2008 Scheduled Tours in Maine and Abroad

May 9-11
Season Kick-off Wildflower Tour
This happens to be one of our most popular events. Check out this unbelievable deal - only $100 gets you 2 nights and 2 days plus 4 meals and snacks, and full use of all our facilities, including hot tub, lodge kitchen, and terrain garden. There will be daily guided rides for all skill levels and campfires in the evening. Everyone here also pitches in with a litle Spring cleanup...




May 23-25
Mountain Biking Instructor Certification Program
This instructional camp is designed for individuals interested in learning how to teach correct and safe mountain biking skills to entry level, beginner, and intermediate riders.

There are a myriad of approaches and techniques, but very few people who are able to successfully teach them to others. Working in cooperation with Fujibikes, with over 100 years of bike building experience, BCE's team of expert instructors will deliver an efficient system of concepts, methods, and skills to make you a competent and confident instructor of the sport. During this workshop you will learn a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to teaching a broader understanding of the most useful theories and immediately put them into practice. Because of our serious committment to the sport both Fujibikes and BCE have joined forces to help qualify all riders that may be interested in notching up their commitment to receive this valuable credential and instructor certification. 

Cost: $250 includes instructors certificate, all accommodations, four meals, all training. (Additional training dates can be scheduled with prior notice.)


June 6-8
Mountain Biking Instructor Certification Program
 This instructional camp is designed for individuals interested in learning how to teach correct and safe mountain biking skills to entry level, beginner, and intermediate riders.

There are a myriad of approaches and techniques, but very few people who are able to successfully teach them to others. Working in cooperation with Fujibikes, with over 100 years of bike building experience, BCE's team of expert instructors will deliver an efficient system of concepts, methods, and skills to make you a competent and confident instructor of the sport. During this workshop you will learn a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to teaching a broader understanding of the most useful theories and immediately put them into practice. Because of our serious committment to the sport both Fujibikes and BCE have joined forces to help qualify all riders that may be interested in notching up their commitment to receive this valuable credential and instructor certification.

Cost: $250 includes instructors certificate, all accommodations, four meals, all training. (Additional training dates can be scheduled with prior notice.)


June 13-15
Fathers Day Mountain Biking Getaway Weekend
It's time to kick back and relax dads, fathers and sons and for us bikers that means a riding holiday. Hey here's a great suggestion to the wife or woman in your life for a fathers day gift. We'll rally the cry of the male spirit and ride till we drop. Two home-cooked meals per day are provided and dynamite trail rides to suit your riding style. Guides will always be happy to show you the way or you can do your own thing with a map. At night we'll share stories and relax in the lodge checking out the latest mbt videos or jump in the wood-fired hotub to soothe the muscles from the days rides. Extra special Swag for the occasion will also be provided from a number of our sponsors. So plan to go home with a new??? 

Start Time: Friday afternoon of course we'll try to get in a ride
End Time: Sunday afternoon late
Food Provided: Beverages and Breakfast and Large lunch Saturday and Sunday(4 meals), plus trail snacks
Cost: One fee for all accommodations $175. Bring a son under 15 years of age for just $100-125 more 


July 11-13
9th Annual Tube & Lube Lobster Bake-Off
Get ready for one wet and wild mountain biking weekend! Three simple words:
TUBE: float lazily down the scenic Saco River on over-sized inner tubes. Though we might throw in a white water relay race just to keep things interesting.
LUBE: oil up those chains and derailleurs for LOTS of awesome mountain biking, including plenty of sweet singletrack.
LOBSTER: get that appetite ready for an authentic Maine lobster and clam bake with plenty of Lobsters, steamers, corn on the cob, and all the fixings. Three simple words...three unforgettable days!! 

