World Riders

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The biggest operators, such as Butterfield and Robinson, Back Roads and VBT, offer the largest selection of exotic destinations. They also charge top dollar. But scores of smaller-niche operators provide almost identical trips and can save you some money. POMG, for example, which does tours exclusively in Vermont, offers fully catered, midpriced vacations, with guests staying at small bed-and-breakfasts. Some niche operators, like Club Toscana, in addition to their fully catered tours, offer a cheaper, self-guided tour. They supply maps, inn reservations and luggage transfer. But cyclists must make it from point A to point B on their own.

If you don't care for changing your own tires or climbing every hill no matter how your legs protest, you can still vacation on wheels at economy rates. Ted and Karin Barlow, both 69, of Torrington, Conn., spent seven days in October 2000 cycling the 350 miles from Corning, N.Y., to Cockneysville, Md., following the path of the Delaware River. Among a group of about 30 assembled by the Wayfarers, a nonprofit company, they stayed at inexpensive motels and B and Bs, ate at small-town restaurants, ranging from a Chinese buffet to a German brewery, and had van support all for about $500 a person.

Another way to do a budget tour is on an event ride. These go annually to nearly every state and several countries. The rides, like July's 500-mile ragbrai (the Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa), with more than 8,000 participants, and August's 300-mile Maine coastal tour, with only about 65 riders, take their groups over highly scenic terrain. A week on a bike, including camping and some food, could cost as little as $300.

The choices of vacations on wheels are limitless. You can travel solo with tent through the Rockies or glide along Dutch canals with a feather bed awaiting you at your five-star hotel. But however you go, even if you begin with a sore behind, you will finish with a soaring spirit.