Magic Places - Cycling Adventures

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Magic Places - Cycling Adventures

www.magicplaces.ca Traveling by bicycle is the best way to see the world. And it's even better when cycling with friends, both old and new.
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It was back in 1987 on our four-year round-the-world cycling adventure that we decided to devote ourselves to sharing our passion for bicycle travel and racing. Since, we have hosted bike tours for small groups through some of the world's most beautiful landscapes in Canada, U.S.A., New Zealand, South Africa,Australia and Europe. Experience for yourself a professionally planned vacation of fun and

fitness while cycling on safe and quiet roads. Enjoy healthy, tasty meals with the great company of other enthusiastic cyclists. You can count on the energetic, personalized service that has characterized our tours for the past 24 years. We look forward to riding with you. Ulli and Jörg Becker

Magic Places - zauberhafte Plätze. Mit dem Fahrrad auf den Traumstraßen der Welt! Von den weißen Stränden des Indischen Ozeans hin zu den mächtigen Bergen der kanadischen Rocky Mountains; über die "Golden Gate Bridge" nach San Francisco oder durch das bezaubernde Südafrika bis zum "Kap der Guten Hoffnung". Unsere Reisen stellen ein Kaleidoskop dar, das uns die schönsten Ziele der Erde authentisch, persönlich und intensiv erleben läßt. Reisen, gleichsam voller Abenteuer und Erholung; sportlich, herausfordernd, dennoch genussvoll. In kleinen Gruppen, die auch nach 24 Jahren noch ausschliesslich von uns persönlich begleitet werden. Unser professioneller, sehr persönlicher und freundschaftlicher Service garantiert Euch unheimlich schöne und unvergessliche Reisen. Wir freuen uns auf Euer Kommen,
Ulrike & Jörg «Jockel» Becker

04/13/2024

Mallorca. Perfect weather, jaw-dropping scenery, and rides of a lifetime. It’s no wonder why this is my all-time favourite riding destination. (Oh yah, these folks are hella fun to spend time with, too!)

02/28/2024

Ladies, this one is for you! 💃🏻 Grab your girls and join us for a custom Okanagan cycling wine tour this summer! 🍷🍇🚲 Message us for details.

02/23/2024

🌟TESTIMONIAL🌟

“Learning to ride gravel roads on South Vancouver Island with Pete encouraging us was lots of fun” - Elise and Richard

Thank you both so much. It’s been an absolute pleasure having you both along for the ride! 🤩🚲

02/21/2024

🌟TOUR TRANSALP 2024!
Come race like a pro! 🤩🚲🏔️ This seven-day stage race continues to be the biggest race event we attend each year simply due to word of mouth – once you’ve done it, you realize that this experience is as close to feeling like a pro racer as you can get!

📸

02/18/2024

Bring your gravel bike and come explore 🇨🇦 with us this year 🤩🚲

Vancouver Island Gravel Tour: May 26 - June 2
Rockies Gravel Tour: July 14 - July 21

DM or email us to learn more: [email protected]

☀️ Less than 2 months until Mallorca! A few spots still available. Send us an email at info@magicplaces.ca for more deta...

02/16/2024

☀️ Less than 2 months until Mallorca!

A few spots still available. Send us an email at [email protected] for more details. 🤩🚲

02/13/2024

For those who haven’t had the pleasure, meet Jimmy, Rhea, and Gene! Would you just look at them!
We could tell you a million stories about these three but somehow we don’t think you’d believe us. 😉

Every year these three join us on the Battlefield Bike Ride, leading riders through Europe’s country side, and stopping at historical World War 1 and 2 sites. Let’s say the trips wouldn’t be as fun or memorable without these three leading the charge.

02/09/2024

2 Months until Mallorca! ☀️🚲😍
Our favourite place to shake out our winter legs and enjoying some Mediterranean sun and hospitality.

We still have a few spots available. Who’s coming?!

