Testimonials

Paul Ashley, Devizes, England

Our first redspokes tour was a great experience. Beautiful landscapes, varied terrain with challenge for all levels of rider, very good organisation and crew and a lovely, multinational riding group.

Highly recommended. To read Paul's excellent blog from the trip click here!

Patricia & Gavin Prise, Aberdeen, Scotland

This was my first redspokes tour. Booking was simple, organisation was efficient, the support crew were excellent and hotel/food very good. However the route, scenery, weather and group members made this Chile/Argentina adventure an outstanding and memorable trip that I think catered for the expectations of all - roll on the next one !

Phil and Ruth Dunnell, Surrey, England, UK

Another great trip with redspokes. There was a real sense of adventure on a route spanning three countries. The weather, and the food, got increasingly hot - and the hills increasing steep - as we moved from one country to the next. But all challenges, culinary and cycling were achievable.

So we finished tired but happy. All the crews looked after us well. We are definitely going to be heading back to this region again soon.

James Raddatz, Aylmer, Canada

The trip was a great experience. The scenery was wonderful, the cycling challenging enough to be interesting but still very do-able.  Javier was a great guide, and the people of Colombia friendly. 

I am organizing a 4 week cycling tour of Ontario for some of my cycling friends, and have taken a lot of information from this tour about how to handle parts of my tour. I hope my guests enjoy my tour as much as I enjoyed yours.

David Harrison, London, UK

Impressed with Mr Huang, everything well organised and able to vary itinerary if requested. Mr Leap, our driver was very supportive and safe. Having been on same tour last year, it was nice to see some variation to the itinerary e.g. Visiting different temples and different routes each day.The specialist guide at the Angkor temples was excellent.

All in all a great tour and one I would strongly recommend.

Anna-Carin Nicolini, Thalwil, Switzerland

This trip was over all expectations. Riding the bike all day with local guides has been an amazing way to discover a new country, people, culture, food and traditions.

It was such a fulfilling trip in all ways that it will be hard to travel in any other way in the future. Thanks for this great experience!

Randi Friedman, Connecticut, America

I thought the tour guides were excellent. They were organized, had great coffee stops, were at every intersection with a turn, kept us all where we needed to be, offered super suggestions for extra activities. They were warm and friendly - really among the best guides we have ever had.

Tom Carroll, Bishops Stortford, England, UK

I really loved this trip. I was attracted by the idea of relatively challenging cycling, travelling across three countries where I could observe the cultural and geographic differences . There was dramatic mountain scenery in all three countries with the weather getting warmer as we moved into Laos and Thailand.

As we cycled through rural villages in Vietnam and Laos we always had little children waving and shouting hello to us. Really uplifting after 80km of cycling with usually a substantial climb included. The journey along the Mekong river was a really relaxing day on our own river barge. We even managed a river rescue along the way. The days rest in Luang Prabang was really welcome. It has a very large colourful night market. Durring the day I visited the Kuang Si Waterfall (series of three waterfalls), absolutely spectacular, a bear sanctuary (at the waterfall), an elephant feeding station and a few temples.

The guides in all three countries were really amazing. A very special mention to Phong in Vietnam who was always incredibly friendly informative and professional. Also Sang in Laos was really fantastic and even gave a cookery lesson one evening. The food was amazing in all three countries. Where to next ??

Tom Carroll, Bishops Stortford, England, UK

I really loved this trip. I was attracted by the idea of relatively challenging cycling, travelling across three countries where I could observe the cultural and geographic differences . There was dramatic mountain scenery in all three countries with the weather getting warmer as we moved into Laos and Thailand.

As we cycled through rural villages in Vietnam and Laos we always had little children waving and shouting hello to us. Really uplifting after 80km of cycling with usually a substantial climb included. The journey along the Mekong river was a really relaxing day on our own river barge. We even managed a river rescue along the way. The days rest in Luang Prabang was really welcome. It has a very large colourful night market. Durring the day I visited the Kuang Si Waterfall (series of three waterfalls), absolutely spectacular, a bear sanctuary (at the waterfall), an elephant feeding station and a few temples.

The guides in all three countries were really amazing. A very special mention to Phong in Vietnam who was always incredibly friendly informative and professional. Also Sang in Laos was really fantastic and even gave a cookery lesson one evening. The food was amazing in all three countries. Where to next ??

Bruce Irving, Norwich, England, UK

Myanmar is full of delightful honest people. One of my best redspokes trips ever. Superb accomodation and food. Mount Poppa was the most fabulous place I have ever stayed,  Nagpali beach is a must do!

Lynda and Geoff Potter, Dingwall, Scotland

The organisation of this trip was top quality. The team run by Raju were very capable and they all became our friends during the trip. They were very obliging, supportive, made everything run smoothly and our holiday was most enjoyable. We always felt we were in safe considerate hands with Raju the leader, Jamal the driver, the cyclist guides - Ravi, Shabu and Faizal. The varied routes and itinerary combined excellent cycling with the local culture. We loved every minute and did not want it to stop. All our companion cyclists, we are sure, will agree with these comments.

We are not the youngest of cyclists and before we went on this trip we were a bit apprehensive about the challenging climbs and roads. However encouragement and smiles soon dispelled any doubts we had. The trip became an absolute pleasure. Timely breaks and snacks and fresh water were always available and helped us on our way. On the rest days and the evenings after cycling Raju and Jamal the driver guided and showed us around and enabled us to make the most of the local sites and culture.

Margaret Anderson, Laurencekirk, Scotland

Cycling Lhasa to Kathmandu, taking in a visit to Everest Base camp, was a once in a lifetime experience. I wouldn't call it a holiday but more of a personal challenge; physically and mentally. The cycling in Tibet with several high altitude passes to negotiate gave a real sense of achievement in quite a barren landscape.

The few days cycling in Nepal had outstanding scenery which helped distract from the appalling road conditions. The reception received from villagers en route was heart warming. I would recommend this trip to any cyclist keen on a 12/10 challenge!

Martin Ingham, Leeds, England, UK

The trip was well organised. On a daily basis Ox kept the group informed of the itinerary for the day regarding stops for drinks and lunch. If anything was required around camp Ox and his team made sure that the request was met. The food provided was good and plentiful.

The last 2 days were hard going because of the weather conditions on arrival at the guest house in Kalikastahn when the team were soaking wet and cold Ox did an excellent job in organising the guest house staff in providing towels, hot drinks and getting a fire going and his support team did an excellent job in getting the support vehicle thro difficult conditions to arrive just after the group with our bags.

Tracey Croke, Sydney, Australia

For a relatively small Island, Sri Lanka packs in a mind boggling mix of history, culture, heritage, nature, wildlife and spectacular scenery, which changes from sweeping coastlines to misty highlands and lush jungle throughout the trip. Every day is different and the journey is enhanced throughout by delicious food and the warmth and joy of the people.

