OC Travel Buddies & Local Events!

SATURDAY 10:00 BIKE OCEAN TRAILS – SOCIAL EXERCISING
Bike Ocean Trails around Newport Beach. Great for first timers, shy people, and expert riders. Are you ready for a beautiful fun day? Open for all levels, you should have a basic level of fitness and be willing and able to ride as part of a supportive group. Well organized, informal, and fun exercising while socializing. We have scheduled stops along the way to ‘Group Up’ and hydrate. Bring any kind of bike or rent one. Rentals are EZ and delivered to the start - see end of this post.
JUST SHOW UP
Haven’t ridden a bike in a while? New to Meet Up or if this seems too challenging or uncertain – just come and do the first part. This is how the ride is designed. The point is to get out and show up for social exercise in the beauty of where we live. (EZ Bike Rentals – see end of post)
A MICRODOSING LIFE RIDE.
If you are in a hurry to get somewhere – this is not the ride for you because the journey IS the destination.
LEADER
Roz – 714-728-2033 Text with questions.
If motivated to support these rides the Zelle is aeroebizdev@gmail.com
HISTORY OF OCEAN BIKE TOURS
We have led over 475 bike tours over recent years on bike paths, side roads and paved trails (No PCH) along the ocean from Laguna Beach to the Queen Mary. Meet new friends, like-minded people, exercise and enjoy the beauty of where we live. Please read the entire post.
PARKING
There is free, safe, and easy parking at the start. It is a dead-end street. If you are renting a bike, Liam the rental shop owner will deliver your rental to the start at the Galley Cafe.
SELF REGULATED FUN
We ride as a safe, supportive group for casual exercise in well-organized rides and everyone is Self-Responsible. You should have a basic level of fitness and show up with a bike in good working order or rent a bike. You are responsible for You. Helmets HIGHLY recommended.
START
10:00 sharp! – Saturday - Leaving from the Galley Cafe - 829 Harbor Island Dr in Newport Beach 92660. Come early and relax.
RETURN BY
3:00+/- Route is designed to be individually shortened as needed.
BIKE RENTALS – WHERE TO PARK
If you are bringing your bike park at the start – Galley Café.
If you do not have a bike SEE THE END OF THIS POST Directions for EZ Rentals.
THE RIDE
Plan for 4+/- hours and 22+/- miles. Leave from the Galley Café to Bob Henry Park and - Newport Heights to neighborhoods in Newport Beach and then to the overlook of back bay. We will pause for lunch / picnic at Westcliff Plaza. After lunch we drop down the Balboa Peninsula to Lido Isle and The Wedge. We return via the Ferry ($2.25 Cash) to Balboa Island. On this ride you will see Pirates, Cowboys & Indians, you will ride all the way across the USA and go places you’ve never been.
PICNIC LUNCH
We will pause for a picnic at Westcliff Plaza. Pack your lunch or there are several places to buy food. We break for lunch and complete the ride.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY
Bike outings are rewarding and pleasant activities, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of including Covid 19. Those include, but are not limited to, impact or fall injuries, broken or dislocated bones. By signing up for this bike trip, you assume the risks of the outing and agree to release the organization, the trip organizer, and other participants from claims for any and all injuries or other losses sustained during this trip. HELMETS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
BEHAVIOR
Please! – No creepy, negative types, anger issues or controlling behavior invited. This is always a supportive group of like-minded people, and it is important that people feel safe. Some adventurous people are trying Meet Up and a bike ride for the first time and we plan with this in mind.
THE NO’s
No boom boxes
No politics
No complaining
THE YES’s
Helmets
Shoes – Protect your toes and feet
Pump your tires and check your bike before you come.
Positive Attitude
EZ BIKE RENTALS DELIVERED TO THE START
CALL LIAM (owner) before FRIDAY at 2:00 to schedule a rental.
Liam brings the rental to our starting place at the Galley Café. What Service!
RSI Bike Rentals – The owner is Liam: 714-600-9941
Balboa Island

