Part company meeting, part bike tour, part rave, Staff Ride is Backroads’ annual company gathering. Each fall, hundreds of Backroads staff (600+ this year) descend on some corner of the world—India, Croatia, Italy and this year, Valencia, Spain, for a week of cycling, reconnecting and unapologetic joy.

There's something about San Francisco. Something that sets it apart from other major world cities. Is it the natural setting: a hilly peninsula surrounded on three sides by indigo Pacific waters? Perhaps it’s the postcard-perfect aesthetic: the parade of ornate pastel Victorians alongside a riot of street art? Or maybe it’s the culture: an energy and ideology that pushes ever forward, testing the edges of what society deems normal, from polyamory to self-driving cars.

This is the story of Robin Schoenthaler—a journey of profound loss, resilience and the unexpected ways travel can help us heal. After the heartbreaking loss of her infant son, Robin’s Backroads trip to Thailand became a turning point in her path toward hope. We’re deeply honored to share her story.

Bonjour, cycling fans! The Tour de France is back, rolling through France’s most jaw-dropping landscapes in a whirlwind of energy, grit and glory. Since 1903, this legendary race has challenged the world’s best riders with grueling climbs, thrilling sprints and heart-pounding finishes. Each year, the route changes to spotlight new regions, adding fresh excitement and unforgettable backdrops to this century-old tradition. This year’s course features a mix of mountain stages and dramatic coastal routes, promising spectacular views and fierce competition.

The fall may spotlight flannel, costume planning and everything pumpkin spice, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to lock in your family’s spring break adventure

Guest Raman Pfaff on taking ten trips in one year.

Nothing puts a spring in your step like a landscape of wildflowers. On the first day of the season, we've compiled the top ten Backroads trips for flower lovers.

Debra Hurt never saw herself as the adventure-travel type. Between raising two kids and managing the demands of everyday life, an active vacation seemed reserved for those with more time and more interest in sleeping in a sleeping bag. Until one day when she wandered through the immaculate grounds of a five-star hotel and unexpectedly crossed paths with a Backroads group. Suddenly, her perception of adventure travel shifted.

From Picking Grapes to Sipping Wines: Daniel Rodriguez’s path from working in the vineyards as a migrant farmworker to cycling past them as a Backroads guest.

When Regina signed up for a Backroads trip through Utah’s National Parks in 1988, she expected fun rides, beautiful views, and great company. She didn’t expect to meet Bob, or that a single week of riding would turn into a lifetime together.