The Experience: Reviews - Challenge Tour
A full 10% of our riders will be repeat riders and 70% come from direct referrals.
Here is what some of our guests have had to say in the last year.
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"I could not have been happier with the work of Bike Switzerland on this tour - In fact Bike Switzerland has been one of the best tour companies that we have ever partnered with. Everything was top notch, seamless and well run in terms of promotional materials, planning, advertising and finally implementing a successful tour for Cascade Bicycle Club. Because of this we look forward to working again in the very near future. "
Peter Verbrugge , Event Producer
Cascade Bicycle Club, Seattle Washington
Cascade events:
Challenge Tour 2007, Lite Tour 2010 |
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" I trained hard before the tour, and although I used to compete at an international level, I had no idea if the ride would work out for me, especially since at 72, I was older than the others and had not tested myself in the mountains for some time. So, I felt incredibly blessed and thankful for what I was able to do: to fulfill my dream of watching the cows graze in lush, green meadows, look up at the high mountain peaks and arrive not winded but able to celebrate the beauty of it all. ."
Maike Hall |
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" I am very pleased to have been part of this “Challenge Group”. We experienced marvelous roads with fun climbs and descents, spectacular scenery, a variety of towns, food, drink and people ! And it all came off seamlessly ! I do hope to return next summer with some friends and will wear my Bike Switzerland jersey with enthusiasm. ."
Sylvia and Jim Noteware |
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" I could go on and on about the fabulous hotels with exquisite views, the delicious food at the restaurants and David’s super lunches, but I will simply sum up the trip by saying it was one of the best vactions I have ever had."
Diane and Billy Morgan |
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" This was the first guided tour that I have ever taken. During the first days, I looked at Mark and said “ It's so wonderful not having to worry about the details ! Letting go of that aspect of vacation was easy after the first day…it was clear that we were in good hands ! Both John and David catered to the whims of each rider…amazing. "
Jennifer Seydel |
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"By far the most ideal way to see Switzerland: great cycling, fantastic scenery, excellent accommodation, local hospitality and great food. Overall, I was very satisfied with all aspects of the trip. "
Paul Albrecht
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"Great experience and a fantastic way to see the beauty of Switzerland. The Challenge Route lives up to its name, but it's manageable and I would recommend it to anyone who feels up to it. "
Tom Akin |
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"I would highly recommend Bike Switzerland to anyone looking for a challenging, but achievable bike/adventure vacation. I cannot imagine a better ride or company to travel with. Merci mille fois John and David !!"
Loren Mitchell and JB Wright Keene,
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"The trip was thoroughly enjoyable ! From our tripmates to food to vistas to challenges…loved it. Being able to literally ride through people's backyards was great ! The Challenge Route is a dream ! "
Loren Humphrey |
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"It does what is says on the can ! A very well organized bike trip through wonderful countryside with relatively little exposure to traffic. The Challenge Tour was a challenge, but do-able terrain and distance for most. Good accommodation and food. Good bicycles and equipment. Helpful and knowledgeable guides. It would be difficult to envisage a better all-around trip. "
Patrick Gavin
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"I wanted a different type of vacation…an adventure of sorts, but with a soft bed and good food along the way. So, at age 53, I cycled the whole thing from end to end and loved every single minute!" Having the company director on the tour and leading the ride was also a major bonus.
Steve Spence |
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"It was a wonderful way of savoring the day-to-day workings of the country. We weren't just tourists stopping at highlights on the map. We saw must-see places, but the ride through small towns, fields, woods, farms, seeing children play, adults at work, the daily life was the most enjoyable aspect. I will hold this week high on my list of life accomplishments and adventures."
Lisa Emig
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" It has been a month since the trip ended and I think about it every day. I have talked to every cyclist I know about what a fantastic experience it was. My first ride back in the states was quite a shock after being spoiled by the bicycle friendly Swiss. The accomodations, the food, the staff, the route, and the scenery were better than I expected. I can't wait for a return trip. "
Challenge Tour 2006
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"I always take the opportunity to tell folks what a great trip we had this past summer. I'm writing to say that I'm coming again this year with two friends !"
Mark Keener
Challenge Tour 2005, 2006
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"I have enjoyed 24 bike tours in Europe over the past 16 years, and BikeSwitzerland is just about the most thoughtfully-planned, best-run (and certainly serves up the most elegant meals!) I've experienced ."
