March, 2009

The active travel company with the funny name, Pedalers Pub & Grille (PP&G), showcases two different faces of Bali on five departures of its seven-day Bali Paradise Ride that moves from suntan beaches into ancient cultures still thriving in off-the-beaten path upland villages and remote coastal hamlets. The departures are Apr 13, May 11, Jun 8, Aug 10, and Sep 14. The per person rate is $1,595 ($390 single supplement).

Moving at the speed of two wheels guests explore remote coastal fishing villages and black sand beaches as well as the jungle-clad interior past emerald rice paddies, towering palm trees and volcanic lakes.

Highlights include the culture of the Bali Aga, supposedly the original inhabitants of Bali who still live by strict social rules, including one that requires you to marry within the village or be cast out. There is a stop in Tenganan, one of the best preserved Bali Aga villages still with multi-level cobbled streets and neatly aligned rows of houses. Villagers here are renowned for their complexly woven fabrics.

Another stop is in Klungkung town, with its moated gardens, a surviving remnant of an ancient royal palace. Once flourishing as a former kingdom of Bali prior to the arrival of the Dutch in the nineteenth century, it is here where the last king committed suicide along with the royal court rather than submit to the rule of European invaders.

Often overlooked by resort-bound tourists are the temple complexes of Tegeh Koripan and Ulan Danu Batur, spectacularly situated on Lake Batur in a lushly forested volcanic crater. PP&G guides make sure the group experiences the sunset here when dying rays of the sun bring a profound change of color and drama to the surrounding hills and vistas.

“We aspire to show guests the real Bali far from the crowded beaches and cocktail lounges. To the inquisitive voyager the true Bali is more than a legendary tropical paradise; it’s like Hawaii with Hindu temples not Hula girls. And if you are willing to go that extra distance it’s cheaper than Hawaii by a long shot,” says Tom Sheehan, founder and general manager.

Guests cycle on average 40 miles daily along paved roads with some stretches on narrow lanes. The terrain follows small coastal hills in the beginning with some larger climbs once in the volcanoes. Traffic is light to moderate at times.

Except for international air the trip is all inclusive of accommodations, most meals, professional guides, daily route directions and maps, sightseeing and cultural activities, plus airport transfers. Personal departures may be scheduled for private groups and bike clubs. More details can be found online at:
http://www.pedalerspubandgrille.com/bike_tours/indonesia/Bali_Paradise_Ride.htm

The active travel company with the funny name, Pedalers Pub & Grille (PP&G), calculates that a 7-day bike tour of Thailand is so much more reasonable than a comparable tour in France that there’s money enough left over for an extended stopover in Bangkok or Hong Kong plus a few beers and souvenirs.

“Contrary to popular belief, a bike tour in Thailand is far more economical than one in Europe,” says Tom Sheehan, PP&G founder and general manager. “Our seven-day Thailand cycle tour including the airfare from North America actually costs less than a similar bike tour in France before you even factor in the airfare.”

Sheehan is quick to point out, “You can also throw in the costs for a few ice cold Thai beers at dinner each night, some local handicrafts for souvenirs, plus a decent tip for your guides and still come out way ahead.”

Based on pricing for September 2008 departures, a comparable week long tour through the Dordogne or Loire regions of France begins at $3,055 plus air. A PP&G tour in Thailand starts at just $1,595 plus air. These rates reflect similar quality for hotels, meals and support services.

“And with the money you’ll save by not going to Europe, you can enjoy a weekend bike tour back home or perhaps explore more of Asia’s wonders with an extended stopover in Bangkok or Hong Kong or perhaps an add-on sea kayaking adventure in Ha Long Bay in Vietnam,” adds Sheehan.

PP&G has developed a web page detailing their price study and comparison. Please visit: www.pedalerspubandgrille.com/extras/thai-france.htm

PP&G offers its Thailand – Northern Highlights tour at $1,595 per person, double occupancy with departures scheduled the 1st and 3rd Sunday, monthly from September thru March. A single supplement is $375. Tours begin and end in Chiang Mai. See: www.pedalerspubandgrille.com/bike_tours/thailand/Northern_Highlights.htm

The rate includes accommodations in luxury hotels, guesthouses and resorts, all meals, bilingual guides, ground transportation, daily route directions and maps, sightseeing and cultural activities, plus airport transfers.

Tour highlights feature Wiang Kum Kam, ancient ruins from the first settlement of Chiang Mai; the expansive temple complex of Wat Baan Den; the towering limestone outcroppings of Chiang Dao; and the villages of the Paduang tribe (long neck women).

The PP&G website features a variety of similarly valued cycle tours of Thailand, including a week long multisport adventure exploring the Andaman Coast and a two-week Ancient Kingdoms Ride that takes in the ‘best’ of Thailand from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.