Of course, you can enjoy great seafood in Spain, Italy and Croatia. But you don’t need to go that far to taste some of the best seafood in the world. Craving Crab? Maryland is famous for it, and with good reason. Head to the Chesapeake with VBT for easy cycling and plenty of fresh Blue Crab.

If lobster is more to your liking, we’ve got just the biking tour in mind. In northern New England, our Maine biking vacation will treat you to tremendous views of a rugged coastline and you’ll even enjoy an included lobster dinner on day 2 of our tour. That’s just one more reason that 98% of our travelers have rated this trip as Excellent.

Massachusetts is known for its chowder. But, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard have plenty of seafood options to satisfy your palate. Enjoy lobster, clams, cod and tuna all fresh as can be when you bike Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard with VBT. If you have your heart set on chowder, though, don’t worry—you certainly won’t be disappointed.

2.  The Rocky Mountains

Some of nature’s most astounding views can be seen in western Colorado and we’ll show you the best of them throughout our Colorado Bike Tour. Day 2 is a particular highlight as we’ll begin the morning with a ride to Maroon Lake to enjoy the iconic view of Maroon Bells, reflecting in the crystal-blue waters of the lake. Later that afternoon we’ll board the Silver Queen Gondola to ascend 11,000 feet to the summit of Aspen Mountain. The best part is, instead of powder, you’ll find plenty of warm sunshine at the top.

3.  The History

We welcome the opportunity to cruise through low-traffic areas at an easy pace, especially when it comes with a side of history. An historic wayfarers’ trail, The Natchez Trace is loaded with remnants of the past. On day 4 of our Mississippi vacation, as we cruise along the Natchez Trace Parkway, we’ll stop for a visit to Mount Locust, Mississippi’s first inn to cater to travelers venturing along this route. Later, we’ll see Emerald Mound. One of the largest mounds in North America, it covers a total of eight acres and stands at over 35 feet. As the day winds down, we’ll make our way to the Monmouth Historic Inn to spend the next couple of nights at this highly celebrated, National Historic Landmark.

You might also consider riding the tree-lined boulevards and gentle byways of the South on our Charleston to Savannah Bike tour. On Day 3 of our Southern Biking vacation, we’ll trade our bikes for dancing shoes as we experience a genuine Beaufort social. On St. Helena Island we’ll get in touch with Gullah culture at the Penn Center on Day 4 of our adventure. And, of course, we’ll take a tour of Savannah to explore one of America’s most historic cities.

4.  The Wine

If you’re a wine-lover, then make your way out west to join us in cycling California’s Wine Country. We’ll ride along the Pacific Ocean, into Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve and we’ll enjoy included wine tastings at two of the area’s celebrated vineyards. The sampling doesn’t end there, as on Day 3 of our California vacation we’ll stop at an olive press for a tour of the facility and a tasting. From Pinot Noir to Chardonnay, sample your favorite California wines as you bike through the stunning scenery of central California.

5.  The Foliage

Here at VBT, we don’t like to brag, but the foliage in our backyard is pretty much as good as it gets. As fall rolls into Vermont our Green Mountains light up, blazing with gold, orange and red leaves. And the best way to take it all in? By bike of course! Join us this fall on a Vermont vacation as we ride along farm roads, through our rolling Green Mountains and even take a rest at VBT headquarters in Bristol. We look forward to sharing our home-state with you.

Join VBT on a wonderful Bike Tour in the U.S. this year!

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Kay’s journey with VBT began a few years ago when she and Albert joined us on our Bike and Barge vacation in Holland. A great introduction to VBT, our Holland vacation was “a great trip for someone who isn’t a real serious rider.”

The couple started their Holland vacation with a pre-trip extension in Amsterdam, which turned out to be a lovely contrast to the little towns that Kay loved so much. Of course riding and cruising through quaint villages was a treat, but, when not dining on our private barge, Kay really enjoyed exploring the river towns in the evening. She soon learned that chatting with a few locals and picking an intimate spot for dinner was the perfect way to end a full day of biking along the serene waterways of Holland.