📸 Chris Curry

02/06/2024

⭐️ Fun Fact ⭐️

The highest speed ever recorded on a bicycle was achieved by Denise Mueller-Korenek in 2018. She reached a speed of 183.93 mph (296 km/h), which is faster than the takeoff speed of an Airbus A340!

Imagine that one on Strava! 😅

📸 photo credit: Matt Ben Stone

02/01/2024

Stops for cool art ✅

Our favourite thing about traveling is getting to experience the local culture, art and food! What’s yours?

01/24/2024

Ever dream of cycling through charming European villages? Let’s make it happen!
Message us to inquire about our custom and private trip packages.

01/19/2024

🌟 Fun Fact: Did you know that Mallorca averages 300 days of sun!

Escape the cold and join us this April!!

There will be multiple ride options every day ranging from easy to hard.

01/17/2024

Meet the incredible Power Duo - Ron and Heidi 🤩

Heidi - Heidi’s Swiss father used to say, ‘If you need exercise, go chop some firewood!’ Needless to say, when she discovered cycling, her attitudes around exercise changed dramatically! Now, several tours, Gran Fondos, and an Ironman later, we’re lucky to have Heidi in the family to gently push our comfort zones, dare us to adventure, and most importantly, hunt down the best pastry shops in Europe. 🥐

Ron - Somehow, while serving 36 years in the Canadian Navy in senior positions, Ron still managed to be a competitive runner and triathlete. Once his feet were dry, Ron jumped into cycling and has been racing, touring, and guiding all over the planet ever since. As long as he gets his daily dose of gelato, he’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet! 🍧

When these two are not on the bike, you’ll find them hosting cooking classes, kayaking and paddleboarding out on the water, or spending time with their young grandchildren.

They provide support as a Lived Experiences Couple for Wounded Warriors Canada’s mental health program called COPE. This program helps couples live with PTSD in their relationship.

01/11/2024

Sa Calobra is recognized as one of the world’s most iconic and beautiful road climbs. This impressive climb of 9.5 km, 270-degree hairpin turns and stunning views, is one of those “Must Ride!” roads that you’ll be dreaming about long afterwards.

The road was completed in 1932 by the half-Italian, half-Mallorcan civil engineer Antonio Parietti Coll, and descends the mountain to the picturesque Sa Calobra fishing village where you can dip your toes in the water and sip a delicious spanish coffee while overlooking the Mediterranean, before turning around to climb 700m back up!

Join us this April for what will undoubtedly be one of the best rides of your life!

01/07/2024

Gravel Trip Anyone?🤩

This year we’re hosting 2 gravel bike tours in our very own back yard!

Vancouver Island Gravel: May 26 – June 2, 2024

Rockies Gravel Tour: July 14 – 21, 2024

No matter how far we travel, we still can’t get over the beauty of where we get to live and play.

To learn more about these trips click the link in our Bio.

🇨🇦

01/05/2024

Where do you dream of mountain biking?

A mountain bike tour might not be on our 2024 calendar, but we love organizing custom trips!

Have a place in mind? Send us a quick message.

01/03/2024

Need a goal that will push your limits and make 2024 your most epic year yet? Look no further!

Tour Transalp 2024! 💥 A 7 day stage race across some of the most breathtaking terrain in the Alps! Conquer world famous passes like Passo Fedaia, Monte Grappa, and Passo del Ballino. It doesn’t get more grand than that!
(Limited spots available)

Pair it with our exclusive Mallorca training camp and get 10% off the entire package.
🤩 Over $600 dollars in savings!

Mallorca training camp - April 9-16, 2024
TTA 7 day stage race - June 14-23, 2024

Are you up for the challenge? 🤔💪
Email us at [email protected] to learn more

12/20/2023

Busy making plans for 2024? We’ve got you covered! The perfect destination to shake out those winter legs and soak up some much needed sun! ☀️🚲 April 9-16, 2024

🏞️ Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, this training camp is designed for all levels. With a choice of guided routes daily, you have the opportunity to pick the best of the best!

