Thanksgiving provided an opportunity for some November cycling, for this Mainiac. A visit to my girlfriends parents in Vero Baech created some pleasant cycling.  Florida proved much flater than I had ever imagined but it was easy to get in vacation mode on or multi-speed cruisers.  Our rental bikes left something to be desired with gears in definite need of adjustment, I am always amazed at how many companies in the bike rental business neglect there equipment. I imagine we will be back in Florida and would love to dsicover some riding opportunities in Vero Beach

Most bicycle tour companies offer great delas to gather early season bookings. Summer Feet Cycling www.summerfeet.net offers $200.00 pp off week-long trips and $100.00 off 3 day trips booked before 12/31/2008. many other companies are also offering deals. Now is the time for the budget minded cyclist to book for 2009

I have always thought it would be fun to do a charity ride in all 50 states, I am curious what people would say are the best one day and multi day rides in their states.

Looking for a great way to expereince Maine Fall Foliage. Visit Acadia National Park and cycle the Carraige Roads. Built by John Rockefeller as a gift to the people of America. The carriage roads offer miles of car free cycling through the park. A great ride is to cycle to the top of Day Mountain for great views.

I just stumbled across the site for the Cylce Touring Club, a British organization that is devoted to cycle tourings and offers one of the most diverse line up of tours I have ever seen. Check them out at http://www.ctc.org.uk/ Offering tours in far flung places such as armenia, etheopia, and nepal the CTC is a great resource for people seeking reasonable limited support tours

One unexpected bonus from the recent market turmoil, is the rebound of the US Dollar against world currencies. The US dollar is up about 25% vs the New Zealand Dollar in the last year or so and is at it’s strongest level in about 5 years. With such a strong dollar New Zealand is again a bargin and it is a great time to visit.  Ever dream of visiting Milford Sound now is the time with Summer Feet’s Milford Wilderness Tour. Airfares are still a little steep with the average round trip runninag arund $2000.00 but Quantas is offerering major deals to Australia @$1000.00 round trip with the ability to stop in New Zealand.