<p>Greetings, bike travelers and bikepackers, welcome to another episode of Chainwheel Diaries, stories about bike travel, told by the travelers themselves.</p><p>I’m your host, Brian Berlin.</p><p>Today’s guest is Stephen Growden, a retired high schoolsocial studies teacher who has ridden dozens of organized bike tours. </p><p>Stephen has chosen different tour types and tour providersto match the type of adventure he’s seeking. If you’re contemplating joining a bike tour and you’re wondering about the options, you’ll want to tune into this episode.  </p><p>Quick reminder: Chainwheel Diaries is available on Spotifyand Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.</p><p>So, Thanks for tuning in, wherever you are, and if you’reenjoying this podcast, please be sure to Like and Subscribe.</p><p>Now, let’s meet Stephen Growden.</p><p>Links to the products &amp; services mentioned in this episode:</p><p>https://www.vbt.com/</p><p>https://www.backroads.com/</p><p>https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/southern-tier/</p><p>https://www.adventurecycling.org/guided-tours/van-supported-tours/transam-express-westward-van/</p><p>https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/pacific-coast/</p><p>https://tdaglobalcycling.com/orient-express</p><p>https://bikepacking.com/bikes/lael-wilcox-around-the-world-bike/</p><p>https://cascade.org/rides-events/rsvp-2026</p><p>https://cascade.org/rides-events/seattle-portland-2026</p><p>https://www.adventurecycling.org/about-us/history/</p><p>https://www.vbt.com/destinations/europe/italy/lake-como-bike-tour-in-the-lake-district</p>