7 Key Takeaways
Empowerment Through Preparation
Learn how to confidently plan your trips, from choosing destinations to creating itineraries tailored to your interests and safety needs.
2. Mastering Safety Strategies
Gain practical tools for personal safety, including situational awareness, risk management, and digital security, specifically designed for solo women travelers.
3. Confidence to Explore Boldly
Overcome the fear of traveling alone with expert insights and strategies that empower you to navigate the world independently.
4. Real-World Inspiration
Discover inspiring stories from women who've embraced solo travel and learn how they turned challenges into unforgettable adventures.
5. Tailored Resources for Your Journey
Access to customizable safety checklists, planning guides, and templates to ensure your trip is as smooth and secure as possible.
6. Expert-Led Guidance
Benefit from the expertise of a safety professional and experienced traveler who understands the unique challenges women face on the road.
7. Build a Community of Like-Minded Travelers
Connect with other women who share your passion for exploration to build a supportive network that inspires your future adventures.
This program is your pathway to experiencing the freedom and fulfillment of solo travel while prioritizing your safety and confidence at every step.
The session includes:
A Global Secure Resources Destination Travel "Spotlight" valued at $75.00.
At Global Secure Resources Inc., we specialize in private travel consultations that elevate personal safety and security. Our interactive approach encourages individuals to ask questions and share any travel concerns. Our overarching aim is to empower travelers with the insights needed to identify potential risks and devise effective strategies for maintaining safety throughout their journeys.
Link to Eventbrite - Purchase tickets
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1980519416890?aff=oddtdtcreator

FAQ
I’m a man — is this program for me too?
Yes, 100%! While this program is designed with women travelers in mind, it’s for anyone who cares about safety, travel, and empowerment. If you travel solo yourself, have women in your life you care about, or want to be part of a safer travel culture, you’re in the right place.
***
I want to support the women in my life — how can this program help me do that?
Great question! By joining, you'll gain insight into real challenges solo women face, along with tools, strategies, and awareness that help create a more supportive environment — whether you're a partner, father, friend, colleague, or fellow traveler. This knowledge can help you better advocate, understand, and uplift the women around you.
***
I’m not sure I fit the “solo woman traveler” profile. Will I still benefit?
Absolutely. While the focus is on solo women travelers, the skills and strategies taught in the program are universally empowering. From situational awareness to destination planning and digital safety, you’ll walk away better equipped for your own journeys — and to help others travel smarter and safer too.
Buy Tickets

Join here: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/thailand-small-group-tours/

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Our friends at PhotoFly Travel Club have created a brand new adventure to the Kingdom of Thailand! From Bangkok’s buzzing street food scene to the peaceful mountain temples of Chiang Mai, and finally to the island calm of the Phi Phi archipelago, this adventure unfolds in three vibrant chapters.

• 9 nights/10 days throughout Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phi Phi Island
• 5-star accommodation
• Elephant sanctuary experience
• Private transportation and private tours
• Breakfast daily
• Numerous optional activities
• Two domestic flights - $400 value!

Email us directly at joinus@photoflytravel.com to receive a detailed daily itinerary!

Bangkok

• Grand Palace Tour: Explore Bangkok’s iconic royal complex, home to ornate temples and halls since 1782.
• Emerald Buddha: Visit Thailand’s most sacred temple to see the revered 14th-century statue.
• Wat Pho: Tour one of Bangkok’s oldest temples, famous for its massive reclining Buddha and rich symbolism.
• Ayutthaya Day Trip: Discover the UNESCO-listed ruins of Thailand’s former capital, once a thriving cultural and trade center.

Chiang Mai

• Elephant Nature Park: Visit a renowned sanctuary to learn about ethical elephant rescue and conservation.
• Doi Inthanon Tour (Optional): Hike scenic trails and visit the Karen hill tribes in Thailand’s highest national park.
• Chiang Mai City Tour: Explore historic temples like Wat Pa Pao and Wat Lok Moli, showcasing exquisite Burmese-style architecture.
• Tuk Tuk Ride: Enjoy a fun, breezy ride through the city from your 5-star hotel.
• Free Time: Relax with a massage, shop local markets, or experience the lively night scene in this walkable city.

Phi Phi Islands

• Luxury Koh Phi Phi Escape: Stay at a 5-star boat-access resort away from the crowds, featuring private bungalows, pools, a spa, restaurants, a dive shop, and a serene beach.
• Optional Snorkel Safari: Spend a full day exploring hidden beaches, sea caves, coral reefs, and remote islands - with chances to spot sea turtles.

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Price: $3,895
Single Supplement: $1,095

Go here to sign up: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/thailand-small-group-tours/

The small group travel community PhotoFly Travel Club (https://www.photoflytravel.com/) has a brand new trip to Egypt – check this out! Every accommodation offered is 5-star, including an overnight Nile River cruise. Here, ancient history pulses beneath your feet, and each sunrise illuminates 5,000 years of stories. Begin in Cairo at the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza and the timeless Sphinx. Explore the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to the full Tutankhamun collection and countless treasures. A Nile River cruise isn’t just transit—it’s a voyage through the cradle of civilization. From Aswan to Luxor, drift past sun-drenched villages, palm-fringed shores, and colossal desert monuments. In Luxor, Egypt’s magic peaks. Walk the towering Karnak Temple on the East Bank, then cross to the West to witness the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s Temple—sights that will leave you speechless. There’s also an optional extension on the Red Sea at a luxury resort for ultimate relaxation!