🌅 Highlights:
* Descend, then climb the cork-screw perfection of Sa Calobra, Spain’s most famous climb;
* Look in awe, at the morning migration of cyclists, leaving their beach hotels for the hills and valleys and enjoy the most welcoming, inclusive cycling culture you’ll find anywhere;
* Eat paella like it’s meant to be – under the Mediterranean sun;
* Ride to Cap Formentor lighthouse – arguably the most visually stunning ride of your life;
* Enjoy a cortado at a sunny café in an ancient town square.

See you in Mallorca! 🇪🇸🤩
For more information head to www.magicplaces.ca

12/18/2023

The Canadians are back! We’re so happy to once again be going to Europe for the iconic Tour Transalp. Join us in representing Canada in this 7 day stage race!
🌟 Preferred entry rate for anyone who books the support package through Magic Places.
** Race as a single rider or as a team of two

What’s included in the package:
✅ Discounted Entry Fee
✅ Hotels
✅ Airport Pick-Up and Drop-Off
✅ Shuttles
✅ On Course Support
✅ Attentive Guides
✅ Breakfasts
✅ Feed Stations

Route:
7 days. 788km. 16.649m of climbing. From Lienz to Riva del Garda. Via Sillian, Moena/Val di Fassa, Primiero/San Martino di Castrozza, San Zenone degli Ezzelini, Lavarone and Kaltern. 🚵‍♂️

As you can see, this year’s route is brand new and will take you into mountains and passes that you never knew existed! Come ride some of the most picturesque roads and terrain that europe has to offer.

For more information go to: https://magicplaces.ca/tour-transalp-stage-race/

📸 Photo Credit:

11/30/2023

When the cooks are happy, the boss is happy ;)
Another gourmet lunch stop brought to you by Ben and Ivo.👌

11/29/2023

Have you always dreamed of cycling in Europe but aren't sure where to start? Let us help you plan your perfect cycling vacation 😍.
To learn more, send us a quick message or head to www.magicplaces.ca

11/18/2023

🤩🚵‍♂️ We have two epic gravel bike trips scheduled for 2024!

VANCOUVER ISLAND GRAVEL TOUR
&
ROCKIES GRAVEL TOUR – NELSON TO BANFF

Say good bye to all the traffic and come explore Canada's endless back roads with us!
🏞️ For dates and prices DM us or go to www.magicplaces.ca

11/15/2023

We love Italy for so many reasons, and the picturesque medieval architecture is just one of them! 🏰
Any guesses to where this is?...

11/12/2023

⭐️TESTIMONIAL⭐️

We love putting custom trips together. Especially when they're as fun as this one was!!

"Matt organized the most memorable cycling experience of my life, a fully custom multi-day tour coordinated with the final stages of the Tour de France Femmes 2022. Each days rides were fantastic, and perfectly timed to allow us to watch the Femmes each day. We saw so much of the beautiful French countryside, and Matt also planned incredible meals every day. We could have never pulled this off on our own. He was an exceptional host and guide, we'll never forget this trip!" - Melanie S.

11/11/2023

Today we honour those brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect what we hold so dear.

We will remember them.

11/10/2023

All our trips come fully supported! What does that mean?

✅ Our friendly and attentive service
✅ Carefully selected accommodations
✅ All details meticulously planned for you
✅ Luggage transported for you from hotel to hotel
✅ On-course vehicle support
✅ Breakfast, lunches and snacks, (dinners included on select trips)
✅ A no-stress, trip of a life time!

11/08/2023

Meet our fearless leader... Matt Barlee! 🚵‍♂️ 🧸 🧗🏼‍♂️
10% MP boss, 40% entrepreneur and 50% child at heart. Having a life-long intrigue of bicycles, Matt took over the reigns of Magic Places in 2014 to share his passion of two-wheeled adventure seeking.

As someone who thrives on adventure, Matt tirelessly seeks hidden gems to share with Magic Places clients. He is the proud father of two amazing kids, and can be found climbing, camping and mountain biking in beautiful Victoria, BC in his free time.

Fact: He loves coffee ☕️ and is "allergic" to cucumbers.

