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Testimonials
We are dedicated to delivering fantastic cycling holidays through the most spectacular regions of the world, offering fascinating sceneries and immense cultural interest.
But don't just take our word for it, here is what our customers have had to say about redspokes and our services...
Claire Thomas, Edinburgh, Scotland
During the course of our travels through Laos, as well as experiencing wonderful scenery, good food and amazing cycling, we also managed to touch the Laotian culture. The Laotians have so little but gave so much warmth and encouragement which helped make this trip so special. The Laotian support crew who were driving the van, cooking and acting as local guides as well as Dermot the Tour Leader, did their utmost to make this a holiday to remember. I would recommend this trip to everyone.
Patricia Caro, New York, US
This redspokes tour attracted the coolest nicest people (remember summer camp?) and was led by a caring, competent, and cheerful staff who loved sharing their insights. The cycling was a rich combination of ever-changing slopes and surfaces.
The peoples in the Andean settlements were welcoming and very sweet, including the kids who stole our hearts and sometimes -temporarily- our bikes. Cycling into their communities and markets, past their terraced fields of potatoes (4000 kinds!) and quinoa and wheat and corn was heart-warming and enlightening.
Hannah Macdonald, Liverpool, England, UK
What a fantastic experience, The culture, scenery and company of both the group and the support team made the whole experience a memorable adventure, every day a different encounter. once again redspokes has left me hugely impressed, and in ownership of some fantastic memories.
Phil Tuner , Middlesbrough, England, UK
I want to say a big thanks to Dermot, Eduardo, Bernaby and Alex who pulled out all the stops to make our tour of Bolivia/Peru a wonderful experience bringing together a fantastic group who made it even more enjoyable with constant good humour and camaradarie, despite some minor setbacks, which as we were the first group to undertake this ride were to be expected.
To top it off were the ad hoc activities, a street party, bull fight and crashing a private party in a Bolivian restaurant were just a few, not to mention the Star Wars bar!!!!! (Cusco) unforgettable. Many thanks again redspokes see you next tour!
Bea Bowen, Oxford, England
All in all an absolutely fantastic trip which has opened my eyes to the huge advantages of seeing a country by bike instead of zooming past in a bus from A to B.Both Ken and Dermot were great tour leaders, always ready with a smile and keen to make sure that everyone was getting the most out of the trip, I loved it!Thanks for everything.
Klaudine Simpson, Cambridge, England, UK
A fun enjoyable tour with lots to do and mini adventures along the way. Good accommodation/ some great choices i.e. rabbit island/ the bungalows. Your guide Dave is a real professional and is a solid asset to redspokes tours. He really ensured that each member had his attention and managed our needs. Big thanks!
Phil Hurcom, London, UK
I had a wonderful time and was very impressed with the organisation, standard of camping accommodation and all other bits redspokes are directly responsible for.
_400x0.jpg "Murray Piesse Cycling on the tour with redspokes")
Murray Piesse, Rotorua, New Zealand
To cycle across the "roof of the world" and experience the mysterious and magical world of Tibet is a dream that I can relive with others for the rest of my life. The highlights for me were to visit base camp where we stood in the face of Everest and then to cycle the world's longest downhill into Nepal.
Thanks again to Dermot MacWard of redspokes and my fellow cyclist who were a joy to be with.
Steve Cuming, Wellington, New Zealand
Yet another wonderful trip from the folks at redspokes, one that allow's you to see the real essence of the country and it's melting pot of people. The NW of the country is for the most part off the regular tourist trail and better for it, the people are friendly, receptive and not averse to inviting unusually clad, complete strangers into their home for a cup of green tea. Great company with like minded souls who enjoy riding and something a little different in a holiday. Another winner from the team at redspokes.
Cathy Sheeman, Auckland, New Zealand
The group was brilliant and so was the organisation, really stress-free for me. And having Lao guides and translators was fantastic.
On the first night I decided not to make snap judgements about the people in the group and just accept everyone and let them reveal themselves, and it really worked. They were all wonderful.
