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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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July 15, 2011

Bike Tour in Corsica Video Blog

Filed under: Bike, Corsica, European bike tours, France, Tours, Video Blog — Tags: , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 1:10 pm

DuVine Founder Andy Levine has returned from the island of Corsica in France, but wishes he never had to leave. Scenic routes along the coast, steep climbs through the mountains, and talking to goats… These are all normal occurences for Andy while in Corsica. Creating a bike tour in Corsica, which will be one of the newest bike tours in France, gave Andy the opportunity to travel the beautiful coastline and meet with the friendly-as-ever locals.

The picturesque routes of Corsica are hilly and challenging, but with very few cars in the way, the quiet roads make for epic bike riding. Cycling right along the side of a mountain offers incredible views while simultaneously pushing riders to the crest of each climb.

Check out this video and see why we are all so excited about what Corsica has to offer.

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July 8, 2010

Adventure travel in Costa Rica

Filed under: Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Bike, Costa Rica, Tours — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 3:51 pm

I have to admit it was interesting going from “Old World” Spain to “New World” Costa Rica in less than 2 weeks, as I continued my life of adventure travel – talk about two different worlds!  The only thing they had in common was the language….and, really, that was about it.

active volcanoes...

 

You won’t be seeing any medieval castles or ancient monasteries here, but it’s not like you find too many rain forests in Spain. Nor dry forests, transitional forests or the unique flora and fauna that exist within these micro-climates…not to mention several active volcanoes! (well…unless we’re talking the Canary Islands) So, if it’s adventure and wildlife viewing that you are looking for…this is the place to go.

Welcome to the jungle…fun and far from tame …Costa Rica’s got every adventure you want … too many to count the names…you can bike, hike, raft, zip line, snorkel, surf, kayak, etc…actually, I think it might be illegal to be idle in this country!

And if you’re like I am [not one for sitting still] and always looking for your next adventure…you’ll want to check this out.

rafting the Pacuare River

 

Why just bike when you can raft class IV rapids on the Pacuare River, zip line through the rainforest with sound of a thundering volcano in the background, hike on a trail of lava rock from the still active Arenal Volcano, surf the famous beaches of Guanacaste,  kayak around rock islands to a private beach, and then snorkel the reefs? Hey, you can still bike too…while listening to the sounds of the forest – howler monkeys, toucans, cicadas…you name it…your own personal ‘sounds of the forest’ CD…live and in concert!  At times, it’s almost surreal.

Zip line preparation...

 

I recall standing atop one of the zip line platforms, high above the forest, preparing for my turn to careen down through the treetops when I heard the most intense, thunderous rumble and felt the platform shake beneath me. Upset that we may not be able to continue, I quickly asked our guide if we were going to have to stop due to the inclement weather…and he just looked at me with a giant grin, and laughingly said, “that’s not thunder…that’s the volcano!” …at which point we all broke out into uproarious laughter!  Whether it was the sound of the erupting volcano or our laughter that incited the howler monkeys to chime in with their tell-tale barking whoops, I can’t say…but the combination of sounds certainly made for a unique and resounding chorus.

Oh, that’s another thing I should probably mention… if you are interested in heading to Costa Rica, you might want to start boning up on your wildlife knowledge, too. From birds, to mammals, to lizards, (and we’re talking species and subspecies) – you’ll definitely find a variety to observe (as it seemed every five  seconds my guide was either pointing at something or pulling out a telescope for a closer inspection).  You’ll also want to bust out that flower chart, too, as Costa Rica is home to a rich variety of animals and plants. Interestingly enough, while the country itself has only about .25% of the world’s landmass, it contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity. Talk about packing a punch!

tropical flora...

 

And even though at times it may seem as if you are walking on the set of Jurassic Park, completely removed from the modern world, one step into one of the amazing hotels will remind you that “new-world luxury” is not an oxymoron. Paradise is not lost…but you don’t have to rough it to experience it, either!

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June 30, 2010

A Brief History of Bicycle Racing in Europe

Filed under: Bike, Giro d'Italia, Tour de France, Tours, bicycle racing, staff stories — Tags: , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 12:07 pm

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 -  So, since the Tour de France will be kicking off this weekend we thought we would share a brief history of bike racing in Europe.

da Vinci bicycle

Leonardo da Vinci first recorded the idea of the ‘bicycle’ with vivid and precise sketches in his Atlantic Code. These sketches contemplated features which are representative of the modern bike such as wheels of the same diameter and pedals.

