Over the last 15 years I have had the opportunity to ride throughout the US as well as in Europe, South America, and Asia. This page includes a number of links I have found useful in my planning that might be helpful for others who are in the planning phase for a trip.

I have often thought about leading a trip or two, but for now I'm going to leave it at planning support. I'm hoping to add to this particualr page as time goes along and would appreciate knowing what might make it more useful for you, as well as suggestions as to other websites you think would be helpful to others in their planning. Send me an email with ideas or questions. --- Dick

PS Those with a banner ad will send a rebate my way if you click through to book from here  (your costs are the same as if you went to their site directly - just like Google ads). The others are personal favorites and recommendations from readers.

Looking for a place to go? Or a critique on a company you are thinking about using?

Planning support for the "do it yourself-er".

• Nichols Expeditions - based in Moab, Utah, you pick the country and/or route and they will set up the lodging, find someone to move your bags while you bike, and help find a rental bike if you need one.I've personally used them more than once in the past.
• Map my Ride - will help you map your ride (includes distance and elevation gain)
  • other mapping options:
    • Use the "avoid highways" option at Google maps and there is a chance of getting a decent cycling route.
    • or go to Michelin maps - enter a start and end point, select 'options' and choose 'by bike.' It will then give you a cycle-friendly route. The only caveat is that for cycling the two points have to be less than 200 km (124 miles) apart.

Tour companies that I have used or have been recommended by readers. Even if you don't book a tour, the online sites are full of ideas. Both areas and routes as well as timing (they generally book thier tours when the weather is at its best). And as you may have noticed, as I live in Seattle there are more NW options than for other areas of the country.

• Nichols Expeditions - based in Moab, Utah, you pick the country and/or route and they will set up the lodging, find someone to move your bags while you bike, and help find a rental bike if you need one.I've personally used them more than once in the past.
• Cycling Safaris- an Irish company a friend has used. The prices are right, and they include a bike.
• Adventure Cycling- a broad selection of moderately priced trips in the US.
• InfoHub compiles a wide range of interesting tours (not just cycling)from companies around the world. compiles a number of tours.
• Mid-Valley Bicycle Club is a non-profit club centered in Corvallis, Oregon, that keeps track of a number of rides in thier area.
• Corvalis Blog links to a number of local club rides in the Portland area.

Time to book ? Here are two "one stop shopping" sites we all recognize -- plane, rooms, the works -- and another that specializes in international travel.

• Yapta tracks airfares and will send you an email alert if prices drop - and let you know if you might be elligible for a credit on a ticket you have already purchased.
• WhichBudget focuses on low budget airlines within Europe and other foreign destiantions.

• Here are some options I often use for quick fare comparison:s

  • Kayak - also does email fare alerts 
  • FareChase
  • Mobissimo
  • Side Step
  • Obitz - doesn't add taxes into prices (remember this little surprise on some of the others)  
  • Travelocity
  • Expedia