Over 20 years ago, my husband and I, with our one-year-old son, went on vacation to visit my aunt & and uncle in Seattle. They suggested that we all go on a whale watching tour. The day of the tour, we boarded the boat, and soon were sailing out of the harbor and into the ocean. Suddenly the butterflies and nervousness I’d had, became reality. I was sick. The last time I’d been on a boat in the ocean had been when we went deep sea fishing when I was a little girl. I’d been very sick then. This time I was in my 20’s, and thought I surely would have gotten over my seasick tendencies. I was SOO wrong! I was every bit as sick as an adult. It was not a fun trip. I threw up over the side of the boat for the entire time we were out. I tried looking at the horizon and taking deep breaths, but nothing worked. I just did my best on that trip to be as inconspicuous as possible, and to try not to take away from the fun that everyone else was having seeing the whales that came right up next to the boat. It would have been a successful trip if I had been comfortable.
Speaking of being comfortable, my goal is for you to enjoy every detail of every trip I send you on. At first you might not feel super comfortable with today’s amazing trip, but hang in there and see what you think by the end.
This amazing vacation is a Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park bike trip. Remember that freedom you felt riding a bike as a little kid, with the wind and the world flying by as you pedaled along? Imagine that same sense of freedom, being surrounded by magnificent red rock formations.
What kind of bikes are available?
On the trip, your bike and helmet, equipment, maintenance and upkeep are all included.
There are several bike types to choose from. If you’re comfortable with a road bike, there are two options: a lightweight titanium performance road bike, and an upgraded carbon bike. The next option is a touring bike (which I call a hybrid), with higher handlebars and more comfy seat than a road bike. The third option is an e-bike. Electric bikes are amazing—they allow you to use as much or as little of your own effort into biking as you want. You can let the bike do all the work, or you can turn off the electronics and have the full-effort experience. The last bike option is a tandem bike. If you’re going with someone, this is how you can truly share the bike experience!
What’s included in the trip?
Lots of meals! You’ll get all of your breakfasts, 6 lunches (which is all of them), and 4 dinners. You’ll have trip leaders with you who will bring snacks and beverages. Guides are included so you can make the most of your trip. Vans accompany you the entire way, so anytime you feel like riding in the van rather than on the bike you can. Hotel stays, gratuities for hotels and meals, transportation, and park entry fees are all included.
Where does it go?
The trip begins and ends in St. George, Utah. You spend one night at the Inn at Entrada in St. George, 2 nights at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon, and see Cedar Breaks National Monument, Bryce Canyon, Rainbow Point, and do a little hiking.
Your next two nights are spent at the Cable Mountain Lodge in Springdale, just outside of Zion’s National Park. On these days you can pedal through Red Canyon, the Elkhart cliffs, and Checkerboard Mesa. Cool off in the hotel pool or relax in the hot tub, and enjoy walks and hikes past emerald pools and red rock beauty.
Who should go?
This trip is perfect for couples, friends, groups, or solo travelers. You’re with a small group of people who become great friends along the way. It’s also great for older teens and 20’s. if you have a multi-generation family which includes teenagers, this would be perfect. This trip is also ideal for private groups. If you have a company group, a family, or a friends’ group who would love something like this, let me know. The private group times are the first to sell out.
When does it run?
On average, there are 1-2 departure dates per month throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
Back to my boating experience
That whale watching tour would have been incredible for me if I had just prepared for my (dis)comfort level ahead of time! Since then, I haven’t let my seasickness prevent me from cruising to many different destinations. As long as I make accommodations and take medication, I have just as much fun as anyone. It’s the same thing with bike trips like this one. There are SO many ways you can experience a trip like this at your own comfort level, and fear should never stand in the way of an amazing experience.
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