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By Glenn Baja
60 is the new 40! There’s no reason to put away the toys and settle for boring bus tours when you can explore many parts of the world by bicycle. A great cycling adventure lets you meet interesting people, explore new cultures, see new sights, and still ride your bike. Cycling adventures can be solo endeavors, or fully supported. In this post we will explore 6 world-class cycling adventures for older adults featuring the best supported tours, since many active adults tend to prefer the camaraderie that they forge with other people who share a sense of adventure. Plus it’s nice not to have to worry about logistics, luggage, or route-finding.
- Chamois Butt'r Eurostyle is a non-greasy skin lubricant for cyclists, with menthol and witch hazel to produce a cooling and soothing effect
- Apply to skin or cycling shorts pad prior to riding to prevent chafing
- Improves riding comfort immediately
- This is the high end European style version of Chamois Butt'r, prized by elite cyclists and contains no artificial fragrances or colors
- Washes off skin and clothing with soap and water. Made in the USA.
- COMPLETE BIKE CHAIN REPAIR KIT: Our bicycle chain repair kit comes with everything you need to fix your bike chain on your own whether at home or on the road. Each pack comes with bike link pliers, chain wear indicator and checker along with a chain breaker splitter tool
- QUICK JOINING & REMOVING: This professional bike tool kit comes with bike link pliers that allow you to quickly and easily remove and join links in your bike chain. It allows you to both open and close chain connectors while the anti-slip handles provide a firm grip and more control
- EASY TO BREAK & RECHAIN: The bike chain splitter with chain hook makes it easier and faster to remove and insert pins in your bike chain while keeping it firmly in place to prevent it from moving. It’s compatible with 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and single speed bicycle chains to install and remove pins
- CHAIN WEAR INDICATOR: To help you understand when it’s time to change the bike chain we include a chain wear checker and indicator to assess the condition of the chain. It’s simple to use, if the 0.75 or 1.0 tooth passes through the chain then it’s time to have it changed
- 100% CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: This cycling chain repair kit is made to make keeping your bike chain in useable condition. If you aren’t happy with our professional bike tools then simply let us know within 30 days for a refund
- These are no ordinary bicycle tubes! These extra strong inner tubes stop flats for 2 years because there is Slime inside.
- Slime Tube Sealant seeks out and instantly seals punctures in your tubes up to 1/8" (3mm) using Fibro-Seal Technology
- Designed specifically to stop tube punctures from ruining your ride and keep you going
- Schrader Valve tube, that installs like any traditional inner tube and full instructions inside every pack
- Environmentally friendly. Non-toxic, non-corrosive and non-hazardous, Non-flammable, Water soluble
Wherever you want to explore, here are 6 world-class cycling adventures you will love!
1. The Danube
Image via Macs Adventure
Fort Collins, Colorado-based ExperiencePlus! offers a 13-day, 526-mile ride through some of the most scenic and historically significant cities of central Europe. This ride was named by National Geographic Traveler as one of the “50 Tours of a Lifetime” and it’s suitable for nearly any ability level since the route is mostly flat and on paved bike paths. Because the company offers an e-bike option (electric bike), the Danube is a great tour to consider if you and your spouse or travel buddy aren’t at the same fitness level or cycling ability.
Details: $5,500, 13 days. Fully supported/guided by amazing local (bilingual) guides. Includes a titanium bike with an e-bike option, all accommodations, all breakfasts/half of your dinners, special tours and excursions, and more. Experience Plus offers many cycling tours throughout Europe, as well as a few in South America, North America, and a brand-new tour of Cuba.
Personal note: A friend of mine in her 50s has done 5 tours with Experience Plus… along with her sister and her parents (her parents have done 7 EP tours!) and she sings their praises to the moon and back!
- [Handle Deck] The smartly created MEEPO V5 electric skateboard has a grip that makes it easier to carry. The board is more flexible and durable due to its 8 layers of Canadian maple.
- [Hub Motors] The 500W*2 powerful hub motors on the MEEPO V5 electric skateboard give it a top speed of 28 mph and a range of 11 miles, allowing it to adapt to various scenarios like college commuting, hanging out with friends, or riding around the city.
