Compare Bend, Bikes and Beer by AmeriCan Cycling Adventures vs Country Roads of the Deep South 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations
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Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 6 days | 12 days |
Price From | $ 2,699 | $ 6,000 |
Price Per Day | $ 450 | $ 500 |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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Description |
This tour is all about the killer B’s – Bend, Bikes, Mt. Bachelor, and Beer. Sitting in the shadow of snow packed peaks and along the Deschutes River, Bend has become a hub for incredible breweries and is recognized as a real adventurers playground. You’ll find yourself screaming through the Cascades lush, green forest on tight singletrack trails lined with some of the country’s most amazing technical features. Trade the bike trail for the beer trail, and explore the unique local flair of the city and the legendary quirks of McMenamins Hotel. Don’t be a buzzkill. Join us in Bend to taste the sweet reward of those who have conquered the killer B’s. |
Fall in love with the Deep South during this 12-Day guided tour. Let the lights and music of Nashville wash over you as you walk down Broadway — then step behind the scenes of a recording studio where you’ll meet a TV star and learn the secrets to recording an album. In Memphis, enjoy a private tour of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, a former record studio where Nashville greats recorded their music. At Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, a Local Expert will lead you on an after-hours tour of the mansion. Embrace Cajun Country in Lafayette: here, you will learn about the origins of Cajun music from a local accordion maker, and take a crawfish farm tour, where a Local Expert will help you catch your lunch. In New Orleans, tour the Tabasco Factory, and walk the city with a Local Expert, who will guide you through its vibrant art scene and unique architecture. |
Day 1: Funner/Tiddlywinks Loop
Accommodation: McMenamins Old St. Francis School Hotel
Distance: 13.4 miles
Elevation: 1143’d / 1143’a
The Funner- Tiddlywinks is as fun a loop, as it is a name. Celebrating their 10-year anniversary, this loop is constantly evolving, and provides both major uphill, and downhill sections with incredible lines, and technical features. Tiddlywinks is a glorious downhill that will see you bombing down sweet single track, and flying around bermed corners. The riding is fast and furious, allowing for a lot of time in the air as you launch off man-made jumps, and boulders. This loop is sure to get your adrenaline pumping and prepped for five more days of heavy riding.
After our ride, head back to our home for the next 5 nights, the famous McMenamins Hotel. The quirky converted former school now houses a pub, brewery, movie theater, live music, and soaking pool. Beyond the obvious amenities, keep an eye out for any number of the secret hallways leading to secret rooms.
After a bit of relaxation, re-join your group to compare rides, and favorite beers, with an included dinner at Deschutes Brewery.
Day 2: McKenzie River Trail
Accommodation: McMenamins Old St. Francis School Hotel
Distance: 25.4 miles
Elevation: 2197’d / 488’a
The McKenzie River Trail is one of the most famous trails in North America and provides the quintessential Oregon trail experience. This thrilling downhill will take you 20 miles through rocky lava fields, smooth singletrack, and fern covered old growth forest. While the sharp, technical sections of the lava field may slow you down, the rest of the ride is smooth and fast. You’ll have a number of incredible opportunities to cool off in the mist of waterfalls, or dive into beautiful blue pools of water along the way.
Day 3: Bachelor to Bend
Accommodation: McMenamins Old St. Francis School Hotel
Route: via Flagline, South Fork, Phil’s
Distance: 24.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1410′ d
With the national favorite out of the way, we head out to the local’s favorite in the high country of Mt. Bachelor and the Cascade Mountains. The ride starts with a bang, as we build for the Flagline Trail with a grind-it-out climb to the top of the descent. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with 3500ft of fast and swooping downhill through green meadows and old growth forest. The fast and technical downhill flow of Southfork allows you to hit some well made stunts before ending with a mellow downhill on Phil’s Trail. A legendary web of connected paths and features, you’ll find it easy to lose yourself in the joy of Phil’s Trail. We’ll be hitting happy hour at the talented Crux Fermentation Project after the ride, but don’t let the thought of that delicious beer distract you through some of Phil’s tricky, rocky sections. Complete this epic day with a well deserved, and included massage.
