Guest Stories: Matt Masters

Reflections on 14 Tours and One That Surprised Me

I recently counted 14 Ciclismo Classico trips I’ve done, and people often ask me which was my favorite. I always respond that it’s an impossible question to answer, but it has motivated me to think about which tours were my favorites. And I’ve surprised myself by placing a trip to Argentina among my 3 favorites!

This was a truly unique trip in many ways. First, for complicated reasons, I turned out to be the only cyclist on the tour. (It was a small group of just 5 guests.) The cycling aspect of the trip was de-emphasized, but it really wasn’t an issue because the other elements to the tour were just so remarkable.

The scenery in the high desert plateau of the Andes was astounding. Red rock canyons, Cardones cactus that so closely resembled the Saguaro of the Sonoran Desert, amazing salt flats and the spectacular drive it took to get there, the view of nearby mountain peaks that exceeded 20,000 feet in elevation, and observing Andean Condors in full flight were among the most exhilarating aspects of this tour.

These scenic elements would have been enough to make for a great experience, but the trip was so much more. Designed in part as a photography tour, we received professional instruction and evaluation of the photos we took from a noteworthy Argentinian landscape photographer.

We were also introduced to the wine culture of the region, an industry of growing importance in the country. I have even noticed an occasional bottle of wine from the Salta region in U.S. markets!

Finally, the numerous small villages and towns that were our overnight stopping points during our adventure (Cachi, Tilcara, Purmamarca, among others). The mix of Spanish and indigenous influence could be felt throughout, but especially in the market stalls of village plazas — in art, in tapestry, in food, and in music.

I feel more fortunate than ever having taken this trip, especially now that I don’t believe it is offered any longer. Finally, if you’re wondering what other tours made my top 3 list, I would recommend Bike Across Italy (no surprise there!), and a Taste of Provence — great riding, marvelous food, and wonderful destinations, mostly in the shadow of Mont Ventoux.