$190 all inclusive


July 24-27
Ossipee Valley Bluegrass Mountain Biking Festival
In the beautiful river valley of the Ossipe in the quaint town of Cornish are some of the hottest acts in country bluegrass and acoustic music today. This music festival has come a long way and is now a major bluegrass event in Northern New England. Hard to believe, but only 10 minutes away from this incredible stage of performers is the world class mountain biking center of Back Country Excursions. Now here's a combination that can't be beat. The best trails in the northern New England and top bluegrass musical acts.
Join us for both riding and music. Start your vacation weekend early and join us Thusday afternoon, set up camp, then stretch those legs on the trail for a while, our guides will keep you moving and you'll never have to look down at a map. After you've had a good taste of our awesome singletract and chilled then head over to see some of the live jamming that'll be going on around the fair campgrounds. This itinerary can be our next three days if you like. Each day we'll offer guided riding with great folks, good food, and then head over for the dynamite music, we'll even throw in one awesome place for a cool down swim: Long pond, the only white sand bottom lake in Southern Maine.
Event packages include: Three nights campsite- tents only or small popups, 3 meals (3 breakfasts / lunch can be an option too), use of all facilities indoor lodge and outside wood-fired hot tub, all guided riding with friendly professional service for all riding levels. trail snacks and plenty of great drinking water.
Music festival passes are purchased separate or for multiple days right at the show. passes are available for Friday, Sat, and Sunday. Thursday night is informal picking and jamming-no charge
Bike Rentals are always available.  And accommodations other then camping can also be had for additional fee.

Cost:
Full package:  Food, guided riding, overnight accommodations and all services included - $170 p.p.
Concert Tickets: Day of the shows you can purchase individual daily concert tickets for each of Friday, Sunday - $20 and Sat- $28 a piece.  For Concert Details:              http://www.ossipeevalley.com


July 28-August 2
Teen Mountain Bike Adventure Week
Teens from across the Eastern U.S., some returning and some new, come together for mountains of FUN! An adult experience for teenagers, days are spent biking, swimming, working, and playing, which makes our camp motto, "I'd rather ride than sleep!" Our focus is to encourage a strong community spirit of cooperation, promote ecological awareness, and build self-esteem and confidence, all enhanced by non-competitive, exciting mountain biking. 

$390 for the week includes lodging, three home-cooked meals a day, riding workshops, and lots of outdoor fun. 


August 8-10
15th Annual Mountain Biking Micro Brew Festival
Get ready for our immensely popular mountain biking party! Things get underway Friday noon and don't stop until late Sunday. By day, we've got guided group rides for all levels and lots of sponsor giveaways. By night, we light the bonfires and barbecues and ROCK to the live blues and folk music of local Maine bands. Add to this our cosponsor, Stone Coast / Sunday River Brewers. This is one good time you do not want to miss. Book very early—this one fills fast!
Beer and Lobster Bake included with all passes-brew included.

Full festival passes $190
Five meals, and use of all our facilities.
Yurt full pass: $190 per person
Camping full pass: $190
Budget overnight campsite pass #1
2 meals, one night only and 2 days of activities $140
Budget Campsite pass #2- 1 full day, one night, 1 meal, entertainment and brew- $90 


August 22-24
Farewell to Summer Mountain Bike Encampment
We like to do things in grand style here at BCE, so here's a FANTASTIC way to bid farewell to summer. Only $100 per person buys you a weekend of exceptional riding, delicious food, and a chance to hang out with some really cool people. (Not to mention, you can leave the bug spray at home!) We might have a small project like a small trail construction for you to help us out with, but the weekend experience is well worth it.



Later in Sept., October 1-3, 8-11, 15-17
Fall Foliage Festivals
Brilliantly colored leaves and fresh autumn breezes make our trails SPECTACULAR! And don't forget your camera, since "Moose X-ing" is not that uncommon this time of year. Our exceptional variety of terrain, evening bonfires, and moonlit hot tub soaks make these weekends fill up quickly!
Four meals, trail snacks, use of all facilities inclusive.

Camping: $145 per person
Yurt: $175 per person
Private rooms: $190 per person


October 24-26
Annual Mountain Bike Halloween Spook Festival
A Biking Tour of Local Graveyards, Haunted Houses, and awesome single tract The back woods of Maine are full of local folklore and fantasy. What better time of year to enjoy all the eerieness and fascinating area history?
• Daily Twilight Haunted Trail Rides
• Apple Bobbing for Sponsor Swag
• Prizes for carving the scariest Jack-O-Lantern
• Guided group day rides (all skill levels welcome)
• Exploration of legendary haunted sites (on- and off- road)
• Saturday night Pilgrims' Progress Banquet
• Stone Coast’s special Halloween Ale
• Midnight ghost stories around the campfire
This includes festival accommodations which are on a first come basis and 5 meals are also included for this terrifying weekend!

