Corporate Spotlight: At Your Pace Freestyle Cycling Adventures

May 23, 2015

This post is part of a series spotlighting Adventure Cycling's Corporate Members. These companies support our mission and programs and do some cool stuff of their own. We decided to ask them some questions and, as a result, have learned a few interesting things about our supporters that we'd like to share with you. The answers below are direct from the companies. We hope that this gives you the chance to get to know them a little better, too. For this post, we sat down with Corporate Member, Pamela Keller, of At Your Pace - Freestyle Cycling Adventures who shared with us a bit about the company, their passion for cycling, and why they support Adventure Cycling Association.

Tell us a little bit about your company and its history.

At Your Pace - Freestyle Cycling Adventures designs self-guided cycling and Colorado adventure tours that allow customers to enjoy their vacation, their way. Our tours provide participants with well-planned, creative, and affordable itineraries that showcase the myriad cycling and adventure opportunities in Colorado while catering to independent spirits and inquisitive natures.

In 2011, I went on a self-guided bike trip to the Champagne area of France. At the time, I was in Paris for the French Open tennis tournament and I wanted to cycle after the tournament, but I couldn't find a guided bike trip that coincided with the dates of the Open. Luckily, I found a self-guided cycling tour company that offered a variety of itineraries and allowed me to choose my own start date. I loved the self-guided touring concept. It gave me freedom in choosing the date, allowed me to cycle with whom I wanted because there are no group departures, and I could ride at my own pace. Given my background in touring (I formerly worked for a division of Globus family of brands and have extensive experience in the travel industry), and my love of cycling, I thought, "I can do this!"

What services or products do you provide for bicycle tourists?

We offer self-guided bicycle tours and outdoor adventures such as rafting and hiking. We’re regionally located and focus our efforts in Colorado. Because we live and ride in Colorado, we use our knowledge of the state and the roads to craft itineraries that appeal to a variety of travelers with various ability levels.

We provide itineraries via GPS systems and offer a wide variety of options to explore areas based on mileage and ability levels. This enables cyclists to explore without feeling they have to stay with the fastest or slowest person on the tour.

We also provide detailed written navigational instructions. Our tours are tailored specifically for independent travelers who enjoy flexibility.

Participants also travel on the dates that work best for their group. They select the date they would like to travel and if lodging is available, then the tour is available. This means no canceled departures!

We offer the same quality service and comfort of guided trips; the only difference is there is no assigned tour guide. We offer support through a local representative at all destinations, so participants are never alone with our reps a phone call away.

Any of our trips are also fully customizable. This year, we have sprinkled in multi-sport adventures, including hiking, horseback riding to view wild mustangs, rafting, and float trips.

Why do you support Adventure Cycling through corporate membership?

We strongly believe in Adventure Cycling's mission to inspire and empower people to travel by bicycle and support your advocacy efforts for improved roads and infrastructure.

What are your favorite things going on in cycling right now?

So many things! In Colorado, we are delighted to see the return of the Pro Cycling Challenge AND the recent confirmation of an elite women’s race, the Women’s USA Pro Challenge.

Where would you like to see cycling in America in 5 years?

I’d like to see an increase in women cycling, including an increased comfort level for women and breaking down myths and misconceptions. Many women may be intimidated by cycling when looking to get started in their later years. We've addressed this by launching a women's bicycling initiative in our community, Sassy Spokes of Northern Colorado.

I’d also like to see the U.S. adapt to the popularity of self-guided tours, as Europe has for so many years.

What is your favorite service or program that Adventure Cycling offers?

It’s all good! The maps are a great idea! I also like the product reviews and am especially interested in advocacy.

If your headquarters staff could relocate to any place in the world, where would they choose?

We wouldn’t relocate. We love Colorado!

As your company grows, have you had mainly tailwinds, headwinds or crosswinds? 

As a relatively new business, we’ve experienced a bit of each. One wears many hats when running a small business and you must be an “expert” in many areas. It’s all worth it, as we passionately love what we do!

Has any of your staff ridden Adventure Cycling’s mapped routes?  If so, which ones?

Not yet, but we plan to!

What do you like best about the magazine?

Everything. It has content that I will actually read!

Is there anything else about your company that you really want to share with our readers?

The company was born out of a passion to do what you love. We believe that life is meant to be enjoyed, at your own pace, and we strive to create tours that reflect this belief. 

Photos by At Your Pace - Freestyle Cycling Adventures

—

MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS is posted every other Wednesday by the membership team — Julie, Josh, and Brian — spotlighting the various benefits of membership, our accomplishments thanks to member support, and interviews with some of our most passionate and dedicated members, both individual and organizational.