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Cascade-Affiliated International Tours
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Vietnam Grand Tour
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| Dates: |
Feb. 22 - Mar. 8, 2009
1/13/09: 6 spaces available
This tour has slightly different pricing, and the route runs north to south (to take advantage of changing tail winds!). Read the PDF for full information on the Feb. - March tour
Dec. 16 - 30, 2009
1/5/09: 18 spaces available
Dec. tour information is listed below.
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| Pace & Distance: |
30 - 80 miles. Suitable for all fit riders |
| Group size: |
10 minimum, 20 maximum
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| Cost: |
$1,985 – $2,895 (US), depending on trip dates & sign-up numbers. See pricing details.
Optional 4 day add-on trip to World Heritage site of Halong Bay and Hanoi via overnight via plane and watercraft.
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| Itinerary: |
From Ho Chi Min City to Hue, ancient Vietnam.
15 days / 14 nights
View detailed itinerary. |
| Tour company:
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| Cycle fabulous Vietnam, enjoy the shopping and amazing bargains, and take in the sights. See this captivating country alongside the friendly locals, as you pedal past rice fields, visit local ethnic villages and explore imperial cities. We sent over 45 riders to this amazing country in 2007, by popular demand we added a special holiday season tour for 2008
The cuisine is a highlight of the tour with delicately spiced meals, excellent seafood and plenty of fresh fruit. The French have left a heritage of excellent breads and pastries.
Our tour takes in Ho Chi Minh City, Dalat, once a French spa resort, the central Highlands, the beach resort of Nha Trang, historic Hoi An and the imperial city of Hue.
We stay at 3* and 4* French colonial hotels and beachfront resorts, and cycle almost entirely on quiet roads. You'll love the people, the gourmet food and the weather; get there before prices go way up and see the best of the old and the new Vietnam!
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VIETNAM GRAND TOUR
Detailed Itinerary
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MEETING DAY / DAY ONE
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We meet at 2 p.m. at:
Grand Hotel
8 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone 84 8.8230163 Fax 84.8.8235781
Email: grand-hotel@fmail.vnn.vn
Hotel: Grand Hotel
Meals: D
Facilities: Satellite TV, Swimming pool, fitness centre, laundry.
Features: A comfortable character hotel with a French flavour, centrally-located.
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The hotel is centrally located, close to good shopping, an excellent local market and a selection of restaurants.
After introductions we will drive (c.30 mins) to the attractive Phuong Nam resort where we will fit and test rental bikes, followed by a trip briefing and welcome dinner. The resort has a large pool, so bring your ‘togs’.
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DAY TWO
Saigon - Loc An Beach
CYCLING:
60 km / 37 mi
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| Meals: B, L, D
Lodging: Loc An Resort
Address: Xa Loc An, H. Long Dat, t. Ba Ria - Vung Tau
Ph 064 886-377 - 685-031, fax 064 886-377 locanresort@hcmc.comnetnam.com.vn
www.locanresort.com
Features: Very nice new hotel, built on the banks of the Ray River.
Facilities: Licensed bar and restaurant, swimming pool, with a hotel punt available to cross the river to the ocean beach.
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We drive out of town for 90 mins to a road side temple where we start cycling on a quiet road to Loc An Beach, passing rubber, cashew nut and black pepper plantations. |
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DAY THREE
Loc An to Mui Ne (near Phan Tiet, pop. 169,000)
CYCLING:
101 km / 63 mi
Loc An to La Gi: 55 km / 33 mi
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| Meals: B, L, D
Lodging: Bamboo Village Beach Resort, km 11.8, Ham Tien, Phan Thiet City
Phone 84 62 847-007; Fax: 84 62 847-095
Email: bamboo_village@hcm.vnn.vn
www.bamboovillageresort.com
Features: Very attractive beach resort, golden sands
Facilities: Asian/European/Seafood restaurants, beach bar, souvenir shop, library, swimming pool and jacuzzi
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Quiet roads take us to the coastal desert reserve at Phuoc Buu. Lunch will be at La Gi. In the afternoon there will be more coastal riding as we cycle beside large sand dunes and plantations of the bizarre looking Dragon fruit. You may wish to drive through busy Phan Thiet to our overnight stay at beautiful Bamboo Village resort on the golden sand Mui Ne beach. |
DAY FOUR
Mui Ne to Dalat (pop. 130,000) 164 km / 102.5mi
CYCLING:
Mui Ne to picnic lunch: 57 km / 35 mi
Mui Ne to start of climb 79 km / 49 mi
Mui Ne to Ta In 118 km / 74 mi
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| Meals: B, L, D Lodging: Novotel Dalat, 7 Tran Phu Street, Dalat
Phone: 063.825 777 Fax: 063.825 888
Email: novotel@bdvn.vnd.net
Facilities: An attractive, refurbished 3* hotel in the French colonial style with all modern facilities.