Camping: $175 per person
Yurt: $190 per person
Private room: $190 per person



International Tours

Tuscany, Italy Adventure
In the hill country of Tuscany, using Sassetta as home base, we'll discover the beauty and treasures of a simpler time. By day, our bikes will take us on the many wooded trails through the local cork plantations and fragrant brush of the Mediterranean scrub, on ancient dirt roads with vistas of terraced vineyards and olive groves, and into the ancient walled villages of Suvereto, Castagneto Carducci and Sassetta. By night, we'll dine on rustic Tuscan fare or sample more exotic Italian haute cuisine. The van will take us to the city of Siena for a day of exploration, history and culture. From Sassetta we'll go by bus to the Bay of Barati on the Tyrennian Sea for some coastal singletrack, ending in Piombino. There we'll catch the ferry to the isle of Elba for an unforgettable finale.

Cost: $1,000 (double occupancy, additional charge for single accommodations.)
BYOB Discount: Bring your own bike and save $200
Deposit of $300 required. Because of its popularity as a biking destination, lodgings in Tuscany fill quickly. Many villas and hotels require deposits 6 months in advance in order to ensure accommodations.
Cancellations: you must cancel your trip in writing. Refunds will be calculated based on date written cancellation is received. Processing fee: $125 non-refundable processing fee, and all refunds reflect this administrative fee.
For further information and available dates this year contact us.
207-625-8189 • info@bikebackcountry.com

October 26 - November 5, 2008
Bhutan Adventure
Mountain bike through the most spectacular scenery on earth! Experience the magnificent Himalayas up close with its rushing waterfalls and rivers. Visit an ancient kingdom filled with ornate temples and monasteries. Meet a friendly, graceful and industrious people with a deep respect for all living things and their environment. We will follow the single lane national highway from Paro to Bumthang, 300 miles. Most of the road is paved with little traffic. We’ll climb and descend mostly on 3 to 5 % grades, experiencing downhill runs of up to 75 miles in length. Support bus will accompany the tour, carrying personal gear to each night’s accommodations, and will, at times, take the group or individuals to special sites, and will always be available for anyone wishing to hitch a ride along the route.

Cost: $1,950 per person plus bike rental (if required)
 
Includes all transportation within Bhutan, all meals and accommodations, and all taxes.
 
Does not include gratuities and any entrance fees to museums or travel to and from the country.
 
Bikes – If you bring your own your responsible for packing /repacking and assembly and care some parts and assistance will be available
 
If you rent we'll take care of any bike needs. Rental fee $650 per bike
 
Tentative itinerary:
 
Day 1- arrive in Paro and proceed to hotel Olathang. Bike setup and relax
 
Day 2-explore sites by bike/van . Tigers Nest Monastery, Paro Druk Gyel Dzong,
 
Day3- travel by Van and bike towards Punakha thru outskirts of capitol Thimphu may stop in Thimphu for sites on way, continue over Dochula pass and spend night at hotel Zangdolperi in Punakha
 
Day4- Bike to Gangtey. Riding by Chimi Monastery (Fertility temple) and via Wangdu. This will be a long day so early start and some van travel may be necessary. Night in Gangtey at Yangkhiel hotel.
 
Day 5 – Sites in Gangtey. Black Necked Crane, etc
 
Day6- Quick Van ride back up to top of Pelela Pass then by bike ride downhill
 
to Trongsa. Depending on travel time we might spend night in Trongsa or continue by van and some bike to Bumthang the spiritual heartland of Bhutan.
 
Day7- Take in by bike and van the many spiritual sites Jampey Lhakhang Temple and Kurjey monastery and bike around Chumey village. Spend night or nights in Swiss Guest House
 
Day8- Heading back to Trongsa visit the largest of the Dzongs spending the night in Gangtey
 
Day 9-Downhill bike to Wandu then then by van thru Punakha,Thimphu, and on to Paro
 
either early next morning or this day.
 
Day 10- visit some sites then early afternoon flight
 
What to bring: Early fall clothing. Temperatures daytime 55-65 nights 40's
 
This is the dry season
 
Recommended Immunizations: Hepatitus A and Typhoid
 
Documents needed:
 
Passport, visas for each country passed through on the way to Bhutan. Visa for Bhutan will be secured by AHKE Adventure, registered Bhutanese tour company.
 
For further information:
 
AHKE Adventure: www.bhutanecoventure.com
 

Registration: 25% down and balance of deposit – 35% more due 45 days prior to departure. Balance due (cash or traveler checks) upon arrival.