Wonderful company with great tours!
This is also in response to Tom's review:
I'm so sorry you had such a negative experience with Bike Vermont. I went on my first Bike Vermont vacation in 1994. To date, I've been on 16 tours, ranging from weekenders to international adventures. I've experienced Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Scotland, Ireland, and Italy -- Bike Vermont is a very professional company, with great leaders, great bicycles, and great routes -- they bend over backwards for their customers. I've been on tour with people as young as 16 and as old as 70+. I'm 50+. I've never seen anyone pressured (at least by the tour leaders) to ride beyond their endurance or comfort zone. Some people walk their bikes up the steeper hills (or down!) and others prefer to ride the van for an afternoon or relax at the wonderful inns, if they are tired of riding. Bike Vermont accommodates everyone -- after all, it is our vacation! I'm also confused about your comments about having to be a long distance cyclist and ride every day to go on a Bike Vermont tour. I do not even own a bicycle! I am in good physical shape, but would not consider myself anything other than a weekend athlete. I enjoy the challenge of the rides (Vermont isn't flat!), the beauty of the countryside (no matter what the weather), and the camaraderie of wonderful tour leaders and fellow cyclists (of all ages and abilities). I'm sorry the tour didn't live up to your expectations. Bike Vermont always exceeds mine. If anyone has any questions about the different tours, just call the office -- they are happy to make recommendations or connect you with previous riders from your area for their unbiased comments.