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Our Tour Participants Are The Greatest
Thanks to all who join us for our bicycle tours each summer. Here are some comments you have sent our way.
We are a family of four who did the PEI trip last summer. Our kids were 9 and 11 when we took the trip. We had taken two two-day trips to prepare for the trip, as well as some training runs at home. The kids enjoyed themselves, especially since all the adults seemed to take them under their respective wings. We took our time along the trail, and took many breaks. We were usually the last ones to arrive at the campsite, but somebody has to be last!!
I'll throw in my two cents about the [Saint John River] Tour. It was perfect. You have achieved a marvelous balance of freedom and structure, independence for riders as well as support. Each tour makes the trip their own... collectively their own.
The last day was delightful. I was the last to leave Cabano that morning as the rain began. And I rode like a banshee all morning. At my age I like to create a sort of hard-day / easy-day rhythm, which permits me to get in a serious three-hour workout followed by a day of hanging out with the other riders and enjoying the sights along the route
I like the whole thing... the group experience is important, the riding challenge is important, the support is vital, cooking together is fun, going to a restaurant together after a long ride is wonderful, and the scenery and the villages we pass through are delightful.
I’d like to say that I had a very enjoyable time. The people were indescribably welcoming, the organization excellent and the countryside beautiful.
What a great vacation it was! We were a very great group and we enjoyed the company of each of you! Also thanks for the amazing organization! Everything was perfect!
Au revoir! Hope to see you again in the future!
Thanks for another great trip! I'll be back!
Fantastic trip - thanks for everything!
Wow, did I have a great time on this tour, my first visit to Canada. I definitely need a warmer sleeping bag if I come back! Ha ha. Your organization of the trip blew me away, from sags to campsite, accommodating some special needs folks, the handy grocery pickups, the gorgeous last 2 campsites, and that amazing truck layout! I have never camped more than overnight, so this was a huge adventure for me. I hope you offer this tour again. Staying put for 2 nights was a godsend. The last day was my absolute favorite route!
I just wanted to say thank you in general for a wow tour. I thought you id a fine job of working hard to meet our needs and answer our unending questions.
You started with the incredible Gros Morne and ended with the remarkable Viking Village. Everything in between - the coves, moose, fox, ferry rides, ice bergs - was terrific!
Thank you for your fantastic support on our trip! We got a real taste of the hills of Cape Breton!
Thanks for going the extra mile.
I consider your event the best bicycling tour experience I’ve ever had. Let’s hope it continues to prosper and be held for a long time.
I really enjoyed this low-key type of tour. Terrific!
Searching travel via the internet is a hit and miss opportunity since you do not know how much is hype versus reality. I chose ACC because it seemed to offer service without expensive luxuries. I am glad that I did since I think that the group was about the best and most cohesive group I ever traveled with.
Caroline and I want to extend to you our greatest appreciation for opening our minds and bodies to the experience of Newfoundland and Labrador. Your leadership was absolutely superb, and your attention to all riders needs and queries was outstanding. The route and accommodations could not have been better.
Just wanted to send you an email to thank you for organizing the Cabot Trail tour last weekend. Some of the hills were hell to climb but the scenery was quite nice. I think what was especially nice about the experience was meeting all the great people….kind of kindred spirits in adventure and health. I also really appreciated your organization of transporting tents, etc.
I think the routes, the mileage, the sequence of the challenges, were all just right... At first, I was thinking the days were too short, but then I realized that not only was there plenty else to do, but there was lots of recovery time for the next challenge.
My first ride, Baja, Mexico was done in the 80's. The second goal was the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. I rode this in July. The opportunity was Gary Conrod, (www.atlanticcanadacycling.com) who conducted a tour of the trail as part of his schedule of rides.
Gary runs well organized but hands off tours. He trucks your luggage, arranges for campgrounds, and supplies a simple route sheet. The rest is up to you. The cue sheet gives one word directions (left, right) at local landmarks. One day he used an actual sentence... “Left, Listen! We Said Left! Don’t Go Up The Hill”. You get the idea. A unique feature of the cue sheet is that it locates the first and last restaurant of the day and a likely stop for lunch (if they are open). And for those eating in camp, the location of a store where you may put your bagged purchase in a bin provided. Gary will then pick it up and bring it to camp for the end of the day. Ice cream is not a good purchase.