On a bike you are immersed in everything this Island country has to offer - that's the real beauty of travelling under your own pedal power and it's the perfect was to experience Sri Lanka.

Hannah MacDonald, Liverpool, England, UK

A fantastic trip with a great group of people and a redspokes crew who really were outstanding. 

Once again I feel humbled by the hospitality that we received. A beautiful country rich in so many ways, redspokes offering a true insight.

Lorenzo Nicolini , Thalwil, Switzerland

It was a fantastic cycling and travel experience that we could never achieve with a traditional tour. Sri Lanka is a great destination for its people, the nature, the historical and cultural heritage.

I think the guide did a tremendous job in balancing the needs and capabilities of the different participants, offering frequent stops and refresh options. Time schedule was kept without adding stress and pressure. Some of the lunch and accommodation were really great and always in line with the spirit of a cycling tour.

Ian Burnett, Arakoon, NSW, Australia

This was my first ever organised tour after decades of independent travel, and I loved the whole thing! Everything ran smoothly including the hired bikes (Cannondale hardtail in my case). The support crew were fantastic - an extremely knowledgeable guide who could explain any part of Sri Lanka's history, culture, education or political system, and Mr Sampath, a cycle guide who seemed to know every back road in the country.

The crew were totally flexible with requests from those who wished to cycle further than the scheduled distances. We had a great mix of accommodation styles, from isolated colonial bungalows to more "resort-style" hotels, an ate everything from street food to in-house buffet dinners. A very strong thumbs-up!

Ines Versteegden, Amstelveen, Netherlands

This was a great journey! Cycling through the mountains and small villages was beautiful. The tracks were not too difficult to ride and the scenery was great, relaxed distances, quiet roads. Camping at splendid locations. Super staff: very friendly, always helpful and assisting with the bikes when having a puncture. Good guiding too, during cycling as well as city tours. The cooks prepared good and delicious food, and plenty of meatless options if desired. Next the visits to the historical cities, magnificent, interesting guided tours. Also some time to relax and admire all. This part of the tour was more busy, but worth it. All was well organized.

Stephen Boston, Manchester, UK

What more can I say about the last 2 weeks in Cambodia?! Our driver Vutha expertly navigated traffic and roadworks to keep us on time and was always in the right place at the right moment to greet us with ice water and a cold towel after each day’s cycling.

The guide Sokhom was amazing with his in depth knowledge about everything from Hindu origins to modern day Buddhism, Cambodian cuisine to Khmer Rouge and information on all the flora and fauna from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat. His stories, jokes, sarcasm, boundless enthusiasm and cheeky smile made for an unforgettable fortnight with the Cambodia Crew.

These guys are two beautiful people who I’m privileged to now call my friends. Arkoun thom thom.

Paul Brissette, Massachusetts, United States

An extraordinarily well designed trip by any measure. Our Argentinian guides were sensitive to the cycling and personal needs of a group that ranging from age 27 to 73. The Patagonian landscape went beyond my expectations and continued to awestruck me till the last day.

Hats off to the entire redspokes team for their organizational team. I am so glad I took this trip.

Ross Prielipp & Annette Meier, High Halstow, England

Colombia provides a stunning backdrop to some tough cycling. Lung busting climbs are rewarded with beautiful views over coffee covered hills and lush tropical valleys, then followed by exhilarating descents that go on for miles.

Medellin and Bogota both end the trip with exciting city experiences and the fantastic 'ciclovia' on Sundays. Inbetween, the small towns are no less lively, where everyone comes out to have fun around the town square each evening. Forget the bad reputation, the Colombians are friendly, fun loving people and we saw no trouble.

Keith Russell, Bath, England, UK

I had high expectations for this tour but it exceeded those expectations in pretty well every way. The scenery is spectacular but what pleasantly surprised me was that every day had something a bit different, from volcanoes to lakes to lava plains to gravel roads through forests or 15 km downhill screamers on tarmac. The guides were truly amazing; they put a lot of work in every day including the morning briefing, setting-out the 'magic table' at the always-welcome break stops (chocolate, coffee, bananas, energy bars, water) and loading and unloading the bikes and gear into the support vehicles. They calmly smoothed out any language or culture hiccups.

Diego and Jeronimo are also just two lovely blokes who are smart, work hard and genuinely cared about giving us clients a great experience. The trip has a fair amount of off-tarmac riding which was a big part of why I chose it but if you don't like gravel roads and just want tarmac, this trip isn't for you.

Paul Brissette, Massachusetts, USA

Our cycling guides were skilled professionals. They work very hard to make everyone comfortable in the challenging climbs, hotel arrangements, food and transportation. They were kind hearted, funny, responding to every request and always went the extra mile to create a kind of supportive family for the two weeks.

Thomas Preston, Alaska, USA

A fantastic trip in all aspects! As a veteran of ten guided cycling trips so far with several tour companies, I can attest that redspokes certainly has it's act well together. There were rarely any issues or unexpected changes in the trip; and when they did occur on occasion, the guides and staff adjusted accordingly without any problems. 

The concern and attention for the riders by the staff was always apparent, and the smiles and helpfulness of Mr. Phong were always such a pleasure. Even during the rest days, Mr. Phong was always present to accomodate us with any and every detail. Mr. Trung's bikes were first class as well!

The riding was at times very challenging, but the payoff was cycling through incredible scenery and fascinating villages, with a true sense of accomplishment culminating each day. I can heartily recommend this trip to anyone wishing to see rural Vietnam up close on two wheels!

Cornelia Demmel, Munich, Germany

This trip rates amongst the best ones I have done in my life - just everything worked out perfectly: a magnificent country with wonderful genuine people and picturesque countryside, an absolutely fabulous support team that looked after us well beyond the call of duty and a terrific group of fellow cyclists sharing the adventure on and off the bike.

Thank you redspokes for having organized yet another great tour. I will be back again.

Janet Rose, Colorado, USA

Colombia was everything I expected and more - great scenery and interesting culture. The roads were steep, long and challenging and the views outstanding. There is no such thing as "flat" in that area of the country.

Adrian brought the culture alive. He was always finding places where he could give us a taste (literally) of the local culture including sugar cane juice and fresh cakes of sugar cane to put warm on crackers, bonuela (deep-fried cheese balls), arepa (corn tortilla at every meal) sometimes with salsa, cocoa beans, and a variety of juices from fruit we had never heard of. We also saw a family drying grass and making brooms and sombreros, a hat museum, a coffee plantation, and a farmer protecting rare and unique palm trees. Julian always made sure he knew where we were on the tough climbs and on busy city streets. Javier was always ready with fresh water and to take your jacket once the day warmed up.

