Participant Notes

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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. 

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R. Janzen

A great legacy Gary! Memories I will always treasure! See you on down the road…

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K. Hazeldine

Excellent SAG, affordable, well organized. I'm not sure I would recommend any changes. The tours are an excellent blend of value and new experiences.

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R. and L. Weast

First Class!

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J. Brougher

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.

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C. Quinn

I hope you are well & you have the Best Cycle Touring Organization out there.

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L. Chiofar

It was better than expected. Lots of support, camaraderie and amazing cycling!

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D. Gartner

Liked freedeom to ride at our own pace and schedule and eating on our own without commitments.

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T. Nicastri

The remoteness, land, sea and people touch us somewhere deep inside that we like. The trip filled a special spot in our life hope will be with us forever. Living down here is sometimes like living in a blender. NF and PEI remind us of who we really are.

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J. Young

I appreciated the slow transition into more challenging rides as the tour progressed each day offered new sights to see and appreciate. I always felt safe and accounted for throughout each ride and that I would make it safely to the day's final destination despite any accidental detours.  Overall it was an amazing trip and I hope to join other tours in the future.

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L. Poplak

The first thing I would tell you about the tour is that there were cyclists of all strengths participating, from novices to experts, and I believe that everybody found the tour to be well designed, and challenging. The terrain is sometimes hilly, but the big factor is wind -- tailwinds and you’re laughing, headwinds you’re crying.

Atlantic Canada Cycling’s management style of the tour was very good -- they don’t baby you, so that you feel like you’re accomplishing the tour on your own -- but they provide enough support that you don’t have to worry about anything but cycling and having a good time

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T. Larouche

Initial contact friendly. Sounded warm and trustworthy - like it would be worth the time and effort of getting there

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J. Berry

Thanks. Great time as always.

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B. Batterman

I thought it was an exceedingly well run tour. Suggestions for side trips were I thought it was an exceedingly well run tour. Suggestions for side trips were great.

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S. Clinton

Gary and his 2 comrades, who ran the sag wagon and the truck, were greatly at ease with no major rules or restrictions, allowing the riders the ability to make the trip their own personal experience. It is neither overly planned, nor heavily supervised. You can ride at your own pace, and there were many abilities represented on the trip.

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S. Minato

Enjoyed the tour immensely. Met wonderful people. Realize some people like to bike on their own and with different paces, quite understandable. It was nice to chat with everyone at camp.

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B. Irvine

I remember the Cape Breton tour clearly. It was fantastic. I hope to do another tour with ACC one day... sooner than later.

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S. Datars

We feel we got more than our money’s worth.

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G. Helmkamp

It was a fabulous combination of scenic beauty, congenial camping and cooking, and reasonable cost.

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L. Ruetsche

I thought it was an exceedingly well run tour. Suggestions for side trips were I thought it was an exceedingly well run tour. Suggestions for side trips were great.

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R. Kilmoyer

We were free to improvise go our way. Lots of options. We were lucky to have a great group of people!

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F. Perkins

The tour was great - the maps and route planning were exceptional.

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S. OLeary

I’m looking forward to next year already. You did a wonderful job!

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C. McMille

Dear Team ACC, your're the best! Thanks so much for great biking experience - we will never forget it!

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G. Desnoyers

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

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L. Coolen

You have been able to provide a person from the States a glimpse into the beauty and culture of a spectacular province. I have also got to hang out with cool Canadians. Thanks for your dedication and hard work.

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V. Daniels

Thanks for another great trip! I'll be back!

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J. & B. Ferguson

We liked the freedom to do what we wanted and when we wanted.

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A. Enright

I like how relaxed the itinerary was laid out - we had the option of eating out or buying food to cook ourselves. It was helpful to have those hints mentioned on our maps for sure.

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D. Miron
D, Miron

Spectacular riding and great company. I couldn't have imagined it better. Thank you for a great experience everyone. Great program and support Gary, Ed and Jason; don't change a thing. Ed, I'm coming back for some of your chowder. Maybe Newfoundland next year? Best everyone

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S. Brennan

I loved it so much I wanted to do it again and share it with friends.There’s lots to write about: the lovely people we rode with and met along the way, the rugged beauty of Newfoundland, the hills, the wind, the rain. It was hard and challenging and rewarding. You’ve got to want to travel this way. You have to think the rewards outnumber the hardships. And you’ve got to train and get ready and make cycling fitness part of your life. That’s true for all of us.

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S. D’Angelo-Vibert

Thank you for such a memorable vacation!! I am definitely going to do this tour again!

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J. Berg

My expectations were to be wowed with my first time in Canada, learn more about bikecamping, and meet lots of new folks.
The Chaudiere-Appalaches Tour landscape was stunning, the campsites were beautiful, weather perfect, 2-day camping was crucial, and the organization was amazing. All the grocery stops were fantastic. Cant wait to go on another one or even repeat this one!

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D. Plane

Campgrounds were good and the food system -- which we were hesitant about before the trip, not sure how well it would work -- actually was great. Great setup with the dishes and cooking tools, crate and cooler system, and daily grocery pickups.