Everything seemed very organized - I was quite pleased.
I liked the fact that everyone can do the trip in their own way - no pressure to be anywhere and no competition. You can feel free to do what you can at your own speed.
Another adventure. Thanks - great job.
Beyond beyond beyond my expectation! Super amazingly fun!
I loved the Newfoundland trip last year, and would like to return this year but can't decide between PEI West, Nova Scotia East or Cape Breton. Hoping to get on one of your amazing adventures again this summer.
We asked one rider who’d taken all of Gary’s maritime tours, which one she’d enjoyed most. Without hesitation she said, “Newfoundland — for the scenery and the people!”
Another great tour! Thank you so much for everything you did for us. Hope to see you on another tour.
Thanks for being so helpful to a relative newcomer to biking. You were so helpful to help me with my wheel problem.
I biked three summers--Cape Breton Island, Newfoundland and Quebec Province-- with Gary and ACC, and had a blast every time. I enthusiastically tell anyone who bikes about his tours.
Thank you again for another wonderful experience. I now have the winter to ponder which trip I will join next year.
Very personal, very well done, good group spirit.
Initial contact friendly. Sounded warm and trustworthy - like it would be worth the time and effort of getting there
But, I just wanted to check in with you all. It was such a super and beautiful time. What a way to get a feel for PEI and its people and places!
I rode a couple of times with you on Cabot Trail trip. I still wear the ti-shirt from the trip. Maybe you remember me, I had all kinds of bicycle trouble, My front gears feel apart on the first day, my bicycle seat broke off on the second day and on the third day my front tire needed to be changed. You never asked for any extra money only the cost of the new tire. At the end of the trip I gave you $100 for all your troubles, but you deserved much more.
Thanks to you again for all the help. It was a fanatastic trip despite all my bike problems.
The Newfoundland Tour is one of your best. It met all of the above expectations plus more. Gary, Ed, and Mike did an outstanding job running the tour and the people on this tour were all wonderful to get to know.
Since I’ve never attended one of these before I have nothing to compare it to but it seemed to be very well organized and run. Obviously a lot of work went into this.
What you are doing is priceless and I’d do it again.
Thank you, thank you, thank you…it was life altering!
1. The ACC «team» worked seamlessly with all the cyclists to help with all matters on the road & at campsites.
2. The equipment provided by ACC for cooking etc was exceptional. Nice to see that all cyclists took care of everything too.
3. The food crates & coolers provided by ACC were much appreciated by all cyclists.
4. The supermarket stops each day were well thought out.The grocery bin pick-ups much appreciated by all cyclists too.
Thanks for a great week - you certainly will see us again.
Hello Everybody! François and I just arrived in Montréal this afternoon! What a great vacation it was!! We also appreciated the compagnie of each of you - you were a great group! We coundn’t ask for better than that!
Also thanks to Gary, Ed and Jason for the great organisation!!
Au revoir!! Hope to see you again in the future! Xo
Good variety with mix of long rides, short rides and off days. Got good value for the cost of the tour.
This was my first organized bike tour of any kind so went into it with an open mind. The camping arrangements were well done and I appreciated that everyone could go at their own pace. The camp station with the kitchen and truck provided just the right amount of amenities to meet everyone's needs. All of the staff went above and beyond what was expected from them and we're very helpful at any given time.
Had so much fun on PEI tour!!
A great time cycling, a great group of people, a least one crappy rain day, good Quebec beer and food! The path back to Levi was absolutely fantastic. Seeing the mountains on the north shore and the St. Lawrence together just blew my mind.
My time on your biking expedition in Newfoundland was a life changing experience. I still remain friends with people I met on that trip. You have given so many a huge gift by organizing and helping all of us enjoy such incredible experience.
It was better than expected. Lots of support, camaraderie and amazing cycling!