You have just the right touch - it's organised beautifully and takes away all the worries of doing it on your own, but leaves enough freedom to still make it an adventure. I liked the skillful way you went around and checked on everyone without being overbearing.
I fully expected to be bundled into the back of the truck on the day from Luang Prabang to Kiu Kacham but it was great I was able to complete that challenging day.
Your initial instructions about respect were spot-on. I felt proud of our group and the way we conducted ourselves - I think even our drunken behaviour was within acceptable limits.
Robert Burford, Essex, England, UK
For our first cycle trip abroad we decided on Peru and it exceeded all our expectations. The cycling was awesome, the food fantastic and the constantly changing scenery will never be forgotten. Everywhere we went the locals were so welcoming and hospitable.One of my many highlights was walking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We were so well looked after throughout the trek, with some great home cooking at camp! The diversity of the plants and birds and above all the Inca sites were a mystical experience.It's "Independence and freedom on 2 wheels" with all the support you need. We will be tagging on for more trips that's for sure.
Karen Smith, Edinburgh, Scotland
I really loved this trip and had a magic time. It was great to get off the beaten track in the 3rd week - the places we stayed and things we saw were fascinating. The scenery was unbelievable and it was great to see such a variety of terrains and climates in one 3 week trip.
I always felt well looked after and safe, whether cycling or trekking, the guides were fun, friendly and really boosted my confidence and egged me on with the cycling, which was brilliant.
Roger Troughton, Dorking, England, UK
Cycling is such a fantastic way of visiting places like Kerala and Tamil Nadu - allowing you to get closer to the country and its people. This was my third trip with with redspokes so far, so they must be doing something right.
_400x0.jpg "Sandy Hore-Ruthven Cycling on the tour with redspokes")
Sandy Hore-Ruthven, Flax Bourton, UK
The trip was amazing. The scenery fantastic. Like being in another world. The distances are fine and once you are over the altitude sickness it was plain sailing. Almost all the roads are well tarmaced and I would suggest a heavy touring bike is a better choice than a mountain bike. I travelled on 35c tyres with no problems at all and much faster and smoother than the mountain bikes.
Ian Smith, Letchworth, England, UK
Don't expect luxury; expect to muck in a bit, expect it to be uncomfortable at times as it can be hot and sticky; if you can handle this your reward will be an experience that will move you deeply and have you returning home singing the praises of a wonderful country. I promise.
Alastair Macpherson, Dundee, Scotland
Another fantastic trip. Riding through the first village of the trip with everyone waving and shouting hello was a great feeling which continued on throughout the duration of the tour. This direct personal contact with universally friendly people made my first trip to India a wonderful experience. Can't think of a better way to spend my holidays. Thanks again.
Louise Goldingham, Oxon, England, UK
I didn't need to worry about the cycling as the pace was so good, with lots of refreshment stops. It was an experience I will never forget.
Stirling Slingerlan, South Africa
I want to thank you for a great trip, it more than exceeded my expectations. I was a bit concerned that the price of the trip was somewhat cheaper than other companies, but no corners were cut. The food while camping was excellent as was the standard of hotels.Lee was a great guide too and went out of his way to keep everyone happy. 10 out of 10 to him.
The local guide, "Sushi" was absolutely amazing. We couldn't have asked for a better local guide. Even his English astounded me. Nothing was too much effort for him.The cycling was awesome, some tough days, along with a few easy days. The scenery was something out of this world. The only complaint about the cycling was that we may have had too many sunny days, so one had to apply plenty of sun block.As for another trip, I hadn't even completed this trip and I was thinking about my next cycling holiday. I would definitely be going on another redspokes in the near future.
Clifford Erett, Belfast, Ireland
I will not fill your inquestionnaire Dermot because for me the trip was better than I expected. OK so the hotels were not up to western standards but I feel that adds to the experience.
Don't change a thing Dermot; it's a bloody marvellous tour!
Lisa Eagle, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
It was fantastic to have such great support the entire trip, from our bikes being maintained for us, having a safe driver and supportive guides that happily pushed you along when you needed it and rode with you even when you were stuffed.