Wendy Holland, Whangarei, New Zealand

My fifth redspokes trip and there is a reason why I keep going back to redspokes. The design and execution of all the trips I have been on is excellent and I think very good value. Thank you once again redspokes I came back to NZ after another amazing trip feeling refreshed, fit and in love with life (any cycling). I had never been to India before and this experience just blew my away. India is incredible, the vibrancy, bright colours everywhere, beautiful landscape, food, culture, diversity but most of all the people. The people are just wonderful, so open, engaged, beautiful. I must have smiled 1000 times a day and I stopped and had many talks with people we met along the way. I would go back there in an instance. The tour team looked after us so, so well, all were so warm and kind and couldn't do enough for us. We felt like a family. Raju our tour leader was fantastic, he looked after every detail, always wanting to do more and more for us, every detail organised. Ravi lead the cycling from the back, where I was often at, taking my time, stopping, Ravi always patient, encouraging and very kind, an incredibly good navigator through busy traffic. Shabu, led from the front, he is a great cyclist, always encouraging, his beautiful smile was all we needed. Faizal also rode with us, usually leading in the middle, an absolutely wonderful young man, so excited by life and also an exceptional cyclist and lastly Jamal who drove the van - great driver, very very funny lovely man and he made sure everyone stayed hydrated - not an easy feat in 35 degree temps on some days - coconut water is the ticket so, so good.

To my fellow cyclists, Mark, Jude and Pete, Lynda and Geoff you all were amazing, I loved being with you all, such good company and humour. Thank you everyone once again.

Dana Hansen, Calgary, Canada

This trip far exceeded our expectations - and we expected nothing short of amazing! The itinerary is full of variety and unforgettable experiences. Our guide, Ox, took such great care of us. We were well fed and the accommodations were wonderful. Each day brought a new journey of discovery in a beautiful country with friendly locals. Ox worked very hard behind the scenes to ensure that all we had to worry about was simply pedaling our bikes and he took care of everything else.

This was our first tour with redspokes, but it certainly won't be our last!

Priyen Shah, Singapore

This redspokes Colombia trip was my first time in South America, and I was not disappointed by the incredible vibrancy of life in the towns and villages, nor the stunning vistas as we cycled through the countryside - you continually stop to take a picture because you think it would be the last opportunity with such a vantage point and then 50 metres further round the corner, there would be yet another amazing view.

The cycling was something I was initially worried about because there are no hills in Singapore where I currently live (and so its not really possible for me to do hill training), while on the other end of the spectrum there are no flat roads in Colombia! Note, when a Colombian describes something as a "flat road", it still has a minimum 3-5 degree incline! So despite at times feeling like I was ascending a never-ending climb like an Escher staircase, it was manageable at my own slower pace and very rewarding, particularly getting to the top of the Alto de Letras (and of course, what goes up must come down; indeed the downhills were exhilarating). There was a good mix of terrain from nice asphalt to loose gravel which I enjoyed, and the hire bikes were good enough for all terrains and inclines. Javier the tour guide was great, as were the rest of the crew, Geo Junior and Kevin. Food was not an issue at any point (I am vegetarian), and Colombian beer is rather refreshing! Overall, it was wonderful to see a country and culture which is changing so rapidly from it's troubled past and it was eye-opening to experience how really quite safe and fun it is now, as well as meeting lots of new wonderful cycling buddies!

Pete & Judy Burdett, Kettering, UK

We cannot praise the organisation of this trip highly enough. Raju led a team that was so attentive to every detail and went far further and beyond what we anticipated. The itinerary of cycling and culture enabled the four of us to fall in love with India on our first ever visit to the country. The route was varied, often rather challenging in terms of distance and height gained and cycling in heavy traffic occasionally, we expected this but were so pleasantly surprised how supportive the team was. Rest breaks arrived just when needed and snacks and fresh water kept coming. Encouragement ,smiles and praise kept us going when it was tough. Challenging cycling became overwhelmingly a pleasure. Safety in traffic was a top concern and we soon got very confident. The odd steep gravelly or potholed descent was very carefully guided down.

On days off Raju and Jamal the driver went out of their way to enable us to get the most from the day. It was apparent from day one that we were in very safe hands and this immediate first impression was borne out by the whole trip. We are still on cloud nine about what we saw and achieved.

Chris Chin, London, England, UK

Our guide, mechanic and drivers/assistants (Pia, November, Nall and Tam) were superb and made our trip a pleasure. A seriously great team. Always smiling, ever helpful and anticipating all of our needs. Nothing was too much trouble. Incredible.

Allan Meek, Cardiff, Wales

The trip was magical and the Colombian people were so friendly and welcoming. The whole redspokes team were just brilliant and went above and beyond to make it such a happy experience. I'll definitely tour with redspokes again.

Mark Beaven, Nottingham, England, UK

This was my first organised tour and the guides and helpers could not have been better - organised, friendly and helpful. The Patagonia Lake District route was a great mix of scenic roads and gravel trails. The variety of stunning landscape and overnight stops in both small towns and more remote locations meant I felt I experienced some of the culture as well as the breathtaking countryside.

The amount and type of cycling was about right for me, and the boat trips across the lakes added variety and interest to the tour. The mix of people I met on the tour also made it a great social trip. Overall it was a fantastic and very memorable holiday.

Janet Perrins, Calne, UK

I have had the most fantastic time, well above my expectations, and regard it as one of my two best holidays ever. Bearing in mind I am 58 that's quite a few holidays! Cathy, Lee and Ben were superb. Nothing was ever too much trouble, including finding wine in a supermarket to supplying english teabags! Cathy is also a font of knowledge on all the places we visited.

Everyday we saw something new and stunning. I have never been to China and it was truly the most wonderful cultural experience, as well as fabulous scenery.

Ruth and Phil Dunnell, Surrey, UK

Adrian, Julian, Javier and Jaime were all great - nothing was too much trouble & on many occasions they went that extra mile.

Yes Colombia is hilly but none of the climbs were extreme and the crew were always on hand with well timed stops and refreshments. We saw amazing mountain scenery and stayed in small towns of great character and authenticity. 

Tanya Zimmer, California, United States

The trip was well organized and the sights were phenomenal. I would use redspokes again. Thank you.

Tanya Zimmer, California, United States

The trip was well organized and the sights were phenomenal. I would use redspokes again. Thank you!

Angela Riddell, London, UK

The trip comes highly recommended. A wonderful experience in a beautiful, vibrant country. The people were so welcoming and Adrian & his team could not have done more to ensure we all had a great time.

The views of endless stunning green hillsides whilst cycling and the sound of bird song live on even now in my mind. I'd go back tomorrow. Thank you!

