An Outstanding Shenandoah and Civil War Bike Tour
We had a superb experience on the recent Shenandoah Valley-Civil War tour. We had high expectations going in and they were all met or exceeded. We’re fairly active cyclists, but this was our first riding experience in the east and, after becoming accustomed to the heat and humidity (>95% one day? Sheesh, how about sending some moisture out here to California?), we had a wonderful time. Among the highlights: the lodging and food were excellent and really couldn’t have been better. Even the food en route each day was tasty, varied and abundant—we’re used to the usual rest stop eats one gets on organized centuries and other group rides, but what we received on this tour was much better than that (quinoa salad, sandwiches of various types, prosciutto and other delish meats and cheeses, lots of desserts and candies and a variety of cold beverages, among other things). And our guides (Chris and Gary) were truly outstanding. Even Kasia, the company’s gracious director of cycling tours, joined us for three days and combined with our guides to make sure we were enjoying ourselves. Did we ever.
Gary and Chris were constantly on the lookout for ways to meet every conceivable wish on our part, including adjustments to the route (sometimes we wanted to spend more time at Civil War sites, see other sites not previously on the list, etc.), meeting the varying needs of our small group, and providing lots of great historical data and insights along the way. The battlefield guides and presentations at Gettysburg, Antietam and Cedar Creek, among others, were outstanding. One of our many pleasant memories came at the end of a particularly long riding day, with our entire group sitting in rocking chairs on the large front porch of the Marriott Ranch. As the sun slipped behind the Blue Ridge Mountains, and fireflies danced in the distance beneath the trees on the huge front lawn, Chris brought out a harmonica and played a wistful “Shenandoah” as we enjoyed everyone’s company. Who’s scripting these things, Disney?
I was most impressed that apparently the company’s number one objective was making sure we were happy, had the experience we had hoped for, and that we had received good value for our money. Mission accomplished, and we’re grateful.
Rating: Excellent *****
Mark Ostler
Pleasanton, California
Mark, Thank you! Chris and Gary are a real treat, and Chris manages to play amazing tunes that fit the moment.
Mark Traveled with us during the summer of 2015 on the Shenandoah Bike Tour