The bicycle went through several metamorphoses, from the wooden and rigid ‘celerifere’ (1790) to the ‘velocifero’, until finally in 1888, Dunlop invented the pneumatic tires. This major breakthrough also marked the beginning of modern competitive racing. Cycling became very popular in the western European countries of France, Spain, Belgium, and Italy. Some of the earliest bicycle races remain among the sport’s biggest events.

In the ensuing years, road races were held everywhere in Europe: on November 7, 1869 the first long-distance road race between two cities took place. It stretched from L’Arc de Triomphe in Paris to the Cathedral in Rouen and was attended by 304 racers. The first Paris-Rouen race was won by British bicycle racer James Moore, soon to become one of the first cycling stars.

James Moore

Following the Paris-Rouen race, the pace of change in cycling intensified. The same year, the London – Brighton race was born. In 1870, the first Italian road race was held between Florence and Pistoia: 33 km covered in about 2 hours. However, the first ‘classic’ Italian race was the Turin-Milan in 1876: the race was won by Maghetti, who covered 150 km between the two cities. In 1890, another exhausting race was created: the Paris-Brest-Paris: 1260 km non-stop loop, day and night. Finally in 1896, the first real ‘classic’ French race was born: the Paris-Roubaix. While originally it started in Paris and ended in Roubaix, since 1968 the starting city has been Compiègne about 60 km north-east from Paris. Famous for rough terrain and cobblestones, it is one of the “monuments” of the European calendar.

The first international body for racing was the International Cycling Association (ICA), established by Henry Sturmey (the founder of Sturmey-Archer). It opened in 1893 and held its first world championship in Chicago the same year. The ICA was replaced by the Union Cycliste International (UCI) which was set up on 14 April 1900 during the Olympic Games in Paris. The UCI was founded by the national cycling organizations of Belgium, the United States, France, Italy, and Switzerland. It replaced the ICA by setting up in opposition during a row over whether Great Britain should have been allowed just one team at world championships or separate teams representing Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Britain found itself outflanked and it was not able to join the UCI – under the conditions the UCI had imposed – until 1903, just in time to participate in what would become the most prestigious race of the ‘Grand Tours’: Le Tour de France.

vintage Tour de France

Denoted as ‘the most physiologically demanding of athletic events’, the roots of the Tour de France can be traced to the controversial Affair Dreyfus, which divided public opinion in France at the beginning of the 19th century over the innocence of Alfred Dreyfus, a soldier convicted – though later exonerated – of selling military secrets to the Germans. The editor of The Velo, the first and the largest daily sports newspaper in France, believed in Dreyfus’s innocence, while many anti-Dreyfusards opened a rival daily sports paper, L’Auto. Stagnant sales led the editors of L’Auto to come up with an idea of a multi-day bicycle race to surpass its rival. L’Auto announced the race on January 19, 1903, starting in Paris and stopping in Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and Nantes before returning to Paris. The first Tour De France was won by Maurice Garin, an Italian chimney sweep, and naturalized French citizen.

Six years after the first Tour the France, thanks to the editor of the main Italian sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, the second of the Grand Tours, the “Giro D’Italia,” was started. The “Giro” was preceded by the Milan – San Remo, “the Spring Classic” or ‘the sprinter classic’. This annual cycling race between Milan and San Remo was the longest professional one-day race at 298 km. The first was in 1907, when Lucien Petit-Breton won.

2010 Giro d'Italia

Finally, in 1921, the first International World Cycling Championship was organized in Copenhagen, but only in 1927 were professional racers allowed to enter the competition. The first professional World Cycling Championship took place at the Nurburgring, Germany and was won by Alfredo Binda, followed by Girardengo, Piemontesi and Belloni, all racers from Italy.

Inspired by the success of the Tours in France and Italy, and the boost they brought to the circulations of their sponsoring newspapers, the editors of the daily Spanish Informaciones adopted the concept to Spain. La Vuela (the tour of Spain) was first held in 1935 and annually since 1955.

Everything that follows this glorious prelude is written in the history of Racing.

Lance at the 2009 TDF

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June 25, 2010

South Africa, great for soccer even better for biking!