Jonas Barter, Almonte, Canada

The redspokes Scotland 500 trip is tough but extremely rewarding. The route really had something for everyone ... narrow roads, gravel short-cuts, rolling hills, steep climbs, screaming downhills, and crossings of ancient viaducts, not to mention the verdant valleys, distant mountains, and whimsical villages. Our guides were strong, funny, well-organized, flexible, and attentive. Even though this is arguably redspokes' only trip in a developed country, I usually felt that I was "out there" in the beautiful wilds of Scotland (but with a comfortable B&B at the end of the day).

Highly recommended!

Jonas Barter, Almonte, Canada

The redspokes Scotland trip is tough but extremely rewarding. The route really had something for everyone ... narrow roads, gravel short-cuts, rolling hills, steep climbs, screaming downhills, and crossings of ancient viaducts, not to mention the verdant valleys, distant mountains, and whimsical villages. Our guides were strong, funny, well-organized, flexible, and attentive. Even though this is arguably redspokes' only trip in a developed country, I usually felt that I was "out there" in the beautiful wilds of Scotland (but with a comfortable B&B at the end of the day).

Highly recommended!

Regine Gowdy, Ontario, Canada

This was my first organised bike tour and I have to admit that it has exceeded all expectations. Everyday was an adventure, I couldn’t wait to get up in the morning to start the day. Thanks to Phea and Mr Nal I was able to learn so much about this country, it’s culture and traditions. Phea is an outstanding guide, extremely professional, yet warm and welcoming. Mr Nal is always ready to lend a helping hand, no matter what!

This has been an amazing experience for me. I loved every minute of it!

Richard Penny, Barnet, England, UK

An amazing trip due to the jaw- dropping scenery, exhilarating cycling and determination of our guide, Ox to give us an understanding of the history and life in Nepal. Truly unforgettable!

Eleanor Goodwin, Tatsfield, UK

A fantastic trip through beautiful Albania. A stunning array of scenery, through mountains and along the coast, with a perfect combination of both challenging and exhilarating cycling.

Our guide Joshua was full of information about the area and history, and went out of his way to ensure everyone got out of the trip what they wanted. Food and accommodation were spot on, and our driver Vissy was always there just when you need him. This was my first guided cycling trip, and I loved every minute. Nice one redspokes, you'll be seeing me again!

Alan Goddard, Hertford, England, UK

What an amazing experience. I feel very lucky to have been part of a brilliant and supportive group - led expertly by our local guide “Ox”. The cycling was continuously varied, exhilarating and often very challenging - but the group made the whole experience enjoyable and memorable. The “uphills” were tough, but the “downhill” sections required high levels of sustained concentration to ensure safe passage - given the mixture of road conditions encountered.

Ox was a fantastic group leader, who provided information, advice and support when required. His local knowledge was fantastic and he was always looking out for the health and well being of the group. The location and quality of the accommodation was amazing and almost always exceeded my expectations. I would thoroughly recommend this trip, but don’t underestimate the technical riding skills required to fully enjoy and appreciate this amazing part of the world.

Eric Tofflemire, California, United States

Arjan was wonderful! Near the top of a 10k climb, at about 12% near the top, he was singing to us as we rode! He was a wellspring of local knowledge and history. My only question about the food is, how did I actually GAIN weight? Seriously, it was fresh, fabulous, and plentiful!

I can't say enough about the support. Tony (sp?) was a tremendous help. Many of us brought our own bikes, which he always kept cleaned, maintained, and safe throughout the trip. My bike arrived home in better shape than when I left! Thank You!

Ursula, Oxford, England, UK

A great trip. Well organised, fantastic guides, good accommodation. Stunning scenery, and we had the added luck of having good weather and a great group that really stuck together. What particularly struck me is how this worked well as a group trip, but that it was still possible for everyone to go at their own speed, and that all abilities were catered for.

A HUUUGE thumbs up for the guides (Diego, Tolkeyen, Bosco). Great fun to be with, and they really were organising whizz-kids - predicting where there were potential difficulties and working their way around these (e.g. organising transfers if poor road conditions were expected), so that we did not even notice - everything just worked.

Thank you also for the very good pre-trip communication and prompt responses whenever I got in touch. That was also very helpful. This was my first redspokes tour. It won't be my last...

Douglas Pulleyblank, Vancouver, Canada

Daniyar and the support crew were great -- not only did I love Kyrgyzstan, I loved the fact that they all did too. They dealt with the inevitable issues that arose smoothly, were always in good spirits (even on the days when we hit wind, rain, hail...and yeah, we had a couple of those), made great food, and were excellent guides into Kyrgyz language and culture.

If I ever toyed with the idea of getting into the support van, I knew that Daniyar would support that -- but was really hoping we could just keep cycling. Another memorable redspokes trip. 

Richard Cohen, London, UK

This was an unusual trip as there were only 3 participants and we were travelling in Sri Lanka at a time of national crisis following the Easter Sunday bombings. In several of the places that we stayed in our group were the only guests and the staff in all the hotels we went to were grateful that we were visiting the country at a time when most tourists had left Sri Lanka and many countries (including the UK) had advised against all non-essential travel. 

I cannot speak highly enough about the cycle guide, Sampath and the driver Gayan. Both were endlessly helpful, patient and conscientious in their work with our group. They were always ready on time and kept the bikes in tip-top working order and they both went out of their way to respond to all kinds of requests from the group. They kept us constantly equipped with cold water even when the outside temperature reached 40 degrees and well supplied with bananas.

Luke Henderson, Edinburgh, Scotland

My partner had never done a trip like this but I'd done many, we both loved every minute of the trip and the guides Nuuwan and Gayan were fantastic. Great support with water and food when needed.

Helped us out with all the small things to make the whole trip go smoothly. Thanks loads.

Richard Bedal, California, USA

Here is an article I wrote for our Cycling Club Newsletter:

