing afternoon chatting and people watching can be extremely fulfilling in Paris.

Spending a few days in Paris before a bike tour in France is a perfect way to start off an incredible trip. With so much to do in Paris, you won’t have troubling staying busy.

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