Pedalers Pub & Grille Shares Company Secret: GAINESVILLE, Fl., October 2008 - The active travel company with the funny name, Pedalers Pub & Grille (PP&G), shares five secrets that make its cycling trips special for guests. Tom Sheehan, founder and general manager, believes that five of the lodging properties chosen from their portfolio of outstanding inns and hotels featured in PP&G itineraries represent the very "best of the best." Each, in their own distinct way, provides unusual dimensions to the company's culturally-focused, high-value cycling tours. "PP&G has done the research. We've combed each destination and discovered both the well-known and the hidden gems and have incorporated them into our tour itineraries," he says. The accommodations ranging from a former palace to an historic colonial estate are: • Metropole Hotel - Hanoi, Vietnam: Notable for its location in the old colonial part of the city and surrounded by narrow, tree-lined streets, ancient temples and numerous cafes. PP&G guests are housed in the historic wing that has delighted heads of state, foreign dignitaries, and movie stars alike for the past 100 plus years. This hotel is featured on these PP&G tours: Journey to Sapa and Vietnam Highlights Family Multisport • Marissa Resort - Chiang Dao, Thailand: A collection of traditional Thai-style houses on a mountainous 20-acre nature preserve. Each offer antique furnishings, pianos and traditional wall hangings from local artisans. There is an on-site spa with a variety of wellness services. PP&G includes this lodging on these tours: Thailand - Northern Highlights, Tale of Two Kingdoms and Ancient Kingdoms Ride • Hotel Tjumaben - Ubud, Bali, Indonesia: This resort was built around the house of Walter Spies, a German painter who was influential in bringing Balinese art to the attention of the western world. The rooms feature Balinese stylings, with balconies overlooking a lush gorge. This hotel can be found on this PP&G itinerary: Bali Paradise Ride • Gangtey Palace Hotel - Paro, Bhutan: This for-real palace formerly housed members of the Royal Family of Bhutan. Crafted from local, indigenous materials, the rooms feature thick wood planked floors, sunny windows and ornate woodworking. PP&G trips that feature this hotel include: Kingdom of Bhutan and Bhutan Family Multisport • Le Dupleix - Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, India: Originally this 18th century building was the home of the town's mayor; when it was restored for use as a hotel, the artisans used traditional building methods to keep it true to its heritage. PP&G uses this inn on its A Royal Odyssey tour. Authenticity and cultural sensitivity are central to the Pedalers philosophy. Intimate, locally run restaurants and lodgings are preferred over big international chains for the way they enrich each traveler's experience. Sheehan says, "We approach our inn to inn tours from a different point of view than our fellow tour companies. We prefer to introduce guests to the area in person, not sequester them away in western style resorts. Plus when you consider our moderate tour prices (less than $275/day in most cases), our use of these top lodgings afford travelers true value during these tight economic times." Further explaining the PP&G style, Sheehan adds, "We have thoughtfully selected our lodges, choosing those that reflect the regional lifestyle and architecture. These locally-owned inns offer a unique experience: bamboo bungalows shaded by tall palms, cabins built of teak surrounded by a lush tropical rainforest, colorful wooden colonial hotels where the stairs creak as you walk to the second floor. But we don't sacrifice the creature comforts. Our lodges are also chosen for their clean rooms, comfortable beds, hot showers and modern western amenities." Except for international air, PP&G's active cycling adventures are all-inclusive: accommodations in luxury hotels, guesthouses and resorts, most meals, professional guides, full van support, daily route directions and maps, sightseeing and cultural activities, plus airport transfers. Personal departures may be scheduled for private groups and bike clubs with the most popular seasons being spring and fall. Annually, PP&G offers multiple set departures and custom trips to 18 exotic destinations in Asia, the South Pacific and Alaska. The company has been conducting cycling tours of these regions since the 1980's and is known for creating spontaneous, up close and personal cultural encounters along its well-researched cycling routes. Asia's most seasoned bicycle tour operator, Pedalers Pub & Grille specializes in sag wagon supported road bike tours. They organize rides that are geared toward cycling enthusiasts, featuring longer daily rides designed to fill the day with adventure, while still allowing sufficient time for "off the bike" exploration at fascinating stops along the route. Accommodations are carefully chosen to provide modern western amenities, a comfortable night's rest and an immersion in the local culture and lifestyle. Meals are a celebration of local beverages and cuisine. Trips are led by either a bi-lingual international guide living in the area or a native born guide fluent in English, complimented by an English speaking support crew from that country. All levels of riders are welcome, from energetic beginners to elite cyclists. For more details you can visit them online at www.pedalerspubandgrille.com or send an Email to . For more information and/or photos on Pedalers Pub & Grille please contact: Sara Widness
Tour Links: Journey to Sapa |