When we first read the description of this program, we could not understand how bicycling 17 – 25 miles per day could be “moderately strenuous”. At the group meeting at the end of the program, we all agreed that both the mileage and the moderately strenuous rating were correct. The fifteen participants’ biking experience ranged from casual around town riding to riding 150 miles in a day. The routes were over scenic, lightly travelled roads, that allowed fun filled descents followed by long climbs. The guides did a great job of making sure we never got lost. There was a staff member waiting at every corner showing everyone where to turn. This was a fun and energetic week of cycling.

Unfortunately there were some problems with the way the trip was run. Every day the bikes were transported on a trailer, and the staff did not have a good way of securing the bikes on the trailer. One day, one of the loaner bikes came off the trailer and was damaged. Both of our personal bikes were damaged. The paint was badly scratched on my wife’s bike, and the brake levers were broken on my bike. This was the first time Clemson ran this trip, so I am sure they will improve the way they secure the bikes on successive trips. The food was also of poor quality. For the first evening meal we had a thin processed chicken patty, instant mashed potatoes, and canned green beans. The meals did not improve on following nights. At least they had a decent salad bar available to supplement the canned vegetables. To be honest, I have little hope they will improve the food. They are used to serving children at this facility, and I don’t think they have the capability of preparing fresh food.