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 and 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 rbileszelle@gmail.com
HISTORY OF OCEAN BIKE TOURS
We have led over 375 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 Hoag Ridge and Costa Mesa. We will have one mile of hard packed dirt and then to Channel Park for lunch on the water. After lunch we come back through Newport neighborhoods to Lido Isle and The Wedge. We return via the Ferry 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
Back into Newport Beach, we will pause for a picnic at Channel Park. 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 using a phone while riding
No complaining
THE YES’s
Helmets
Shoes – Protect your toes and feet
Pump your tires before you come.
Positive Attitude
EZ BIKE RENTALS DELIVERED TO THE START
CALL LIAM (owner) before FRIDAY at 12:00 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

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

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

Our friends at PhotoFly Travel Club have invited us to their classic adventure in Bali.

We’ve been exploring Bali for years crafting a one of a kind experience to the best known and unknown treasures of this special island. From the coastal temples of Tanah Lot, to the gorgeous pure white sand beaches and snorkeling on Nusa Penida island, to the man made wonders of the Jatiluwih rice terraces, we will see an incredible slice of diverse spectacle’s throughout Bali. The food is incredible, amazing photography opportunities, and the locals are known for their friendliness.

Canggu and Tanah Lot Temple

• Enjoy the seaside resort town full of surfing, beachside restaurants, and beautiful sunshine
• Tanah Lot Temple: Privately guided tour of the 16th century temple built upon a rock formation along the rocky shore

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces and Munduk

• Walk through the expansive undulating rice terraces in the island's interior and enjoy lunch with a view of the lush scenery
• Travel into the country's interior to Munduk to enjoy various waterfall hikes, an included massage, and quietude away from the tourist areas

Taksu Sanur

• En route to Taksu Sanur, stop at incredibly detailed Ulun Danu Bertan Temple built on the shores of a huge lake to honor a god that provides water to the local farmers
• Visit a local farmer's market to purchase and enjoy a multitude of tropical fruit such as lychee, longan, mango, papaya, rambutan, guava, and more
• Stop at a farm specializing in the production of coffee known as kopi luwak, a Balinese specialty that uses partially digested coffee beans
• Included dinner on the beach overlooking the stunning ocean
• Included massage

Nusa Penida

• Take a short ferry to adjacent islands known for dramatic limestone cliff views, beach paradise, secluded bays, island exploration, and a slower pace of life
• Surrounded by turquoise waters, the island's main street is full of ice cream shops, small bars and restaurants, cheap spa treatments, and plenty of quiet beaches
• Optional activities include snorkeling with the chance to swim with manta rays and a trip to other islands to explore mangroves, unique cultural experiences, and geological wonders

Ubud

• Shop around in this artistic capital known for wood carving, stone carving, painting, custom jewelry, and handmade goods
• Walk through the Monkey Temple containing hundreds of long-tailed macaques in this forest sanctuary throughout the sprawling temple complex
• Final night's Farewell Dinner includes a traditional Balinese dance performance that recreates cultural tales and legends

Bali small group tours inclusions:

• 8 Night/9 Day adventure
• Amazing Balinese style bungalows and boutique hotels
• Privately guided, small group tour
• Delicious local meals throughout - daily breakfast, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
• 3 Massages throughout the experience - great way to unwind and relax at the end of a day’s adventure!
• All taxes and entrance included
• All transfers and ground transportation included
• Roommate pairing
• International airfare is not included but we will assist all guests with finding the best flight! We will be flying into and out of Denpasar International Airport (airport code: DPS)

Email us to see daily itinerary for our Bali tour at joinus@photoflytravel.com

Join Us!

For our solo travelers, we can pair you up with someone of the same sex unless single occupancy is requested.

Price: $2,495
Single Supplement: $595.00

Deposit: $600.00

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

Join Here: https://photoflytravel.org/tour/portugal-azores-group-tours/

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

Our friends at PhotoFly Travel Club are relaunching their Portugal and Azores tour. It is an excellent program in a small group that highlights the diverse and stunning culture of Old-World Portugal and the gorgeous landscapes, beaches, and villages of the Azores.