Keith Pearce, Aylesford, Kent, England
The trip was a fantastic trip of a lifetime. I have so many fond memories of it and repeatedly look back at the photos to recap all that went on. It was great to meet so many nice people, fellow guests and organisers alike.
I don't know if the experience can be topped but I'm certainly going to give it a go on another location. Thanks again!
Tracey Binks, Broughton-in-Furneess, England
What a brilliant holiday.
The company, guiding, bike maintenance, food, accommodation and transport were all excellent. We got to see such a range of different terrains and far more than we would have done by ourselves.
I really recommend this trip.
Ilkka Nyknen, Finland
Before this trip I was a little woried how I would understand native English (Scottish) speakers but thanks to Dermot and Ken and the whole group it was not a problem.
Dave Corkill, Harrogate, England
The places visited, sites seen and area covered over the 3 weeks were fantastic, especially the remoteness of the 3rd week.
A true adventure as this was my first cycle holiday and slightly apprehensive with what to expect. Well at my tender age the cycling was hard but finishing the 100k will be cemented on my mind forever. Also climbing Wanapijchu at the end of the Inca Trail was "breathtaking". I never went hungry as lunch was always following behind my right shoulder.
Evelyn Mullins, Dublin, Ireland
The trip was really well organised. Dermot, Ken and all the team were so encouraging and helpful. I couldn't fault anything on the trip. The country was fantastic and I think what redspokes is doing for the villages is fantastic.
Evelyn Mullins, Dublin, Ireland
The country was fantastic and I think what redspokes is doing for the villages is fantastic.
Nicolas Cheatle, Blackpool, England
This trip must go with all time best holidays, great food, scenery, exercise and saw parts of Peru that I wouldn't have reached under my own steam.
Karen Allworthy & Geoff Messenger, London, England, UK
redspokes cycle tour was very well organised and flexible without being restricting and rigid in its itinerary showing us the real Laos and its people along the way.
Rory Morrison, London, England, UK
What a great way to see beautiful Laos and to meet it's friendly and welcoming people. The route is brilliantly conceived. You are taken on a self-propelled roller-coaster of a ride through some of the remotest and least spoilt tropical landscapes imaginable. A completely stress-free holiday.
A cycle adventure tour company who are passionate about the countries they ride through, taking care to positively contribute to the communities encountered along the way. You will come away with a far greater understanding of the people and issues of the region, this is what makes redspokes tours unique.
Julie Niven, Edinburgh, Scotland
The organisation was faultless, the cycling was awesome, the scenery was stunning, the people were fabulous. The welcome we received in Ban Faen will stay with me for a long time. A truly humbling experience.
Rory Morrison, London, England, UK
A cycle adventure tour company who are passionate about the countries they ride through, taking care to positively contribute to the communities encountered along the way. You will come away with a far greater understanding of the people and issues of the region, this is what makes redspokes tours unique.
Damian King, Cheltenham, England, UK
Fantastic trip, very memorable and very educational. Hard work at times but that's the point of an adventure.
If you set out to educate and show people the real Peru, you succeeded.
Nicky Finch, London, England, UK
Great tour. Probably the most scenic cycling I have ever done. Loved the combination of cycling and the trek (the trek brought a whole new dimension to things).
The way you gradually acclimatized us was really good. This let us achieve a lot more and put us in a very strong position for the trek.
Michelle Emery, London, England, UK
Ashley Roots, London, England, UK
This is one of the all time greats! I have never felt such a sense of being the adventurer. Bring it on!
Would have no problems in using redspokes again, I have already recommended them.
Andrea middleton, England, UK
I cannot now imagine a better way to visit a country than by bike. redspokes gave us the opportunity to see visit real communities and experience the humbling generosity of the Laos people. The scenery was incredible. The cycling was enjoyable at not as tough as we'd expected and the group pulled together for the larger wee bumps along the way!
Andrea middleton, England, UK
The scenery was incredible. The cycling was enjoyable at not as tough as we'd expected and the group pulled together for the larger wee bumps along the way!