Kay felt that traveling by bike and barge was the perfect way to soak up the peace and tranquility of the Dutch countryside. Winding with rivers and dikes she could hear the gentle lapping of the water as windmills rotated above and she could see the reflection of the colorful flowers in the rippling water. And with the advantage of spending 7 nights in different locations while still unpacking just once aboard our comfortable barge, everyone in the group could recount their experiences on the deck each evening.

Due to their experience in Holland, Kay and Albert found that they really enjoyed the way VBT approaches travel. “You get a bit of everything. You see local sights, meet local people and learn about the history. It’s like a ‘Tapas of Life’.”

Like many travelers, Kay and Albert became interested in their next destination by looking at a friend’s Facebook page. The pictures in question were of Croatia, a VBT destination that Kay describes as, “the most beautiful place I’ve been.”

Though the rides were a bit more challenging than those in Holland, Kay still asserts that she “would go back in a heartbeat.” On particularly challenging stretches, the VBT support van would come around to check up on travelers to offer a lift or a quick refreshment.

Once again, Kay found that biking through Croatia allowed her to see “the soul of the country.” Kay recalls seeing locals working in the fields and even inviting her to enjoy some fresh olives and grapes straight off of the vine.

Off their bikes, Kay and Albert enjoyed dining with locals in their home, a great way to get in touch with residents through their cuisine. Group dinners also went a long way in helping VBT Travelers get to know one another. In fact, Kay and Albert have kept in touch with travelers from each one of their three VBT Vacations. They frequently touch base with their travel buddies to fill them in on family news and to discuss future travel plans.

After their time spent in Europe with VBT, Kay and Albert next opted for a trip a bit closer to home. They took their whole family and their in-laws along for VBT’s Bike tour of the Wine Country in California. On this experience,  they all enjoyed learning about the local food culture, how fresh olive oil is produced and the ins and the outs of California vineyard operations. They may have even indulged in a sampling or two.

As it turns out, Kay and Albert’s California vacation is still paying off. Upon returning home, Kay submitted a Traveler Review at www.VBT.com and ended up winning a drawing for $1,000 in VBT Traveler Credits. Though they are still undecided, the credits might go towards a biking vacation in Colorado, a bike tour of Vermont or even a Walking Vacation in Italy. But with Kay’s preference for the way VBT assembles and operates tours, deciding on a destination will likely be the hardest part.

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9.  The food in Italy: It’s not simply pasta and pizza all the time. Travel along the coast and you’ll find plenty of unique and inspired seafood such as ricci di mare or sea urchin. Though it’s not all about pasta and pizza, save a little room, because those are delicious, too!

8.  The Wine of France: When it comes to wine in France, the Localvore movement has been flourishing since the Middle Ages and many French residents take a good deal of pride in their local varietal. Whenever possible, we recommend drinking local. Fortunately, when traveling in France you’re likely to have good luck with the regional vin wherever you happen to be.

7.  The Live Music of Ireland: Sure you should try a Guinness while exploring the Emerald Isle, but try to plan your night on the town so that it coincides with traditional music night. That way you can share a pint and shake a leg with the locals.

6.  The Architecture of the Czech Republic: Both modern and untarnished, historic buildings adorn the streets of Prague and you’ll feel, both, the history and the youth of the city as you tour the Czech Capital. Plus, you’ll never be late because you can hear the bells of the Astronomical Clock throughout the city.

5.  Late Night Snacks in Spain: No need to sacrifice on food quality simply because it’s after 10—That’s just when things start to heat up in Spain. Enjoy a light meal early to tide you over, and when the sun has dipped well below the Mediterranean, let the tapas begin!

4.  The Islands of Croatia: Offering an Eastern European spin on “Island Life”, Croatia boasts some of the most scenic havens on earth. Just ask Condé Nast Traveler magazine, who consistently rates Hvar among the 10 Most Beautiful Islands in the World.

