Build the USBRS with Exodus Travels

May 11, 2015

Exodus Travels has seen the great success of the Build It. Bike It. Be a Part of It. campaign and the growth of the U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS) and is sponsoring a $1,000 match challenge to keep the momentum going. Donate now to to have your contribution matched by Exodus Travels! 

We recently sat down with Exodus Travels to find out more about the company and what they believe in.

Tell us about your company and its history.

Exodus Travels started life in February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. From there Exodus grew its overland style of travel, pioneering new routes in South America and beyond.

It wasn’t long before Exodus recognized the value of a different style of travel, exploring the world by foot. Joining the Nepalese trekking industry in its infancy, Exodus took the early trekkers to Everest Base Camp and soon after saw a rapid growth in its Walking and Trekking program covering most of the world’s main mountain ranges.

In the 1990s, Exodus realized that travelling by overland or foot wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea and with that the Cycling product range was born. Since then, it has grown into one of the most successful programs Exodus offers – expanding to provide over 125 itineraries around the world and growing on a yearly basis.

Ultimately, at the heart of every Exodus trip is a focus on delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine and lifestyles – anything that contributes to a destination’s unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimize our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

Tell us about your company's mission and how it relates to your decision to support the U.S. Bicycle Route System.

At Exodus, we are passionate about seeing the world by bike. Cycling allows you to travel at your own pace, has minimal environmental impact and best of all, provides a massive sense of achievement. Supporting the U.S. Bicycle Route System was a natural decision for us as we know for many, the best opportunities are in your own backyard. We are excited about The Adventure Cycling Association’s commitment to improving cycling routes throughout the U.S. as it’s such a beautiful and vast country and deserves to be explored in the best style of travel out there.

What 5 cycling-related things are you most excited about now?

• We have seen increasing evidence that corporate executives are opting for cycling over golf. Not only is this activity and related style of travel much more environmentally friendly, it also offers an increased health benefit so great to see so many jumping on the cycling bandwagon.
• The increase in bike routes and lanes within North America which have, to date, been playing a very slow game of catchup to our neighbors in Europe.
• There has also been a growing surge in cycling events available for people to push their limits. Where running has such a wide variety of races available (marathons, half-marathons, 10ks, etc.), cycling has historically been available through triathlons, which are unattainable for many. There has also been a rise in events cyclists can participate in while enjoying new destinations, such as the Cape Argus in South Africa.
• Of course at Exodus we are thrilled to see growing interest in travelling the world by bike. As we have experienced first-hand, this is a style of travel that is growing at a phenomenal rate as more and more people realize the benefits of exploring new destinations on two wheels.
• While controversial for some, the availability of e-bikes is a trend we are excited to watch and see how it develops. This alternative method of cycling allows couples who may be at different fitness levels to enjoy the activity together and allows the aging population to continue pursuing a sport they love, despite new physical ailments that may otherwise be a hindrance. 

Where would you like to see cycling in the United States 5 years from now?

At Exodus we would love to see an increase in people who choose to commute to work by bike. Not only does this mode of transportation reduce traffic, road rage and produce less carbon emissions, it also ensures those who may otherwise be sitting at a desk all day have the opportunity to stretch their legs, get the heart pumping and start their work day in a much better head space than they would sitting bumper-to-bumper behind the wheel of their car. This is a feat that is entirely possible with the phenomenal work of the Adventure Cycling Association and their efforts to build better routes so Americans can exercise this as an alternative option.

What one product/service of yours would you like to be sure touring cyclists know about?

It’s really tough to narrow-down as we have so many great trips around the world that cater to all fitness levels, but our 8-day cycling trip in Croatia really is second to none. Said to have the clearest waters in the Mediterranean, and undoubtedly packed with historic and cultural interest, the Dalmatian Coast is one of the true wonders of Europe. This top-rated Exodus itinerary follows some of the best cycling routes the area has to offer with much of the tour taking place on the long and beautiful islands of Hvar and Korcula, travelling by ferry between the islands. The scenery alternates between seaside villages, tiny mediaeval towns and lovely pebble bays. The journey ends in the fascinating UNESCO city of Dubrovnik where travelers get to spend two nights to soak up the atmosphere of this uniquely preserved city.