Which Style Trip?

Which Style Bike Trip is Right for You

There are dozens, hundreds of commercial, organized bike trip options out there. Here is an overview of the pros and cons of each to help you choose.

Up until the advent of Ensemble Cycling's villa based trips, there were four basic styles of bike trip:

1. Fully-loaded, self-directed "touring". A great adventure and the most flexible formula but only for the most intrepid randonneurs (long distance riders). You carry all your own gear in panniers (side bags). Special bikes are usually required. Expect to travel at maximum 50% your usually speed. Usually not for novices or the faint of heart.

2. Self-Guided with itinerary and luggage transfers. Basically, you are on your own (usually with a telephone number to call in case of trouble) and you get yourself from hotel A to hotel B following DIY route instructions provided. Your bags are moved from hotel to hotel by taxi. You can choose from simple to fancy hotels, some dinners and all breakfasts are usually included. Often less expensive; flexible dates; suitable for singles or couples.

3. Full-supported, hotel-based group tours. Like an All Inclusive resort, but on a bike. You join a group of between 10 and 20 other participants. You will have at least one full time guide accompanying you all day everyday, often two. Style can range from simple to luxurious. Often a good way to meet new friends.

4. Training camps and expeditions. Hard core (long distances each day), for serious cyclists only. Either based in one hotel (e.g. Majorca) or moving point to point cross country (e.g. the TransAlp). Accommodations can range from basic to fancy. They are All About the Cycling.

In a nutshell, the “problems” of traditional bike trip offerings that Ensemble Cycling addresses are these:

Distances are either too short or too long.
You have to travel on their fixed dates.
You have to join a group of strangers.
Can be quite expensive.
Little or no flexibility in design.
You have to move hotels every night or two; lots of packing and unpacking.
Lack of privacy; you are just another hotel client.
Not well suited to non-cyclists.
Not weather proof (If it's rain, you still have to ride.)

How does Ensemble Cycling work differently?

Your private group stays in one luxurious villa in a region specially selected for both its excellent riding and it's off-the-bike interests.
Suitable for all cycling skill levels.
Pick any week in the year that suits your group's schedule.
Each week is fully customized and can be Self-guided, fully-supported or anything in between.
A week's worth of Performance and Recreational loop rides that usually depart directly from the villa.
Non-cyclists are especially catered to by our Go To Guy/Gal, your local non-riding guide/planner/fixer.