Pure Adventures Suggest Winter Bicycle Vacations in Sedona (Self-Guided Tour) and Death Valley (Guided Tour)

The company that put self-guided bicycle tours first on the French map and then across Europe now offers meticulously planned, self- and custom-guided bicycle vacations this winter to Sedona and Death Valley, both US snowbird regions.

Pure Adventures’ signature blend of top-of-the-line travel planning and execution introduces Sedona Arizona Desert Winter Mountain Biking Tour from now through April 30 with departure dates organized at the convenience of guests.  Guests transfer from Scottsdale after bike fittings and orientation first to Carefree Resort & Conference Center for uncluttered views of the Continental Mountains in the Arizona desert. The second lodging is Red Agave Adventure Resort surrounded by red rock formations near Sedona. Both accommodations provide off-bike diversions for a cyclist and a non-riding companion on this 6/day-6-night adventure.

Although recommended routes aren't classified as technical, daily rides can be from one to four hours and for up to 20 miles on a wide variety of trails suited to intermediate to advanced riders, including over 200 miles of single track that have opened in the last five years north of Scottsdale. One riding icon is Black Canyon Trail, an out-and-back ride that includes mostly smooth trail with a lot of punchy climbs and some hillside overlooks. The per person double rate is from $799. Included are a route book and personal review with expert staff; six nights lodging; rental mountain bike and emergency repair kit; Giant Revel or equivalent gloves; helmet and specific pedals when requested. Read more here.

Flexible five-night/six-day departures from now through Mar. 31 will be arranged for Death Valley Guided Bicycling Discovery for groups of four or more. These guide-escorted trips are flexible, allowing for extra hikes and sightseeing on a whim. Guests lodge and dine at an eclectic mix of the choices accommodations on the route.

Death Valley National Park at 3.4 million acres is the largest park in the United States. A rogue geography includes mountains rising to 11,000 feet on either side of a valley that, at its deepest resting place, holds the honor of being the eighth lowest elevation location on the globe at 282 feet. Read more here.

An abandoned but never-finished “castle” is an excuse to travel to Stovepipe wells for spectacular views of the salt flats and sand dunes, dropping nearly 3,000 feet into Panamint Springs. From here it’s a steady 2,000-foot climb Emigrant Pass(5,328 feet) and a great ride over to Panamint Valley. Other icons to absorb are Furnace Creek and Dante’s Peak, offering the contrast of the eighth lowest place on earth immediately adjacent to 11,000-foot Telescope Peak, the highest point in Death Valley.

The per person rate double is from $2,150. This includes the best lodging available in this remote location, most meals, transportation from/to Las Vegas, guides, support vehicles and a bicycle mechanic, any transfers during the tour, support water and snacks while riding, bicycle rental, all use permits, all vehicle fuel, taxes.

Pure Adventures is focusing first on the Southwest for early winter through early spring adventures where warm temperatures are expected to entice cyclists from both the United States and abroad. 

To help celebrate the launch of its new domestic programs, those booking a US trip before Dec. 1, 2013, will receive a free Pure Adventures cycling jersey.

Pure Adventures has formed a new exclusive partnership with AOA Adventures, also based in Scottsdale,AZ, supplies custom outdoor services and logistical assistance to groups of all types from corporate to charities and other tour operations.  The operation offers the Southwest’s most diverse and extensive (over 400) bicycle rental fleet. Other equipment rentals include kayaks, camping and backpacking gear.

Pure Adventures’ self-guided tours in 2014 span Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Scotland, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland and now the United States with the introduction of 20 programs in the West.