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| What is it about riding a bike that makes us feel like a kid? |
Maybe it's the thrill of sailing down a hill without touching the breaks, resisting the itch to throw our mitts in the air and shout, "Look, Ma! No hands!!" Maybe it's the fact that most of us did the majority of our bike riding as kids, when our BMXs and Schwinns were our transportation, our independence, our escape. Or maybe it reminds us of an age when life moved a little slower – when there was time to simply go ride a bike.
Whatever it is, there's one common factor when it comes to biking: it's FUN. If you ride a lot, you'd certainly agree. If you don't, here's some advice: try taking a spin around the neighborhood. Not only will you be amazed at the things you notice (the garden gnome here, the stained glass window there, the four houses in a row with the same crimson-colored door), but your lungs will appreciate the fresh air, and your spirit, well – it might just resort to feeling like a kid again.
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| A Biker's Blog on the Magic of Germany's Mosel River |
…Imagine riding for a week past vineyards stretching up steep mountainsides on both banks of the clean, slow-moving Mosel river. Picture yourself pedaling through summer sun-drenched medieval-looking towns of half-timbered houses, past Romanesque churches of intricate architecture, glancing up from your handlebars to see a castle perched high overhead and, as you turn the corner you hear a happy population of townspeople and tourists enjoying the local wine, or beer and sausages, at outdoor tables around the fountain in the town's main square. Believe me, it's a blast, even if you don't sprechen sie deutsch. Many Germans speak very good English.
To read more of Dennis Coello's blog, Mosel Magic: Two-Wheeled Meandering Along Germany's Most Beautiful River, click here
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| Ron Van Dijk on Why Biking Europe is a Must |
When Austin-Lehman joined forces with Euro-Bike & Walking Tours, not only did we expand our roster to include 26 new biking trips throughout Europe, we also inherited Ron Van Dijk's 35 years of field experience. Here are Ron's two cents on why there's no doubt in his mind biking is the best way to experience Europe:
With its unique infrastructure – quiet backcountry roads, countless bike paths, even biker-specific traffic lights – Europe is a biker's paradise. Why take in the sights through the window of a crowded tour bus when you could do so up-close and off the tourist track, with the sun on your back and the wind in your face?
Our biking tours are all about freedom. Designed for all levels, we provide a precise route ahead of time with several options (hilly/flat, short/long), so you can ride at your own pace and stop at the places that interest you most. In short, your day is what you make of it.
And the best part? You'll never feel guilty indulging in a chocolate croissant at breakfast, Dutch pancakes at lunch, or a mound of pasta fresca and glass (or two) of local wine at dinner, because you can rest assured – you'll bike it off!
~ Ron Van Dijk
Curious to learn more? Contact Ron (based out of the Netherlands) at ron@austinlehman.com, or Kathy Guyer in our Montana home office at 800.575.1540.
Read more about Ron van Dijk, European Operations Director for Austin-Lehman Adventures, he has Managed to Find a Few Minutes to Answer Some Revealing Questions About His Life in The Adventure Travel Business. Mosel Magic: Two-Wheeled Meandering Along Germany's Most Beautiful River | | |
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