My husband and I live in Mammoth Lakes, CA. Because of the amazing amounts of snow, we tend to get pretty out of shape by springtime since all we do is ski during the winter months. Every year, we go to the BTC, which is a week long bike tour in Colorado with ~2000 people and lots of climbing. Last year, I just could not wait til late June to get in cycling shape, so a perused the Internet until I found the Climbing Camps offered by Cycling Escapes. I was really tentative about signing up because I had never been on a tour with such a small number of people. I was also afraid a So Cal tour would have too much traffic for a mountain girl like me! Was I ever surprised. I enjoyed both riding and dining with a small group, but the most shocking thing was that the traffic was non-existent! Seriously. Sierra roads are definitely not busy, but the roads Cycling Escapes chose for the So Cal camp were even less well traveled. No motor homes trying to run you over. Basically, after the first 3-4 warm up miles, you ride one of many desolate roads between Agoura Hills and Malibu (different roads several times a day). The views are fantastic and passing cars are rare on these backroads. I loved it so much, I did 2 back to back climbing camps and the Epic Glacier tour with Cycling Escapes. Not only was I prepped for the BTC climbs, I was also in shape enough to do all 5 passes of the Death Ridge without additional training. Very cool. Going again in April. Goodbye winter fat. Hello Malibu hills! read more

I went on my first trip with Cycling Escapes in September 2011, the Color Country to Canyonlands tour. I've been on tours with several tour operators and this was really great. These tours are designed for people that like to ride. Many tour companies have tours that only cover 35 - 45 miles per day. There was good ride support and I felt that I was always in good hands with Rich. The lodging and dinning were all very good and we had a great group of riders on our tour. I'm signed up for the Cascades, Crater Lake tour in August 2012 and am very exited about it and have no doubt it will be another great trip. Cycling Escapes has rental bikes available but they don't discourage you from bringing your own bike as some other tour operators do. If you like to ride and have an adventurous spirit, I would definitely recommend a trip with Cycling Escapes! read more

Have been on two tours (Death Valley Nov '09) and Southern Utah ((Oct '10) and have signed up for a third (Crater Lake- August 2012). Even invited 3 others who will be joining. These tours provide exactly as promised, great riding that challenged me each day while providing breathtaking scenery and a truly memorable experience. Accomodations and food all included as promised (no hidden fees or charges). Rich Merrick (owner) provides great support. If you are looking for a week of serious riding (this is not a winecountry ride) with others who are likeminded this is the ride for you. Only advice is to make sure that you train adequately for the hills and long riding over 6 days so as to experience all these tours have to offer. David E. Hoboken, NJ read more

I rode with Cycling Escapes in 2009 (Wyoming, Yellowstone and Beartooth) and 2011 (Oregon, Crater Lake and Cascades). The all-paid format, staying in nice hotels and eating in posh restaurants, was very comfortable and relaxing. The choice of routes was excellent--through spectacular countryside on generally fine, quiet roads. The riding support and the midday roadside picnic lunch were impeccable,made me feel special and happy. Richard and his staff are friendly, helpful, and relaxed. Both times the clients in the tours were competent riders and genial company so that the days were rewarding both athletically and socially. I would rate Cycling Escapes 9.5/10 and excellent value. Milos K, Regina, Canada read more

I went on the trip last summer from Glacier National Park up to Banff and Jasper. The route was well planned, taking us through some of the most spectacular scenery I have the pleasure to see. The roads were generally great for biking with minimal traffic. The support was superb. A sag van is always available and there are multiple rest stops with snacks and drinks. Nice hotels and meals at good restaurants are included. The other people on the ride were great. The trip is a great combination of fairly serious riding, but with riders of varying levels of conditioning, and with great support and nice accommodations. I would definitely go on another Cycling Escapes trip, and plan to do so. read more

Did the Santa Monica Mountains Climbing Camp - amazing experience! Perfect location for some off-season (Jan/Mar) training, the routes are challenging, but rewarding with fantastic views and the roads are very cyclist friendly. The organisation was great, the SAG was filled with great food and drinks all the time and everyone could ride at their own pace. As the rides are centred around one location it was possible to cut short the routes if anyone wanted to take it easy for a day. Hotel, recommended restaurants and company were all awesome! I rented a bike from Cycling Escapes - Specialized Roubaix in great condition, plus it saved me the hassle of having it shipped over. read more

