Can you imagine going from never having changed a bike tire to leading a group of 60 on a bike tour to one of the country’s most popular regions? Meet Backroads Trip Leader Matt Sulkis! It’s not a challenge he shied away from!
In fact, Matt came to Backroads as a bit of a surprise. “I was not a cyclist, did not know how to change a tire and had never planned on traveling or guiding for a living,” says Matt. But he heard about Backroads’ adventure tours through a friend while he was still working for an environmental consulting firm in Vancouver. He decided to give it a go.
Fast forward three years and Matt is now leading Backroads’ annual Bikefest bike trip through Wine Country. On this sojourn, which we like to describe as deluxe camping, singles and solos bike through the rolling hills of northern California, sip wines from myriad wineries and enjoy rollicking campfires and live music every evening. It is a “fest” indeed!
Now, says Matt, “I now own a quiver of bikes and have been moving all over the world nonstop for three years. It has been quite a gift.”
“I think that seeing the world by bicycle is unique,” says Matt. “You are engaging so many of your senses, have complete control over where you go and what you see, and are being green in the process. I love that our guests choose to see the world this way.”
If we haven’t convinced you to travel with Matt yet, well, then check out his tent set-up skills in this quick, fun video below. On a Backroads deluxe camping adventure tour, our Trip Leaders set up camp for you, so all you have to do is show up, relax and lay your head on the pillow. Take a look:
Interested in our Singles Bikefest? We’ve added a second date for 2013 due to its popularity last year. Party with us in either July or September. [Read our blog on Bikefest for more information] or call us at 800-462-2848 7 a.m.-5 p.m. daily to save your spot!