3.  The History of Sicily: Part Greek, part Moorish and wholly Sicilian, this Mediterranean island features fascinating history at every turn. Bring a camera as you ride along its ancient streets and be thankful you’re cycling. It’s much easier to park a bike than it is to park a car on Sicily’s narrow lanes.

2.  The Beers of Belgium: While the French and the Italians have devoted themselves to wine production, brewing has been elevated to an art form in Belgium. When sampling, just keep in mind that beer can be a bit stronger on the other side of the Atlantic.

And the number 1 reason to visit Europe… VBT has 33 Active Vacations there and would love to be your host!

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Riboletta—Italy

We’ll start in the comfort food capital of the world, Italy. However, we’re steering away from pasta as Riboletta is chockfull of fresh veggies, legumes and, of course, just a bit of olive oil. Bring them to a boil and warm up from the inside out with this hearty Tuscan soup.

Cassoulet—France

There are many variations on the classic Cassoulet. It can be prepared with goose, duck, pork, pancetta or any combination of the four. Slow-roasted and utterly magnifique, this dish is certainly not as veggie-friendly as Riboletta. But if you enjoy roasts, then kick back by a fire and savor this robust stew from the south of France.

Seafood Paella—Spain

If stew’s not your style, then lighten things up, just a bit, with this delightful medley from Spain. Sure, paella can be enjoyed year-round. However, if you’re after a true taste of Audalusia, add a little cayenne pepper to spice up your seafood and fend off the bite of winter’s last few weeks.

Shepherd’s Pie—Ireland

Not always noted for its cuisine, the UK shouldn’t be overlooked when it comes to purveying rich comfort foods. Shepherd’s pie is now a classic winter dish here in America, but for lending us the recipe, we owe a bit of gratitude to Ireland—a land of rolling, green hills where potatoes were plentiful enough to make this dish ubiquitous, even back in the 19th century.

Pecenica—Slovenia

They say that March comes “in like a lion and out like a lamb”. Well, we’ve sort of reversed that order with our list of comfort foods, beginning with a Tuscan specialty and ending with a Slovenian dish that comes to us from the snowy Julian Alps. Suggested by VBT’s very own, Damjan, Pecenica is a delicious pork sausage, served with sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and beans together. For a nice full meal, start with a traditional Slovenian mushroom soup.

This March, don’t shiver your way through the last few weeks of winter, track down a few recipes and keep warm with our favorite European comfort foods or Travel to Europe with VBT to sample some authentic cuisine straight from the source!

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1. Strolling in St Remy

On Day 7 of our Walking Tour of Provence we’ll meet with a local friend, Odile Mifsud, a renowned pastry maker who invites us into her home for lunch. Next, we’ll learn about the last years of van Gogh’s life and his most famous painting, The Starry Night - which was inspired by St Remy - on a guided tour of the village with a local historian. After our informative and inspirational tour, set out to explore the small, bustling village of St Remy on your own. What it lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in atmosphere. Its convenient, horseshoe-like center invites a delicious stroll around town. Luckily, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to indulge in when you’d like a rest.

2. Marvel at one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France

On Day 4 of our adventure in Provence, we’ll take in the cobblestone streets of Gordes, which is included in the listing of “The Most Beautiful Villages in France.” Take your time exploring before ambling just outside of the village among Provence’s iconic lavender fields en route to Senanque Abbey. Here, we’ll learn how the lavender is cultivated by the Benedictine monks that still work and reside in this peaceful hamlet.

3. Mingling at le Marche

Getting closer to culture is one the best reasons to travel with VBT. On Day 5 of our Walking Tour of Provence we’ll combine a cultural experience with lots and lots of local food, visiting the market of Vaison la Romaine. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of local life here and maybe pick up a few of the most tempting items to enjoy for lunch.

4. Looking Out from Les Baux

One of the most interesting towns that you’ll find on our Walking Tour of Provence is Les Baux. Built directly into the rocky hills of Les Alpilles, this 12th century town astounds and delights visitors with its quaint shops and majestic views of the valley below. On Day 7 of our vacation, we’ll have time to explore the fascinating village and the Château des Baux, a fortified 10th century castle that sits atop the historic town.

