Organised Cycling Holiday

ozzy jr

I want to do a cycling holiday outside of Europe. I'm not too fussy where, just somewhere warm. I can't make up my mind where though!

So far I've been looking at Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City, also Panama!

I'm just wondering has anyone done an organised trip before and could recommend a website or group from personel experience.

Thanks.

el Bastardo

ozzy jr wrote: »

I want to do a cycling holiday outside of Europe. I'm not too fussy where, just somewhere warm. I can't make up my mind where though!

So far I've been looking at Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City, also Panama!

I'm just wondering has anyone done an organised trip before and could recommend a website or group from personel experience.

Thanks.

Exodus.co.uk (can book with Abbey Travel, if you prefer euro payment) which I've used several times, and saddleskedadle, which mates of mine used. There are several other reputable, UK-based and Ireland-based websites that run similar tours.

mel.b

There's also explore.co.uk. I really want to do their cuba and morocco tours. Might think about morocco for xmas this year. Was my plan last year but was cancelled before i booked as there wasn't enough interest

Wingman2010

I'd recommend www.fresheireadventures.com. Do cool tours outside Europe so they might be worth checking out.

petethedrummer

I'd love to do that Vietnam trip they did on Top Gear by bicycle.

mel.b

Wingman2010 wrote: »

I'd recommend www.fresheireadventures.com. Do cool tours outside Europe so they might be worth checking out.

just had a quick look at their website. The Italy trip looks like it covers some great scenic country side but $3000USD:eek::eek:

barrabus

Red spokes always looked good to me I think they are red spokes adventure.Co.uk

at1withmyself

barrabus wrote: »

Red spokes always looked good to me I think they are red spokes adventure.Co.uk

Can't recommend them enough - http://www.redspokes.co.uk/

I've been with them 3 times - Laos / Vietnam & Tibet, there pricing is very competitive and the focus is on cycling. Check there ratings, a 6 generally covers some long climbs up to 20 km in length but not too difficult as its a leisure tour so you can go at your own pace.

Planning on another tour with them to Peru & Bolivia for the next adventure.

ozzy jr

Thanks for all the replies. I'll start studying those websites.

blobbie

+1 on redspokes. Was in Laos with them. Great local guide and fantastic route. Some hard days, some pretty basic accom (more to do with remoteness) but super couple of weeks.

Have also been on saddle skedaddle. Another good outfit.

Redspokes are better value, cheaper in price but same level of service. Am off to Nepal with them later in the year. Can't wait

polariz

petethedrummer wrote: »

I'd love to do that Vietnam trip they did on Top Gear by bicycle.

I did it but in the opposite direction.. Hanoi to Ho Chi Min.. some trip! I personally wouldn't bother paying for a tour. Half the fun is making up your own route and heading into the unknown each morning. I'd highly recommend Vietnam anyway..

ozzy jr

polariz wrote: »

I did it but in the opposite direction.. Hanoi to Ho Chi Min.. some trip! I personally wouldn't bother paying for a tour. Half the fun is making up your own route and heading into the unknown each morning. I'd highly recommend Vietnam anyway..

Doing an organised tour is not really what I want, but I'm thinking they'll take all the hassle. Did you bring your own bike with you? My worry would be breaking down in the middle of no where on my own! Carry everything with me would be a pain too.

polariz

ozzy jr wrote: »

Doing an organised tour is not really what I want, but I'm thinking they'll take all the hassle. Did you bring your own bike with you? My worry would be breaking down in the middle of no where on my own! Carry everything with me would be a pain too.

Yes I brought my own racked MTB with panniers, multitool, spare tubes and clothes. I bought detailed maps in a bookshop in Hanoi and hit Highway 1 from there.
Every small city/large town has a hotel, we four starred it all the way With everybody either cycling or on a skooter you'll pass a mechanic every few mins only glad to help while laughing at the state of you in Lycra True it might be hard to find parts outside the main cities but if you bring your own bike, it's reasonable to expect it won't fall apart isn't it?

ozzy jr

polariz wrote: »

Yes I brought my own racked MTB with panniers, multitool, spare tubes and clothes. I bought detailed maps in a bookshop in Hanoi and hit Highway 1 from there.
Every small city/large town has a hotel, we four starred it all the way With everybody either cycling or on a skooter you'll pass a mechanic every few mins only glad to help while laughing at the state of you in Lycra True it might be hard to find parts outside the main cities but if you bring your own bike, it's reasonable to expect it won't fall apart isn't it?

Thats a good point about the mechanics. I was in HCMC a couple of years ago and know exactly what you mean. Hmmmm, maybe going alone is the thing to do after all.

ozzy jr

That Peru - Bolivia Tour looks amazing,

http://www.redspokes.co.uk/cycling_holiday_itineraries/cycling_holiday_itinerary.php?TOUR=Peru_and_Bolivia_Cycling_Holiday&ID=19

Not sure if I'd make some of those climbs in that altitiude, it's not exactly Sally's Gap!