OC Travel Buddies & Local Events!

CASUAL SOCIAL EXERCISE – EZ eBIKE RENTALS
Ocean trails bicycle tour along the coast, from a start close to Balboa Island to Seal Beach for a picnic. 25+/- miles of social, casual exercise with positive like-minded people. Great for first timers, shy people, and expert riders. Open for all levels but must have a basic level of fitness and be Willing and Able to ride as part of a supportive group. Are you ready for a beautiful fun day? We have scheduled stops along the way to ‘Group Up’ and hydrate. Bring any kind of bike or rent one. Bikes with gears are recommended.
JUST SHOW UP
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 – Delivered to the start – Regular or eBike) .
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.
We plan the ride you bring the enthusiasm.
- Socialize
- Exercise
- Meet New People
- Sightsee
- Be outdoors and by the ocean.
HISTORY OF OCEAN BIKE TOURS
We have led over 450 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.
LEADER
Roz – 714-728-2033 - Text with questions. If motivated to support these rides my Zelle is aeroebizdev@gmail.com Thank You!
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 regular bike or eBike. (see end pf post)
START
10:00 Leaving from the Galley Cafe - 829 Harbor Island Dr in Newport Beach 92660. Come early to eat, relax and meditate.
RETURN BY
3:00+/- Route is designed to be individually shortened as needed.
BIKE RENTALS – WHERE TO PARK
Yes – If you do not have a bike -
THE RIDE
Plan for 4+/- hours and 28+/- miles. Leave from the Galley Café to Bayside Drive to Castaway Park - Newport Heights – Hoag Ridge to the bike trail all the way to Seal Beach for a picnic. We return to Newport Beach then across the on the ferry and back to the start. We plan the ride you bring the enthusiasm. 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. Really! Bring money for lunch and the ferry which is $2.25 one way. We plan the ride you bring the enthusiasm.
PICNIC LUNCH
We will have a picnic at the Seal Beach pier. Please pack your lunch and/or there are several places across from the pier to buy food. We break for lunch and complete the ride. There is no need for a bike lock.
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 feet
Pump your tires before you come.
Positive Attitude
EZ BIKE RENTALS DELIVERED TO THE START
CALL LIAM (owner) before FRIDAY at 3:00 to schedule a rental.
Liam brings the rental to our starting place at the Galley Café.
What Service! Sports Rents – Liam: 714-600-9941 - Balboa Island

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/

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

E-mail us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!

Our friends at PhotoFly Travel Club have invited us to this amazing new adventure! This exciting part of the world has been long overdue for another adventure! This time we will explore the beauty, beaches, & iconic buildings of Sydney, The Great Barrier Reef around the stunning Whitsunday Islands, and the history, food, & culture center that is Melbourne! We’re excited to show you some of our favorite parts of the great country of Australia!

• 11 Nights/12 Days
• Breakfast daily
• 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners
• 2 Domestic flights INCLUDED (Sydney --> Hamilton Island / Hamilton Island --> Melbourne) $240 value!
• Privately guided tours throughout
• All transportation as listed in the itinerary
• All taxes, fees, & transfers included

Sydney - 3 Nights

• Privately Guided City Tour: Highlights of Sydney (Opera House, Sydney Harbor Bridge, Darling Harbor, “The Rocks” historic district, Parliament House, Kings Cross, Watson’s Bay, Bondi Beach)
• Free time to explore the streets and world class beaches Sydney has to offer

The Whitsunday Islands & Great Barrier Reef - 4 Nights

• Great Barrier Reef: One of the great wonders of the natural world and a “must-see” for any visitor to Australia.
• Reefworld Pontoon: a choice of areas to relax and a great range of activities - underwater viewing chamber, semi-submersible submarines, or snorkeling & diving! Morning tea, afternoon tea, buffet lunch, and included snorkel gear (fins & mask, wetsuit) included. Intro and certified diving options available, as well as scenic helicopter flights (additional cost).
• Whitehaven Beach Cruise and Island Exploration: See the very best of the Whitsunday Islands National Park on our fully guided half day cruise.
• Hamilton Island: Get up close and personal with a collection of native animals, including koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, wombats, and various reptiles. Relax and explore the Catseye Beach, one of the best, with easy access from our hotel. Don`t miss a chance to also explore the sand flats at low tide and see the island from a different perspective. Use of catamarans, paddle skis, windsurfers, and snorkeling equipment. Use of gym, spa, & sauna. Unlimited use of the scheduled ‘Island Shuttle’ service.

Melbourne - 4 Nights

• Private guided city tour: Highlights of Melbourne - eclectic architecture of the central business district, Captain Cook’s Cottage in the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens, Botanical Gardens, Queen Victoria Market, Shrine of Remembrance, St Patrick’s Cathedral.
• Unique, privately guided Lanes & Arcades walking tour; 4 handpicked venues.

Puffing Billy Adventure Train (Optional)

• Drive through the picturesque Dandenong Ranges
• Hop aboard the Puffing Billy steam train for a Scenic one-way ride
• Check out the Lakeside Visitors Center

Mornington Peninsula Beaches, Chocolates, Wine Tasting, & Stunning Views!

Escape the bustle of Melbourne on this full-day journey through the Mornington Peninsula, with round-trip transport in air-conditioned comfort.

• Colorful Mt Martha beach boxes: Coastal esplanade drive.
• Gondola ride to the Arthurs Seat summit: Wine tasting with lunch at a local winery, and sweet treats at a boutique chocolaterie.

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

Price: $3,849.00
Single Supplement: $1,195.00

Deposit: $600.00

Go here to sign up: http://www.photoflytravel.org/australia-group-tours/