5. The Food of France

On top of all the wonderful experiences that we’ve built into our Walking Tour of Provence, we’ve also left some time for you to wander on your own. Exploring in France is often best done by way of your taste buds. Enjoy free afternoons and evenings to find a perfect bistro to reward your day’s discovery. Best of all, our native Trip Leaders can fill you in on all the local secrets, spots that only residents know about. So you’re guaranteed to find a culinary highlight or two on your VBT Provence vacation.

Find your own favorite reason to visit southern France and join us on a Walking Tour of Provence this year!

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Stop by booth 560 to say hello to our friendly staff. While you’re there, you can hear a bit about our active vacations and take a minute to enter to win a trip to Tuscany*—a world-renowned wine destination! Simply visit our booth and fill out an entry form to enter our drawing.

As a 42 year old active vacation company, we know how important food and wine are to cultural encounters. That’s why on every one of our 46 biking, walking and cross- country skiing vacations in Europe, North and South America, Asia and New Zealand, we make sure our travelers have the opportunity to sample regional specialties in order to experience local culinary heritage. And with local, bilingual Trip Leaders, home-hosted meals, olive oil and wine tastings and even cooking lessons, you’re sure to get a true taste of local life when you travel with VBT.

We’re very excited to be a part of the New York Wine Expo. VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations will be among the exhibitors in the Grand Tasting Room. If you’d like to join us, buy your tickets now and enter the discount code “VBT” to receive $15 in savings off of the cost of a regular Friday or Saturday Grand Tasting ticket.

Don’t forget to stop by booth 560 to enter to win a Tuscany vacation with VBT. We hope to see you there. Cheers! Salute! Santé!

*Contest entrants must be 21 year of age or older and entrants must be attending the New York Wine Expo. No VBT purchase is necessary. All required fields on the entry form must be filled in for the entry to be considered valid for the VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations drawing. The winner will be announced on the VBT website by March 8. The prize, a VBT vacation to Tuscany for one with roundtrip airfare from New York, is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. All applicable taxes are the responsibility of the winner. Limited to one entry per person. To obtain the name of the winner, send your name and address to: VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations, Attn: Sweepstakes Manager, 614 Monkton Road, Bristol, VT 05443

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An avid walker, Kyla takes daily strolls in and around her home in Vermont with her dog. You won’t find any pets mixed in with the alpacas, llamas and chinchillas on the Inca Trail, so she sought out another family member to join her on her Machu Picchu hike—her sister, Melissa.

While both sisters were anticipating their visit to Machu Picchu, each was picturing their own experience in Peru. Kyla was really looking forward to the physical activity and Melissa was after a sense of cultural immersion on her vacation. It wasn’t long before they were both pleasantly surprised by their experiences.

On one of her favorite treks in Peru, Kyla made her way to the ancient Maras salt mines. The walk provided the sense that she was, “completely alone in the Andes, with nothing for miles but some unexpected local traffic – herds of sheep and oxen.”

Melissa, on the other hand, experienced her first cultural exchange when the group came upon a mother and daughter near the salt mines. Melissa, a kindergarten teacher, was thrilled to interact with the locals by sharing stickers that she was carrying with the young girl. Though they had no common language with which to communicate, Melissa and the young girl were still able to make a strong impression upon each other. Later, the group learned from their local Trip Leaders that each of the Maras Salt Mines were family-owned plots, passed down from generation to generation since the time of the Inca.

Though this may have been the first, there were many other outstanding cultural encounters in store for the group on their tour of Peru. With the help of their Trip Leaders, Kyla, Melissa and their wonderful small group of travel companions were invited into a local family’s home as they explored a small village that still maintains the Inca system of urban planning.