I'm incredibly impressed with the website and information you provided packing list baggage info shuttles and suggestions for places to stay. So HELPFUL, needing something to look forward to and this is just the ticket--glad you kept me on your email list!
We wanted to thank-you again for an awesome weekend! We really enjoyed our first tour with Atlantic Canada Cycling and look forward to more. We appreciate all you did to make sure that we were safe and secure on the trails and on the campsites.
Despite the weather is was a well-organized and run trip. It was the best way to see the Cabot Trail for my first time! Again thank you for all that you did.
After that first tour I decided to do as many of your tours as I could over the years. Thank you for yet another great tour. Hope to see you again in another year or so.
The route planning was fantastic. Support crew were superb. Organization of the truck and equipment was amazing. Staff knowledge of the area was really good.
Logistics are pretty strong. We like the meet-and-greet, pot luck etc. We like the camping and the flexibility to book a room for some of the trip. Strong pit crew. Grocery stops, coffee. Really like that you carry dishes, silverware, cups, pots, etc. We appreciate your research on notable things on the tour.
It was an awe-inspiring trip in many ways. First, the place is just stunning — it’s pretty in that “this is almost too lovely and quaint and inviting to be true” kind of way: But it’s also stunning in a primal, earth-at-its-essence kind of way. More than all of that, I remain awed that we actually rode what we rode.
More spectacular than almost anything I saw on my Trans-America Trail ride across America back in 1978. I mean, they have FIORDS up there! You’ll see caribou and seals and waterfowl and maybe even whales. You may even see the polar bear we missed. You almost surely will see icebergs.
Remember, it may be July here in the States, but up there the weather is incredibly changeable. I mean, it can be 70 degrees and sunny and then 15 minutes later its 50 and rainy and then 15 minutes later and its 70 and sunny again.
Beautiful landscapes, good exercise, and meeting nice like-minded people. Cape Breton blew my expectations away with the landscape and elevation. Very fun, beautiful and GREAT exercise.
Gary of Atlantic Canada Cycling, was terrific and helped us even though we weren't with his group. Saved us from missing ferry and being stuck for an extra week in Newfoundland.
Caroline and I want to extend to you our greatest appreciation for opening our minds and bodies to the experience of Newfoundland and Labrador. Your leadership was absolutely superb, and your attention to all riders needs and queries was outstanding. The route and accommodations could not have been better.
Spectacular... 3 years running! ..see you again next year!
Thank you from the pampered princesses.
Super - it wasn`t "over organized" - enough flexibility to do your own thing, yet, enough info etc. to make it a great experience."
I have not forgotten the wonderful Newfoundland Tour - unforgettable!
It exceeded our expectations because of the kindness of both organizers and cyclists
Splendid weekend! Well-conceived and managed. Many Thanks.
A chance to see a part of the country I hadn't seen before; having superb support from you and meeting up with great people who all share a common goal.
We like the relaxed format (ie no guided bike tour, etc.) where you can do your own thing each day. As repeat people, its really fun to meet up with people we have met on the other tours.
I did the Cabot Trail tour a few years ago and can recommend Atlantic Cycling as a very cost efficient tour operator.
Just wanted to let you know what a great time I had cycling with you in PEI. This was the first time I’d gone on an organized tour. I really liked how well you thought out the itinerary, and provided us maps so we could set our own pace and alternate the route if we liked. I found some gravel roads that put my mountain bike to good use.
I like to provide somewhat for myself, so the chance to cook and camp without having to carry all my gear solo was nice. It was easy to make friends, yet have as much time alone as we wanted.
If you ever need a local recommendation Maine, Id be glad to talk with anyone about the PEI tour. Hope I will be able to go on the Newfoundland tour someday.
Down-to-earth, nice,funny, sense of humour, knowledgeable, kind, organized, caring attitides.
First Class
All in all a tremendous cycling experience and an impressive feat of organization by Gary Conrod and his helpful staff at Atlantic Canada Cycling.
