Do a Cycling Trip Almost Anywhere in the United States with Cycle of Life Adventures

Cycling is primarily a solitary sport. It’s an excellent way to work on personal fitness, clear your mind, and all while taking in the wonders of nature on two wheels. But sometimes we crave the camaraderie of other cyclists and to push ourselves harder than we normally would on solo rides.

If the thought of doing a cycling trip on your own seems too overwhelming, then booking a trip with a company where small group rides are the focus might be the type of trip you need. Even better, trips take place in the United States where the stress of an international trip can be eliminated. That’s what Cycle of Life Adventures (COLA) offers its guests.

Who is Cycle of Life Adventures?

Cycle of Life Adventures was founded by Elli Sias and is based in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Much of the company’s staff are experienced guides, mechanics, and support personnel gained from other areas in their work lives, such as “adventure, tourism, education, law enforcement, and customer service industries.”

The company is a true bicycle travel company. But unlike a lot of other companies in this niche tourism field, its primary focus is on small groups. In fact, COLA describes itself as a”boutique-style bicycle and active vacation company, focused on providing excellent service to intimate groups.”

Cycle of Life Adventures’ Bike Tours

Cycle of Life Adventures hosts a large number of tours throughout the United States. Every state in the country is covered but seven, which is amazing considering they currently only have nine guides. Here’s a map where COLA does trips. The states in blue are where the company hosts trips, and the states in gray are not visited.

Still, as a small bicycle travel company, COLA chooses to work with every type of cyclist from the advanced rider to the recreational cyclist. Here’s a list of the company’s tours

• Classic Bike Tours – 6 to 7 days of cycling.
• Custom Bike Tours – Design your own tour based on COLA’s already established tours.
• Epic Bike Tours – Cross state riding and other long tours from 17 to 52 days.
• Four Day Tours – Specialized tour that begins and ends in the same location.
• Recreational Tours – For those who want a more casual cycling tour
• Active Tours – For the fitness cyclist who can ride from 40 up to 70 miles per day with 3000 feet of climbing
• Advanced Tours – For cyclists who are comfortable riding 75 to 100 miles per week at a fast pace that tests physical endurance.

What’s Included in a Cycle of Life Adventures Tour

When it comes to what is included in a booked trip with a bicycle travel company, the amenities are pretty similar with some slight variation between the companies. Cycle of Life Adventures is no different in that regard, but it does offer its own take on the “what’s included” trip benefits.

• Qualified and experienced guides
• Lodging
• Meals – All breakfast and dinners, some lunches
• Social Hour – Staff and guests meet before the trip begins the following day
• Snacks and drinks
• Maps
• Entry Fees – National and state parks, then other tour highlights
• Transportation
• Souvenirs and extras – complimentary water bottle and jersey

What’s not included is also similar to other bicycle travel companies.

• Airfare
• 12% gratuity for guides
• Rental bikes
• Single room supplement
• Personal purchases
• Travel Insurance

Cost and Length of Trip with COLA

The company offers a wide range of trip lengths and costs. It has trips that last four days to 52 days if you choose to do an “Epic Bike Tour.”

COLA’s “Epic Cross Country – Northern Tier Bike Tour,” for instance, is also the most expensive cycling trip I’ve ever seen listed at $20,500, but you are riding 3576+ miles with all the amenities that come with the company’s shorter trips.

A classic bike tour that runs for 7 days and 7 nights called “Coastal Maine “Bold Coast” Bike Tour” is $3,595.00. That price point is similar to what you would pay for booking a trip with another bicycle travel company.

Last Thoughts

Cycle of Life Adventures looks like a great company to work with if you enjoy the group dynamic in cycling. And if you’ve always wanted to do some challenging riding in the United States instead of internationally.

The company truly does cater to every level of cyclist. It is one of the few companies I’ve researched that offer four day trips or trips that last over a month. It’s also one of the only companies that allows you to ride across a state fully supported by guides and staff.

So, if you have the time and the cash, sign up for a trip soon.