Later that afternoon, the group headed out for a walk into the Andean Highlands. Kyla recalls following the Urubamba River out of Cusco on the bus after a visit to a local Peruvian market where the travelers got to see the stunning array of diverse fruits and vegetables.  The bus began climbing along a highway to Cuyuni Pass, a mountain peak at an elevation of nearly 14,000 feet.  Leaving the last of technology behind, it was here that the group got the opportunity to attend a Cuyuni religious ceremony.

Here, VBT Trip Leader, Jorge, translates for the Cuyuni spokesman as he introduces the cultural traditions of the native community and gives us a glimpse into the ceremony that is about to unfold.

Cuyuni Ceremony in Peru from Al Duggan on Vimeo.

Afterward, they began their walk (accompanied with alpacas, music and tradition) on the stunning footpath and came upon Cuyuni women as they sat right in the wilderness weaving: “Taking the walks that the Cuyuni take every day, then rounding a corner to see these beautiful, vibrant colors made me feel very blessed to have such an authentic experience.”

The entire group, of course, was grateful for Jorge’s Spanish translation during the ceremony, but this wasn’t the only instance when their local Trip Leaders were able to enhance cultural immersion in Peru. “No question went unanswered. Their local knowledge extended well beyond our trip and into what it was like to grow up in this amazing place…. They could anticipate the crowds and knew exactly when to arrive and when to leave places so that we had a once-in-a-lifetime experience without a lot of extra people around.”

The group’s other Trip Leader, Miguel, is passionate about keeping Inca tradition alive in Peru. He is fluent in English, Spanish and Quechua—the language of the ancient civilization. He has dedicated much of his life to exploring and recovering Inca traditions and is always happy to share local customs with travelers. His fervor for his heritage was infectious. “Miguel loved it so much, he made the group love it even more.” Perhaps he provided the last little bit of inspiration needed to get the group ready for the Inca Trail.

On the fifth day of their tour of Peru, it was time for Kyla and Melissa to hike the Inca Trail. For Kyla, it was more like taking steps back in time. She was amazed that the trails were still standing after so many years. “Just walking along paths that you knew the Inca built was an unforgettable and humbling feeling.” She was also struck by the ever-changing climate as she hiked. “The day opened with open vistas and blue skies, and then we climbed up, and at one point, we passed a waterfall and the next thing you knew you felt like we walking in a rainforest.”

Looking down onto Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate was the true pinnacle of the Peru vacation. As Kyla and Melissa approached, they were both so in-tune to their walk that they didn’t realize what they were coming upon. All of a sudden, they turned a corner and a local on the trail reached out his hand and heartily announced, “You made it!”

“It’s so hard to put into words. It was just the most unique and unmatched feeling I’ve ever had,” recalls Kyla. Though each sister was impacted in a different way by their walk along the Inca Trail, it still remains as an experience that each will carry with them for a very long time to come.

After exploring, up-close, the actual site of Machu Picchu, the group took a triumphant ride to their next lodgings, Inkaterra. It was a dramatic change from the challenge of the Inca Trail, but still memorable. From the moment they were greeted with chilled drinks at the 5-star resort, it was the ultimate experience in pampering and relaxation. When they weren’t indulging in delicious local cuisine, some of the group enjoyed the many activities the Inkaterra’s Eco Center had. Their bear sanctuary on the premises, hummingbirds flying all around as you walk to dinner and a variety of gardens and orchids spread throughout the property are just few of the everlasting memories. It was a flawless way to cap off their life-changing trip to Peru.

Mingle with locals, get the thrill of a hike along the Inca Trail and unwind and relax when you join VBT on your very own adventure in Peru.

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VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations is excited to be exhibiting at this year’s Boston Wine Expo and we’ll be giving away a free Tuscany Vacation to one lucky winner. The annual wine, food and culture celebration will take place on February 16 and 17 at the Seaport World Trade Center and the Seaport Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts.

Stop by booth 512 to say hello to our staff. You can learn a bit about our active vacations and enter to win a trip to Tuscany*—one of our absolute favorite wine destinations! To enter our drawing, simply visit our booth and fill out an entry form.

