Testimonials

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Eric Coull, Rosslea, Australia

I lived in Scotland for 30 years but would never have seen the remote Highlands if not for redspokes. A wonderful holiday experience with a broad range of friendly and interesting people. The group was of varying abilities from beginner to very good. All were able to ride at their own pace and no one missed out on anything. I'm now looking forward to further trips with redspokes.

Chris Darke, Henley-on-Thames, England, UK

My first ride with redspokes, fantastic route through country lanes and bridleways, great bunch of people, well organised for all levels of ability, thanks Dermot, Ian and the team. Highlight of the day assent to the top of the South Downs with great views in what was perfect weather then a coast down to the Pier on Brighton front. Definitely looking forward to my next trip with redspokes.

Doug Pether, London, England, UK

Michelle Emery, London, England, UK

Mark Heffer, St Leanard-on-Sea, England, UK

Dermot, thanks to you I have ridden the highest roads in the world, what a story to tell in the pub!

I will never forget the one hour of flat out descending from the 5,603m Khardung 'la pass I have great memories, amazing photos, and good friends from the trip, thanks again!

Derek Wright, UK

A1, magic trip, one of my best. I'd always wanted to do the Karakoram Highway and thanks to Dermot's enthusiasm and know how, I fulfilled my dream.

Some of the best mountain scenery in the world from a bike saddle! Very friendly local people and a really helpful local guide Arman.

Stephen Phillips, Norfolk, England, UK

Being my first cycle tour abroad I could be forgiven for feeling a bit apprehensive, however the relaxed approach of Red Spokes soon put me at ease. If you ever want a first cycle tour abroad go with Red Spokes, In fact, if you ever want a cycle tour, go with Red Spokes!

Andy Riley, Leeds, England, UK

Kevin Sheedy, London, England, UK

Lorne Satchwell, London, England, UK

Passion is normally something you cannot buy, but travelling with redspokes it is possible. Basically the most passionate and enjoyable small group holiday team ever. Great guides, great company, great passion.

Melva Correa, Hackney, London, England, UK

Thanks redspokes! Steve and I had a fantastic day out. It was both challenging and rewarding, well organised and you certainly did a great job with the weather... perfect all round! We will certainly be looking to do some other trips with redspokes.

Kim Caplin, Surry, England, UK

Chris Fielden, Nottingham, England, UK

Excellent tour, I think I'll struggle to find a much better holiday

Phil Nelson, Waterlooville, England, UK

A brilliant trip extremely well led by Dermot from redspokes. You need a mountain bike for the terrain and sometimes good legs but everyone helps each other and a backup is there if you need it. The scenery and the people were fascinating. The local population are friendly and often seen in authentic ethnic dress, not because of tourists as there weren't many, but because that's what they genuinely wore. I have cycled in lots of places but this trip was a real new experience. My advice - go now and see it as I saw it before it all changes.

John Lingford, London, England, UK

A fantastic trip, providing a real insight into the daily life and culture of the Hunza Valley.

I jumped at the chance to go and it exceeded even my high expectations.

Robert Forster, Norwich, England, UK

Anna Reid, London, England, UK

Vicky Skilton, Essex, England, UK

A truly memorable weeks cycling - everyone got on very well together. If you want wild, beautiful scenery, fresh air and a real challenge I recommend trying this excellent  good value tour! The scenery around Achiltibuie and north west of Lochinver will rival anything you've seen! 

Maria Mellinas-Gomez, London

Richard Atkin, Reading, England, UK

Chris Fielden, Nottingham, England, UK

Rita Gough, Preston, England, UK

An outstanding experience that I will always remember. I felt part of Laos/Thailand, rather than a spectator and it was great riding through the less well known villages/towns.

Mr Campbell McLeod, Leeds, England, UK

Fantastic trip, the people were some of the friendliest and hospitable I have ever met. The scenery was breathtaking and Dermot & Arman were absolute starts. Can't recommend redspokes enough.

Richard Matheson, Leeds, England, UK

Jonathan Lucking, Essex, England, UK

redspokes pitched this tour just right for me; the cycling was hard but achievable. Accommodation was great, as was the food. The camaraderie engendered by the effort was unforgettable.

Kim Kelly, London, UK

James Launders, London, England, UK

Ian Langley, Falkirk, Scotland

I had a really enjoyable trip to Laos with redspokes last year and I was wondering if the Cambodia trip could be such a good experience. I needn't have worried, the trip was great. The visit to Angkor Wat in particular was very memorable. The cycling was varied and interesting and had some flexibility which seemed to allow all the group to enjoy it. I would definitely go on another redspokes trip.

Rita Gough, Preston, England, UK

Penny Weir, Avimore, Scotland

Thank you for such a great trip to Laos/Thailand - what a magical country. A great experience.

Derek Hunter, Bromley, England, UK

A fantastic tour covering parts of Northern Vietnam not normally frequented by tourists - had a real adventure feel. The tour met all my pre-event aspirations with regards to people, adventure, challenge and satisfaction - would be difficult to better.

Keith Swanson, Norfork, England, UK

I would like to thank Dermot and all the other staff for providing me with a truly memorable experience. 

It was exactly what I was looking for and as a consequence totally lived up to my expectations.

Martin Crane, Oxford, England, UK

Bobby Buck, Swindon, England, UK

I had an excellent time, the variety of rides, challenges, terrain and scenery coupled with unsurpassed support and service from all the guides and supporters made for a great holiday despite problems encountered with my own bike. May have ruined biking back home in the UK as I can't see me being able to get the sense of achievement or exhilaration that was got from everyone involved.

Looking forward to giving the Tibet trip a go in the near future with Suresh hopefully as guide.

Trevor Taylor, Edinburgh, Scotland

Cycling through the dramatic landscapes of the Pamirs with barely any traffic all day (especially when on the plateau) and thinking it can't get better than this but it does around the next bend, is an experience to be treasured. But the abiding memory is of the astonishing hospitality and generosity of the Pamiri people who would humble you by joyfully offering all they had with you unable to offer anything in return.

Elizabeth Al-Khalifa, Birmingham, England, UK

Christine Compagnoni, Hackney, London, UK

Thank you for organising such an amazing trip. I just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed this cycling tour. The bike was first class, the scenery stunning the bed and breakfast chosen great, in short this trip exceeded my expectations in every way, and will certainly recommend redspokes to friends and hope to use you again for future trips.

Laurie Maybanks, Bushy, Hertfordshire, England, UK

Dave Quigley, Glasgow, Scotland

Joe Rood, London, England, UK

Well Dermot you have done it again, fuelled my enthusiasm for Cycling and Travelling. Really enjoyed the trip. My only disappointment was losing at Pool, ha ha!I will just have to make sure I get my own back on the next trip. Thanks again redspokes for coming up trumps again!

Penny Weir, Avimore, Scotland

Tim Lawley, Ludlow, Shropshire, England, UK

A truly breathtaking and enjoyable experience, with outstanding leadership and organisation skills allowed me to enjoy the fantastic scenery along the way. 

The tour was excellent value for money, with more food provided than you could ever eat.

Anthony Lengden, Salford, England, UK

A fantastic experience. Both challenging and rewarding. Great bunch of people on tour and in support team.

Occasionally very draining, but always enjoyable and fantastic memories to last a lifetime.