BCI West Coast New Zealand Cycling Tour in 2026

Dates: January 29 - February 8, 2026

Get ready to pedal your way through paradise on this exhilarating 11-day journey! This cycling tour offers an unforgettable experience, featuring 7 days of road biking through the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand's South Island from Christchurch to Queenstown.
There will be limited spots available. Minimum 8 guests, up to Maximum 14 

Inclusions
· 10 nights ensuite accommodation, based on twin share/double
·  9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 two-course dinners, catered to all dietary requirements
·  Trans Alpine Train journey from Christchurch to Moana
·  On ride snacks, fruit and water
·  Dept of Conservation fees
·  2 professional guides, trained in First Aid and at least basic cycle mechanics
·  Late model transport
·  Specialist bike and luggage trailer including all additional equipment
·  Transport from Christchurch to Queenstown

Exclusions
·  International or domestic airfares and taxes
·  Bike Hire (available)
·   Arrival and departure transfers (can be arranged )
·   Meals not included in the itinerary
·   All beverages, other than breakfasts
·   Water bottle (help us save the environment and bring your own bike drink bottle)
·   Optional activities (eg. scenic flights, sea kayaking etc)
·   Personal expenses (eg. phone calls, internet, laundry, shopping etc)
·   Visa (if required)

Pricing per person including GST tax:
$ 3,894 USD per person sharing room (group size of 8-10 people)
$ 3,710 USD (11-12 people)
$ 3,595 (13-14 people)

Single room Supplement $844

Bike Rental
Ebike Rental  600 NZD  approx..$360 USD
Road bike rental  400NZD   approx. $ 240 

Registration Form

Here is Ride With GPS  Ride with GPS | Bike Route Planner and Cycling Navigation App

A $300 non-refundable deposit required, Final payment 60 days prior
Travel Insurance is recommended

 Payment can be made by check payable to Absolutely Amazing Travel, zelle, venmo sue@amazingtravel.com 714-757-1425
Credit card 3% fee 

I strongly recommend extending  trip in Queenstown a few days.
I can assist with airfare and/or any extension packages.
Let me know if you have questions or what other information you need.

 Kind Regards,

Sue Rudolph, BCI# 5215
Owner; Absolutely Amazing Travel (BCI Sponsor)
Amazing Cycling Tours

https://amazingtravel.com
https://amazingcyclingtours.com

sue@amazingtravel.com

1-714-963-5281 1-714-757-1425 (cell)
For early inquiries or to pre-reserve a spot, contact Sue!

Annual Potluck Holiday Party Finishes up 2024

We had over 60 attendees at our ANNUAL POTLUCK HOLIDAY PARTY on December 7th!
The food was plentiful and great. 

Treasurer Ed Rubinstein received the “Spirit Award” for the 2024 member of the year. Congratulations, Ed!

Kudos to our new Hospitality Director, Penny Poorman and her crew (Ann, Alice, Jenny, Marc, Melanie, Joyce, Bill, Dev, and Bev for set up, clean up, decorations and general schlepping)

Shawn Andrews, Membership Director facilitated a tabletop exercise to gather ideas to boost our membership. Mark Shapiro reminded all of the planned remote ride in May, “Carson City Scene.” 

Annual Meeting & Election Results

The Club had a great evening at our original home - Deerfield Community Park - where we had our 1st Annual Meeting back in the 1980’s.
President Marc Urias presided;
The past board was recognized, particularly our out-going Vice President Pete Van Nuys, Membership Director Ann Reichling, Hospitality Director Mike Alvarez, Statistician Richard Brock, Secretary Bruce Dickens and Director at Large Aaron Sher.

Treasurer Ed Rubinstein explained his successful work at reforming our not for profit status from a charitable organization.

Mark Shapiro presented some details on the Carson City Scene remote get away next May and encourages everyone who is considering it to book a room now (72 hour cancellation if not going)

The Election (uncontested) was easily completed and our new Board Officers were duly installed. In addition to incumbents willing to continue, our new Vice President is Bev Plass, Membership Director is Shawn Andrews, Hospitality Director Penny Poorman, Secretary Dave Murphy and Statistician Rob Oglesby. The 2 Directors at Large and schedule of Board Meetings will be set soon by the new board officers.

BCI raffled out six $50 gift certificates to the lucky winners’ choice - Sue Rudolph, Jerry Chen, Jeff Larson and Charlene Larson all chose JAX Irvine, Ann Reichling chose Irvine Bicycles and Bev Plass chose Pure Ride.