As a 42 year old active vacation company, we know how important food and wine are to cultural encounters. That’s why on every one of our 46 biking, walking and cross- country skiing vacations in Europe, North and South America, Asia and New Zealand, we make sure our travelers have the opportunity to sample regional specialties in order to experience local culinary heritage. And with local bilingual Trip Leaders, home-hosted meals, olive oil and wine tastings and even cooking lessons, you’re sure to get a true taste of local life when you travel with VBT.

We’re delighted to be a part of the Boston Wine Expo. VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations will be among the exhibitors in the Grand Tasting Room. If you’d like to join us buy your tickets now and enter the discount code “VBT” to receive $10 in savings off of the cost of a regular Saturday or Sunday Grand Tasting ticket.

Don’t forget to stop by booth 512 to enter to win a VBT Tuscany vacation. We hope to see you there. Cheers! Salute! Santé!

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We started our time together in Venice. Many in the group had taken advantage of our Pre-trip extension, where we enjoyed a wonderful stay at our Venice Hotel, the Dona Palace. I spent the first day exploring the famed city with Lorraine, a member of our group. The streets were bustling but not crowded. The Grand Canal was lively and still lit with Christmas decorations and St. Mark’s square at night was magical with its cathedral illuminated. Of course there were plenty of boutiques with locally blown glass, perfect for window-shopping and Lorraine and I even explored a bookmaking shop to check out an old leather embossing machine. We wandered the maze of narrow streets, walking over the Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs and watching the gondolas – each one a work of art – go by with bundled up tourists. All in all we had a wonderful time touring Venice, and we were excited to hit the trails!

The first day of our ski tour began with a water taxi in Venice and then a transfer to Slovenia. As if on-cue, that’s when the snow began to fall—and it continued for days. On the way to Slovenia, we met our Trip Leaders, Bodhi, and Matija, for lunch in Tarvisio and then moved on to ski in Kranjska Gora. Upon arrival we took advantage of the option to hone our skills a bit with local ski instructors who did an excellent job of getting everyone comfortable on their skis. It was also the perfect way for the group to get to know each other. Nothing like getting your ski legs back in order to break the ice. We had lots of laughs and lots of learning!

After a couple of hours of playing in the snow, we all went to the porch of the lodge of the ski shop where drinks and appetizers awaited us. The warm gluhwein tasted wonderful, as did the blueberry schnapps complete with a few blueberries at the bottom of each glass. We sampled local cheeses, meats and there was a terrific energy in the group as we began to get to know each other over cheers and even some polka dancing! We said our goodbyes to the jovial locals and made our way to the lovely, colorful Hotel Vitranc in the incredibly picturesque village of Podkoren as the snow continued to fall.

Our hosts, Richard and Mina, greeted us warmly at their hotel. We enjoyed a welcome reception and then dinner in the cozy dining room. The food was traditional and delicious and for dessert we were treated to gibanica, a layered confection made with buckwheat pastry, apples, a sweetened cheese and poppy seeds—the perfect ending to a perfect first day of skiing.

We spent the next two days awakening to fresh snow. Almost three feet had fallen since we had arrived in Europe and it could not have been more beautiful to see the fresh tracks going across the fields, along the river beds and into the deep woods. Often, the snow obscured our views of the surrounding Julian Alps, but every now and then jagged peaks would emerge overhead, demystified by a break in the snowfall.

Lunch on the second day of our Ski Vacation was particularly memorable. We enjoyed hearty bean soup in a bread bowl (complete with a fitting top, much like a carved pumpkin!), sandwiches and walnut cake for dessert. But our meal was not yet finished; onto the bar for a round of Bombardino. Small glass mugs with a strikingly yellow beverage were topped with huge dollops of whipped cream. Made up of rich eggnog, brandy and a portion of grappa, Bombardino is a traditional Italian drink of the mountains in winter. We had never tasted anything so good!

Up next was a great cultural encounter, the International Dog Sledding School. We all thoroughly enjoyed this adventure. Everyone had a chance to drive or mush a team, and boy could these dogs pull a sled. Nearly everyone in our group was hesitant at the take off because the dogs really want to go, but once the sled was underway, it was peaceful and amazingly quiet. One can’t help but marvel at the power of these creatures.