BIKING COLOMBIA One of the first things I learned when preparing for our Colombia bike trip is that the country’s name is spelled and pronounced differently than the Ohio city with a similar name. After looking at the ride profiles provided by our bike touring company, I also quickly learned that the Andes are well represented in Colombia. Another clue that Janet and I were in for some challenging climbs was the 25 mile taxi ride from the airport to our Medellin hotel—the last 10 miles was all downhill, with a grade ranging from 8% to 15%. We were afraid we would be climbing this hill when we left this city surrounded by mountains. Watching the numerous cyclists zoom in and out of traffic and pass our already too fast taxi, on a windy road, did not allay my growing doubts of the wisdom in choosing this bike trip. Fortunately, the first meeting with our guides that evening was calming and made me believe I could do this. Although I was the oldest on this trip, our four cycling companions were not 20 or 30 year olds who I feared would only be seen at breakfast and dinner. Additionally, the guides assured us that the support van would always be available. Our first day of riding was on Sunday in Medellin (pronounced “med-a-gene” by the natives), with a population of 2.5 million. Not to worry. Every Sunday they have a Ciclovia, where they close some major roads to cars from 7am to 1 pm, to encourage physical activity, such as cycling, skateboarding, walking, running, etc. There are over 60 cities throughout Colombia that have a Ciclovia every Sunday. On the second day our guides had us leaving at 7am to avoid the commuter traffic. Apparently unbeknownst to the guides the Medellians are early risers. Although the natives are respectful of cyclists, they do not have a three-foot rule. Our cycling guide got us cleverly through town on some major roads, without any mishaps. Soon after we got out of town we were on rural roads, with little traffic, in the midst of beautiful green mountains and canyons. We stopped to take pictures, and then around the next corner there would be another beautiful view. The pictures I took really don’t do it justice. Besides the scenery, the people and their culture were a delight to embrace. Our guides, being from Colombia, are very proud of their country and enjoyed sharing it with us. We met many people, young and old, and had many enjoyable, memorable experiences. One that stands out occurred in a very small town. I was sitting on a curb with a 10 year-old boy who wanted to practice English. He took out his text book that had pictures of items. I helped with his English pronunciation and he helped me with the Spanish. Perhaps the most memorable is when Janet and I, while cycling, came across a young man who was using a machete to trim the vegetation on a bank next to the road. What first caught our attention was his ladder that was hand made out of bamboo. Janet asked, in Spanish, if we could take his picture. He thought a brief moment and said "Gringos." He wasn't being rude, judgmental or critical, but merely stating a fact. We chatted with him for a while in our meagre Spanish. He then posed and we took this photo. We liked him. He was much like all the Colombians we met—kind, friendly, self-assured, and confident, with a strong work ethic. Oh, lest I forget, bicycling up the hills was very challenging. Twice I had to use the support van. Once, when my blood sugar got too low, I got a ride up part of the way. On the other occasion, Janet and I were so slow bicycling up this long climb (27 miles and 5,800 feet of climbing), with lengthy stretches of gravel, we had to get a ride the last three miles because we were going to miss dinner. However, on another day I was able to complete a 50 mile day, with 7,500 feet of climbing and a 12,000 foot pass, the highest point of our bike trip. If anyone is interested in biking Colombia, I highly recommend Red Spokes Adventure Tours. We also used them when we cycled in Chile and Argentina.

Weland Mahar, Sydney, Australia

Long flat heat at the start, building up to steep climbs and never ending fast descents in the cooler hills towards the end. This ride was an interesting and varied journey through different cultures, terrain and conditions. The tour started strongly and just kept getting better as we went.

The guides Sampath and Chamara were excellent and we couldn’t believe how good the food and accommodation was - it felt like a luxury foodie tour with lots of riding !! The best part was seeing the less explored parts of Sri Lanka especially in the North. The roads are superb - Highly recommended.

Wendy Holland, Whangarei, New Zealand

Thank you redspokes for another amazing, memorable trip. I love Colombia, the people, the culture, the landscape! It is an amazing country, you will be blown away - its developing fast so GO there now before it becomes a tourist mecca. I felt we had a REAL Colombian experience, the trip largely away from the tourist routes; we were mostly the only gringos in town! Sure the cycling was hard at times (lots of hills) and the heat full on (30-35C on some days (August)) but as always it is the experience, the engagement with the people and the culture that are the standout and the strongest memories - viva happy friendly faces, beautiful women, coffee, sugar cane, somberos, pongos, empanadas, chicken sopa, great fish, exotic fruits, beer, aquadiente and much, much more.

Adrian, Julian and Javier are an exceptional team, they looked after us impeccably well, way beyond what you would expect- we became a close family and had the best time together, loads of fun and laughs. This is the third trip I have done with Redspokes and I am so impressed, Redspokes you get it right every time with the guides and support team, you really do pick the best people. Many, many thanks and many thanks to my fellow team members, you were the best!!!!

Charles & Marie Mcilroy, Ashbourne, England

This trip greatly exceeded our expectations. The scenery, road conditions, other road users, the food, accommodation and especially the people were all a very pleasant surprise.

Our guide Cathy was attentive, highly efficient and very knowledgeable with excellent English. Her husband Lee quietly got things done making sure the bikes were always maintained and clean. He led us down several very long descents and his knowledge of the roads was obvious and added to the enjoyment factor. This tour is a must for any cyclist who enjoys big country!

Fernanda Strang, San Paulo, Brazil

The best way of getting to know a country. Perfect! You can cover so many different places in a speed that allows you to experience the local atmosphere in a unique way. Guides and staff were great making the trip goes smooth. Beautiful landscape, impressive mountains. The food was so fresh and surprising in the best way. Absolutely recommend this trip and redspokes.

Pierre Albert Gaspard, Beirut, Lebanon

This trip was as exciting as all the other redspokes trips I have been on. The quality of the accommodations, the stunning scenery and the challenging rides made up all the ingredients for a memorable tour.

A special thanks to the redspokes team Carl, Clare and Richard for their support and dedication. This Scottish week will stay in my memory for a long time and confirms redspokes as my first choice for outdoor adventures.

Pierre Albert Gaspard, Beirut, Lebanon

This trip was as exciting as all the other redspokes trips I have been on. The quality of the accommodations, the stunning scenery and the challenging rides made up all the ingredients for a memorable tour. A special thanks to the redspokes team Carl, Clare and Richard for their support and dedication. This Scottish week will stay in my memory for a long time and confirms redspokes as my first choice for outdoor adventures.

Daniele Leyder, Kingston, Australia

I really enjoyed the experience of Bike riding in Myanmar. Countryside was beautiful and locals very welcoming. Very impressed by Chan’s organisation of the trip including the food.

I had forgotten to notify I was vegetarian, but he organised vegetarian meals for me at short notice. Very nice being able to hop in the bus when it was becoming too hard to continue pedalling in the heat. Chan would always make sure everyone was ok and enjoyed the trip.

Ho Nyuk Chee , Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Our guide and driver, Taiel and Marcello were very helpful,knowledgeable and fun to be with. The bikes were first class. The cycling route was very scenic with little traffic although there was a section from the top of Piedra Molinas to the bottom which can be very dusty even if a single car passes.

Fadi Asmar, Beirut, Lebanon

Great tour covering a very scenic part of Scotland, the whole tour was fantastic. Loved the cycling, scenery, cycling companions and the fabulous accommodation, particularly the nights in Ardtornish, a truly magical place. The support from Carl, Clare and Richard during the tour was beyond the call of duty! I thoroughly enjoyed it and would absolutely recommend it to anyone.

Fadi Asmar, Beirut, Lebanon

Great tour covering a very scenic part of Scotland, the whole tour was fantastic. Loved the cycling, scenery, cycling companions and the fabulous accommodation, particularly the nights in Ardtornish, a truly magical place. The support from Carl, Clare and Richard during the tour was beyond the call of duty! I thoroughly enjoyed it and would absolutely recommend it to anyone.