Richard Matheson, Leeds, England, UK
It has all been said in the other testimonials the most vivid memories will always be of the three most important things: the welcoming and friendly people of Laos, great food and interesting and varied terrain for cycling! A wonderful experience, and a privilege to visit such a beautiful country which gives so much to its visitors.
Richard Matheson, Leeds, England, UK
A wonderful experience, and a privilege to visit such a beautiful country which gives so much to its visitors.
Adrian Parnell, Sutton Coldfield, England, UK
I feel that the organisation of the holiday was extremely good. The transfer arrangements from Lima and to Lima were important and were handled very efficiently. I particularly wanted to visit Machu Picchu and Cusco. Everything else (including the cycling) was an enjoyable extra which perhaps makes me slightly different and untypical of the group as a whole.I would unreservedly recommend redspokes to anyone interested in a cycling adventure holiday and hope you go from strength to strength.
Robert Burford, Luton, England, UK
Dermot and team gave their all! The support and help, routes and accommodation were all A+. The area we cycled in was chosen for us to see the very best of culture and scenery in my opinion! Lots to see do and take part in. The cycling group was the best. Hope to meet up with a few on future trips.
Tom Carolan, Westmeath, Ireland
In short, it was mind blowing - so many things to experience, to see and to savour.I loved Pakistan. From the first day, when we flew in a little plane around the high mountains of the Karakoram range, to the murderous slopes of the Khunjerab, there was always something to wonder at. Mountains, waterfalls, glaciers and icy rivers formed the daily backdrop for our cycling, but most of all, the local people were just so friendly and welcoming. Schoolkids cheered us on, offering high fives as we passed. Our guide, Arman and his team worked well beyond the call of duty to help us on our way.The opportunity to see Raka Poshi up close - that for me was the best moment of the trip. To stand in front of a mountain that rises vertically for almost 6,000 metres in front of you is, quite simply, a never to be forgotten experience. China had beautiful scenery also, especially round Lake Kara Kol, and the descent to this lake was probably the single most enjoyable hour of cycling of the entire trip. Kyrgyzstan was desperately poor economically, but the people were just great.The border crossing was epic and memorable - the cold war revisited. There was enough variety here to keep us all interested, from the yurts of the nomadic horsemen to the home stays in the houses of the locals. The food was also excellent and Bishkek turned out to be an appropriate setting to end the adventure. I would heartily recommend the trip - especially if you like doing something a little different. As the brochure said, "if you are looking for one of the world's great rides, then this is definitely it". I couldn't have put it better myself.
Ailsa Rutherford, Surry, England, UK
For want of a less clich'd phrase: this was a life-changing experience. I wish I had discovered cycling tours earlier in my life. It's the perfect speed to see a country if walking's too slow for you and buses/trains whisk you past too quickly behind glass. The Laos tour provided a great sense of work and reward for me; the work is the cycling; the reward is seeing such a beautiful place and lovely people more intimately (and not forgetting the odd Beerlao at the end of the day too!). I can't fault the tour leaders, David and Khen, for their continual cheer and encouragement along the way, striking the right balance between supported group travel and personal space . I look forward to my next adventure with redspokes.
Ailsa Rutherford, Surry, England, UK
The Laos tour provided a great sense of work and reward for me; the work is the cycling; the reward is seeing such a beautiful place and lovely people more intimately (and not forgetting the odd Beerlao at the end of the day too!). I can't fault the tour leaders, David and Khen, for their continual cheer and encouragement along the way, striking the right balance between supported group travel and personal space . I look forward to my next adventure with redspokes.
Jon Langley, London, Endland, UK
This was just what I hoped for, not just a trip from A to B but a tour into and through the Thailand/Laos area where you felt part of the region for the period of the journey, thanks.
Jon Langley, London, Endland, UK
Clare Thomas, don, England, UK
Absolutely fantastic experience, a stunning country, amazing people and a great tour. Dermot and Ken were brilliant and ensured we all had a great time. Fabulous!