After taking in our beautiful surroundings, an open field with a hint of mountains in the backdrop, it was back to our accommodations at the quaint and inviting Hotel Vitranc. Following a lively dinner, we rested up for our next adventure.

The group rose, the next day ready to take on the tranquil route to the Olympic Center at Planica, home of the world’s largest ski flying hill. We met Joze Slibar, 1961 Ski Jump World Record holder, and watched a film about him and the history of the center. It was very interesting and we all learned so much. We skied up to the jumps, where Garrott and I, along with a few other guests, couldn’t resist making snow angels and burying ourselves in the fresh powder. Later, the ski back to Podkoren was just as gorgeous as it was on our way to Planica.

That evening we enjoyed a Slovenian cooking class under the guidance of our animated hostess, dressed in period costume, as her husband played the accordion. We made struklji, a soft dough formed into a ravioli type pouch filled with sweetened cheese and baked, then tasted our creations as a costumed Matija regaled us with tales of Kekec, the local folk hero from a children’s story.

The next morning we traveled on to Austria, where we enjoyed skiing in the falling snow on the beautifully groomed trails in Ramsau, arriving at the end of the day at our new hotel, the Almfrieden. Everyone met in the bar to share some local Slovenian wine and cheese that we were given, having been told to “dress very warmly” for our surprise evening adventure. We walked out of the hotel and were greeted by three horse-drawn sleighs. The next half hour could not have been more fun with laughter the whole way to the Gruberstube, an Austrian farmhouse restaurant, for dinner. The cold air, warm blankets, enormously powerful but frisky horses (urged on in German by their masterful drivers), and a little libation (Jagermeister in our sleigh) all combined for a magical memory and the perfect resolve to our outstanding Ski Vacation.

We return home with images of trails below granite giants, weaving in and out of farmland and rustic villages on our skis… of locals who are hardworking, friendly, and proud… of dogs and horses who know the countryside as well as any resident and of undulating blankets of fluffy snow cloaking a place where the land and terrain dictate the culture.

-Caroline Marston

There’s still time to join VBT on a Ski Vacation this year!

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When you’re preparing for your first bike tour, it’s important to start slow. Ease yourself into training so you’ll stick with the routine and build your fitness levels steadily. And remember, when you Travel with VBT, our support van is always there if you need to rest your legs.

Before You Begin:

Make sure your frame, handlebars, saddle, and pedals are all correctly fitted. Your personal measurements and riding style (in this case, long distance cycling) will determine how it needs to be fitted, so talk to an expert about adjusting your bike.  Our suggestion is to go to your local bike shop.

Week One:

During your first week, you’ll want to cycle a comfortable distance. Once you’ve achieved a base level of fitness that allows you to cycle without muscle soreness or fatigue, start incorporating resistance to your rides once or twice a week by increasing your distance by no more than 10% each week or incorporating hillier, more difficult terrain. As always, consult your doctor before you begin if you have any health problems or are not accustomed to exercise, and remember to enjoy yourself!

As you build up, make sure you do recovery ride after big rides.  These help clear waste products from your legs.  For a recovery ride, we recommend 30-45 minutes with low resistance, 90 to 100 RPMs, and staying about 50 – 70% of your threshold.

Following Weeks:

When you’re comfortable again, add one or two long endurance rides a week. Remember not to over train, and give your body a rest when it needs it. Research the specifics of your bike tour so you’ll know how long you’ll be riding on average each day; the best indicator that you’re ready for your tour will be when you can comfortably ride two-thirds of your expected daily tour mileage over similar terrain.

Another suggestion is to do some indoor cycling, which really helps to build your interval capacity and strengthen out your legs.  It’s a bit different from riding outside, but similar enough so that you will see significant benefits from a steady spin schedule.  Indoor cycling coaches are also an excellent source of advice.

For more on toning up, check out Bike Tour Buzz.

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