Sarah Dean

An enthusiastic but absolutely leisurely cyclist, I have enjoyed getting back on two wheels with trips to Lake Constance, the Danube, Amsterdam, Bruges and Italy since joining Freedom Treks in 2013.

Tricky, but forced to choose I’d pick two. Danube River - wonderful leisurely cycling on a gentle, well-paved and easy to follow path through beautiful scenery, largely right alongside the river. And Bolzano to Verona - cycling through vineyards and historic towns, beautiful Lake Garda, wonderful Italian cuisine and local wines – and a backdrop of the stunning Dolomite mountains. A total joy!

Bolzano to Verona - as above. I’m still talking about it! 

I am hoping to enjoy cycling in two areas I’ve not yet visited – the Loire Valley and Sardinia.

Two for me:

• Watching the elephants at play in their watering-hole in the early hours in Kenya
• Sailing in to Venice on board the Ave Maria with the Freedom Treks / Ski Safari team, Aperol Spritz in hand, also a magical cycling trip highlight I’ll never forget.

Parapenting in Valmorel – tipping off a mountain top, skis and parachute on, life firmly in the hands of the instructor I was harnessed to. Seconds of fear followed by 15 minutes of peace and wonder, floating high over the French Alps. Not sure I’d do it now!

Cryptic crosswords. I can also fix a mean margarita cocktail!

• Trip Report: Cycling Holiday in Venice, Italy
• Why a Cycling Holiday Is the Perfect Way to Experience Bruges
• Cycling the Danube River