Dermot Bailiy, Belfast, Ireland
Vietnam is truly an unforgettable experience; the tour takes you far off the usual tourist trail where quiet roads wait as well as the colourful friendly mountain tribes who are very welcoming. The Cycling is sometimes challenging but the rewards of the amazing scenery make it more than worth while. The redspokes Vietnam tour is an amazing adventure; I'll be definitely touring with redspokes again.
Clare Thomas, London, England, UK
Ian Langley, Leeds, England, UK
The trip was a great mix of culture, cycling and good fun without a lot of transfers during the trip.
Ian Langley, Leeds, England, UK
Richard Garlick, Hertford, England, UK
This was a wonderful holiday for me that allowed personal space yet was efficiently organized - Helped of course by Laos being such a intresting, beautiful and friendly country to visit.
_400x0.jpg "Martin and Angela White Cycling on the tour with redspokes")
Martin and Angela White, Carlisle, Cumbria
What a fantastic trip ! The weather, altitude and the stunning beauty of the highest mountains in the world all combine into one of the hardest and most rewarding experiences. The excellent care from the guides and crew helped to make this a trip of a lifetime and we would not hesitate to recommend this tour to anyone wanting the ultimate cycling holiday.
Richard Garlick, Hertford, England, UK
Nina Davis, Hackney, London, UK
Fantastic trip, it was everything you promised and more. I absolutely loved it, it was just what I needed to feed my soul and I felt totally energised when I got back (plus my fitness level was through the roof!) I'll definitely be coming on another redspokes Trip.
Nina Davis, Hackney, London, UK
Anna Hebden, Australia
The tour was wonderful. Ben and Ken were both great; very patient and helpful. I enjoyed all the accommodation and it was good to have a mix of hotels and guest houses. One of the highlights was a hot bucket shower at the stop before Luang Prabang. We had had a very wet day of cycling and it was lovely to be made so welcome at that guest house, a simple place, but definitely one of my favourites.
The food was fantastic too and I was amazed by all the wonderful vegetables and herbs in Laos. As a vegetarian I was catered for at every stop.
Not being a great or experienced cyclist I was a little apprehensive before the trip, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I stayed at the back most of the time chatting with Jenny and Heather (often 3 abreast..... sorry Ben!). We had a fantastic time with lots of laughs.
I was also really impressed with the cycle shop in Chiang Rai. The people working there were very helpful and got my bike sorted for me no problem.
I would give the tour 5/5 and will definitely be looking at another in the futureThanks again, Anna.
Anna Hebden, Australia
The food was fantastic too and I was amazed by all the wonderful vegetables and herbs in Laos. As a vegetarian I was catered for at every stop.
Not being a great or experienced cyclist I was a little apprehensive before the trip, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I stayed at the back most of the time chatting with Jenny and Heather (often 3 abreast..... sorry Ben!). We had a fantastic time with lots of laughs.
I was also really impressed with the cycle shop in Chiang Rai. The people working there were very helpful and got my bike sorted for me no problem.
I would give the tour 5/5 and will definitely be looking at another in the futureThanks again, Anna.
Sophie Lewis, Cambridge, England, UK
As a novice cyclist I found the riding hard; but I now can't think of a better way to see a country. Laos is amazing Breathtaking scenery and the friendliest people you'll ever meet
Phil Marshalsea, London, UK
Amazing scenery, friendly people and redspokes guides and support crew made this a memorable trip for me. Highlights include cycling in misty mountain foothills and the kids shouting "Heeeeloo" at every village.
_400x0.jpg "Alan Gillespie Cycling on the tour with redspokes")
Alan Gillespie, Wanaka, New Zealand
In summary the tour exceeded all expectations, the scenery, the history and culture, the changing face of civilisation, the mystique of Tibet, and the physical challenge of cycling through it has been rewarding.
I have had the time of my life!
Sophie Lewis, Cambridge, England, UK
Laura Donovan, London, UK
This trip was a brilliant way to see Vietnam in an active way. The group was friendly and good company and I felt privileged to witness the rural communities in the north that very few tourists will see. The cycling was mountainous but enjoyable and the scenery spectacular. Thoroughly recommended.