- [Smooth Braking and Modes] Riders benefit from a smooth braking experience due to the new ESC's sensitive M5 remote control system. The board is also IPX5 waterproof and has 4 settings, including an easy-to-use LO mode, that you may switch between to suit your daily activities.
- [Safe Charging] You can concentrate on having fun rather than worrying about battery life because the skateboard supports 1.5A charging, which takes approximately 2.8 hours to charge from zero to one hundred percent.
- [Package List] The MEEPO V5 Standard Electric Skateboard's packing list includes the charger, charger adapter cable, remote control, skateboard repair tool, and user manual. Please read the instruction manual in detail before use, if you have any questions MEEPO is always ready to help you solve the problem.
- FAST & LASTING: With the 450W powerful motor and long-lasting battery, URBANMAX C1 electric scooter can reach a maximum speed of 15.5 mph and travel up to 22 miles on a single charge (charger included). This e-scooter comes with an adjustable seat to fit people from 5'1" to 6'1" tall, suitable for 12 years old and above. It has passed UL2272 certification, ensuring a more secure and reassuring use.
- COMFORTABLE RIDING: Enjoy riding on the electric scooter with a soft breathable seat, and you won't suffer from fatigue on a long-distance ride. The thick and sturdy 12" tires absorb most shock, offering a comfortable riding experience. The 9.5" wide deck provides enough room for your feet or even a small pet.
- SAFETY FIRST: The high-brightness headlight and rear brake light are your night keeper. The effective front disc brake and rear drum brake on the e-scooter provide excellent stability and control, allowing you to stop progressively and safely. The exclusive bar lock prevents the stem from unaccidentally dislodging.
- PORTABLE & DURABLE: The foldable handlebar makes the lightweight scooter easy to store and carry. Throw the escooter in your trunk, and you are always free to transfer to other ways of travel. The metal body of this electric scooter is strong and durable, which can support a maximum weight of 265 pounds.
- DIGITAL DISPLAY: The LCD monitor shows you the real-time state of your riding condition clearly, including the battery level, current speed, speed mode, single and total mileage, so you won't get stranded in the middle of nowhere. The screen is legible even in the sun.
- SUPER SHOCKPROOF PERFORMANCE: Equipped with a high-strength shock-absorbing spring and hydraulic shock fork, which has super shock-absorbing capacity and no noise while driving. More quieter than traditional electric motocross bikes.
- LONG-RANGE BATTERY: Provides you great performance and up to 90 minutes (Tested on 88.2 lbs weight/9.3 mph) long-range with rechargeable 36V sealed lithium battery system in all scenarios. Takes only 4-5 hours to fully charge.
- SAFE SPEED MODES: The dirt bike has 3 safe speed modes - Low: 5.0 mph (8 km/h), Medium: 7.5 mph (12 km/h), High: 15.5 mph (25 km/h). you can choose to use any speed to give you the best riding experience and keep your child safe.
- DURABLE & STRONG: Electric motorcycle designed for kids aged 3-10 with authentic dirt bike geometry provides for a solid ride off-road with a max rider weight of 140 lbs (64 kg). Larger suspension makes rider more comfortable
- EFFICIENT SUPPORT TEAM: Come with detailed instructions for use and efficient after-sales service. You can contact us if you still need help. we will serve you online 24 hours a day.
2. Cape Town and the Garden Route
Image via Africa Rising Tours
Exodus Travels operates cycling tours (some supported, some self-guided) worldwide. This popular tour takes cyclists along South Africa’s dramatic coastlines, from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town. It follows the famous Garden Route and cyclists will enjoy beaches, rainforests, charming towns, stunning canyons, rolling hills, vineyards, whales, and wildlife, along with the vibrant scene of Cape Town.
Details: $1885, 12 days. Fully supported tour with knowledgeable local guides, all breakfasts, accommodations, and more. The terrain is suitable for most cyclists. Does NOT include bicycle rental; bring your own.
3. Bali
Image via Uluwatu Bali Driver
Want to go exotic? Go to Bali. Backroads is one of the best-known tour companies offering luxury cycling, walking and hiking, and multi-adventure tours in 58 countries worldwide, and their Bali trip doesn’t disappoint. Cycle past rice paddies, sacred pools, temples, volcanic mountains and sandy beaches in this beautiful country steeped in Hindu spirituality.