Filed under: Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Bike, South Africa, Tours — Tags: , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 10:34 am

Does the 2010 FIFA World Cup have you wishing you, too, were in South Africa right now? I’m sure it’s done wonders for South African “tourism”…but wouldn’t you rather go when it isn’t as crowded, crazy and filled with tourists and the din of vuvuzelas? or better yet… when it isn’t winter?

Why be just another tourist when you can be a real traveler on a bike tour to South Africa? And believe me, you’ll want to travel here. This is one destination everyone needs to experience in their lifetime – it very well may be one of the most amazing places you will ever visit.

I remember thinking on my winter run along a snowy beach in Rye Beach, NH on December 30, 2000 that in less than 2 days, I would be walking another stretch of the Atlantic…this time basking in the summer sun on Camps Bay, half a world away in South Africa. And what a different world it was…in so many aspects.

sunset in South Africa

 

From the moment I stepped off the plane to my last afternoon sitting at the airport bar sipping Amarula as I awaited my return flight to Boston, I was living the dream.  Like I said, all I can say is that everyone must go to Cape Town in their lifetime…it is a must.

First and foremost, it is an outdoor adventure playground. What can’t you do in South Africa? Cage dive with sharks, paraglide off Table Mountain, sandboard down giant dunes, surf epic waves…I could go on and on. And the backdrop to all of these activities? Well, perhaps some of the most stunning natural scenery you could ever imagine.

Yes, the scenery… I have to admit that is one of the first things that impressed me -  especially the first time you see Table Mountain looming above the glistening ocean slightly obscured by a rare blanket [or table cloth] of clouds. Epic. And the view from the top? Wow. One of the most impressive views you can imagine. Really, you have to check it out!

Table Mountain

a view of Table Mountain

 

And it’s not just these impressive vistas - the mountain itself actually lends itself to plenty of  outdoor activities. So, aside from taking the gondola (which rotates 360 degrees) up to the top to experience the views…you can mountain bike or hike the trails, abseil or paraglide off, etc. I can still recall my guide and fellow tandem partner telling me to “just start running”  as we stood on a peak ready to paraglide off the mountain – it wasn’t until we were airborne that I realized how strange it seemed to be instructed to just throw yourself off a cliff, without a motor…but the sensation of flying and the view from the air silenced any more of those type of thoughts. And when you land on the beach, you have a perfect view of the other gliders hanging in the air in front of  Table Mountain.

And that’s just Table Mountain…where should I start?  How about all of the incredible beaches along the Cape? From Cape Point where the two oceans meet- the warm green-hued waters of the Indian Ocean colliding with the cold blue Atlantic - the waves crashing into the rocks and spewing up a fountain of water. Or Simonstown and Boulder Beach where the famous Jackass penguins congregate. Perhaps the very ‘Euro-chic’ beach, Camps Bay, with its sandy beaches, palm trees, and trendy nightlife – where you may just think you’ve been transported to the south of France – or head along the Indian Ocean to surf some of the best waves in the world. And those are just the beaches!

vineyards

 

How about the wine? You can stay closer to Cape Town and visit the oldest vineyards in South Africa in Constantia…or head out along the wine route through the Western Cape and Stellenbosch. You’ll definitely enjoy tasting! I’m not sure if you are familiar with South African wines, but you should be. Yet another reason a visit is a must.

And then there are the gardens…that’s right…the flora in this area is so amazing that there is actually a Garden Route (in addition to a Wine Route) – showcasing more of the natural beauty of this area. You’ll probably want to make a point of visiting the famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens to see this wonderland of fynbos flowers.

Oh and here’s a tip to impress some of the locals…become familiar with the common South African/Afrikaans word lekker (as in cool, great, sweet, etc)… as well as billtong (a type of jerky-but so much better!) and braai (a barbeque and very common South African occurance). And even though English is the official language…even some of the English words are different, too – for instance…they are not traffic lights, they are robots; you walk on the pavement, not the sidewalk; the trunk of your car is the boot…)

Gardens

 

I could go on and on about how amazing this place is…but then again…wouldn’t you prefer to find that out yourself with DuVine…on a bike?

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June 15, 2010

A Bike tour of Croatia – Plenty of sun, biking and boating

Filed under: Active Travel, Bike, Croatia, Tours — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 2:59 pm

There’s no place like Hvar…there’s no place like Hvar (well maybe Brac, Vis or Korcula).

