Go west

Not all trips are alike, and, in general, you get what you pay for. Give some thought to what fits your mood and your personality. If you feel like you can't find what you want, don't be afraid to ask for something customized. Most tour operators are happy to put together a trip that will suit your needs. Also, don't be afraid to ask for references. Any company loves to put its best foot forward, and speaking with happy former clients is a great way for you to hear good but realistic reports of how trips go and whether they are right for you.

Guide/Coordinator Services

Guides can make or break a trip, but so can your willingness to trust them. Most cycling guides have varying degrees of mechanical/technical, linguistic, and social competence, as well as experience getting people through an itinerary, familiarity with a location, and a solid grasp of how to keep a group happy. However, not everyone can be everything, and everyone needs to start from somewhere. Trust a guide's instinct; it's the reason why he or she has chosen guiding as a career or hobby.

That said, here are some helpful things to know about the trip support: the number of guides per group and the degree to which the guides are experienced; whether or not they (are able and willing to) lead bicycle safety and road etiquette discussions . . . and follow their own example; and the amount of time they spend on bike maintenance (and bike maintenance clinics) before and during the trip.