Bernie Sheehan, Killcare, Australia

I highly recommend the Sri Lanka classic tour with wonderful guide Kasun Akalanka. It's a brilliant trip covering national parks, a tough uphill mountain day, meanders through rice field paths, undulating rides through tea plantations, a window into village life and immersion in tropical jungle. The food and varied accommodation are also highlights. 10/10.

Matt Westby, Sheffield, UK

I've been on organised treks and bike rides pretty much all over the world with both British and local companies, but this was easily the best. Raju made sure we never wanted for anything.

There were loads of little things that went above and beyond what I would have expected, such as Raju and his team washing our bikes at the end of several of the days and making stuff like chain lube always available, Raju bringing us extra mattresses and pillows, and even tiny things such as being provided with fries with our tea/coffee at the end of the days. There were just loads of nice touches like that. A really professional, well thought-out and friendly trip.

Martin Barnes, Durham

We had a fabulous time. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country, with such wonderful people - not least our Guide and Drivers - and the tour enabled us to see so many aspects of its culture and heritage. It was a great experience, really well organised by redspokes so the cycling was manageable, and something we'll never forget.

Geraldine Connolly, Dublin, Ireland

The kindness of Raju, Aman, Nanook and all the crew was wonderful. The food which was fabulous, was cooked in the tent and always to such a high standard and served with a huge smile. Raju took such great care of us, ensuring our safety and comfort. He also looked after our bikes very well. He has a wealth of experience in dealing with high altitude and he knows the route so well. He has such passion and love for cycling in the mountains, which shines through.

The whole teams encouragement helped me gain new heights, in fact without that support I doubt I would have been able to get to such heights and had an amazing experience. I was very impressed with The Manali to Leh trip.

Tom Brett, Potsdam, Germany

The redspokes Himalayas Tour was an awesome experience and everyone should do it! Don't be intimidated by the altitude - it ramps up gradually during the tour, giving you time to acclimatise - although if you can also do a bit of acclimatisation beforehand (as I did, with a short tour in the Alps at around 2000m) then that will help.

Raju and his team on the ground have everything really well organised and we were totally supported and looked after at every stage of the tour. Camp all set up by the time we arrived at the end of each day's ride; good food and plenty of it. On the road the pace is moderate with plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings and take photographs. Definitely an experience of a lifetime. Big thanks to redspokes and all the team!

Steve & Kathy Riegel, Rochester, NY, USA

Arjan and Tani are among the best guides and support we have ever experienced. They greatly helped our understanding of Albania and its history, and ensured every one of us had a deeply satisfying time.

In addition to spectacular riding, the tour packed an amazing amount of cultural experiences into the days. We were thoroughly immersed in Albania, and are certain the country will do well based on the strong, warm-hearted people there. They really know how to cook! Best food ever.

Grace Huener , Santa Barbara, California, USA

The parts of Colombia we rode were challenging and stunningly beautiful. The routes were clearly created with care and with thorough knowledge of the terrain. Our guides made every mile fun and took excellent care of us 24/7. I can highly recommend this authentic Colombian riding journey!

Arden Travers, Maryland, United States

My husband and I chose redspokes Northern Argentina tour because it is a rather remote area that we really wanted to see and biking would give us that perspective. Prior to the trip I looked at a few photos online but nothing would compare to actually being there - we took aver 2,500 photos as every corner was more spectacular. Each day on the bike was a different experience - beautiful roads with little traffic thru the wine vineyards, the national park full of hundreds of cactus, a 4 meters wide winding downhill route, to gravel and sand thru streams and farm land.

The most spectacular was the day to the Big Salt Plain starting from the pass at 4,170 meters = 13,681 feet descent. After lunch we rode in the van back to the top of the same pass and rode down the other side with 30 k of dramatic switchbacks. Our guide Alehandro "Ale" was superb- he has an infectious enthusiasm and was happy to accommodate any request. Since we returned home we can't rave enough about this trip.

Eli Baron, Plano, Texas, United States

Scenery was exceptionally beautiful and different every day. Guides did an excellent job. In addition to bicycling in the midst of beautiful and scenic views, we had the opportunity to visit historic sites and wineries and experience life in the mountains of northern Argentina.

Linda Hoff, Malmo, Sweden

This is a fantastic trip around a fascinating and beautiful country. The mountains are impressive, the coastline stuning and the people very friendly and helpfull. Our guide and driver were an excellent team and very good amassadors for Albania.

Audrey Midgley , Ilkley, UK

We have been on many cycling tours over the years but this one stands out as the absolute best. The scenery was exhilarating and the people, food, wine and accommodation was amazing. Our guides were the best we have ever had and they couldn’t do enough to look after us and improve our experience at every opportunity. I wish we could take them with us on every tour.

It really was an amazing trip and people need to know about it!!!

Carol Hubberstey & Clair Wakefield, Victoria BC, Canada

This was our first organized bike tour - we usually organize our own bike trips - but we wanted to do something different and redspokes offered Kyrgyzstan!

The trip did not disappoint: the vistas were stunningly beautiful and the cycling was appropriately challenging, mostly due to very rough (i.e. unpaved) surfaces, which we were not accustomed to as road cyclists. We had so much fun with the off road parts as well as with the downhill portions. We loved the semi-nomadic culture and our time at Son-Kol lake and the yurt camp.

The local team was excellent. One caution is to be sure to take proper clothing for cold, wet weather at high altitude.

Darren Springer, California, USA

I've been wanting to visit Colombia for some time. It did not disappoint. The staff was awesome. Extremely accomodating and patient. It was clear that they love their country and wanted to show it off. Also, what's better than traveling by bike if you really want to experince a culture. Highly recommend.

Audrey Midgley, ILKLEY, England, UK

Everything about our trip was excellent, from the hard working staff to the beautiful scenery.

I shall definitely be recommending Redspokes tours to my friends!

Janet Coffey, Nairobi, Kenya

This was my 5th trip with Red Spokes, and once again I had an excellent experience. I love the Red Spokes format and consider it to be excellent value-for-money. I thoroughly enjoyed the Albania Classic trip, despite the extreme heat and grueling uphill climbs. (I would recommend people to choose the October option and avoid the June/July heat!) The guide, Arjan, was excellent. The food was delicious, nutritious, and abundant - a lovely blend of culinary influences from Greece, Italy Turkey. The side line tours of medieval castles and ruins added richness to the trip, providing insights into the country's complex and interesting history. My tour mates were wonderful and good humored and created a friendly, supportive bond to get us all through the sweaty days. I'm already planning my 6th trip!