11/07/2023

✨ NEW BLOG POST! ✨
~ 7 Cycling Safety Tips ~
Because the best stories are the ones where you return home safely to share them!

✅ Helmet Hair, Don't Care
✅ Traffic Rules: They're Not Just for Motorists
✅ Bike Lights: Shine Bright Like a Diamond
✅ Bike Maintenance: Keeping Your Two-Wheeled Steed in Top Shape
✅ Basic First Aid: Because Accidents Happen
✅ Share Your Plans: Let Someone Know Where You Are
✅ Listen to Your Body: It Knows Best

Read the full blog on our website!! https://magicplaces.ca/cycling-safety-tips/

10/27/2023

🇨🇦🌿 Vancouver Island Gravel Tour
May 26th – June 2nd, 2024

The perfect 'intro to gravel cycling' tour! 🤩

Join us in our own back yard, for what we think is the very best riding the South Island has to offer.

LEARN MORE: https://magicplaces.ca/vancouver-island-gravel-tour/

Address

4885 Prospect Lake Road
Victoria, BC
V9E1J5

Website

https://www.magicplaces.ca/

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Videos

“I wanna do a century ride, I wanna do some climbing, and I wanna suffer a bit” said Dan, joining us in Mallorca to celebrate his 50th birthday. We’re pretty sure he got what he wanted today. Here we see he and brother Jon chasing each other down one of Mallorca’s many epic descents.

Perfect day beneath the windmills again northern France during #bbr22.

Another reason why our Okanagan Harvest Wine Tour is tops - views like these. Join us this September!

If you haven’t joined our Vancouver Island Gravel Tour yet, this is what you’re missing…

Gorillas in the mist 🦍

Wow! Apparently our Gravel tours are a hit. Only four spots left for our #vanisle and #rockies #gravelbike tours!

What are YOU doing after Omicron? We have an idea…

What a week! Amazing people, hassle-free travel, and day after day of rides like this. We’ll be scheduling tours here in April and Sept 2022, so don’t miss out!

The pre-ride continues, and today saw us ride two stages (115km) of every type of surface , from paved commuter trail to full-blown singletrack. Some of this sh*t is so fun it should be illegal!

A spectacular finish to a spectacular tour. Who says you need to travel to ride world class terrain? Our Van Isle gravel tour is definitely a gem!

Tuesday. Just another awesome day of trestle-hunting on our Van Isle Gravel Tour!

Day 2 of our Van Isle Gravel Tour. I’m thinking we’re onto something…

Here’s 30 seconds of our Southwest BC Gravel Tour. Imagine a week! Limited spots available, so visit our website in bio.

Finally!! After what seems an eternity, we’re back in business 🚲💥🙏 What better way to celebrate than an #okanagan wine 🍷 and culinary 🥗 tour with perfect weather!☀️ #klippersorganics #rowfourteenrestaurant #miradororestaurant #osoyooslarose #daydreamerwines #poplargrovewinery

Gravel goodness! Amazing day doing a recon of some secret trails for an upcoming gravel tour. Are you signed up for an MP gravel tour? If you are, let this be a tiny taster…

Tell us about your latest gravel adventure!

Mallorca, here we come! With Spain and the EU announcing they anticipate opening up to tourist travel by July, we’re excited to reveal our return to this cycling paradise October 1-9, 2021. Join us!!!

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Our Story

It was back in 1987 on our four-year round-the-world cycling adventure that Joerg and Ulli, founders of the company, decided to devote themselves to sharing their passion for bicycle travel and racing. Since then, MP has hosted bike tours for small groups through some of the world's most beautiful landscapes in Canada, U.S.A., New Zealand, South Africa,Australia and Europe. Traveling by bicycle is the best way to see the world. And it's even better when cycling with friends, both old and new. Experience for yourself a professionally planned vacation of fun and fitness while cycling on safe and quiet roads. Enjoy healthy, tasty meals with the great company of other enthusiastic cyclists. You can count on the energetic, personalized service that has characterized our tours for the past 24 years.