I guess I should just  say there’s no place like the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia [just promise me you will keep this a secret!]

It really does not get better than this!

A view from the yacht

Let me set the stage with a brief glimpse at one of the epic days I spent on my recent visit – where I joined one of our private bike tours in Croatia.  It began with breakfast delivered to our yacht from our 5 star hotel (egg white omelets, espresso and fresh fruit)…then we cruised for an hour along the calm turquoise water, soaking up the sunshine, to reach the end of the island where our bikes were waiting at the dock ready for us to hop on and begin our 3 hour nonstop ride over the rolling hills of Hvar. Did I mention that every vista is spectacular? Whether you are climbing, riding along the coast or wending your way through the villages…there is certainly no want for scenery!  Wow. It was absolutely picture perfect – not a cloud in the sky, warm sunshine, and a gentle breeze followed us as we rode the entire island. And, honestly, that’s the only thing that followed us.

The open road in Hvar

Throughout the ride, there wasn’t a car, a cyclist, nor even a person in sight – just the stunning blue waters that surrounded us in constant view (whether in the periphery or directly in front of us) as we climbed the rolling hills, striking up some healthy competition on the more challenging climbs as bets were made and the gauntlet thrown down. And when our 80km ride across the island of Hvar was complete, our yacht was waiting for us with 2 massage therapists aboard for our post-ride massages as the yacht cruised around the bay. Aaah…what can I say? Like I said…it really doesn’t get better than this!  At one point Ed looked at me and said this was definitely one of the top days of his life [and believe me, this man lives LARGE!]

Actually, it did get better. After our restorative session on the water, we headed back to Hvar for an absolutely delicious dinner at the local Konoba featuring the freshest seafood, delightful Croatian wine, and the best treat of all…the local ‘pancake’ dessert which resembles a crepe, but is filled with the most incredible blend of homemade ice-cream, nutella and some secret ingredient. Absolutely heavenly.

post-ride massage

And to top off the night…a  relaxing evening at the exclusive Hotel Adriana – Croatia’s first and only member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World. Oh, and don’t let me forget to mention the view from the Adriana  – a panorama that includes the Cathedral, the Arsenal, the Venetian piazza, the yacht harbor and the bay…all in one. Stunning.

Yes, everything is possible in Croatia…just ask and ye shall receive. And Andro, our lead guide in Croatia, is always ready to help you create your dream vacation and share his favorite part of the world with you – no request too large or detail too small (as evidenced by this private group!)

Remember…we are in the business of making memories…and you better believe that my last visit to Croatia provided me with ones that will last a lifetime!

post-ride dockside

A day in the life - Croatia

Alas, I had to leave –  but the tour continued on. The group set out on a 115 ft yacht and sailed off to Dubrovnik where they finished off their ‘dream come true’ staying at a palatial hotel and enjoying all the culture, cuisine and entertainment that this historic city has to offer. As for their experiences in Dubrovnik, I too am interested to hear. I guess we’ll both just have to ask them for more details!

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June 10, 2010

Creating a Sardinia Bike Tour

Filed under: Bike, Italy, Sardinia, Tours — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 1:55 pm

The coast of Sardinia

Well well well…pretty nice in Sardinia…

That was the first thing we heard from Andy on his recent visit to this unique Italian island to create a new DuVine Adventures luxury bike tour…and perhaps a clue as to what lies in store when you visit this jewel of the Mediterranean. (Emerald, turquoise or jade to be exact…just as the varying hues of the waters that surround this spectacular coastline) It is no wonder that some of the best and most famous beaches on the island are located along the Emerald Coast or Costa Smeralda – also a favorite of the jet set.

Yes, Sardinia has always been a popular escape spot – not only for its beautiful beaches, but also due to its remote nature. The island offers peace and privacy to those who want to get away but retain all of the comforts of home. There is no want for the finer things here in Sardinia – so you foodies and wine lovers take note. Nor is there a lack of beautiful properties to stay. Everything from the uber secluded and exclusive Capo Spartivento – a working lighthouse turned 6 room hotel/ villa – to the Cala di Volpe where the service is above and beyond all expectations (and, according to Andy,where a Bond movie was filmed – The Spy who Loved Me.)