I rode their Death Valley Bicycle Tour in March of 2010 and all I can say is WOW! I was used to riding intermediate level tours with other larger Bicycle Touring Companies and this one was definitely of a intermediate+ nature. If you've never road in desert type terrain before, mixed in with awesome climbs out of the valley, I'd recommend this one, but have some strong winter spinning/training miles in before the trip. Be prepared for high temps, wind gusts, 15 mile climbs, good food and a bunch of fun. If possible, I'd recommend bringing your own bike. read more

I've been on 3 different tours - Color Country to Canyonlands (Utah), San Juan Mountain Loop (Colorado) & Yellowstone Beartooth Byway (Wyoming). Each route takes you off the beaten track & through stunning scenery - you choose the pace you want to ride at & the SAG van stops at regular intervals to ensure you always have the snacks & drinks you need. You'll get to ride with like-minded cycling enthusiasts & will end up making long term friendships. If you want the cycling adventure of a lifetime, look no further than Cycling Escapes. read more

I recently did the Lake Mead Tour with Cycling Escapes and will definitely return to do others! All logistics were seemless and stress free with everything being thought of and planned for. Highly recommended for those looking to do tougher cycling tours in wonderful scenery. The Lake Mead trip was a perfect winter getaway and delivered enormous amounts of pleasure from hours of riding on smooth, virtually traffic-free roads. Serious cycling tours delivered by serious cyclists. Highly Recommend. read more

I've been on several of this company's tours, namely, Southern Utah, the Volcanic Byways tour, Santa Monica climbing camp, Palm Springs and Joshua Tree and recently Lake Mead and the Valley of Fire. Every one was very well organized, with accurate route sheets, excellent accommodations, great food, etc. The routes chosen, in general, were low traffic and smooth pavement. Great support and sag vehicle available for those who needed it. Highly recommended! read more

This was my first time with Cycling escapes and it was a blast! I highly reccomend this to anyone that wants to improve thier climbing skills, don't be intimidated you can go at your own pace and choose the amount of climbing for each day. The staff Rich and Eric were the best. Excellent tips and suggestions, the ride support was also great! The Santa Monica Mountians are beautiful, great views all around. I will def be back. read more

I have done 8 trips with Cycling Escapes.Two of those trips were riding a tandem with my spouse. We are already signed up for a tour this summer, and I'll probably be doing the Eastern Sierra trip this fall. If you like lots of miles through beautiful places, considerable climbing, great ride support, very nice accomodations and meals, you will not be disappointed. read more

We had an excellent trip. The routes were challenging, flexible and have amazing views. Everyone received lots of personalized attention and accomplished their goals. Highest recommendation possible for the trip, company and guide. The quality could not have been better - well worth the time, effort and every single penny! read more

I have participated in two Cycling Escapes tours; Color Country & Arches/Canyonlands. Both trips were outstanding; challenging but safe routes, spectacular scenery, great support, fine loding & dining. Rich is well organized and runs a very professional program. read more

Rode the Solvang wine tour in October 2011. Accomodations were fine. Rides and route sheets were well organized. Restaurant choices were good. Rich was very supportive and did go the extra mile when needed! I recommend this company!! Bob S. Chicago read more

We rode with Cycling Escapes on the Utah Canyons to Canyonlands tour in 2011. Definitely the best bicycle tour we have ever taken. Challenging routes and great support made it a tremendous experience. We booked a tour for 2012 immediately after. read more

Great camp!!! Can't beat the hills and the scenery. Richard and his staff were great, accommodating of any special needs and well organized. Very reasonably priced and great mapping. Highly recommended!!! Max L. (New York) read more

I've ridden two tours with Rich and Cycling Escapes - Utah Color Country to Canyonlands and AZ/NM Cactus to Ghost Towns. Great rides, great support, and met great people to ride with. I'll be back!!!! JimG Dallas Tx read more

Have used Cycling Escapes for 3 events and have found them to always looking to make better trip than the last one and the have!! Look forward to my next trip to meet great people and fun adventures. read more