Far and Away is one of those companies we love not only for its fantastic cycle trips through less-traveled parts of the globe, but also for its personal history – founded by Bob Thompson after leaving a 27 year career in financial services – Far and Away trips provide the kind of personal, local experiences we’re always seeking.
Join Bob and his crew this fall for a truly one-of-a-kind trip cycling through Corsica. In the language of cyclists, Corsica rides ‘big.’ This means that this little island, spectacular for its combination of mountains and Mediterranean, 1000km of coastline and 200 beaches, also serves up plenty of challenging rides for cyclists.
In Bob’s words: “It is one of the few places anywhere in the world where you can ride where there is virtually no development on spectacular coastal roads with little traffic.” Add to this the significant bonuses of great French food, the local Pietra beer which has a hint of ‘chestnut flavor’ and that delicious, popular local dish found on nearly every menu - "sanglier" - wild boar, and you’ve all the ingredients for a wonderful vacation.
Take your pick this fall and join one of Bob’s easier rides or go ‘big’ and join the team riding the route they call The Beast. While the regular ride in Corsica is about 350 miles and 21,700 feet of climbing, The Beast is a “one-time version” which adds another 75 to 100 miles and another 10,000 feet of climbing.
Trip Cost: $1595, 8 nights
Contact: travel@farandawaycycling.com or 571-275-2814. www.farandawaycycling.com
Perhaps best known for the glittering snow and ice covering 81% of its landmass,
Greenland is the latest playground for a few of our adventuring friends. We’ve got them to thank for tipping us to
Nordic Adventure, an environmentally conscientious company eager to introduce you to Greenland’s beautiful, exotic, landscape and local people.
First time visitors should try visiting in February, March or April to tour Ilulissat and Kangerlussuaq. Experience for yourself searing blue arctic skies and sunshine, a landscape blanketed in sparkling snow, the chance for sled-dog touring, or an eerily calm cruise through icebergs.
In Ilulissat – 250km north of the Arctic Circle and beautifully situated at the mouth of a 40km ice fjord – the icebergs will astound you. They’re produced by the Northern Hemisphere’s most productive glacier and reach to depths of 250-300 meters. In Kangerlussuaq, you’ll see all the classic arctic wildlife - reindeer, polar foxes, snow hares – and enjoy another experience you’re not likely to find elsewhere in your travels: the musk ox safari.
See one Off the Radar reader’s pictures from Greenland on our Clips page at http://www.travelofftheradar.com/clips-photos-archives-2007-april.html
Trip Cost: approximately $1,100 - $1,800
Contact: kontakt@nordic-adventure.dk
Telephone: +45 33 32 04 27. www.nordic-adventure.dk
