Participant Notes – Newfoundland Bicycle Tour

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Comments – Newfoundland Bicycle Tour

L. Ruetsche

I'd definitely ride with ACC again --- maybe even in Newfoundland, since I didn't get to see the Tablelands either time I pedalled past. I thought that it was brilliantly organized and run, but it took me a few days to learn to trust the system.  But once I realized that I'd always have the information I needed by the time I needed it, I relaxed and enjoyed it.

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

N. Rodger

Thanks for a great tour and the road-side repair

G. Hitchcock

Thank you for leading an excellent cycling trip. It certainly met all my expectations. Hope to see you on another trip.

P. McCullough

My time on your biking expedition in Newfoundland was a life changing experience. I still remain friends with people I met on that trip. You have given so many a huge gift by organizing and helping all of us enjoy such incredible experience.

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

D. Carey

We indeed found that Gary and his crew made the entire trip a real treat with the services readily available to help out. We met others who had also been on more than one of ACC Eastern Canada tours, so that also speaks well of how smoothly things are organized. The only real variable is the weather, which NOBODY can predict or change.

M. Scott

I had expectations and it worked out wonderfully. I got to ride without having to be with any other riders. I was able to just enjoy it all without worry.

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.

B. Shourounis

Good variety with mix of long rides, short rides and off days. Got good value for the cost of the tour.

P. Shannon

Thanks to you and your crew for a great tour, hope to get back up for next year.

S. D’Angelo-Vibert

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

D. Mcparlan

Like the independence of the structure, not herding together of the whole group. Like the variety of eating, sleeping, and activities available. The organizing of the food in the crates with shopping along the way was superb. The cooking arrangements worked very well. There was plenty of hot water, dishes, soap, propane. All that was very good.

B. Devlin

Im still glowing and telling great stories about the Newfoundland trip ... especially the wonderous head wind and rain on that fateful day past the airport! Our photos are great as well.
(We) had a great time - thanks for making it possible!

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.

D. Cohen

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

R. Smith

Well supported, well organized, well executed. Keep up the good work.

S. Weaver

We asked one rider who’d taken all of Gary’s maritime tours, which one she’d enjoyed most. Without hesitation she said, “Newfoundland — for the scenery and the people!”

G. Whitlock

Thank you for leading a terrific cycling tour. It certainly has met all my expectations. Hope to see you on another trip

D. Carey

Ann and I really enjoyed the experience sharing this trip with the group.....a lifetime of memories for sure!

S. D’Angelo-Vibert

Gary Conrod runs a fantastic tour. He knows his stuff. This is my 4th one with ACC. You'd love it!! hope to see you again one day soon!

K. Kowler

Thanks for my second unforgettably great tour with ACC, I'm already looking forward to the next one! Take care of yourselves at

    least

as well as you took care of us! Thanks!

J. Grout

We love your website (and) your grass roots approach and the fact that we can prepare our own meals at the campsite. Also that there may be an option for bed and breakfasts.

T. Nicastri

We have traveled a lot but liked very few places as much as your Newfoundland tour. All the many people who we sent our virtual slide show to commented on the natural beauty of NF.

D. Litvin

Was very friendly and organized. Felt safe and looked after and free to explore scenic NFLD at my own pace. I will definitely tour with ACC again.

L. Marlow

Many thanks for the adventure, laughter and fun. Hope to see you next summer.

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.

V. Bernhards

Beautiful scenery, well planned routes, nice camping areas, good showers, competent staff, usable information for each days' activities. It is always nice when the people on the tour all get along and interact well together.

M. Smith

I loved the Newfoundland trip last year, and would like to return this year but can't decide between PEI West, Nova Scotia East or Cape Breton. Hoping to get on one of your amazing adventures again this summer.

F. Klesh

You have provided us with another Bike tour to remember....The Newfoundland tour is a do again trip.... [We] loved every moment Thank you for all you do to make this such a wonderful experience.... See you next year.

G. Browes

A really pleasant tour. All expectations were met. As a result a greater understanding and appreciation of fellow Canadian citizens of an area different from my home. 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.

A. Varner

As usual it was great. Amazing scenery, cycling, and group spirit. Thank you for a wonderful tour.

J. Antonietti

Thanks for the most amazing trip.
We have travelled with various bike touring companies,you are one of the well organized,super service,and happy crews of all. Till next trip.

P. McCullough

You run a great adventure tour, and I thank you again. See you next summer.

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.

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.

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.

LD Tomlinson

I sure enjoyed the Newfoundland ride and all the wonderful people I was privileged to ride and adventure with. I have had many great conversations and stories to share with my friends and family.
I hope your season of tours has been a good one for you. Would love to do another adventure with ACC.

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!

V. Bernhards

The Newfoundland Tour is one of your best. It met all of the above expectations plus more. Gary, Ed, and Mike did an outstanding job running the tour and the people on this tour were all wonderful to get to know.

S. Clinton

The first two days were long and uphill, and after that it was mild riding, even the 80 mile day in the rain. We chose to do a combination of camping and B&Bs, which seemed to be a nice way to go, although there were many who camped each night. Getting food became easier as the trip went on, and cooperative cooking of meals increased as the trip developed. All of this adding richly to the experience. We had a great time and would certainly go an another Atlantic Canada Cycling Ride again.

P. Elliott

Newfoundland was even more beautiful and rugged than I had imagined. Every day included a new discovery and new adventure. The crew was wonderful. They were always ready to help and made me feel safe and comfortable. Great job!