Features: Close to centre of town and lake.
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After a short coastal ride we head inland to some very scenic & isolated country. As we climb to the Central Highlands we pass through the lands of the K’Ho ethnic minority. We will have a picnic lunch in a K’Ho village with its thatched stilt houses. The road carries very little traffic until the junction with QL (hwy) 20 at Ta In; we will drive this busy road, over Prenn Pass to Dalat. |
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DAY FIVE
Rest day
(optional ride to the Laos border and back)
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| Meals: B
Hotel: Novotel Dalat, 7 Tran Phu Street, Da Lat
Phone: 063.825 777 Fax: 063.825 888
Email: novotel@bdvn.vnd.net
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Da Lat, at 1,475 metres above sea level, is a temperate region dotted with lakes and waterfalls and surrounded by evergreen forests. Once known as “Little Paris”, this was once a French hill station. The surrounding hills provide South Vietnam with the more temperately grown flowers and fruit and vegetables such as strawberries, carrots and apples.
In the morning we visit a silk embroidery village, the “Crazy House”, with its weird architecture, and the Art Deco summer palace built for former emperor Bao Dai in 1933. The afternoon is free for you to explore: Dalat is an excellent area to explore by foot or cycle. You may wish to cycle around Xuan Huong Lake, or take the cable-car to the Zen Pagoda. A half day tour to an ethnic village is an optional extra – please ask your guide to arrange this.
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DAY SIX
Dalat to Buon Ma Thout (pop187,000) 199 km / 124 mi
CYCLING:
to Lien Son: 75 km / 47 mi
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| Meals: B, L, D Hotel: Victory Hotel
Phone: (84 50) 857 615 Fax (84 50) 857 622
01 Phan Chu Trinh Str, Buon Ma Thout City, Daklak Province
Facilities: Satelite tv, air-conditioned, restaurant
Features: Located in the centre of the city. Traditional Show featuring the Edeh and M’Nong.people.
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We will drive out of town to commence cycling on a very attractive road through a wonderful variety of scenery – through hills and broad valleys we head for Lien Son, the summer palace of the late Emperor, with its sweeping views of Ho Lak (lake) and the surrounding countryside. We also stop at an ethnic village, with its long houses, and may have the opportunity to have a ride on working elephants. |
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DAY SEVEN
Buon Ma Thout to Nha Trang (pop. 315,000) 184 km / 115 mi
CYCLING:
(mostly downhill) 50 km / 37 mi (or further if you wish)
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Meals: B, L, D (dinner is at a barbecue restaurant)
Hotel: Nha Trang Lodge
Phone (84.58)810 500 Fax. (84.58) 828800
Email: nt-lodge@dng.vnn.vn
www.nt-lodge.com
Facilities: Comfortable rooms, swimming pool, tennis courts, massage. Licensed restaurant (Vietnamese and European).
Features: Opposite a superb beach, several restaurants & a good source of ‘kem’ (ice cream).
