Travel is our passion and cycling scenic backcountry mountain roads is our obsession. Nothing gives us greater pleasure than sharing our epic bike journeys with riders the world over.
Ride Strong Bike Tours was founded by Julie Gildred, a touring cyclist, triathlete, marathoner and recovering attorney who is, perhaps, best known for her extraordinary travels through third world countries on Ganesh, a 1996 Specialized Rockhopper. Ride Strong Bike Tours is based in Solana Beach, California.
A Stronger Team
Our peloton is comprised of diverse men and women who have a passion for bike travel, a sense of humor, adventurous spirits and boundless energy. Our office is run by guides and our guides run the gamut: elite triathletes, mountain bike champions, lawyers, yoga instructors, inventors and mechanics. Where possible, our guides hail from – or have lived in — the region or country we’re cycling.
A Stronger Bike Tour
Ride Strong Bike Tours is a boutique bike touring company run by cyclists for cyclists. We specialize in custom trips of all types, and performance-based tours in the mountains of Europe.
Our bike tours are small, 6-16 riders — allowing for flexibility and spontaneous fun. We minimize vehicle transfers and maximize riding by staying in the heart of the best cycling in Europe.
Our typical day starts in the saddle around 8:30 or 9:00 and ends when it ends . . . usually after 100 kilometers, 3 cols and several medieval towns later. That’s the beauty of a bike trip: spinning and exploring until your heart’s content. We ride in groups, we pedal with partners, we spin solo, we ride anyway you want.
Accommodations
We don’t promise a certain ‘star’ accommodation as many of our family-owned farm houses, chateaus and rural inns are not rated. We do promise comfort, charm and – quite often — personalized luxury. Indeed, our accommodations tend to garner the highest accolades and are usually one of the unexpected pleasures of our trips. All rooms include an en suite bathroom, unless otherwise noted.
Fresh Food for Fuel
Riding all day over steep slopes ignites a a cyclist’s hunger. Fortunately, in France, Italy and Spain, fresh food and dining is as important as cycling itself. After an exhilarating day of cycling, you’ll enjoy amazing meals from fresh local ingredients that will satisfy and fuel the next day’s ride.
A Stronger Soul (our guests)
Our clients are ordinary people with extraordinary appetites for cycling. You prefer six hours in the saddle over two in a bucket seat; you shower, only after you sweat; you prefer to earn descents after challenging climbs; each song begins with the melodic ‘click’ into your pedals; you work hard and want to ride strong.
Sound familiar? Then our tours are designed for you!