BCI COUNTS! Has Moved to Pacelines

BCI COUNTS! has moved from the Statistics section and found a new home on Pacelines. BCI COUNTS! are articles by Dick Brock, BCI’s 2023-24 Statistician and his posts feature articles ranging from personal profiles, stories about accomplishments, trainer tips, and enhanced statistics.

You can search for the past posts here by typing in “BCI COUNTS! into the finder window on your browser.

BCI COUNTS! #9 Strava Apps Demystified

This article was first posted on July 31, 2024

Strava Apps are easy-to-add programs promoted by Strava to enhance its basic features. Here are the major groups offered:

  • Charity

  • Data Importers

  • Indoor

  • Mobile

  • Other

  • Performance Analysis

  • Prints

  • Social Motivation

  • Training

  • Visualizer

  • Wellness

Most Apps are free, but the more advanced ones charge a modest fee. Some are stand-alone and others require additional products to work, like an Apple Watch.

To access Strava Apps, click on the dropdown menu below and select “Apps,” highlighted in yellow.

If you’re interested in an App, click on its title for a short explanation. For more info, click on the “website” option.

Leveraging the valuable information you’ve already saved on Strava with an App can provide you with previously unknown insights regarding your health, fitness and/or lifestyle enjoyment.

Best,
Dick Brock, BCI Statistician

BCI COUNTS! #8 Balancing Act

In the mid 1980s, I purchased the first smart exercise machine called Dynavit. It was made in Germany and came with a hefty manual and a heftier price. I recall the training instructions emphasizing two main options: Healthy and Performance-based training. I was in my early 40s and rode with a competitive group of riders, so I quickly skipped over the Healthy option and concentrated on the Performance-based section. That worked for another 40 years. “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.”

BCI COUNTS! #2 - Making 2024 Even Better

Congratulations BCI Members… 2023 was quite a year!

Embrace the Joy of Cycling: Cycling isn't just about logging miles or scaling hills; it's a journey towards a healthier lifestyle. As we track our progress through our cycling computers and apps like Strava and Challenge Hound, let's remember that each pedal stroke is a step towards improved physical and mental health. In our club, whether you're in the 18-39 Age Group or the 80-150, every ride is a testament to your dedication and resilience.

Set Realistic Goals: With our club's detailed statistics, setting realistic goals becomes more manageable. Whether it's increasing the number of rides per month, adding a few more miles, or tackling a steeper climb, use the data to guide your objectives. Remember, improvement is personal, and every small achievement is worth celebrating. Soon there will be additional BCI statistics that allow you to identify those achievements as compared to the previous year and enjoy a little personal party… or not… it’s up to you!

Foster Community and Support: We are “The Friendliest Bike Club in Orange County!” This year, let's make a continued effort to support and motivate each other. Share your experiences, offer advice, invite new members or simply lend an ear. A strong community fosters a positive environment.

…and Now for Something Completely Different:

• We all know that losing muscle mass and flexibility as we age is a given. While cycling allows us to maintain our leg strength, it doesn’t do much for the rest of our structural and muscular systems. Stretching and weight lifting (even light weights) never stop!

• In CA, you do NOT need a doctor’s prescription to go to physical therapy (PT). PTs now offer nutritional support, so easy and healthy weight management goals can be met. Sports-oriented PTs perform physical exams and review your history before offering custom nutritional, weight and flexibility programs. Your insurance will probably pay for it, and once you learn your program and techniques, you can do everything at home!

• For example: Bob Forster is the official PT of the LA Marathon and has over 42 Olympic gold medals with athletes such as Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Alison Felix. He is a cyclist, having ridden La Ruta https://racelaruta.com/en/events/la-ruta-en/ twice. He keeps these athletes in top condition so they can respond to their coaches’ demands and perform at a level that lets them win. Yet, Bob’s bread-and-butter clients are regular folks just like us.

• Visit these links to see what a high-end sports PT does for elite athletes and can do for you as well: https://phase-iv.com  and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWUb3Q3BAUM . There are many sports PTs in SoCal.

Conclusion:

• Set realistic goals.

• Foster a supportive community.

• Try new things.

• Focus on mental health.

By doing the above, we can make this year better than the last. Let's ride into 2024 with hope, determination, and the joy of cycling at our side.

-Dick Brock, BCI Statistician