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M. McCarvill

Please realize that the last two (tours) in which I participated hold especially fond memories for me and I appreciate your part in making them.

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A. Murphy

Thanks for an intro to Lac-Saint-Jean by velo.

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S. Burell

Splendid weekend! Well-conceived and managed. Many Thanks.

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M. Cama

Extremely well run tour. Rules to make it nice for everyone, but not in your face. This was one of my BEST vacations ever!

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D. Pezzack

Again thank you for organizing a great trip. It has become an annual end of summer tradition for me. A great test of my biking and a great way to meet other cyclist.

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J. Brougher

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.

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C. Creede

My expectations were pretty much what you provide -- the infrastructure to do what is primarily a self-guided but semi-supported trip in a remote place. (I've done this sort of thing before). By semi-supported I mean the personal accountability for cooking, shopping, setting up tents, etc. I think there are other people who might have a higher expectation for a guide giving more info about the area, or more comfort, but that wasn't what mine was. I expect to have maps and a workable route, know I don't have to worry about accommodations, to have my gear at the location on time, to be picked up if something goes very wrong and to have tools and expertise on hand if something is wrong with my bike I can't solve. You provided that ;-).

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K. Schroeder

When the eight days were over I was glad that I had done all of the climbs, seen all the great wildlife, and met all of the great people whom I hope to keep in touch with.

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A. Moore

Everything was well organized and the staff friendly and efficient. I really enjoyed the route. There were inland roads and coastal roads. No day was too difficult. There were excellent restaurants along the was for those of us who wanted to eat excellent Island food.

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D. Keystone

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.

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D. Bergan

We did the Cabot Trail on rented hybrids and had no trouble with the hills. Suggest you do some hill work prior to the tour. It’s a very nice scenic tour and ACC does a great job with supporting the riders. Enjoy.

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K. Bota

The Newfoundland trip has a little bit of everything - hills, flats, riding along the ocean, riding in Tundra and some good hiking. Along the way we were able to catch a glimpse at whales, and even saw icebergs! Newfoundland is a remote area of Canada, and you get to experience great open spaces;, which also means limited services to some extent. There is never a day without something along the way, but you definitely realize that you are removed from the congested city life. The trip is well planned out, and the cycling nicely spread out over the ten days. The longest day of the trip is not overly challenging - unless Mother Nature has her way. Last year we ended up having our worst weather day on our longest day, which meant colder weather than expected, and some tough head winds - but it is all part of experiencing Newfoundland. The weather can change quickly, and we saw that first hand. I really enjoyed the trip, and would highly recommend it.

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C. Lindgren

I liked the relaxed attitude and lack of rules and structure. This made the trip very relaxing. Overall the positives far outway anything negative or critical I could say. Well done! It was fun.

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F. Iannotti

It’s a once in a lifetime trip! Enjoy!

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G. Wilson

The Newfoundland Trip was great- Day 8 with the wind, rain and cold I could have done without but then there was no charge for that.

It was a wonderful trip-thanks for all your organization. I hope to ride again with ACC!

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T. Kaye

Very satisfied with organizational aspects. Staff went out of their way (literally) to accommodate us.

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A. Moore

This was my second tour - the first was so enjoyable, I wanted to do another. Well organized, good camping grounds, doable to a range of abilities. Wonderful tour in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

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D. Holt

Thanks for putting this trip together your commitment to 2-wheel travel, and your "spin" on life.

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C. Neill

Thanks for the great tour! I liked this way of taking a holiday, and will consider doing it again.

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C. Miller

Most enjoyable bicycle event I have attended.

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E. Sullivan

Mixing camping and cycling together, two of my favorite things. Much more fun than hotel hopping - plus a bakery in every little town, met some great people, made for an epic event. Thanks to Gary and crew for a unforgettable vacation, hope to see you next year.

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V. Bernhards

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.

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M. Morrison

Meeting new people from all over, coming together, making new friends and bicycling. It can’t get any better than that.

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D. Bardsley

13 out of 10

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J. McLean

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.

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T. Webb

I think the tour was very successful - and obviously word is spreading - the tour was superb. Thanks!

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G. Gosselin

Thanks for everything. I will never forget.

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T. Hurley

Thanks for the !trip of a lifetime!

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A. Moore

Good cycling, good camping and well organized logistics. I had a wonderful time. Great route, beautiful countryside. The distances were not too great leaving room for whatever individuals wanted to do during the ride. I liked the aspect that we could go at our own speed.

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H. Currie

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 !

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M. Lowenstein

Great job, great company.

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E. Trottier

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.

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S. Jesson

My son and I just signed up for the Cape Breton Tour.We did the PEI tour two years ago and had a great time. We are a little worried about the mountains on this tour but we started our training yesterday. And it is good to know that Gary and his crew are only a phone call away.

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R. Savage

I did not know anyone when arriving, but felt like a friend immediately.

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J. Merkner

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.

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G. Browes

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.

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T. Walker

Thank you ever so much for a fantastic tour. You definitely went above and beyond. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour, Quebec, and its bike friendly people... Take care. See you on the road again.