John Goveia, Oregon, USA
The group that I joined was a bit younger than me; in fact at 62 I was older than everyone's father. There were nine of us. I have been on many biking trips but this was luxurious; tents were pitched when you got to camp and taken down for you in the morning. No one expected two inch foam mats that you put your sleeping bags on. The food was excellent, not only healthy but good tasting, there was even a sort of high tea when you got in to camp.The Leaders and support staff were friendly and knowledgeable. There were three support vehicles and no was left out of sight or ran short of water. The scenery was outstanding and the last three days were mostly downhill. A fantastic trip that I have recommended to all my cycling friends.
Michael Olthof, Waverley, Victoria, Australia
I had been looking forward to doing this trip for several years and I had very high expectations. All of them were met. It was magnificent. Due to the apparently unusually strong headwinds and, in parts, extremely rough roads it was a bit tougher than I had anticipated. But nothing could detract from the positive aspects - the camaraderie within the group, the satisfaction felt at the end of each day, the exhilaration of actually "doing it" - cycling across the greatest mountain range on Earth. And towards the end - the thrill of the spectacular descent into Nepal, with the amazing change in environment as we did so. I would not recommend this trip to just anyone; but for those who appreciate a challenge, this is the one for you! Thanks to Giles, Loca and all the crew for making everything run so smoothly.
Allyson Wakeham, Brighton, England
Beautiful country, gorgeous people - the children brought tears to my eyes with their enthusiasm towards visitors. Breath taking views, a well thought out route for a short visit and taste of Laos. Many thanks redspokes for introducing me to Laos.
Alex Whitton, England, UK
I had a fantastic trip thank you very much! Please feel free to add me to the mailing list or whatever - i'd love to go on another redspokes tour!
What a great trip 10/10!
Allyson Wakeham, Brighton, England
Christine Jackson, Isle of man, UK
I loved the whole experience. I met loads of fantastic people and felt that the group gelled together really well; particularly considering the youngest was 19 and oldest was 63. People were really laid back and looked after each other in a quiet sort of way. I was higher maintenance (!) than I would have liked to have been due to illness. It was really reassuring to know that David and the support crew were there and were really supportive and extremely helpful. I would love to do the whole trip again!! Am already looking into my next trip. Thanks for a fantastic experience.
Laura Russell, London, England
This was my first cycling holiday and was an absolutely amazing experience. Laos is a remarkable country with unbelievable scenery and the friendliest people I have ever met.
The cycling was difficult in places but it was reassuring to know that it was never far before we would turn the corner and see the van waiting with fresh fruit and hot drinks. I am already thinking about my next trip with redspokes!
Nicola Webb, Salisbury, England, UK
Absolutely loved it - would do it all again.
Laura Russell, London, England
The cycling was difficult in places but it was reassuring to know that it was never far before we would turn the corner and see the van waiting with fresh fruit and hot drinks. I am already thinking about my next trip with redspokes!
Stuart Butler, Guernsey, UK
Had such a great trip in Vietnam. Really enjoyed it. Both David Walker and the local guide, Phong, were enthusiastic and responded well to all the needs of the group.
Bea Bowen, Oxford, England
All in all an absolutely fantastic trip which has opened my eyes to the huge advantages of seeing a country by bike instead of zooming past in a bus from A to B. Both Ken and Dermot were great tour leaders, always ready with a smile and keen to make sure that everyone was getting the most out of the trip, I loved it!
Thanks for everything.
Paul Tierney, Galway, Ireland
I'd just like to say thank you for the amazing experience I had in Vietnam and one which I don't think I'll ever forget. I look forward to going on another redspokes Tour soon and will definitely be recommending you to anyone I know into cycling!
John Goveia, Oregon, USA
I am a very happy customer and recommend redspokes all the time in the USA. I'll be back! Those are the three sweetest words to Dermot! See ya later Dermot!
Stuart Williams, Kidderminster, England, UK
This was my first redspokes tour and will hopefully not be my last. Our group was a great mix of people, we were in some of the finest cycling landscapes in the World and the organisation and leadership was fantastic. Many thanks for some great memories!