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We start the day with a flat ride through the highlands and finish with a fabulous descent back down to the coast. We will cycle through the mountainous areas and long houses of the Edeh and M’Nong people (the two main ethnic groups in the Central Highlands). We drive the last section on hwy 1 to Nha Trang, a seaside resort with a fabulous beach. |
DAY EIGHT
Nha Trang - Rest day
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| Meals: B, L
Hotel: Nha Trang Lodge Hotel, 42 Tran Phu, Nga Trang Beach Town
Phone (84.58)810 500 Fax. (84.58) 828800
Email: nt-lodge@dng.vnn.vn
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We have a day in Nha Trang with a boat trip to the islands. You will visit a fishing village where you will be rowed ashore in Vietnamese round boats and have time to swim and snorkel. A stop is made at the Oceanographic Institute and Tri Nguyen Aquarium & lunch will be at a lovely bamboo restaurant on an offshore island. The afternoon is free. Dinner is not included; there are many restaurants close by. |
DAY NINE
Nha Trang to Qui Nhon (pop 260,000) 241 km / 186 mi
CYCLING:
Nha Trang to Dai Lanh: 83 km / 52 mi
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| Meals: B, L, D
Hotel: Sea Gull Quy Nhon Hotel
489 Nguyen Hue Street, Qui Nhon.
Phone 84.56.846 473
Fax 84.56.846 926
Email: ks.haiau@dng.vnn.vn
Facilities: 4-star resort. Restaurant, swimming pool
Features: Overlooking the beach, with fishing boats in the bay.
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We will drive out of town to visit an ancient Cham Tower before cycling along the coastal road to Dai Lanh for lunch by the beach. We will have time for a swim before continuing to Tuy Hoa. The area around Tuy Hoa is the rice bowl of the province and you will pass many rice fields, shrimp farms and coconut palms. We will drive the final part to Qui Nhon. |
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DAY TEN
Qui Nhon to Quang Ngai (pop. 108,000) 178 km / 111 mi
CYCLING:
60 km/ 38 mi
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Meals: B, L, D
Hotel: Central Hotel
784 Quang Rang St
Son Tinh, Quang Ngai
Phone: 84-55-82-99-99
Fax: 84-55-82-24-60
Email: Central@dng.vnn.vn
Facilities: Air-conditioning, TV, restaurant, tennis court, swimming pool,
Features: Modern hotel in central location. (best available)
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Today's ride is on a fabulous backroad through several little villages and a range of scenery. The road is mostly flat with two small climbs. On reaching the hwy we will drive to Quang Ngai, on the way passing the small town of Sa Huynh, a pleasant fishing backwater perched on a broad curve of palm fringed, golden sand. Speckled with blue fishing boats, sleepy Sa Huynh is a convenient and relaxing place to rest en route to points north. |
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DAY ELEVEN
Quang Ngai to Hoi An (pop.76,000) 118 km / 74 mi
CYCLING:
Backroad section: 38 km / 24 mi
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| Meals: B, L, D
Hotel: Vinh Hung Resort, Hoi An
Phone 84-510-863-717 vinhhung.ha@dng.vnn.vn
Facilities: Swimming pool, restaurant, bar, email access.
Features: A garden setting, on the banks of the Vu Gia River and a short walk from the old town.
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We will sample a slice of rural Vietnamese life as we take a lovely side road out of Quang Ngai. On the way we will pass through My Lai, where you will have the opportunity to visit the memorial site. We will also cycle through a fishing village and a lively local market. The route includes twelve km of unsealed road; it is quite rideable but you will have the option to take the van if you wish.
The day finishes on a delightful little road into the very attractive and historic town of Hoi An.
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DAY TWELVE
Hoi An - Rest Day
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| Meals: B. Lunch and dinner not included today, but there are several attractive riverside restaurants.
Hotel: Vinh Hung Resort, Hoi An
Phone 84 510 863-717 vinhhung.ha@dng.vnn.vn
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A day at leisure to explore this delightful town (dating back to 200BC) with its street side cafes, artists and markets. Explore the historic architecture of Japanese and French origin, take in the morning concert of traditional music or take a gentle ride (c.10km return) to fabulous Hoi An beach. There is much to see and do. (There are wonderful pastry shops in the old town) |
DAY THIRTEEN
Hoi An to Hue (pop. 286,000) 142 km / 89 mi
Hoi An to Lang Co Beach: 75 km / 47 mi
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| Meals: B, L, D
Hotel: Saigon Morin Hotel, 30 Le Loi Rue, Hue City
Phone:84-54-823-526 Fax: 84-54-825-155
Email: sgmorin@dng.vnn.vn
Web: www.morinhotel.com.vn
Facilities: 4-star, in-house restaurant, bar, swimming pool.
Features: A grand old French Colonial style hotel by the Perfume River. Garden courtyard.