F. Iannotti

More spectacular than almost anything I saw on my Trans-America Trail ride across America back in 1978. I mean, they have FIORDS up there! You’ll see caribou and seals and waterfowl and maybe even whales. You may even see the polar bear we missed. You almost surely will see icebergs.

Remember, it may be July here in the States, but up there the weather is incredibly changeable. I mean, it can be 70 degrees and sunny and then 15 minutes later its 50 and rainy and then 15 minutes later and its 70 and sunny again.

L. Tucker

Another adventure. Thanks - great job.

P. Fralic

A chance to see a part of the country I hadn't seen before; having superb support from you and meeting up with great people who all share a common goal.

F. Iannotti

You’ll have the time of your life!

G. Helmkamp

Caroline and I want to extend to you our greatest appreciation for opening our minds and bodies to the experience of Newfoundland and Labrador. Your leadership was absolutely superb, and your attention to all riders needs and queries was outstanding. The route and accommodations could not have been better.

A. Smith

Magnificent scenery, great cycling and hiking. These will be the wonderful memories I will have from this trip. Thank you for a great tour.

S. D’Angelo-Vibert

Down-to-earth, nice,funny, sense of humour, knowledgeable, kind, organized, caring attitides.

F. Sparks

This Newfoundland trip was really fabulous. That is all people talked about on the way back. I look forward to more trips with you, try to bring some of my biking compatriots with me, too.

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 ;-).

G. Helmkamp

Perfect, with lots of time to get off the bike, relax, shop for food, etc.

L. Grenon

I have not forgotten the wonderful Newfoundland Tour - unforgettable!

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.

S. D’Angelo-Vibert

Beyond beyond beyond my expectation! Super amazingly fun!

L. Gunn

You provide support at a distance. You allow riders freedom to ride and do whatever they want when they want. I very much enjoyed the whole experience, very happy that you love to do this.

R. Smith

I rode the whole distance on a wild moose chase.

R. Provost

Gary of Atlantic Canada Cycling, was terrific and helped us even though we weren't with his group. Saved us from missing ferry and being stuck for an extra week in Newfoundland.

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!

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.

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.

J. Antonietti

Best tour booklet ever,​ ​thanks. I mean that sincerely,​ ​after having cycle to​ured with various companies. Cant wait to start this trip.

C. McMille

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

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

F. Iannotti

This is the best tour I have ever done!

L. Gunn

Dates fit with my schedule, and the cost was reasonable. Support from organizers, clear communication from organizers, safe routes, all three were met, it went very well and the rides were spectacular.

C. Creede

I appreciated everyone's efforts and how hard you all worked to make this a strong, supportive and fun event. Everyone did a great job, and I appreciated knowing you were all there. Overall, it was a challenging and immersive experience but a very rewarding one, and I am really grateful I got a chance to do it.

L. Poplak

The northern peninsula of Newfoundland contains some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes I’ve ever beheld. It’s also full of moose, which are a thrill to observe. The food is fantastic (provided you ask the chef to broil or bake your fish, rather than fry it), and the cultural landscape is sparse, but interesting.

I would highly recommend this trip, and, I’m already thinking about where to go next, I’d do it again!

S. Brennan

It was an awe-inspiring trip in many ways. First, the place is just stunning — it’s pretty in that “this is almost too lovely and quaint and inviting to be true” kind of way: But it’s also stunning in a primal, earth-at-its-essence kind of way. More than all of that, I remain awed that we actually rode what we rode.

A & G. van Heerden

Well organized but allows a lot of individual freedom. Met our expectations re distances / camping / organisation and cost. We would definitely like to do many tours with ACC again.

F. Iannotti

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

T. Morfas

Sadly, it is time to say goodbye to Newfoundland and its severe, rugged and unromantic beauty. Feel very fortunate to have shared this unforgettable adventure with the most amazing group of people.

D. Cohen

I enjoyed the previous tour I did with you and have the same positive feeling after completing this one. I will strongly recommend it to my friends and colleagues.

W. Lake

Loved cycling there. One of the best ACC trips.

M. Scott

Had a great time. Another thing off the bucket list. Loved it. Thanks so much

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.

G. Helmkamp

Caroline and I want to extend to you our greatest appreciation for opening our minds and bodies to the experience of Newfoundland and Labrador. Your leadership was absolutely superb, and your attention to all riders needs and queries was outstanding. The route and accommodations could not have been better.

C. Berger

I'm incredibly impressed with the website and information you provided packing list baggage info shuttles and suggestions for places to stay. So HELPFUL, needing something to look forward to and this is just the ticket--glad you kept me on your email list!

R. & F. Boukall

We participated in the PEI tour five years ago. Had such a good time that we talked [friends] into joining us this time. We appreciated all the extras that were a part of this trip.

G. Helmkamp

Excellent pre-trip information and response to specific questions. Incredible value.

More About the Newfoundland Bicycle Tour  

Tour Page Newfoundland Bicycle Tour Page
Route Outline Newfoundland Bicycle Tour Route Outline
Photos Newfoundland Bicycle Tour Photo Album
Awards Hike Bike Travel – 5 Great Bike Rides
Pedal Magazine – Favourite Rides
Globe and Mail – Top 10 Canadian Cycle Trips
Experiences Cate Creede – Newfoundland Bicycle Tour
Paul Nemy – Ridin the Rock
Sam Brennan – Other People Carry the Stuff
Sam Brennan – Cycling into Retirement Years
Media Adventure Cycling – Biking the Viking Trail
CBC Television – Newfoundland Bicycle Tour
Adventure Cycling – Event Rides
Tourism Links Newfoundland and Labrador
Viking Trail

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