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Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

2191.0. "VBT RECOMMENDATION?" by HAMSTR::PHINNEY () Tue Feb 18 1992 15:31

    Can anyone give me a recommendation regarding VBT (Vermont Bicycle
    Touring) versus NEBT (New England Bicycle Tours)?
    
    I've never used either of them; NEBT seems to be a little bit cheaper;
    but I'd rather go on recommendation than price.
    
    Any input would be appreciated - I want to do this right.
    
    Martha Phinney
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2191.1I never heard of NEBTNOVA::FISHERRdb/VMS DinosaurTue Feb 18 1992 15:467
    VBT has been in business for more than a decade.  I have known many
    people who have gone on their tours and I have never known anyone
    who was disatisfied.
    
    [standard disclaimer goes here]
    
    ed
2191.2 Me neither... LEGUP::SHORTTJohn Shortt / DTN: 266-4594Tue Feb 18 1992 20:3817
    VBT is on a couple of my routes...

    I ride with one of their leaders once a week or so and have stopped in
    to meet some of the staff.  I found them to be quite hospitable and
    very organized.  They have quite the operation with a two or three
    story barn full of bikes!  As Ed said, they have been doing it for
    quite some time.  

    For info, there is another company in Waterbury called Vermont Country
    Cycles (VCC).  I've ridden with a few of their mechanics but don't know
    about the operation as well.
    
    Good luck and I hope you have a nice tour.  By the way, are you planning
    on doing it in VT?
    
    john
2191.3so far, so good...HAMSTR::PHINNEYWed Feb 19 1992 15:587
    Thanks on the responses so far.  I'm sure I couldn't go wrong with VBT;
    I just wanted some first hand knowledge.
    
    In answer to your question, John, I know that VT is their speciality
    but I've already bike a lot in VT so was thinking of Maine.
    
    Martha
2191.4a vote for VCCSSDEVO::EDMONDSDianeWed Feb 26 1992 22:017
    We took a tour with VCC Four Seasons Cycling last fall.  It's the
    only experience we've had touring with a company, but we thought
    it was absolutely great.  Best vacation we've ever had.

    FWIW, there were MANY people in our group who had done previous
    tours with VCC and were back for more.

2191.5another recommendationOXNARD::KLEEKen LeeWed Feb 26 1992 22:3711
    From what I've heard, all of the established touring companies are
    excelent.  VBT and VCC have each been in operation for over 10 years. 
    I know people who have toured with one or the other all enjoyed them.
    Here in California, Backroads is also excelent.  I've toured with them
    and know people who keep going back.
    
    Note that you pay for the service.  Most of these companies charage
    $100 per day for camping tours and $200 or so for inn-to-inn tours.
    
    Ken
    
2191.6show me the wayGRIND::PJOHNSONMon Mar 02 1992 14:598
    I'm interested in getting the routes of these tours.  I have to think
    that I could do better that $200/day on my own, but I don't know many
    good routes in VT.
    
    Does anyone have the actual routes/street names for a two or three day
    ride?
    
    Phil
2191.7??SSDEVO::EDMONDSDianeMon Mar 02 1992 19:446
    What part of Vermont are you interested in?  And how many miles/day do
    you want to do?

    Do you want to stay in inns?


2191.8GRIND::PJOHNSONWed Mar 04 1992 12:195
    I was thinking of three days, two nights, staying in inns.  Anywhere in
    VT is okay, 50-75 miles per day.  Any suggestions.
    
    Regards,
    Phil
2191.9I'm convinced!HAMSTR::PHINNEYThu Mar 05 1992 15:366
    Thanks for your responses.  I ended up booking a VBT week long tour
    along the Maine seacoast in August and I'm psyched.
    
    Will try and remember to post a trip review when I get back.
    
    Martha
2191.10How about "family" tours?MSHRMS::BRIGHTMANPMC '88, '89, '90, '91Sat Mar 07 1992 09:456
Do these organizations have "family" tours?  I have 2 young children. (ie; I 
would be pulling a kids trailer.)  I might be interested in a tour geared (no 
pun intended) toward this situation.

			- Tim
2191.11NOVA::FISHERRdb/VMS DinosaurMon Mar 09 1992 10:533
    call 'em, I'm sure they do, but maybe not at a "family price."
    
    ed
2191.12June 3 short trip to start withSOLVIT::TRUBACZWed Feb 23 1994 12:4817
    I'm gonna do it this year. I've booked my weekend tour for June 3.  
    
    The Okemo Weekend offers the special combination of exquisite
    countryside, the charm of the nearby ski resort village of Ludlow and
    an exciting glimpse of history.
    
    When I booked they were still working out the details of the weekend
    package.  No matter, *I'm ready*
    
    The only tad bit of a disappointment is that my honey isn't interested.
    So I'm going it alone.  Does any one (particularly females) done this?
    What was your experiences.
    
    Thanks 
      Pauline
       who can't wait to get there
     
2191.13I had a great timeBUSY::MSULLIVANTue Mar 01 1994 15:4614
    
    	Hi Pauline,
    
    	I've "gone it alone" on two VPT tours the pass two summers.
    
    	I had a wonderful time.  The mix of participants is great and
    	everyone is friendly.  
    	
    	I have not done the Okemo  (did Randolph and Waybury)  but
    	the choice of rides was great both times.
    
    	I'm sure you will enjoy it.
    
    	Mary