Cala di Volpe

This is an island for adventurers and the varied landscape is ripe for exploration.  From the beaches to the mountains through forests and hilltop villages…Sardinia is not just a beach paradise, but a cyclist’s dream as well. Scantily populated with breathtaking views all around, you are free to explore the open road. And remember, less residents equals fewer cars – hence traffic free roads await you. Whether you choose to cruise the flatlands along the coast or opt for the hilly interior, you will find a bike-friendly environment throughout the island. Andy spent 5 days biking all around the rugged landscape of Sardinia – starting in the south near Cagliria, through Pula and Chia to the west coast of Bosa and Alghero and then across to Costa Smerelda – and will attest that when the sun is shining (which it does 300 days a year) and there is no wind, it is the Mediterranean at its finest. Not to mention,  the waters rival the Caribbean any day!

Never fear – there is no lack of culture either – as the island is also rich in history and was once the land of the Phoenecians, Romans, and Spanish. Just take a listen to the Sardinian dialect and you will hear these varied origins reflected in the language. The cuisine is also a mélange of cultures and traditions. And if somehow you tire of relaxing on the shimmering white sands and emerald green shores, you can always explore some of the archaeological sites on the island including the unique nuraghi ruins as well as the UNESCO Heritage site of Su Nuraxi di Barumini.

A spot to relax

Of course, in keeping with the nature and feel of the island…this exclusive destination will be available as a tour in our Private Collection.

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May 28, 2010

Dede went to Rioja on a Bike Tour!

Filed under: Bike, European bike tours, Rioja, Spain, Staff Posts, Tours, Wine Tasting, staff stories — Tags: , , , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 1:19 pm

 

Rioja

Rioja rocks!

Although, perhaps I should not divulge this secret (despite being DuVine Adventure’s Marketing Manager) …as I’d prefer to keep this region to myself. Yes, I just returned from a picture perfect week on a bike tour to Rioja Spain and can’t stop raving about how amazing this epic countryside is. Imagine the perfect cycling road…rolling green hills, brilliant azure sky, snow capped mountains in the distance, miles and miles of open road without a car [or anything else, really] in sight until you happen upon a medieval village with its castle rising above the landscape of a land frozen in time. And that’s just the cycling! Just wait until you taste the wine…

Let me just preface by saying that this was much more than just a pleasant surprise (as it was nothing like what I expected). I’m not sure why my imagined perception was so lack luster…but in this case, perception certainly was not reality…actually quite the antithesis! I was absolutely stunned by how amazing this area truly is.

Perhaps one of the most important features to highlight about Rioja is how stunning the landscape is – almost surreal with its vibrant hues of emerald and chartreuse wheat fields undulating in the breeze, virtually cloudless azure skies, ferrous-rich red clay soil and snow white capped mountains rising above the empty asphalt roads. This, I wasn’t expecting….maybe Tuscany or Sicily…but not Spain, right?

Epic roads

From day one, as we drove out from the urban expanse of Madrid and headed into the countryside, the landscape was ever changing – the only constant was a range of mountains (and although different ranges – a ubiquitous presence nonetheless) – and even those varied in the amount of snow covering their peaks. I have to admit, if you have to endure a long road trip in the van…it definitely helps to have scenic vistas to distract you! Actually, the ride isn’t that bad (and it is the longest of the trip so you get it over with in the beginning) – 3 hours from Madrid to Abalos. And, as aforementioned,  not only is the scenery captivating…but there is also plenty of time to catch a nap if you have arrived that day like our family from California…or are still suffering a bit of jet lag from your hop across the pond.

Van 1 and van 2 (as they familiarly became labeled) caravanned along the highway…we stopped midway along the route for a quick coffee and a chance to finally meet our fellow travelers. 2 sets of friends from Canada, a family from California, and me – lucky 13! Well, add to that our tag team of guides: Pablo, Marcus and Oliver…and you had the makings for what became an incredibly fun and exciting adventure! We soon began realize that we had a true comic genius along who was truly entertaining and kept us laughing daily. I can’t thank Marius enough for providing a wonderful sense of comic relief and for being such a pleasant traveling companion. It certainly helped to have some partners in crime along. Yes, in addition to practicing my lapsed Spanish, I was introduced to a whole new vocabulary throughout the week.