Day 4: Oakridge
Accommodation: McMenamins Old St. Francis School Hotel
Main Route 1: ATCA
Distance: 24.1 miles
Elevation: 7001’d / 3681’a
Main Route 2: Alpine
Distance: 15.3 miles
Elevation: 4519’d /1922’a
The Alpine-Tire-Cloverpatch-Alpine (ATCA), is a local’s favorite. It features endless trails of singletrack that weave through beautiful sections of Oregon pine forest, and past many breathtaking viewpoints. As this screaming downhill is broken up by a number of climbs, we’ll shuttle you to the top of the run to ensure you’re able to attack the trail at full strength.
If you don’t want to tackle the whole ATCA, focus your time on the Alpine trail. Considered by many to be the “Crown Jewel” of Oakridge, these classic segments devoid of a number of the technical sections and uphills found on the ATCA, which makes it more manageable for all skill levels. Let it all go, and feel the force while flying through the trails famous Jedi section. Groomed for speed, and beauty, this singletrack treasure is damn near perfect
Celebrate this day of incredible downhill action with an included lunch at Westfir Lodge.
Day 5: Bachelor to Bend
Accommodation: McMenamins Old St. Francis School Hotel
Route: via Metolius, Mzarek, and Shelvin
Distance: 27 miles
Elevation Gain: 1680′ d
On today’s ride we head back to Bachelor to handle any unfinished business. Once again, we’ll be surrounded by the majestic alpine meadows, creek crossings, and sections of lush old growth forest of the Cascades high country. Time seems to stand still on the Mzarek Trail with a mix a long beautiful climbs and, fast and fun downhill’s. You’ll find an incredible flowing rhythm as you carve twisty turns through ponderosa pines, and manzanita trees with few technical sections. Technical freaks will get their fix however, as the finish in an old creek bed is littered with numerous obstacles.
Another day dominating Bachelor, means another night to enjoy Beer in Bend, so join us at the Bend Brewing Company for a refreshing cold one.
Day 6: Mt. Bachelor Bike Park
Day three on Mt. Bachelor, and it’s time to experience the mountain in a completely different way. Two lifts provide access to over 300 miles of amazing single track, ranging from beginner to advanced double black. Choose your flavour with an incredible variety of flowing downhill’s, and rocky technical chutes. The rugged natural landscape is enhanced by well maintained, and constantly evolving machine made elements. Our favourite trail, Lava Flow provides a wide, long trail and will reward you for staying off the brakes as you fly through sections of lava rock and dense hemlock. Be sure to check out Last Chance and Rattlesnake for some of the best technical looks in the region. End your adventure today with an exclamation mark. Send it.
Day 1: Arrive in Nashville
Welcome to Nashville, the capital of Tennessee and the USA’s glittering centre stage. From the Everly Brothers' “Bye Bye Love," to Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman," the streets are paved with talent. Your airport transfer will whisk you to your hotel.Relax and unwind before meeting your Travel Director and mingling with guests at 18:00 followed by a Welcome Dinner with wine.
Day 2: Take centre stage in Nashville
Start your day with an orientation tour of music city. You'll visit the picturesque Riverfront Park, Tennessee State Capitol and the 132 acre Centennial State Park, where you'll encounter an exact replica of the Parthenon. Pass by the city's lively honky-tonks and street performers on Broadway, as you make your way to the Ryman Auditorium, former home of the Grand Ole Opry. Built in 1885 as a building for religious gatherings, it held its first concert in 1892, before opening its doors to Hollywood greats. It is here where Johnny Cash first met June Carter, where bluegrass was born and where country music found an audience. Tonight, head to the famous Grand Ole Opry, the world-renowned country music stage and longest-running radio broadcast in U.S. history.
