May 28, 2004 -- As a veteran of a biking trip through Switzerland, I can assure anyone interested that cycling on a flat terrain is the best (or at least the easiest) way to go. That's why I recommend a visit to the Netherlands above any other, with Denmark coming in a close second. But, you don't have to go abroad to find good terrain or good value pricing, either -- there are plenty of trips available in North America as well.
Across the USA
Consider Escapades Bike Tours, which has trips by bicycle, kayaking or on foot in Maine, Washington, D.C., Arizona, the Texas Hill Country, and the Hudson River Valley, among others. I like their Maine Coast, Four Islands Bike, Hike and Kayak package, which takes you along rolling terrain in gorgeous mid-coastal Maine. You cover 25 to 35 miles daily, with shorter and longer options available. You pay as little as $695 for a six-day unguided trip, up to $1,695 for a fully supported eight-day trip. Fully supported dates this summer are July 4-11, August 12-19 and September 5-12. Unguided trips can depart at any time, however. Contact them at www.bikeescapades.com or phone at 800/280-7560 (access code 06).
Canada
A bit to the north is Quebec, where you can enjoy a Quebec City/Southern Coast Cycling tour sponsored by Pure Adventures, an offshoot of Discover France. Available from June through October, 2004, this tour lasts for six days (five nights) and costs $1,565. The trip needs a minimum of two participants, and includes the lodging in deluxe country inns, breakfast and dinner daily, two lunches, local transport, bicycle rental, luggage service, support vehicle, guide services, an historical walking tour, winery visit and some other activities, as well as taxes and tips. You choose between a 35-mile ride or a 47-miler. In addition to the fabled walled city of Quebec, you take in the Montmorency Falls (higher than Niagara Falls), and the towns of Montgamgny, L'Islet and St-Jean-Port-Joli. There's also a six-day (five-night) walking tour through the province's Charlevoix countryside, costing only $1475. About four to five hours of moderate hiking is scheduled daily. Contact them at www.pure-adventures.com or at 800/960-2221.
Holland
Bike tours that let you stay in hotels along the route are available from Four Winds Tours, which has an eight-day visit, self-guided, that departs every Saturday and Sunday from now through September 12, 2004. The cost is just $875 per person in a double room with private bath. The trip takes you from north of Amsterdam to the area around the Ijssel Lake through old fishing ports such as Elburg and Spakenburg and several small 16th-century towns. You peddle from 15 to 50 kilometers a day (max. of 30 miles). Included are the seven nights of lodging with breakfasts and dinners, luggage transfer from hotel to hotel, a three-speed bicycle with panniers (like baskets), and a route description with map and information package. Contact the sponsors at www.4windstours.com or 509/967-3448.
Don't miss our recent article on bike tours in New Hampshire, Mexico, Italy, Romania and other far-flung (and not so flat) destinations. Click here to read it yourself.