Marius on the road

As you can surmise… what a week it became! Great company, epic riding, delicious Rioja wines and some of the best guides by our side, fulfilling our every need – what more could you ask for?

It all began in Abalos…where we arrived at our hotel, had time for a quick change and then headed out for our first foray on the roads of Rioja. Honestly, I don’t think we encountered a single car on that ride as we cycled astride along the empty country roads. There was just plenty of rolling terrain and a steep climb back into town for a well earned cocktail outside on the patio of the hotel, where we were bathed in sunshine. Plates of Manchego cheese, selected hams, olives, etc…and of course…bottles of their own vino tinto from the vineyard.

And like a fine wine, our days just kept improving with time…

Every day became a new adventure as we traversed the remote and romantic countryside – climbing and descending the rolling green hills. The general consensus (and long-standing joke) was that Pablo had a very unique interpretation of what a ‘flat’ road consisted of…apparently there are some really flat hills in Spain?! Lots of laughter filled the days as friendships were forged both on the road and over glasses of vino and plates of tapas.

Castle view

Need we forget, it is not all about these perfect cycling roads. The land itself is rich in history…and the landscape is dotted everywhere with remnants of the past. From medieval castles looming high above the surrounding valleys, walled cities that remain seemingly untouched by time, to the ever-present ancient architectural marvels – aqueducts, monasteries, abbeys and gothic cathedrals along the way – this is a fascinating place. You truly feel as if you have been transported back to antiquity…a time traveler meandering through a lost world…becoming part of that history.

Be it these man-made structures or natural formations…beauty abounds. Just take a walk through the Yecla Gorge or hike down to see the Hoces de rio Duraton Natural Park. (I’m sorry, have I mentioned how impressive the landscape is?) Honestly…I think that you, too, will share my sentiment and find that whatever you may be imagining…really isn’t as stunning as is the Rioja reality.

Oh, and did I mention the wine? Hmmm…maybe that’s one of the secrets I should keep to myself?

Muse Dinastai Vivanco

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May 7, 2010

An Okanagan Bike Tour – Napa of the North

Filed under: Bike, Canada, Okanagan Valley, Tours — Tags: , , , , , — Bike tour guru @ 11:19 am

So, you’ve already visited Napa/Sonoma? No problem. It’s time to travel north to Canada (where you can actually take advantage of the exchange rate) and experience a bike tour of the Okanagan Valley – or as it is commonly know –  the ‘Napa of the North’.

Okanagan Valley

Located in British Columbia between the western Cascade Mountains and the eastern Monashee Mountains, the Okanagan Valley stretches from the Sonora Desert in Osoyoos, through a lush clear blue lake region to these higher elevations -  a geography that creates a unique micro-climate ideally suited for wine growing. And although situated on the same latitude as the German and French wine growing regions, it  is not classified as a “cool-climate” growing region. Quite the contrary! The Okanagan Valley is one of the warmest regions in all of Canada boasting the lowest  rainfall rates and the highest temperatures. It is due to its close proximity to the desert, lakes and mountains that these unique ecosystems exist –  and create distinct micro-climates that are responsible for a true diversity of wines.

The dry, sandy, desert soil of the south is perfectly suited for Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris and Pinot noir grapes; whereas the deep topsoil and clay found in the cooler mid/northern valleys lends more for Pinot blanc, Pinot noir, Pinot gris, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer wines…as well as the region’s famous Icewines.

Pinot Blanc vineyards

What is an Icewine, you ask? Well the simple answer is that it is a wine created from grapes that are left on the vine to freeze and harvested only after they have naturally frozen in the vineyard. These frozen grapes have a very short window of time to be picked (to ensure optimum sugar levels) before they are pressed while frozen – the water driven out as shards of ice - thus creating a super-concentrated nectar high in sugar, acids and aroma. Due to the rigorous standards of production and its low yields, Icewines are rather exclusive and in limited supply. Hence, definitely something you must try while here!

You might want to investigate another interesting  fact [or perhaps fiction?] about this region -  the legend of Ogopogo, the water monster that lurks beneath Okanagan Lake. According to sightings, the creature is some 20 to 50 feet long, with a horse shaped head and an undulating serpent like body. And unlike the infamous Loch Ness Monster of Scotland, there are reported sightings of this creature every year, making it very much an present-day phenomenon. Funnily enough, although Okanagan Lake is about 80 miles long extending from Vernon at the north end to Penticton in the south, apparently the monster appears to favor an area just south of Kelowna in waters near Peachland. So make sure to keep your eyes peeled when you ride along the lake!