Day 3: A day of legends
Go behind the scenes of a Nashville recording studio. This intimate experience introduces you to a performing artist, musicians and the techniques behind a song’s development. Make a stop at Nashville’s Farmers' Market and Market House to explore its artisanal crafts and produce.Explore Nashville with Insight Choice. Choose to visit Nelson’s Green Brier, a local Tennessee distillery and home of the Original Tennessee Whiskey. Alternatively, visit the National Museum of African American Music, which shares the story of the American soundtrack through history and interactive technology.Tonight's dinner at Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant will introduce you to the colourful flavours of Nashville. Perhaps try the crabmeat cheesecake.
Day 4: Heading back home to Memphis
This morning you'll head to Memphis. Whether it’s your first or hundredth time visiting this vibrant city, you’ll be drawn in by the lively melodies coming from Beale Street.Spend the morning on a sightseeing tour of the city, followed by a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the National Civil Rights Museum. While there, you’ll be guided through five centuries of The Civil Rights Movement history and its impact on our culture today.End your day by joining a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a private evening at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The museum is part of The Soulsville Foundation, which aims to prepare young adults for life success and inspire future artists.
Day 5: A day dedicated to the King
Begin you day with a visit to Sun Studio, the “birthplace of rock and roll”, where music legends, including B.B. King, Johnny Cash and Elvis recorded.Make your way to the magnificent Graceland, the former home of the "King of Rock and Roll," Elvis Presley.Dinner this evening will be served at The Beauty Shop, a former parlour turned whimsical New American eatery where Elvis’ ex-wife, Priscilla, was said to get her hair done.
Day 6: Memphis to Greenwood
Travel through the Mississippi Delta down the Mississippi Blues Trail, a route that tells the stories of bluesmen and women. Explore the Delta town of Greenwood at your own pace, before heading to the Viking Cooking School for a hot tamales cooking demonstration - a regional specialty.Later, dine on a mouthwatering dinner at a James Beard Award finalist restaurant that features southern inspired dishes that include produce local to the area.
Day 7: Moving on to Natchez
Learn more about Southern history and hospitality as you head to Natchez. Tour the historic antebellum mansions, and discover the preservation efforts of later generations to tell the story of African-Americans through the decades, understanding that slavery and cotton allowed plantation owners to build these mansions. Test your mixologist skills as you concoct a traditional Southern cocktail, the Mint Julep. Minty, cooling and with a touch of sweetness, you're sure to learn a few party tricks to bring back home with you. Enjoy an evening to yourself. Ask your Travel Director for restaurant suggestions and discover one of the wonderful options in town.
Day 8: Natchez to Lafayette
Move on to Lafayette for a taste of the Cajun and Creole culture. Get to know more about Cajun culture and how it is defined by its roots.Head to the Acadian Cultural Center followed by a unique Cajun music experience.A genre rooted in the ballads of the French-speaking Acadians, it is both eclectic and joyous. Learn more about this fast tempo music and its history from a local accordion maker and musician.In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner with your fellow travellers.
Day 9: Lafayette for foodies
Start the day with a crawfish farm tour just outside the city. You will be joined by a Local Expert who will help you catch your lunch the old-fashioned way, using hand nets. You’ll be taught how to prepare a traditional boil, before sitting down to the meal. If crawfish are out of season, you'll take part in a boil experience with seasonal seafood. Later, enjoy time at leisure or head out on an optional swamp tour.
Day 10: Welcome to the Big Easy
New Orleans is a lively and dynamic city, known for its vibrant culture and electric jazz festivals. On the way down south, stop at the Tabasco® Factory for a self-guided tour and discover how the world-famous red hot pepper sauce is made. This afternoon, head to the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, where you’ll learn more about the city’s diverse cuisine with a guided tour and included lunch.
Day 11: Festivities in New Orleans Relaxed Start
Get to know the city with a Local Expert as you discover each neighborhood's unique architecture and explore the vibrant art scene. See how the community comes together through celebration.In the afternoon, take your pick of optional activities, perhaps getting to know the local culture through a jazz music experience or by meeting a voodoo specialist.End your day by joining your fellow travellers at a Celebration Dinner at the Palace Cafe - a contemporary and upbeat Creole restaurant at the foot of the French Quarter.
Day 12: Depart New Orleans
It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as your adventure comes to an end with a departure to the airport.