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In the morning we visit a marble factory and view the exquisite workmanship. We will also visit China Beach where American servicemen went for their R&R during the Vietnam /American War. Leaving Danang we start cycling on a flat road by the beach before tacking Hai Van Pass. The road carries little traffic now that there is a tunnel – not open to cyclists. The views are outstanding and well worth the effort. (The support vehicle is there of course should you prefer to drive) After a fabulous descent we have lunch by Lang Co Beach, with the option of a swim, before driving the final section. This will allow time to see a little of historic Hue and the citadel.
Dinner is al fresco in the hotel courtyard where we will be entertained by traditional musicians.
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DAY FOURTEEN and FIFTEEN
Hue
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Meals: B
Hotel: Saigon Morin Hotel, 30 Le Loi Rue, Hue City
Phone:84-54-823-526 Fax: 84-54-825-155
Email: sgmorin@dng.vnn.vn
Web: www.morinhotel.com.vn
Facilities: 4-star, in-house restaurant, bar, swimming pool.
Features: A grand old French Colonial style hotel by the Perfume River. Garden courtyard.
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Hue is steeped in 3,000 years of history and is a great place to explore by cycle. The city is built on the banks of the Perfume River. We will explore the Citadel by cycle in the morning with the afternoon free.
Next morning we say our farewells before we transfer you to the airport for outbound flights, for those who are departing this morning.
If taking the Halong Bay trip, you will fly this morning to Hanoi.
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THE FINE PRINT
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Pricing
The following are estimated tour costs per rider, in US dollars:
Dec. 15 - 30, 2008 & Feb. 22 - March 8, 2009 tours:
10 cyclists: $2,335
12 cyclists: $2,175
14 cyclists: $2,130
16-20 cyclists $1,995
These prices represent a discount of up to 25% on Pedaltours' standard trips.
Deposit: $500 per rider. Single room supplement: $595.00. Bike Rental: $225
Dec. 16 - 30, 2009 tour:
7+ cyclists: $2,895
10+ cyclists: $2,595
12+ cyclists: $2,485
16-20 cyclists: $2,295
These prices represent a discount of up to 22% on Pedaltours' standard trips.
Deposit: $500
Single room supplement: $545
Bike rental: $280
Note: All quotes (including pricing for add-on tours) are approximate for Oct. 2008 – Dec. 2008 and are subject to change for reasons beyond our control. We have requested firm prices for 2009 from Vietnam, and expect only minimal increases, if any.
Trip Inclusions
- Accommodation to a high standard as specified.
- Airport transfers
- Airport pickup
- Lycra cycling top
- 13 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 dinners (Note: Refer to B, L, D in the detailed itinerary)
- English speaking local Vietnamese driver/guides
- Minibuses/support vehicles to carry cycles & luggage (also tools and spares)
- Daily Maps, with profiles, one per cyclist, with your logo, plus Vietnam map
- Drink bottles, two
Trip Exclusions
- Airfares and Airport taxes
- Alcohol
- Cycle hire
- Laundry
- Sightseeing
- Pedaltours cycle clothing will be available to purchase.
- Flight from Hue at end of tour to departure city (cost approx $80-100)
Optional Trip Extension
We urge you to join us on the 4-day Northern Extension from Hue to Hanoi and Halong Bay.
Fly to Hanoi and have the day free to explore the old city. Drive up to beautiful Halong Bay and board a comfortable junk with private facilities for an overnight cruise around the 3,000 islands rising steeply from the sea. Enjoy a 1/2 day kayaking the World Heritage Park site of Halong Bay! We urge you to spend a couple extra days in Hanoi after the trip; it’s a very special city with many places of interest; ask us about extra room rentals.
4 days / 3 nights (Dec. 29, 2008 - Jan. 1, 2009)
Day 15: Free morning in Hue. Flight to Hanoi. Stay in Hanoi (B)
Day 16: Drive to Halong Bay, board boat (B, L, D)
Day 17: Finish boat trip, drive back to Hanoi. Stay in Hanoi (B, L, D)
Day 18 Depart
7-8 riders: $665
9-10 riders: $585
11-15 riders $560
Single supplement $195
Cancellations
If for any reason it is necessary to cancel a reservation, the following will apply: Cancellations more than 120 days before trip departure, loss of 50% of deposit. Cancellations between 42 and 120 days before trip departure, loss of full deposit. Cancellations within six weeks of departure will result in forfeiture of full payment.