Sarah and John Blyth , Shipley, England, UK

We have had the best holiday ever, it will live with us always. The people on the trip were fantastic & the support from the team couldn't have been better.I only hope Vietnam doesn't change too much over the next few years as I would love for more people to experience what we have. Thank-you for an unforgettable experience.

Jason Heffernan, Auckland, New Zealand

The trip was exhilarating, hard, joyful, fun, exhausting, intriguing, interesting and challenging, a good old fashioned adventure. There was not a day that went by that I was not amazed or surprised by something. Ox our guide has done this trip many times and knows the toll the altitude takes on riders, he checked us out everyday to make sure we were OK, if you were not 100% on any given day, he would recommended spending a day or half day to recuperate in the support van.

Its a long ride and wearing yourself out too early means spending the whole trip in the van! His Nepal team were superb, they made sure we had an abundance of food and drinks to keep the wheels turning. Special mention, Jenzen from the Tibetan team, he was so friendly and informative about his culture and country, thoroughly enjoyed his company and knowledge.

Becky & John Layton, San Francisco, USA

Our 4th redspokes tour and one of the best! The landscapes were positively gorgeous - dramatic mountains, brilliant lakes and rivers, colourful wildflowers, lush farmlands and jaw dropping coastlines. The first few days through the Albanian Alps were challenging, but a highlight of our trip and also the rest day at Ohrid was perfectly timed. The food was fresh, tasty, and plentiful at every meal. Our guide Arjan was fun, lively and had deep knowledge of the area and the road conditions. Albania's recent communist history and older Ottoman/Roman influences were fascinating.

We highly recommend this trip!

Luke Henderson, Edinburgh, Scotland

My partner had never done a trip like this but I'd done many, we both loved every minute of the trip and the guides Nuuwan and Gayan were fantastic. Great support with water and food when needed.

Helped us out with all the small things to make the whole trip go smoothly. Thanks loads.

Andy Harriman, North Shields, England

Had the greatest time, made some new friends. Vietnam was lovely, people so friendly.. Not a day went by without being inundated by hello/goodbyes from the locals especially the children. With an occasional high five for good measure. Certainly put a smile on my face on some of the more difficult days. Brilliant way to see the country. Definitely recommend.

Peter Marsden, Blackbool, England, UK

Vietnam was memorable... for its 'off the tourist trail' cycling, its stunning rural scenery and the genuine welcome of its people. What do I most remember?  Mountain scenery, especially the lush greens of terraced paddy fields clinging vertically to the hillsides. Chance encounters on the road with exotically dressed hill tribe people and a run in with a stubborn road-blocking buffalo. And above all the camaraderie of the road - cycling and sharing experiences with like-minded people. 

A once in a lifetime holiday (at a bargain cost)... that is etched permanently in my memory banks.

David Whitton, Bristol, England, UK

This was a fantastic trip, which included the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, and remote countryside. The contrasts were great, from rapid development with new roads and dams, to quite rural communities. I loved the climate, hot and relaxing. The food was interesting, including the deep fried grasshoppers and snakes in wine! The cycling group soon formed a close knit supportive team and the leaders and back up team were great. This trip is a brilliant challenge, and the rewards, including the friendliness of the local Vietnamese people added up to a most memorable holiday.

Mark Coleman, Norwich, England, UK

Never in my wildest dreams could I have dreamt just how incredible this adventure to Nepal would be!

Although I’ve been a cyclist for many years, I’ve never been on a guided tour before so this was something entirely new. Knowing that support, food and water was never far away helped no end and the sight of Mr Mamalay and his van in the distance was a blessed relief on several occasions! Although I thought I was reasonably fit, I think I underestimated the effort required; this was some seriously tough mountain biking. Most nights after dinner we were tucked up in bed by at least 9 o’clock if not earlier; utterly exhausted!

For me, the trip wasn’t all about the cycling. Some moments during the long days will stay with me forever; one of the girls in the group planting rice in a paddy field, being able to sit in on a Buddhist ceremony, sharing the ‘Holi’ festival with countless, happy, smiling, painted children, one of the boys in the group ploughing a paddy field behind 2 confused cows, goats on a bus; dancing at a wedding and flying by the seat of our pants through the mountains up to Jomsom. So many memories! All of these little ‘extras’ were made possible by one man; the legend who is ‘Ox’. The hardest working, most patient and happy, tough guy I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. Don’t ever call this a holiday; it’s an epic adventure that will push you to your limits and be etched on your memory for ever more. Book now!!

Kevin & Julia Thomasson, Poole, England, UK

Julia and I were on our 6th redspokes trip. This trip was as good as all the others. The scenery was stunning, a mixture of mountains, volcanoes, forests and lakes The Guides Tolke and German were professional, supportive and great company. The riding was well planned it was a mixture of road and off-road. Hotels very comfortable and food excellent.

A very well organised redspokes trip. Highly recommend.

David Richards, Swindon, England, UK

This was without doubt an exceptionally well organised and managed trip, largely due to the unflagging dedication of the lead guide 'Ox' and his support team, all of whom worked tirelessly to ensure every member of the trip enjoyed an amazing experience. The balance of demanding cycling on and off road, and in-country experiences interacting with locals and the local way of life was perfect.

Our group was of mixed ability, yet the guides ensured we all got what we wanted out of the trip and were very well looked after throughout. They could not have done more, and I am really grateful to Ox and team for making my trip everything that I had hoped for, and much more! Thank you.

Karl Debenham-Eccles, Norfolk, England, UK

Amazing trip. Nepal really was the trip of a lifetime, very well organised and action packed with stunning scenery and varied terrain.

Our guide Ox was fantastic and was keen to make sure every one was happy and well looked after. Don't think about it, just book it now you wont regret it!

Lorna & John Forsythe, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

This tour was incredible, there was so much to it: challenging cycling, breathtaking scenery, which changed from the plains, to the hills and then amazing mountains. But it was the personal aspect of it that was most amazing: our guide Ox was superb, he really showed us Nepali life. He clearly balances the clients' needs with the local community and was always keen that we saw what rural life in Nepal is about.

We loved the fun of having a go at planting rice, watched by the entire village, and trying ploughing with oxen. I felt as if we really saw Nepal, from the craziness of Kathmandu, through the stunning rural aspects to the mountains and bleak beauty of the Himalayas.

Alden Caldwell, Vermont, United States

Waruna was far and away the most knowledgeable tour guide of the 5 tours I've done with redspokes. He knows about Sri Lankan flora, fauna, history, politics and culture in detail. He is kind, generous, thorough and attentive.

Sampeth also deserves special mention for the roads he chose. There were times we had to take busy roads to get to our destinations but whenever he could he found quiet roads through gorgeous country.

Nina Markham, La Molina, Peru

The views were stunning. The biking had a variety of pavement, dirt, gravel, hills which made it very enjoyable since it was always changing. The support was amazing. I went with my husband and 17-year old son. The guides and group were incredibly accommodating of our varying levels of biking.