Shannon Davenport
Plantation, Florida
Challenge Tour 2006
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"We wanted to bike hard and see Switzerland to get a sense of the place and people. The trip exceed all my expectations: beautiful riding, beautiful hotels, fine meals and spectacular scenery. "
Paul and Marianne Diczok
New York City , New York
Challenge Tour 2006
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"I had an incredible time. The rides were fun and the guides were excellent. David was excellent as well. This was a wonderful experience; well thought-out and planned. "
Shawn Andrzejczyk
Plainfield , Conneticut
Challenge Tour 2006
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"The ride, hotels, food and Bike Switzerland staff were superb. The ride required a fair degree of stamina, so I'm glad that I trained reasonably well. I have other avenues to explore, but will not hesitate to return for another ride. I have friends who really need to experience the opportunity and I will, without a doubt, tell them about the ride, the accommodations, the food, etc. "
Jerry and Janet Lauby
Fond du Lac , Wisconsin
Challenge Tour 2006
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"You have put together the quintessential bike tour. The variety of places and food allow people to really taste the Swiss culture. I loved this bike tour and feel like I learned more than I ever expect I would about Switzerland . I wish, however, that I had been more prepared for the hills. "
Pat ricia Larsen
Lansing , Michigan
Challenge Tour 2006
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"Riding through Switzerland is a wonderful way to remove yourself from the stress of your job. I hope that the memories will stay with us when life gets tough. It's the toughest , yet most rewarding bike trip I have ever been on. "
Carolyn and Dan Robinson
Lakeville , Minnesota
Challenge Tour 2006
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"The tour was very well organized ! I was impressed by the level of detail/effort put into the arrangement. The overall quality was top-class. I heard the phrase “first class” used by a lot of riders. "
Anant Singh
Dharamsala, India
Challenge Tour 2006
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"This was a “once in a lifetime” trip for us. Thank you for making it an extraordinary time. Your hospitality, along with that of David, Daryl and Frog made it a warm and unforgettable experience. By far the nicest 10 days of vacation that we have ever experience. Five stars in my book."
Edie and Harvey Kalweit
Burnsville , Minnesota
Challenge Tour 2006
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"I feel like I have had a great introduction to Switzerland , Swiss culture and life in Switzerland . David (your Swiss driver) was one of the best parts of the trip ! "
Christian Burger
Wheaton , Illinois
Challenge Tour 2006
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"The riding was challenging and you definitely had a sense of accomplishment after completing the ride across Switzerland . After doing this ride I feel like I can face any challenges in my life."
Deirdre Nachamie
Lincolnton , North Carolina
Challenge Tour 2006
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"What was especially appreciated were the “safety valve” options of taking a train in the case of inclement weather or physical wear and tear. ."
Mark and Sandy Hudson
Shelby , North Carolina
Challenge Tour 2006
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"Switzerland is quite a place- clean and beautiful with pleasant people throughout. Hotels and food were 1 st rate and of a standard higher than I expected. John went out of his way to meet the needs of everyone and David was fun, dependable and accommodating in our food requests."
Bill and Diane Helsel
Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania
Challenge Tour 2006
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"This was a great experience. Joani and I travel a lot and this will rank as one of our best travel experiences ever. We wish you success in the future and will recommend you to many back home."
Clay and Joanie Rich ardson
Morganton , North Carolina
Challenge Tour 2006
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"Thanks again for a great trip! The tour was an excellent mix of riding, relaxing, sightseeing, and learning about Swiss culture. When 7 days of riding and 12 days away from home feels like an entire month of vacation, I call that a successful trip! As a somewhat selective eater who also requires quantity, I am pleased to report that I never went hungry, which is always one of my main concerns on a bike trip. By the way, the cell phones were a great tool that enabled me to be independent."
Thanks!
Joyce Chang
Healdsberg, California
Challenge Tour 2004
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"As for the ride, it was stunningly beautiful…much more than we had expected…and the temperatures were perfect, so late August was a good time to go. We’d done a self-guided trip in France and were given maps to guide us to our next hotel. There were no guides, no lunch, and the bikes were pretty bad. In contrast, the services you provided along with the cultural insights were incredible and the bikes were great! This is a huge consideration when choosing a touring company as I hate taking my bike with me. When you promote your ride for next year, you need to really communicate the quality of the accommodations and the quality (and quantity!) of the food. Excellent job!
The Bike Switzerland “Tour du Lac” was an incredible experience for the senses: Incredible varied terrain, excellent regional food and wine, wonderful accommodations and people…oh, and great exercise! On top of all that, the service was incredible and the bikes worked really well. I had a great time."
Lisa Stone
Oakland, California
Challenge Tour 2004
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