Damian King, Glasgow, Scotland
As always your ability to sort out a great tour was spot on. No EFI (again) but I expect they days are well gone.
Jane Evans, Huggingtown, Co Killkenny, Ireland
An amazing experience - I would recommend this trip. The scenery was breathtaking - I particularly loved Pakistan, the people were so friendly and our guides so hospitable. We had a great group of cyclists and redspokes really looked after us well... This was my first redspokes tour but it will not be my last... thanks!
Olivia Slee, Perth, Australia
This trip was undoubtedly the best trip I have ever been on. I still find myself comparing other travels and nothing matches the amazing experience of the Laos trip. You step into a new world and interact with your surrounds to a far greater level when touring on your bike. Some of the experiences still seem very surreal. I cherrish a letter written to me by one of the schoolgirl wishing me "lucky when back to your home". I have met some amazing people and will have to organise another trip with some of the group (the two Andy's!!) in pursuit of winning a hill stage!
Nick Tompsett, Kent, England, UK
I've been on two tours with redspokes now - Laos & KKH - Kyrgyzstan. Both were spectacular and also excellent value for the price paid - particularly in comparison with trips I have done with other companies.Organisation and support on both tours has been very good - any hiccups were due entirely to local problems and quickly and adroitly overcome by Dermot (leader on both tours).Red Spokes offer to put you in contact with their clients to obtain an 'unbiased' endorsement of any trip you may be considering. But I fail to understand how any but the most mal-adjusted client could be anything but favourably biased.
Rose Mary Owen, Poulton, England, UK
This was an adventure for mind and body. Three very different countries and cultures, fascinating and thought provoking. The mountain climbs, especially the Kunjerab pass, tested my physical strength and the achievement gave deep satisfaction. The sheer beauty of the landscapes was awesome and the gentle, welcoming interest of the people we met along the way provided a memorable sense of encounter. Then there was this whole other dimension of the group and the wonderful mix of fun, support, solidarity and space - companionship at its best. Finally there is Dermot. He has an exceptional sense of adventure, a genuine interest in people and endless resourcefulness that dares to push new boundaries brings all this together and provides a unique experience. Go redspokes!
Trevor Taylor, Shropshire, England, UK
Having toured extensively previously, both with organised groups and independently, my first redspokes trip was a unique and unforgettable experience - a top trip in top company following the road less travelled. It is redspokes' particular combination of adventurous cycling in unexpected destinations and mixing with local people that makes them stand out and makes you feel that you are really on a journey of discovery. And Dermot's unfailing calm and optimism in the face of any logistical difficulties keeps the group's spirits high and the whole show moving on.
Karen Allworthy & Geoff Messenger, London, England, UK
Mike Shelton, Cheltenham, England, UK
Really good trip, having spent the previous week cycling on my own in southern Laos/Thailand, it was great to have everything arranged. The big advantage of an organized trip is that you don't have to ride the dull bits and there are interesting extras like the Mekong river trip, the stay in Khens village and the Hmong village visit. The 15 mile interval between stops is just right. The support crew and all these stops added a lot to the trip.
Geoff & Emma Pittaway, Middlesex, England, UK
We both had the time of our lives, although at times it did not feel like that!!! Great trip, amazing country, great route and good accommodation - thank you - only trouble is now we want to do more!
_400x0.jpg "Dave Bolton Cycling on the tour with redspokes")
Dave Bolton, Monmouth, England , UK
The Manali to Leh trip was fantastic - big skies, big mountains and a real feeling of being "out there". A real challenge and a journey that I'll never forget. It was my fourth redspokes trip and, as ever, Dermot's knowledge of the issues facing the local population and unfailing good humour and enthusiasm made the experience all the more enjoyable.
Rita Gough, Preston, England, UK
I have memories that will last me a life time - Travelling to remote places by bicycle is such a great way of meeting ordinary people and gaining a real understanding of how they live. Despite language barriers this type of travel highlights that humour, kindness and interest in each other are universal features of humanity. It's a good for the soul! This was a fantastic group of travelling companions - everyone looked out for each other & great company of like minded people. I think this must have been a difficult tour to run with all the border crossings but throughout I was confident that we were in safe hands.
