the next chapter
50 years of cycling trips: Cycleventures Bicycle Tours.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Cycleventures Bicycle Tours, the small company that inspired the creation of Big Mountain Bike Adventures. Cycleventures was started by Mike & Linda Winter, the parents of Big Mountain founder Chris Winter. Their first trip was to England & Wales in 1972 with a group of high school students and cost around $450. This year Cycleventures is closing the doors for good.
Read on and enjoy some vintage images and a look back at five decades of running cycling trips.
…not all is gone forever though, Chris and Big Mountain Bike Adventures will be operating select road cycling trips in the coming years. Watch this space for news on this front!
the mid-70's.
Big Mountain founder Chris Winter (middle front striped red/white shirt), his brothers, parents and a group of high school student about to head off to the Canadian Maritimes on a month-long cycling trip.
Small business marketing in 1977 was a hand-drawn pamphlet, in-person presentations and word of mouth. Simpler times. Check out the length of the trips…a solid month!
White socks, Jofa hockey helmet & short shorts. √. Cut-off jeans. √. Toe-clips, heavy steel bikes & appalling gearing. √.
The 80's
arrived and the company began focusing exclusively on cycling trips to Europe with adults. How were trips planned back then? Guide books and maps ordered from a book shop, a pad of paper and a pencil and communication to hotels was via telex or fax machine, or a good ‘ol land line phone call.
No cell phone, no internet, no websites, no Google maps, no Garmin, no e-bike, no Siri, no…nothing!
slide show
Enjoy this slide show from trips over the past decades. Cheers!
READY TO BOOK YOUR road BIKE TRIP?
Discover the thrill of the open road with our expertly curated road cycling tours. Say goodbye to solo planning and hello to breathtaking routes, luxury accommodations, and unforgettable experiences. Whether it's conquering famous climbs or exploring scenic vistas, Big Mountain Adventures promises a journey that elevates your cycling passion to new heights