We know what to expect from the previous six tours. Tour went as billed. ROUTE WAS EXCELLENT !! (Liked) morning coffee, common plates, cutlery, stoves, etc -- go at our own pace, loose schedule, support, including grocery stops, carry tired riders to end of ride, rescuing lost riders, meeting new people and old acquaintances. Also, bicycle maintenance!
I know there are other cycling tour options to choose from and there is a reason people pick ACC over them. You all provide just the right amount of support and tell it like it is, which I appreciate. From the crew to the riders, everyone is there to enjoy the ride and share in a beautiful experience. I hope your future tours are successful and I hope to be back next year for another adventure. Thank you so much for providing the services to make this possible and I wish you guys all the best!
Thanks for a whole new batch of memories ~ the ride, the scenery, the food, the people, and the endless storytelling!
Still telling people about your wonderful bike tours -- we hope to get back and do another trip before you're done!
I have already sent emails with photo attachments to several friends that I think might be interested to join me next year. I will certainly be back.
Extremely well run tour. Rules to make it nice for everyone, but not in your face. This was one of my BEST vacations ever!
I thought the cooking format worked well. I had never done it that way before. You were well equipped, and I kinda enjoy the challenge of making a meal from what is. The potluck, especially, was very enjoyable...
Familiar with Atlantic Canada Cycling from past tours. Your tours are organized, good assistance around camp, and very reasonably priced. Thanks for opportunity to cycle with you.
A great trip. Thank You!
We loved the trip. It's a real privilege to be able to see the area, travel with a group of like-minded cyclists in a thoughtfully designed tour.
ACC tours are absolutely the highlight of my year. What's not to like. Good staff, good leader. You should consider charging more; running close to the margin can't be low-stress.
Thanks. Great time as always.
Gary, thank you so much for your assistance to me during the Gaspé tour 2019. The scenery was so spectacular. It was a mind blowing, often emotional, journey for me in Québec. I should mention Ed & Jason as well. You all have such a great passion for cycle touring that added to my enjoyment immensely.
Encore une fois, je vous remercie pour un parcours inoubliable !
A really pleasant tour. All expectations were met. Really well organized, good daily maps and sites of local interest provided, tour personnel willing to assist and provide without hesitation.
Really well done. I will not hesitate to refer fellow cyclists to your tours.
You were the right combination of people to make this biking vacation enjoyable. Thanks so much.
Well organized but allows a lot of individual freedom. Met our expectations re distances / camping / organisation and cost. We would definitely like to do many tours with ACC again.
Another most excellent tour.
Liked the organization, the challenge of the "hills", the rush of awesome downhills, meeting neat people, having a hot shower, great weather, scenery …the fact that I did it!
-have been on past tours and enjoy the format. We like the camping format, especially because you have more opportunity to meet people and socalize.
I’m looking forward to next year already. You did a wonderful job!
Since I’ve never attended one of these before I have nothing to compare it to but it seemed to be very well organized and run. Obviously a lot of work went into this.
Best tour booklet ever, thanks. I mean that sincerely, after having cycle toured with various companies. Cant wait to start this trip.
Thanks for a great tour and the road-side repair
I had a great time. The route planning was fantastic and ensured we were always on safe roads with great views. Also made sure we saw the best of Nova Scotia.
Truly an inspired and inspiring tour. Great scenery, every day was different - scenery, weather, terrain. What a nice group of people I have met. Thanks and good luck.
The tour was great - the maps and route planning were exceptional.
We love your website (and) your grass roots approach and the fact that we can prepare our own meals at the campsite. Also that there may be an option for bed and breakfasts.
Like the independence of the structure, not herding together of the whole group. Like the variety of eating, sleeping, and activities available. The organizing of the food in the crates with shopping along the way was superb. The cooking arrangements worked very well. There was plenty of hot water, dishes, soap, propane. All that was very good.
Awesome trip again! Thanks so much. Your help/patience is much appreciated.
A professional tour organizer for over thirty years, that not only talks the talk but bikes the bike. I’ve been on more than a dozen of Gary's tours over the last 25 years and all were excellent.