Okanagan Lake

The Okanagan region is the oldest and most prolific wine growing region in Canada. And if Okanagan is considered the Napa of the North, Oliver is its wine capital. However,  it is not only known for its production of award winning wines, but for its spectacular mountain vistas and beautiful lakes as well.  Add to that its arid climate, great roads, record-making days of sun per year and naturally terraced landscape, and you have all the ingredients for a perfect cycling trip.

Smooth roads abound and the open road awaits you to bicycle along pristine lakes and through the scenic countryside – following the routes of pioneers with frontier flair. There’s even the opportunity to bicycle the Kettle Valley Rail Trail ( K.V.R.) which was built in 1914 as part of the Trans Canada Trail is the longest recreational trail in the world. Another thing you won’t want to miss  is the Trout Creek Bridge, of the most interesting sites of railway and the highest bridge on the KVR - rising 73 km high above the canyon.

A visit to the Okanagan Valley is truly a unique experience – an exciting  journey from mountains (a former volcanic one included!), through vineyards to the desert with some distinct wines, lavender fields, a monster and some incredible local goat cheese [including 'goat'gonzola] along the way.

Carmelis Goat Cheese Artisan cheeses

Much more than just the “Napa of the North” – you’ll just have to check it out to see!

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May 4, 2010

History in Sicily – The Baroque Experience

Filed under: Bike, European bike tours, Italy, Sicily, Staff Posts, Tours, staff stories — Tags: , , , — Bike tour guru @ 3:26 pm

Touring Sicily by bicycle

The great thing about traveling in Europe, and Italy in particular, is the fact that the paths you take will always bring you close to key areas of historical importance.

One of our newest bike tours in Italy, is the Sicily bike tour, which achieves just this, taking our guests into the Valley of Noto and the Ragusano. Considered one of the most outstanding representations of the Sicilian Baroque – a dramatic style which flourished around Europe in the XII Century, this unique part of Sicily is also home to several sites marked as World Heritage by UNESCO.

The Sicilian Baroque period only lasted about fifty years, from about 1665 until 1730, perfectly reflecting the extravagant and wealthy way of life of the Spanish Aristocracy, who were ruling the island at the time. Guarino Guarini, the foremost proponent of the Italian Baroque Architecture, first introduced the style from continental Italy to Sicily around 1660. At first, the unconventional, curvy, flamboyant lines – definitions of the Baroque style, clashed against the rigorous and orderly neoclassicism, therefore being heavily criticized.

Sicilian History

Once you reach the city of Noto, you will be surrounded by the quintessential representation of the stunning beauty and harmony of the Baroque. Noto is a sparkling gem located on a hill overlooking olive fields, shining in a sun-filled palette of orange and yellow… its view will take your breath away.

As a phoenix rising from its ashes, Noto was completely destroyed by the 1693 earthquake and rebuilt approximately 10 km from its original site, on three levels: the lower was occupied by the common people, the middle by the clergy and the highest was designated to the nobles.

Sicilian cannoli

The historic crossroads of Noto are the charming Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Via Cavour, and Via Nicolaci, where most of the religious buildings and aristocratic palaces can be found: the majestic Cathedral, Palazzo Ducezio, Porta Reale, Basilica del SS. Salvatore are among the numerous breathtaking sites. But Noto is not only a delight for your eyes: you will indulge yourself with a ‘sweet break’ with creamy cannoli siciliani, cassate and, to sooth your thirst, what’s more ideal than a glass of fresh almond milk or a jasmine granita in one of the numerous authentic cafés?

We believe that the best way to experience and become a true protagonist of the Baroque period is by getting ‘lost’ in the maze of stone paved alleys in the old town – andar per vicoli. Wherever the eye may fall, it will be a triumph of grinning grotesque masks, spiral columns, wrought iron balustrades, sinuous façades – exuberant elements of painting, sculpture and stucco blend together to create amazement and wonder!

This generous, evocative region is waiting for you, so join us on our bike tour, and you will experience a luxury vacation framed by natural beauty, arts, exquisite cuisine and the genuine sense of hospitality of the Sicilian people.

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