• 9N/10D throughout the best of Egypt
• 5-star accommodation throughout
• Privately guided adventures and local Egyptologist at all times
• Breakfast every day
• 5 Dinners, 3 Lunches
• Included domestic flight ($200 value!)

Join Here: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/egypt-small-group-tours/

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Cairo

• Grand Egyptian Museum: Explore on your own and with a guide the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on the planet
• Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx: One of the Seven Wonders of the World!
• Day trip to Memphis and Saqqara: Ancient city of Memphis with stunning statues of powerful pharaohs and near to the oldest pyramid in the country
• Old Cairo: The Hanging Church built by the Romans, the Citadel of Saladin built in the 12th century, and the picturesque Alabaster Mosque

Nile Cruise

• Luxury boat: Cabins with luxurious finishes, gourmet restaurant, elevated service, sun deck, entertainment, and multiple stops along the way.
• Abu Simbel: An ancient marvel carved into sandstone, this grand temple honors Ramses II with four colossal statues welcoming visitors at its entrance.
• Temple of Horus: Among Egypt’s best-preserved temples, its interior features original hieroglyphics and 2,000-year-old carvings honoring the falcon-headed god.
• Temple of Kom Ombo: Uniquely dedicated to two gods, this symmetrical temple has twin halls, entrances, and sanctuaries—reflecting the fusion of Greek and Egyptian traditions.
• Traditional Felucca Ride: Sail the Nile aboard a classic wooden felucca, drifting past palm-lined banks with views of the hilltop Aga Khan Mausoleum.
• Philae Temple: Rising from the Nile, this elegant temple to goddess Isis features colonnaded courtyards, detailed reliefs, and Roman-era shrines—its setting on the water is breathtaking.

Luxor

• Temple of Karnak: One of the largest religious sites ever built, this vast complex of sanctuaries and columns was constructed over 2,000 years, honoring the gods of Thebes and showcasing ancient Egypt’s architectural might.
• Valley of the Kings: A desert necropolis on Luxor’s West Bank where pharaohs like Tutankhamun and Ramses II were buried in richly decorated tombs, offering deep insight into ancient beliefs about the afterlife.
• Temple of Hatshepsut: Carved into the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari, this elegant temple honors Egypt’s first female pharaoh with terraces and colonnades that reflect her reign and divine legacy.
• Colossi of Memnon: Two massive statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that have stood for over 3,000 years, once guarding a lost temple and famed in antiquity for emitting mysterious dawn sounds.
• Optional Hot Air Balloon: Soar above Luxor at sunrise for panoramic views of the Nile, temples, and tombs—an unforgettable and tranquil way to take in Egypt’s timeless beauty.

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Price: $4,095
Single Supplement: $1,195

Check out our club's official trip page: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/egypt-small-group-tours/

Optional Red Sea Extension: March 11th – March 14th, 2026

Nestled along the Red Sea, just 15 miles north of Hurghada, El Gouna is no ordinary resort town. Designed as a sustainable, upscale escape, it blends laid-back luxury with eco-conscious living. Saltwater lagoons wind through sun-washed villas, and mornings start with the scent of Arabic coffee carried on the sea breeze. Kitesurfers glide across turquoise waters, divers explore vibrant coral reefs, and tucked-away galleries and food trucks offer everything from falafel to fusion sushi beneath lantern-lit skies.

• 5-Star All-Inclusive Resort: Relax at a luxurious beachfront resort and spa on a Red Sea peninsula in El Gouna, with stunning views of turquoise waters, lagoons, and lush gardens. Enjoy modern comforts, exceptional service, and a serene setting.
• Daily Activities: Savor diverse dining, unwind at the private beach or pools, and recharge at the spa or fitness center. Optional activities include kitesurfing, diving, golf, biking, or exploring town.
• Optional Snorkel Adventure: Take a full-day snorkeling trip to Giftun Island from Hurghada. Explore vibrant coral reefs, swim with colorful marine life—and possibly dolphins—and relax on idyllic beaches.

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Extension Price: $1,275
Extension Single Supplement: $240

Check out our club's official trip page: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/egypt-small-group-tours/