2010 Bike Tours: Going, Going, Gone?

I'm trying to figure out which of this year's tours I will take for my bike respite. (Here at Adventure Cycling we're very fortunate to have added days of vacation if we dedicate them to riding.) Our tours department offers such a wide variety of trips that it is really hard to figure out. One thing I know for sure, I'd better decide soon. My husband and I were dreaming of going on the Cycle the Divide, Montana, tour but we thought about it just a little too long and poof! Suddenly there was a four person waiting list!

In fact, our tours department has seen such a steady clip in sign-ups, there are already 6 trips sold out with waiting lists. So, if you're considering a tour with us this year, don't wait too long to grab a spot (my husband and I waited a week). Luckily though, we're offering more than 40 bike tours this year and there are great trips all across the country with spots available. Here are some highlights, including supported, self-contained, family, and relaxed format tours:

Blue Ridge Bliss, June 5 - June 11, supported
The Blue Ridge Parkway is often called America’s Favorite Drive. It could just as well be nicknamed America’s Favorite Bike Tour. In all, the parkway runs for 469 miles, connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park. On this very special bicycle tour, you’ll explore almost 300 of the very best of those miles.

Cycle Montana, June 19 - June 26, supported
Come see what Big Sky Country is all about. We’ll travel through spectacular mountain ranges and broad, scenic valleys, enjoy lightly-trafficked roads, and terrain that boasts loads of history — and hosts more cattle than humans.

Tetons-Yellowstone, June 26 - July 3, self-contained
As noted by Ken Burns in his PBS documentary series, the national parks are perhaps America’s best idea and one of our country’s greatest gifts to the world. It all started with Yellowstone National Park, which we’ll visit on this great bike tour that also takes us through Yellowstone’s sister to the south, spectacular Grand Teton National Park.

C&O Family, July 10 - July 16, supported
For the first time ever, we’re offering a special twist on our ever popular C&O Canal tour. The new, Family Fun version of this trip will provide both adults and children a chance to explore the living history of this storied route.

Heart of the Underground Railroad, July 23 - July 30, supported
The Underground Railroad Bicycle Route honors the bravery of those who fled bondage and those who provided shelter before and during the Civil War. Important landmarks line this historically rich segment of America's Road to Freedom and moderate daily distances and full support should ensure time to fully grasp all the social, political, and historical significance that this route offers.

CO Relaxed, August 8 - August 14, supported
This ride offers a fantastic opportunity to do some alpine riding in a more laid-back state of mind and body. On this fully-supported tour, participants can expect sumptuous, catered meals, well-stocked food stops, luggage transport, and care-free cycling.

Pueblos to Peaks, August 21 - 29, self-contained
If you’re looking for some of the finest cycling in the Rockies, this tour is for you! We’re taking the back route between two cycling meccas: Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Boulder, Colorado. Plus, we’ll enjoy some evenings in the comfort of indoor lodging.

Find out about our full 2010 tours schedule.

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Winona Bateman is the media director, standing in for the intrepid Sarah Raz, our regular "On the Road" columnist.