Mike Shelton, Cheltenham, England, UK
The 15 mile interval between stops is just right. The support crew and all these stops added a lot to the trip.
_400x0.jpg "Tatjana Troll Cycling on the tour with redspokes")
Tatjana Troll, Berlin, Germany
Fantastic trip: amazing, exhilarating and challenging, hard work though; I'd happily recommend it to my best friend and to my worst enemy...
Simon Clayton, Norwich, England, UK
Three countries in 3 weeks starting in Pakistan. My expectations were high, and I was not disappointed. Breath taking scenery, unbelievably friendly locals, excellent tour organisation and a great bunch of cyclists to travel with. Dermot was an inspiration to us all. His enthusiasm was contagious, his interest in the local community was inspiring andhis watchful eye always adjusting details to suit our needs. A great tour by a great company.
Lee Trower, Essex, England, UK
Cathy Sheehan, Auckland, New Zealand
When I heard the wildest people from the 2005 redspokes Laos tour would be cycling from Karakoram to Kyrgyzstan in 2007, it was impossible to turn down, even though I knew some of the cycling would probably be too tough for me - but that's what the bus is for. Pakistan was a revelation - the hospitality and goodwill were outstanding. The taste of Uighur culture on the edge of China was fascinating, and mysterious mountainous Kyrgyzstan was as spectacular as I imagined. Imagine seeing yaks, camels, ibex and eagles from your bike, but rarely spotting another tourist. An outstanding experience - great crew of guides, drivers and cooks, wonderful company, music and fun - and all with the magic touch of Dermot who pulls the whole thing together and seemingly effortlessly makes sure everyone has a great time.
Ally Wakeham, Brighton, England, UK
Owen Cooper, Manchester, England, UK
I was hugely impressed by the Organization throughout the tour, which was always low key/relaxed, yet clearly well planed. A huge thank you for designing an experience that'll stay with me for many years - the combination of cycling, scenery and meeting local people was superb. Few experiences live up to expectation, especially when you are really looking forward to something, but "lost in time" not only lived up to expectation, but exceeded it. Thank you
Nigel Carrick, Northumberland, England, UK
A fantastic trip Dermot, even better than you described it. We cycled for days without seeing another westerner. This was very much the real Vietnam very much off the beaten track and away from all the usual tourist traps.Your local guides were great - and so much history and culture to take in. What more could you want!
John Kime, Leek, England, UK
Thank you Dermot (redspokes) for a wonderful experience, it was a joy and delight to be able to cycle this road with you and the group.
It will always live in my memory.
Mary Howden, Edinburgh, Scotland
I found the support provided to me by the guides and drivers to be excellent. At times I was very slow and they never made me feel it was a problem.
Peter Khoo, Leeds, England, UK
I enjoyed the tour immensely - well organized, well led a good bunch of participants who were all friendly and prepared to make the effort to all get on. Dermot was a wonderful tour leader with great skills to deal with people on tour. Mr Arman and Mr Lee, both wonderful, I can't praise them enough for their help, support, hard work, humour, information and friendliness.
The combination of scenery and people make for a fascinating and unforgettable trip. A great chance to explore an area that is difficult to access independently in a 2 week time span. redspokes is a great company offering fabulous trips. It's got the blend of support and independence just about right. Keep it up.
Steve Owen, Poulton, England, UK
redspokes goes beyond providing exciting and rewarding cycling through breathtaking landscapes and fascinating countries - it takes you right inside exotic cultures and communities. I've travelled with Red Spokes through South East Asia, Pakistan, China and Kyrgyzstan and a consistent theme has been Dermot's use of local hand-picked guides to ensure that there are opportunities to delve deeper and get to really good understand of the countries you visit. The tours seek to provide everyone with opportunities. If you want to explore, to cycle hard, enjoy shared experiences, be affected by rather than just see a country ,redspokes has room for you- just bring your sense of adventure........... and fun.