Whoever said “there’s no place like home for the holidays” has obviously never been to these warm-winter spots.
If you're among the not-so-snow-inclined, the only thing better than finding a sunny place to spend the winter is being able to ride Rad once you get there.
Fortunately, with rental fleets all across the country carrying our ebikes, it's easier than ever to keep riding all year long -- and you don't even have to ship your bike to do it!
Here are just a few of our favorite holiday travel destinations.
1. The Grand Canyon ... and beyond.
Southern Utah Guiding's ebike trips can take Rad riders on a visit to a historic ghost town or share the trail with antelope at Bryce Canyon.
While the Grand Canyon is usually associated with Arizona, Utah offers stunning views of the natural wonder’s northern rim — and with a lot less tourists.
Southern Utah Guiding provides visitors a chance to take an ebike adventure through Grand Canyon National Park, but that’s just the beginning.
“Snow Canyon State Park is absolutely our most popular trip,” Seth Giles, the rental group’s owner and operator told us. “The paved, 16 mile trail begins at the bottom of massive, multi-colored, sandstone cliffs, and rides to the top of the canyon. The path then continues along the rim of the canyon, and gives away to endless views of Zion National Park.”
The ebikes, Giles added, certainly help the experience.
“Our guest's expectations are usually exceeded with the Rad bikes,” Giles said. “The big hills of Snow Canyon would be unconquerable by our many of our riders, but the RadRover and RadMini have this perfect blend of power and comfort to get everyone where they want to go.”
2. Charleston, South Carolina.
As part of Rebellion Roads' "Do it for the 'Gram" tour, a professional photographer will take you to Charleston's most social media-friendly locales.
Known for delicious food, historic scenery, and a whole lot of southern charm, Charleston, South Carolina, is one of those great American cities that’s made even better when you have a local as your guide.
That’s where Rebellion Roads’ Ty Weatherby really shines.
As the owner of the Charleston’s region's first ebike rental fleet, Weatherby personally charted his route while exploring the area on his RadWagon.
“I try to keep our riders off the beaten path,” Weatherby explained. “ We always avoid crowded roads. Our route includes a beach ride, a dock ride, views of Ft. Sumter, and usually dolphin sightings.”
“I'm shooting about 90 percent for dolphin sightings on the tour, which is pretty damn good for a bike ride.”
Weatherby’s local flair doesn’t end there. He’s more than willing to help guests find the best meals, something that can be quite daunting considering Charleston’s epic culinary scene.
“When I travel, I love a local tip,” he said. “I love this city and I understand how hard it can be find that perfect restaurant when you don't know it very well. I’ll always share the local buzz of the day.”
3. Siesta Key in Sarasota, Florida.
Endless Summer SRQ brings Rad riders to beaches across Sarasota, Florida.
Sarasota's Siesta Beach was named the country’s top beach in 2017. When you take a gander at the sparkling white, crystal sand and clear, inviting waters, it’s easy to see why.
Endless Summer Rentals has introduced this tranquil spot to visitors from all over the country.
“Our most popular experience is the Siesta Sunset Tour,” founder Derek Wilson told us. “It’s the prettiest place to see a sunset on Earth coupled with the coolest ebikes on the planet.”
Wilson, a former figure in Saraosta’s catering industry before he made the jump to rentals (he finishes every sunset tour with a fruit and cheese spread), cherishes the opportunity to show off his community, especially since, as he puts it, there’s a lot to show.
“Myakka State Park’s a must-see. The Legacy Trail also leads to Oscar Schreer State Park, which is a great find.”
And for those visiting during the holidays, Wilson has a special tip.
“Sarasota goes all out on Christmas lights! We’re doing a light display tour that really shouldn’t be missed.”
4. Anza-Borrego Desert, California.
Located in San Diego County, Bike Borrego gives riders of all backgrounds a shot at genuine outdoor adventure across the Anza-Borrego Desert.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging ride or just want to cruise around and check out some far-out art, the Anza-Borrego Desert has something for everyone — especially with Captain Dave Duncan at the helm.
A former commercial fishing captain in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, Captain Duncan has traded his maritime days for fun in the desert sun as Bike Borrego's Chief Navigator.
“Fun is the most common word I hear,” Duncan told us. “It’s all incredibly positive.”
Bike Borrego offers ebike tours that mix natural beauty with history, including trips along the path of Spanish explorer Juan Batista de Anza and Fish Creek, which Duncan describes as “an amazing look at our geological past.”
5. Baja California, Mexico.
Cabo Adventures doesn't just offer ebike trips. They're a one-stop destination for whale watching, zip lining, ATV trips, and so much more.
If you have your eye on an adventure south of the border, you can do no better than Cabo San Lucas.
While Cabo’s warm waters are a draw for scuba divers, party yachts, and the occasional humpback whale, there’s still plenty of adventures to have on land — like taking an ebike down to some of the best beaches on the Baja Peninsula, for instance.
Cabo Adventures has been making a splash in this seaside paradise with their ebike trips.
“First, we ride along a dry river bed that shows off the beautiful scenery of Los Cabos, all while our guides point out the fauna and flora of the region,” Pavel Gaitan, Cabo Adventures’ Director of Operations, told us. “Then we go on the beach and ride along the Pacific coast. Here is where you really enjoy the bike, with the breeze and the deep blue contrasting with the beige sand.”
Just make sure you come hungry (and thirsty!)
"When we return to basecamp, we give you the ingredients to make your own margaritas … shaken, not stirred, of course. Then there’s the main course: ‘Machete,’ or quesadillas from central Mexico.”
Not sure if an ebike is right for you? Check out five reasons we think everyone should give an electric bike a shot.