Part 1: Mainland Portugal (8 Nights/9 Days)

Porto & the North (3 Nights)

• Privately guided walking tour of city landmarks including city hall, D. Luis bridge, and Stock Exchange Palace
• The most colorful & lively district: Discover Ribeira
• Wine tasting while exploring the valley: Road trip along the route that offers viewpoints, wine, and walks
• Cruise on the Douro

Central Portugal & Mountain Villages (1 Night)

• Free time in Piódão village: This is the perfect place to wander the narrow streets and peculiar alleys made of shale rock
• Exploring Foz d'Égua: This moderate hike begins in Piódão and takes us to an idyllic and unforgettable little village
• Convent of the Soothing of the Blessed Sacrament: This historical landmark and former 18th-century convent is our hotel for the night!
• The Schist Villages: Talesnal & Casal de São Simão
• Fragas de São Simão Walkway: The wooden paths embrace dramatic granite landscapes, steep hills, an enchanting valley, and also vestiges of laurel forest

Coimbra & the Coast (2 Nights)

• Privately guided tour of the University City
• Visit University of Coimbra: Highlights include their massive Baroque Library and Cabinet of Curiosities filled with unusual treasures through the ages
• The Old Cathedral built in 1117
• The Walled Labyrinth privately guided walking tour of Óbidos'

Lisbon, City of Hills (2 Nights)

• Guided tuk-tuk adventure in the capital
• St. George's Castle: Towering dramatically above Lisbon, the 11th-century fortifications
• Belém Tower & the Monument of Discoveries: See and photograph these World-Heritage Sites that represent the epi-center of the Portuguese Age of Discovery.

Part 2: The Azores (6 Nights/7 Days)

São Miguel: The Green Isle (2 Nights)

• Botanical gardens and hot springs
• The most unique meal in the world: The stew cooked using Furnas’s natural volcanic heat!
• The oldest tea plantation in Europe
• Epic photos at viewpoints
• Giant caldera hike
• The Azorean Pineapple: A fun stop takes us to one of the 6,000 pineapple plantations on the island

Faial: The Blue Isle (2 Nights)

• Explore the great crater & interpretation center
• Photograph from multiple viewpoints the caldeira, a massive volcanic cone now classified as a nature reserve
• Enjoy sprawling views of Ponta da Espalamaca with views of Horta town, the Northern Atlantic, and nearby islands

Pico: The Mountain Island (Day Trip)

• Cachorro Rocks: A photo stop reveals unique volcanic rock formations
• Visit Adega a Buraca winery to sample their product and learn about the process
• Visit Whaling Factory and Fishermen Museum to learn about the island's early economic driver
• Visit Church of São Mateus
• Criação Velha Vinyards: The unique methods for producing grapes ideal for winemaking on such difficult terrain is what lead to this site's important designation. Lajido da Criação Velha is the best example showcasing the art of dividing the land and planting vines in the lava rock.

Flores: The Flower Island (2 Nights)

• The westernmost county in Europe
• A curious rock: Rocha dos Bordões is the postcard image and symbol of Flores. The basaltic formation provides a unique and unforgettable landscape with geometrical rock columns that resemble a man-made structure
• The great fajãs: This Portuguese term describes the beautiful coastal formation of a small flat land on the ocean below giant cliffs
• More beauty at the highest point: The Morro Alto forest reserve area is the highest point on Flores Island
• The 7 Lagoas: We'll explore this lush area with a number of serene lakes throughout the valleys

Corvo Day Trip: The Black Isle

• Caldeirão, The Crater: This ancient crater is responsible for the epic landscape of the extinct volcano that gave rise to the island
• The Village: Vila Nova do Corvo is the sole town on the entire island and unites the old and new in two distinct sections
• Lots of wind: Before electricity came to the island wind was the main source of food production via a number of windmills. Today 3 unique windmills still stand and function from this long-lost tradition

Email us at joinus@photoflytravel.com for the daily itinerary!
Price: $4,495
Single Supplement: $895

Deposit: $600

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