In this issue:
"Leisure Cycles" - About Us"
"Tour News" - Herald Cycle Tour "Competition" - The winner is ...?
"Tour Talk" - Eden Valley Meander
"Top Tours" - Spring Tours
"The Bike Bag" - Touring Tips
"Join the Club"

CYCLE TOURING NEWSLETTER
 
Hello to all cycle tourists and cycling enthusiasts out there!
 
Welcome to the wonderful world of cycle touring!  We’d like to take this opportunity to invite you to join us on an unforgettable cycling experience on one of our many cycling tours through the beautiful scenery of South Africa.  Follow this link to our website www.leisurecycletours.com to see what wonderful cycling treasures we have waiting for you ….   
 
“About Us"
                                                                                  
 
Leisure Cycle Tours and Adventures is run by a group of experienced cyclists who want to share with you the pure pleasure and sense of enjoyment one experiences while cycling through the breathtaking scenery of our beautiful country.

We organise cycling based holidays with the emphasis on “Leisure”.  Our tours are designed for both the experienced cyclist as well as those keen on experiencing the pleasure of cycling for the first time.
Cycle touring is the best way to experience and appreciate the natural beauty of our environment, something which is often bypassed while travelling in a car.  Leisurely pedalling down a beautiful country road will enliven your senses, refresh your mind and let you absorb the beautiful sights and sounds of life around you. 
With our wide range of tours we cater for all levels of riding. All of our tours are graded on their level of difficulty to ensure you have a comfortable ride
and an enjoyable experience.  Read more...

 
“Touring News”     Herald  VW Cycle Tour 2008
  

 Looking ahead to 2008

We are proud to announce that we have been appointed as co-convenors of the 2008 Herald VW Cycle Tour. 

Entries for this event will be opening shortly.   For more information contact us at  info@leisurecycletours.com or visit the official website at  www.heraldcycletour.co.za.

“Competition”
 
 
We have drawn the winner of our first competition which was launched at the Knysna Cycle Expo and run on our website.
 
The prize is a 5 Day Garden Route Cycle Tour for two, valued at over R 7 000-00.  Read more...
 

To see if you are the lucky winner of this fantastic prize, click here....

“Tour Talk”     Feedback from our fellow cycle tourists

  

Eden Valley Meander 

 On a rainy Thursday evening, ten very excited individuals departed from Port Elizabeth into the great unknown.  Bicycles were loaded, bags were packed and the adventure began.  After a brief stop-over for take-aways in Tsitsikamma we continued on to George.   We arrived at our comfortable accommodation in Victoria Bay later that evening.  After a good night's sleep, the cycle tour began in earnest.  The scenic road took us through the undulating Saarsveld forests around George, with a pleasant picnic lunch in Wilderness.   

After lunch we continued on to the Pine Lake Marina where we  spent our second  night.  The following morning we headed out along the N2 highway through Knysna, heading to the Keurbooms river mouth.  After a hearty good ol' South African braai - we headed to bed, to wake up to a school of whales in the bay.  

After a good breakfast we were off on the final stretch to Nature's Valley.  What a fantasic end to a picturesque tour.  Thanks to the tour organisers and our fellow cyclists.  The three days spent on the bicycle seat seemed to pass in  a flash.  They say time flies when you're having fun.  Leisure Cycle tours definitely made time fly.  Tracy from Port Elizabeth

“Top Tours”     What's 'hot' on the Road
 
 
Enjoy magnificent coastal scenery as we cycle a meandering route along our beautiful South Coast.  From Cape Agulhas, the southern most tip of Africa,  we leisurely pedal through seafaring history to the seaside town of Mossel Bay.
Riding along the quiet, undulating back roads overlooking beautiful bays, we weave our way through enchanting little towns steeped in history, stopping over in quaint sea-side villages. 

This tour is an opportunity to savour the peaceful tranquillity of an ancient seafaring lifestyle which is still in evidence in these small coastal villages. Enjoy a trip back in time as we explore the rich history of this region.  Read more...

Also look out for these other great Road Tours taking place during October:

South Coast
7 Days / 6 Nights
01 October 2007
South Coast
14 Days / 13 Nights
08 October 2007
Garden Route
3 Days / 2 Nights
26 October 2007

“Top Tours”     What’s 'hot' Off-Road
  
 
Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the beautiful Garden Route as we cycle a meandering route from the historical seaside town of Mossel Bay to the holiday destination of Plettenberg Bay.
 
We cycle along the banks of tranquil inland lakes, over ancient passes and through beautiful forested mountains, stopping over in enchanting little towns offering friendly accommodation and sumptuous meals. 

After each enjoyable day’s ride we can take a leisurely stroll along a beautiful beach, paddle a canoe up a scenic river or just sit back, relax and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the Garden Route.  Read More...

 Also look out for these other great Off-Road Tours taking place during October:

Eastern Cape
3 Days / 2 Nights
01 October 2007
Garden Route
4 Days / 3 Nights
04 October 2007
Drakensberg
9 Days / 9 Nights
22 October 2007

“Top Tours”     What’s ‘Hot’ and Adventurous

 

3 Day Luxury Lodge-to-Lodge Safari

Experience a true African Adventure as you cycle among wild animals through picturesque private game reserves.  Enjoy evening sundowners on scenic game drives, followed by superb cuisine prepared under the African skies.

Relax in luxury 5 star accommodation before venturing out on an early morning boat cruise, canoe trail and hike. Savour tasty picnic lunches while viewing wild animals, then leisurely cycle along beautiful game trails to the next lodge. 

 Then spend the evening in front of a roaring campfire where you can share your tales of all the wonderful experiences you had over the previous few days, before retiring to your luxury bedroom.  Read more... 

 Also look out for these other great Adventure Cycling Tours taking place during October: 

Eastern Cape
5 Days / 5 Nights
09 October 2007
Eastern Cape
4 Days / 4 Nights
17 October 2007
Eastern Cape
5 Days / 5 Nights
21 October 2007

“The Bike Bag”
 
Turn the “owsome” into “awesome
How to beat the “back-on-the-bike” blues!!! Think X, Y, Z.
 
X is for eXamine:
 
Know and check your bike settings regularly. Seats, seat posts, bars and brake hoods can all move with repeated use. If you know where they should be you’ll never be guessing where your ‘sweet spot’ of comfort lies.
 
Y is for You:
 
Over time your muscles, joint flexibility or style of riding may change. Don’t stick with the same position if your body or goals are different - the bike, like your training and aspirations, must adjust to suit your present (not past) needs!
 
Z is for ZZZ:
 
Sleep is when your brain and body get time to recharge, re-boot and recover. You can often spot comfort issues or overexertion from the way that you feel when you first get out of bed. If muscles don’t appear to like your set-up it may be time to tweak your bike settings!
 
Send us your useful cycling tips – info@leisurecycletours.com. Subject: “The Bike Bag”.
 
 
“Cycle Touring Club”
 
Welcome to our Cycle Touring Club where you will receive regular updates on tours, competitions, special offers and general cycle touring news. Membership is free and all members receive automatic entry into all competitions and regular special discount offers on tours locally and abroad.
 
To subscribe to our Cycle Touring Club simply send an email with "Subscribe" in the subject line to this link info@leisurecycletours.com and include your name and email address.  We'll gladly add you to our database and send you a confirmation email. 
FOOT