What a fantastic way to spend a vacation!

Christian Carthew, Melbourne, Australia

I have been very keen to see India for some time and my expectations were exceeded. The trip was brilliant. Our guide Majid was excellent. He did a great job getting us safely from place to place, also passed on loads of great information along the way. I am missing the food, the colours and the smiles. Cycling is certainly the best way to see a new place.

Thank you Majid, Majesh and redspokes.

Karen Allworthy, London, UK

Brilliant trip experiencing the countryside and the lovely people of Cambodia. We were looked after so well by the redspokes team who really went the extra mile to make our bike trip so successful. Phea was a great guide backed up by Mr. Nal and Ramone. Accommodation and food was excellent, the problem was we didn't want the trip to end.

Tracey Croke, Sydney, Australia

I've been on many group trips and they are always different, but the redspokes trip to Burma is now among my favourites. I try not to have expectations when I go on these sorts of trips. Things don't always go to plan and I know that the local guides and staff are still working through the best way to operate. For me personally that's part of the attraction. Even with that in mind, I'm finding it difficult to pick fault. The whole experience was so well run.

I would rate everything about it as excellent - particularly the staff who were tirelessly attentive and competent in their individual roles. The accommodation exceeded my expectations. Almost the whole time we had our own bathroom and toilet. I enjoyed the local food - even more so when we were in the mix with local people. As for the redspokes guide Julian. I rate him as one of the top guides I've travelled with. See what Tracey wrote about this tour in adventure travel magazine

Paul Fisher, Walsall, UK

I have been on several overseas cycling trips before and this one exceeded my expectations. Our guide, Tolke, driver Diego and mechanic Bosco were excellent. The planning of each day, attention to detail by Tolke and Diego and transfers were expertly handled with no hitches. The hotels and lodges were very well selected - a super combination of very good lodges and hostels with a little luxury occasionally (well we deserved it).

And as for the route - just brilliant! Cycling in the Patagonian Lakes was a bit of a dream come true for me - lakes, volcanoes, waterfalls, forests and fields under massive blue skies with high whispy clouds. Cycling was varied too, sometimes tough, but always enjoyable on gravel, forest tracks or tarmac. Just a great trip!

Ruth & Phil Dunnell, Surrey, UK

Another great trip with redspokes. Stunning scenery, fun group and great crew. Some of the gravel roads were a challenge but not insurmountable - the ferry crossings provided a welcome respite & a chance to take in the majestic landscape.  

Special thanks to Tolkeyen & Alejandro for looking after us so well. We've already booked our next redspokes adventure!

Harri Wilson, Glasgow, Scotland

The Nepal tour far outstripped my expectations on every level. The food was all excellent, and none of us ever got sick (our guide, Ox, was extremely careful and conscientious - even cooking some of our food himself when we stopped at roadside kitchens - and we had very very good food from places you would never have picked yourself, thanks to his local knowledge). The accommodation was much better than I expected - we had electricity every night, and everywhere was clean even when it was very basic. I am a competitive road rider with little mountain biking experience, and although the distances were low the routes were technical enough to be very challenging in many places, but with enough variety that it was still enjoyable. I would say you need at least one of fitness and skill for this trip, but not necessarily both - our group was of mixed backgrounds but we all managed fine. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking too!

The real highlight for me was the Nepali people - everyone was incredibly welcoming and friendly, and even as a female travelling alone I never felt unsafe exploring big cities such as Pokhara and Kathmandu. It was a lovely feeling to connect with and be welcomed by so many people as we cycled through the villages. Where we cycled on bigger roads (not very often), the traffic was fine and generally well behaved. There were plenty of times we all ended up on foot due to the challenging terrain, so if you are in road cleats (as I was) I'd definitely recommend carrying and using a set of cleat covers. High SPF suncream is a must, particularly for the high altitude days. A buff or pollution mask helps with the dusty roads and for walking around in the cities. A swimsuit for the hot springs came in handy too! We were very well fed, and I didn't use much of the cycling food I brought with me, but I did use electrolyte tablets - it was very hot on some days. If I did this trip again, I would only bring a small micro fleece towel as backup (rather than a full size one - they were always available), and I would bring more transitional clothes - short sleeved jerseys with arm warmers, shorts with leg warmers etc were used a lot more than the softshell jackets etc that I took. A decent waterproof cycling jacket was very useful too. I bought cheap baggy shorts in Kathmandu and wore them over lycra instead of expensive mountain biking shorts - there is plenty of knock-off gear for sale. Overall, this trip was a fantastic experience that was only possible with the level of knowledge and experience provided by the guides, and I'd absolutely recommend it to people with a solid cycling or mountain biking background

Ann & David Nicoll, Prestwick, Scotland

We thoroughly enjoyed the whole of our Burma experience with redspokes. Burma is a beautiful country and we felt very lucky to see a mixture of larger cities, smaller villages and unspoilt countryside. The people are very warm, friendly and welcoming. Our tour guide, Min Min did a great job of trying to explain the diversity of the country, it's history and traditions. The food was fabulous.

The cycling was hard at times, mostly due to the heat but also the odd hill or two!

Tom Carroll, Bishops Stortford, UK

I had never been on a group cycling holiday before so I was not sure what to expect. I am very pleased to say that this was an absolutely fantastic experience. The scenery in both Chile and Argentina was truly spectacular. Cycling beside the huge lakes with the snow topped volcanos was stunning.

The two guides Jeronimo and Gustavo were so helpful and friendly. My fellow cyclists from all over the world were really great company and very supportive of each other. The accomodation and food varied from location to location but was always great. I really loved it, I'm already planning another trip.

Larry Nafziger & Jane Snider, Ottawa, Canada

Cycling on a variety of roads, lanes and tracks through countryside ranging from flat stretches along beaches and rice paddies, to high elevation forests and tea plantations, was a great way to be introduced to Sri Lanka. The accompanying support team was superb.

Wendy Matthews, London, UK

As ever excellent red spokes tour. Amazing scenery good route.

Very well organised.

Philippa Mann, North Yorkshire, England, UK

An incredible adventure through the towns and countryside of Cambodia. With Phea and Sekhom as our leaders, we saw the country through their eyes, with their brilliant local knowledge and passion, they showed us so much more than just a country. Every day provided a new and often unexpected introduction! From Kampot Pepper growing to how to milk a Palm tree (!) and meeting local families, school kids, impromptu volley ball games and crazy Karaoke, it was a dazzling assault on all your senses.

We laughed every day (and cried at The Killing Fields) and came away feeling like we had made long term friends, with fellow travellers but most of all our guides. I recommend it without reservation. (Oh, and amazing accomodation, pools, views, fab food - but its MUCH more than just that).