What’s better than a vacation? How about a vacation to an epic destination that also includes your bike? Guided cycling tours are nothing new, but the newly formed RAID Cycling gives us reason to believe it already may be one of the best. That’s because one of the founders is industry veteran Brad Sauber. With an incredible 30-plus years of cycling travel industry experience, Brad’s resume includes being a co-founder of inGamba, operations manager of Bicycle Adventures from 2003 to 2011, and Brad was the first travel executive hired by Rapha London in 2012. From there he helped to create and launch Rapha Travel, which was one of the premier examples of catered cycling tours until it apparently disappeared at the end of 2018.
That brings us to RAID Cycling. Co-founded with his wife, Dawn Lyon, RAID is launching with the intention of providing the pinnacle of cycling travel – not only with incredible rides and locations, but with food, culture, and service as well.
The 2019-2020 calendar has been released, and it includes nine signature trips that range from 5-11 days, and are aimed at intermediate to advanced riders with up to 900 miles in total riding and more than 60,000 feet of climbing. Each trip has a premium price tag, but that includes all accommodation, transportation during the tour (you’re on your own to get yourself there first), riding support, meals and non-alcoholic beverages. You’ll also be treated like a pro with the RAID Recovery Lounge complete with leg recovery systems, compressed air massages, and plenty of food and drink at the end of each ride. RAID’s pro race mechanics will even build your bike, give it a once over, and then pack it up for you at the end of the trip. Don’t want to lug your own bike across the world? They’ll help you find a rental if so.
Above all, Brad seems to stress the fact that this is about the overall experience just as much as the ride. Maybe more, “After more than 30 years of riding and leading groups of cyclists around the world, we have created RAID to combine the best of cycling and travel for those who consider cycling a passion and are comfortable getting out of their comfort zones. RAID experiences are more than the bikes and routes — we immerse our guests in local communities and culture through distinct lodging and restaurants along the way. We leverage our local teams and partner relationships to ensure every trip is as unique as every rider.”
Ready to step up your vacation game? Start planning now – as space is limited, and some booking windows have already closed.
Ride Options
- May 5 – 11 / UTAH [https://www.raidcycling.cc/utah/]
This perfect loop starts just outside Las Vegas sampling over five hundred miles of desert riding via red rocks, gravel roads, and both Bryce Canyon and Zion national parks. Total distance: 500 miles. Elevation gain: 36,836 ft. Level: Intermediate – Advanced
- May 12 – 18 / JAPAN: The Southern Islands [https://www.raidcycling.cc/japan/]
Come experience a Japan most people have never heard of along the world’s longest cycle paths, remote towns, soaring volcanoes and much needed hot springs. Total distance: 300 miles. Elevation gain: 25,700 ft. Level: Intermediate
- Jun 8 – 18 / PORTLAND TO SAN FRANCISCO [https://www.raidcycling.cc/portland-to-san-francisco/]
RAID’s West-coast adventure traverses wine country, redwoods and the Pacific’s roller coaster hills on the long march to San Francisco fueled by legendary local wine and beer. Total distance: 895 miles. Elevation gain: 61,200 ft. Level: Intermediate – Advanced
- Aug 4 – 8 / COLORADO: Aspen & Vail [https://www.raidcycling.cc/coloradoaspen/]
RAID’s high-altitude Rocky Mountain venture will test both legs and lungs with plenty of time to unwind to enjoy the culinary delights of Aspen and Vail. Total distance: 312 miles. Elevation gain: 21,000 ft. Level: Intermediate.
- Aug 18 – 25 / JAPAN: Tokyo to Kyoto [https://www.raidcycling.cc/japantokyo/]
RAID’s signature eight day ride through the Japanese Alps equals every bit of Europe’s famed cycling routes with guests experiencing the very best Japan has to offer. Total distance: 495 miles. Elevation gain: 44,494 ft. Level: Intermediate – Advanced.
- Sep 8 – 14 / CORSICA [https://www.raidcycling.cc/corsica/]
Corsica provides an utterly seductive destination for RAID cyclists with an unlimited choice of challenging roads on an island steeped in history and surrounded by Mediterranean waters. Total distance: 420 miles. Elevation gain: 51,500 ft. Level: Intermediate – Advanced.
- Sep 15 – 22 / NEW MEXICO [https://www.raidcycling.cc/newmexico/]
RAID has uncovered expansive deserts, forested highlands, soaring peaks, and deep gorges that present a topographical playground not typically visited by cyclists. Total distance: 557 miles. Total elevation: 45,590 ft. Level: Intermediate.
- Nov 3 – 10 / L.A. TO SAN DIEGO [https://www.raidcycling.cc/southern-california/]
The Los Angeles basin provides one of RAID’s most accessible, stunning, and challenging rides that culminates with the summit of Mt. Palomar – often compared to the great Alpe d’Huez. Total distance: 590 miles. Elevation gain: 67,000 ft. Level: Intermediate – Advanced.
- 2020 TBD / HAWAII: The Big Island [https://www.raidcycling.cc/hawaii-the-big-island/]
Join RAID in 2020 to circumnavigate the Big Island and find it’s Aloha through amazing landscapes, volcanoes and stunning beaches. Total distance: 420 miles. Elevation gain: 32,000 feet. Level: Intermediate.