There will be no refunds once a tour has commenced. We strongly recommend you take out travel, accident, medical, baggage and cancellation insurance. We advise against discounted airfares that carry restrictions.
Sign Up
To sign up, please go to our secure Pedaltours Bookings Page and choose "Cascade Vietnam" from the drop-down menu. Make sure to choose the correct dates. Alternatively, please phone us on 1 888 222-9187. We welcome enquiries on the Toll-free number.
Weather notes
We have had several emails concerning the weather from CBC members. We suggest visiting the Weather Underground website for current conditions in Vietnam and doing your own research on this topic. It will be slightly humid but nothing like Florida gets in the summer! We can state that November travel dates give us the very best chance of ideal cycling conditions. The weather for the 2007 trips was very good in late November and December; flooding is at a minimum at this time and the hot summer has not yet kicked in; it was downright pleasant for us!
We have received the following information on average November/December temperatures in the following Vietnam cities that we visit on the tour from the Vietnam Tour office:
Ho Chi Minh City: average 26 - 28 deg C (78 - 82 deg F). Early morning can get as low as 16 deg C (61 deg F)
Dalat: Average 18 deg C (64 deg F) (Max 20 deg C - 68 deg F)
Nha Trang and Hanoi: Average 22 deg C (71.6 deg F)
Also, there are very little insects to worry about. Most bugs can be found in the Mekong Delta, but we do not visit that area on this tour.
"The temperature and humidity can really range from day to day and even during the day. I’ve traveled to Vietnam quite a bit and, in general, I find it humid, although this time of year is less so than others. That’s just my opinion. The weather really changes from the North to the South and in general is usually raining in one or the other. However, like most tropical places the rains are usually limited to a couple of hours. Vietnam is truly a great place to travel. I hope you and your fellow travelers get a chance to experience it".
Della, Seattle
"I went in November and it was great weather. Not muggy at all. When we hiked in the mountains, we did wear rain type jackets. When we visited the World Heritage site of Halong Bay some people wore t-shirts…it wasn’t overly hot… Vietnam was a truly wonderful place to visit".
Rosa, Seattle
Flight Plan
Cascade Bicycle Club recommends Elizabeth Holmes Travel for booking airfare. Contact Sarah Ferris Scott at 206-647-8361 or visit www.elizabthholmes.com. If you plan to redeem frequent flier mileage make sure to book your flight early, as seats are limited. It is also a good idea to try and arrive one day early, in case of missed flights and to help to any Jet Lag.
Travel Insurance
Any policy you purchase should, at the very least, cover trip cancellation, loss of baggage, accident/life coverage, travel delays, and non-refundable airline tickets. Carriers for travel insurance include Travel Guard and Travelex. You may also consider insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation. Search the web to find the best deal that suits your needs- read the fine print.
Rider Testimonials on a Pedal Tours Experience
"For me, as a first timer of bicycle tours, I think the worst part is that every tour I take will be compared to the excellent NZ Pedal Tours trip. My fear is that no other trip will compare. What a perfect place to ride, great guides, excellent food…"
Doug Beck
Seattle, WA
"I have to say that pound for pound, Pedaltours could be one of the best tour companies in the business. Their routing was superb, the accommodations fantastic and the food mostly high end. They offered riders from modest to high ability the opportunity to ride the same tour with equal amounts of satisfaction for both groups. The 2007 Vietnam tour was the best trip I have taken in over 30 years of travel; everyone owes it to themselves to visit this special place soon! PT are a fabulous match for the Cascade Bicycle Club rider who wants a extremely high level of service (without being smothered) for a low discount members-only price"
Peter Verbrugge
Cascade Bicycle Club Event Producer
Seattle, WA
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Worried you might not be in good enough shape to tackle the hills? Join Cascade Ride Leaders this spring in the Cascade Training series. We'll be leading rides every weekend geared to getting YOU ready for this summer's big CBC rides. Visit the Activities Calendar for more information and ride listings.
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