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R. & L. Weast

First Class

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J. Schripsema

I consider your event the best bicycling tour experience I've ever had.

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A. Enright

Overall. I think that if you have an open mind for such a trip, that only good things can really be said. There is nothing negative that stands out in my mind of any consequence - I am very appreciative of the great time I had and hope to repeat in the future!

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D. Mcparlan

The riding distances were very good, with ample time to stop for the major interest points. The description of how to prepare for the next day was good. The tour organization was excellent. The truck was always open when we needed it. The list of places to stop was good. The hints about what to explore were very good suggestions.

The campfires were good. Socialization was excellent. We meet a lot of very nice people. All in all it was a fantastic tour. The size of the group was very nice.

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C. Campbell

Thanks for a great tour.

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J. Young

The laid back attitude of the ACC crew and operation made it feel like I was heading out with a group of friends who were genuinely interested in showing us the best Nova Scotia had to offer. Every destination and attraction along the way went above and beyond my expectations. I only wish there was more time to spend at some of these places - perhaps more two day stops like the one in Lunenburg. The beach front campground on the last night was breathtaking. I also really liked the interactions with the other riders and getting to know them throughout the trip.

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N. Fischer

Thank you so much for making our trip so great!

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G. & R. Schreyer

Had a blast. Good luck and see you again!

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L. & A. Brison

It is a very nice Island you have and thanks for sharing it.

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I. Hoffman

Everything seemed very organized - I was quite pleased.

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C. Green

-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.

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A. Emo

This was my first time in Newfoundland. I always wanted to go but was put off in the past with the thought of a lot of rain. I was pleasantly surprised. We had great weather for the most part and were blessed with a lot of sunshine and warm weather at the beginning of the Tour. I just fell in love with Newfoundland. I loved the scenery and the people were very friendly, the roads were clean and the air was fresh. Hiking was great in Gros Morne park even though we could not hike to the top because of the nesting season (not open until July 1st). Saw lots of moose and some caribou and of course whales

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D & B Gartner

We just love your tours! We love being able to eat our own food when we want to. You have a good process down!

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A. Emo

I highly recommend this trip. The camping facilities were great (I did stay in a B&B at Crows Head). Labrador was magnificent. I liked the idea of being able to hike, cycle and perhaps sea kayak all in one day. I would recommend bringing along some water proofed booties for cycling as we did have rain one evening. Also I recommend taking along warm clothes as it can get quite cool especially as you travel farther north. A good tent is essential too in case you get rain.

I met a great bunch of people on the Tour. Gary and his staff did a terrific job. It is a trip I could easily repeat and I highly recommend it as a place you must see.

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R. Smith

I rode the whole distance on a wild moose chase.

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D. Cohen

What you are doing is priceless and I’d do it again.

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D. Yetter

22 years ago my wife bought me a bike, I got hooked then I looked for a goal, found your website, and the Cabot trail run. Yes I made it , hard but rewarding, and I came back for a total of five Cabot trail runs with you. Now age and illness has slowed me but I have a lot good memories of yours tours

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C. Neill

There is a personal touch that I appreciate. I like to do business with small organizations made up of real people, not big business. I like the laid back and supportive atmosphere of the tour, especially in the evenings and mornings. I appreciated the help, which made the tour possible for me.

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A. Darke

All in all a tremendous cycling experience and an impressive feat of organization by Gary Conrod and his helpful staff at Atlantic Canada Cycling.

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K. Bowman

First class function. After lots more experiences elsewhere Ive come back to appreciate it even more by contrast to the other events.

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H. Taylor

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!

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J. Schrisema

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.

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L. Grenon

Thank you for your endless passion for bike and people. I call you "marchand de bonheur". I had a great time again and feel happy and refreshed.

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K. Crossman

You should be proud of this event. Its well organized, in beautiful country, with nice people. It’s also a lot of fun.

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F. Iannotti

You’ll have the time of your life!

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I. Madrus

I could not decide between PEI and Cape Breton so decided to do both. I knew PEI would also help me train for Cape Breton as I did not have much time to prepare beforehand.. Thank you for the trip(s) of a lifetime.

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T. Kaye

I had a great time. Loved it.. ..felt like I really got to see an in-depth view of nova Scotia that many visitors didn't

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B. Jones

Very personal, very well done, good group spirit.

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I. Madrus

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.

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J-P McIntyre

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.

bicycle tour comments

Participant Notes Tour by Tour

Comments Newfoundland Bicycle Tour

Comments Cape Breton Island Bicycle Tour

Comments Nova Scotia Eastern Shore Bicycle Tour

Comments Nova Scotia Bicycle Tour

Comments Nova Scotia Eastern Shore Bicycle Tour

Comments Prince Edward Island Bicycle Tour

Comments Bay of Fundy Tour

Comments Acadian Coast Bicycle Tour

Comments Saint John River Bicycle Tour

Comments Gaspe Bicycle Tour

Comments Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean Bicycle Tour

Comments Chaudiere-Appalaches Bicycle Tour

Comments Monteregie Bicycle Tour

Comments Cabot Trail Bicycle Tour

Comments Atlantic Canada Bicycle Rally

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