 Paris by night, the culinary excellence of the Tuscan region of Italy, the beauty and warmth of the South African people along with elephants and lions -- all experienced thanks to a bike spinning class at the Black Hawk County YMCA. That’s how Lisa Collins combined her passion for travel and food with a unique mode of experiencing the world.
Collins began spin biking a little over three years ago with a class at the YMCA. She asked class leader Scott Bradfield about organized bike tours. She wasn’t just looking for RAGBRAI. Her goal is to bike the world.
Collins, who travels alone, has used Vermont Bike Tours (www.vbt.com) whichrecently was named one of the Best Adventure Vacation companies for the second year by National Geographic.
“It is less stressful to use a tour company,” explained Collins. “They arrange all of the drop offs and pick ups, prepare your gear, organizeaccommodations. All you have to do is enjoy the ride.”
Groups are small – 12-to-15 - all like-minded individuals from across the U.S. Most are “mature” travelers in their60’s and 70’s. Rides range from easy to moderate in difficulty.
Collins praised VBT for incorporating not only the geography of an area, but also the culinary experience, history and culture. “Touring the Tuscan coast, we rode through olive groves and vineyards. We did wine tastings. We stayed with families in their homes and had the most amazing meals,” said Collins. “South Africa is an incredible country filled with things vibrant and awesome. We saw bothoceans, the mountains, the brushy bush; we really got to know the country and the people. I found the children irresistible. The kids don’t have a lot to do so they line the path when bikes come in and cheer for you. We felt like we were on ‘Tour de South Africa’. The people have so little, are so poor, but they are truly happy people in spite of this.”
The group went on safari in jeeps and then biked out of the preserve. “There was a herd of elephants around a watering hole. A lion came up for a drink but wouldn’t approach because of the elephants. One baby elephant went out to the lion and was giving it guff. The baby didn’t know the whole herd was behind him watching. When the elephants finally left, the lion came to the water and drank and drank and drank, it was so thirsty.”
The rides are well organized, usually 10-to-12 days riding 20-to-30 miles a day. Local guides accompany riders - one in the lead, one always riding at the end with the last rider no matter how far behind the pack. Riders provide their measurements ahead of time to the tour company and their bike and helmet are waiting for them, or they can choose to ship their own equipment. Bikes are transported by van to specific drop off sites. Free time is interspersed with organized rides and excursions.
“I wasn’t very excited to get up at 6 a.m. in South Africa for the sunrise ride,” said Collins. “Watching that sunrise over Table Top Mountain was so worth it!”
One evening in Cape Town, Collins received a surprise. “It was my birthday and the tour leaders had conveyed that to our hostess for the evening. This was an arranged opportunity to visit a local family who had prepared a banquet meal of the finest Cape Town cuisine for us in their lovely home. (The hostess) had prepared a cake that was a total surprise,” she said.
Collins took her daughter to Paris for her college graduation and rode by the Eiffel Tower at night. “I wanted her to see it like I had from a bicycle. Biking is more revered in Europe than the U.S. It’s more of a male sport, though. You don’t see many women riding.”
In Italy the riders experienced a steep hill climb. “It was a tough ride, but the view from the top was amazing, looking down on all the sunflower fields.” Collins had a close encounter with nature on this ride. “I hate snakes! On the way down, I was going probably 40 mph and saw this huge snake crossing the road. I knew I couldn’t avoid it. I’ve fallen off bikes before and knew this wasn’t a place I wanted to wipe out so I just rode over the top of it!”
For anyone considering biking in a foreign land, Collins offers this advice. “You have to train, and you get out of it what you put into it. Age isn’t a limit, though. Even if you are not a strong biker, you can do these rides. Spinning class is a great way to start.
“The tour company offers pre- and post-tour extensions. I would recommend, if possible, arriving in the country a few days before the ride begins to get acclimated to the time change and climate. I went to South Africa in their summer from Iowa winter. In Rome, I felt like a puddle of melted gelato. It’s helpful to learn a few key phrases in the native language to show you are trying to fit in. You have to also use common sense when traveling.
“I can’t stress enough the importance of travel insurance. My flight out of South Africa was delayed so I missed my domestic flight back. It was very costly to hunt for another flight and rebook. And you can never have a big enough suitcase. I thought I did, but had so much memorabilia from South Africa to bring home, it wasn’t big enough!”
VBT offers bike trips throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as Europe and other countries. Collins is researching tours in South Asia, Vietnam and Thailand for future trips. Also on her “wish list” areCanada, New Zealand and Costa Rica.
“I really try to keep an open mind when I’m traveling, to not compare to my own viewpoint. I understand so much more about different cultures and people. I feel it has been a privilege to visit, and the experiences I will always treasure.”
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