Details: $4198, 8 days. Perfect if you don’t have 2 weeks, this tour includes titanium touring bikes, terrain suitable for most cyclists, all accommodations, experienced guides, special tours and excursions, and more.
4. Puglia
Image via Ciclismo Classico
Puglia is a region of Italy along the Adriatic coast. Butterfield & Robinson, whose slogan is “slow down to see the world” offers a beautiful luxury tour through Puglia’s sun-soaked villages, olive groves, rugged coastlines, UNESCO sites, rolling vineyards, and more. This recreational-level tour combines history, scenery, and of course the famous Italian cuisine and wine.
Details: $4495, 6 days. A great shorter tour if you want to do other activities while you’re in Europe. This tour offers accommodations, hybrid or racing bike, experienced guides, all breakfasts and most lunches and dinners, excursions/tours, and more.
5. The Katy Trail
Image via She Bicycles
A little closer to home, the Katy Trail, America’s longest “rails-to-trails” project lets you explore the Missouri River from St. Charles to Clinton, MO. The tour is operated by Road Scholar, a company that specializes in cycling for older adults – but more than just a bike trip, Road Scholar trips (as the name suggests) offer expert-led educational sessions on the fascinating history of the Katy Trail and the region. The Katy Trail winds along the Missouri River with beautiful bluffs, dense forests, rolling prairies, and historic towns.
Details: $1249, 8 days. Includes all accommodations, most meals, expert-led lectures and field trips, and more. Does NOT include bicycle rental in the price; bring your own or rent from Road Scholar. Due to the shorter distance (188 miles total) and relatively flat terrain, this tour is suitable for nearly everyone.
6. Scotland
Image via Clyde Cruises
Just imagine the stirring sound of bagpipes in the distance as you cycle through the Scottish countryside! Cycle along with Discovery Bicycle Tours through Scotland’s romantic-yet-brooding castles, deep lochs, wooded glens, lovely winding country roads through ancient villages, dramatic cliffs and wild seascapes. This trip through time treats you to all things Scottish: the landscape, the food, the music, and of course the heather-covered moors. This tour features easy-to-intermediate terrain.
Details: $2995, 7 days. This tour includes a ferry to the Isle of Mull, use of hybrid or racing bike, guides, accommodations, breakfasts and dinners, castle visits and excursions, and more.
Tips
When you’re choosing a tour, consider:
- Duration: many tours are only one week long, to accommodate working people; but if you’re retired, you have the option of longer tours. Don’t forget, you’ll need to factor in travel to and from the tour (usually one day on either end to Europe, and a day-and-a-half to destinations farther away).
- Should you bring your bike, or rent? Not all companies offer bikes as an inclusion, or even optional bike rentals. While traveling with your bike is an additional expense, if you love your bike and don’t want the hassle of riding an unfamiliar steed, you can always bring your own.
- Dietary restrictions. Americans are used to gluten free, dairy free, low-fat, decaf, vegetarian or other restrictions, but don’t expect that to be the case in other parts of the world. While the tour company will do their best to accommodate you during the included meals, you may find your lunch or on-your-own dinner choices more limited, especially in more remote areas.
- Your map-reading ability. Many tour companies use “cue sheets” (either marked maps, or printed directions) to guide cyclists to their next destination. Expect the group to be strung out with the faster riders up front and the more leisurely riders bringing up the rear – so if you aren’t comfortable reading a map, consider a company that uses freshly-applied chalk arrows each day (such as ExperiencePlus!) to take the guesswork out of which way to turn next.
Have Fun!
These are 6 world-class cycling adventures for older adults who are looking for an active vacation. Each company listed here is top-quality; you will enjoy a cycling trip of a lifetime. People tend to fall in love with touring with a certain company and end up exploring with that company for many years. The world is your 2-wheeled playground… so make sure your passport is up to date, pack your gear, and go see the world on two wheels!
I’m a self-professed madman, adventurer, photographer, certified High-Performance Coach, martial artist, and licensed physical trainer specializing in senior fitness. My passion is to continue growing and developing into my own unique, gifted, and joyful authenticity, while committing myself towards doing my own special part to help change the world. My mission is to help others find their own direction and purpose in life, by means of mentoring, teaching, and empowering.
Last update on 2023-02-16 at 11:30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
