Dear Cycling Friends,
You may have noticed that MP has been pretty quiet these last few months with fewer social media posts and emails promoting upcoming tours. It’s because I’ve been spending this time contemplating a new way ahead for Magic Places – a way that honours the fundamental reasons I love riding a bike.
When MP founders Joerg and Ulli Becker started the company over 39 years ago, their methodology for creating tours was admittedly selfish – invite a group of people who would have great chemistry and choose a destination that they really want to visit. Create an adventure, meticulously planned and executed, that rewards client and guide alike. Makes sense, no?
Well, as the company grew, these criteria were hard to maintain with multiple guides and a schedule of over a dozen annual tours. I found that management of ‘the machine’ was robbing me of the passion I had to explore and share beautiful experiences with my clients, and I want it back. This brings us to the decision to forgo the number of tours in exchange for a few rich, adventurous experiences that we can share with a small group – we’re getting back to our roots.
Starting in 2027, Magic Places will be offering a limited number of scheduled tours to unique locations. I will personally organize these small-group tours with a focus on bringing together a group of like-minded clients of complementary ability levels (thank you, E-Bikes!) for a curated cycling experience that combines great riding with boutique-style accommodations and exciting gastronomy. We’ve be posted these trips on our website and I’ll be reaching out directly to folks that I think would be a great fit. If you’re interested in joining the tour, let us know and we’ll set up a call.
Of course, we’re still very keen on hearing your ideas! If you have a group of friends who want to do a trip together, the ‘chemistry’ component is already complete, so it’s simply a matter of discussing destinations and creating a custom itinerary. Do we have a minimum group size? On the contrary, we actually have a maximum limit of 10, so we can ensure a personalized, intimate travel experience for everyone.
A friend asked me if I was considering retiring, but on the contrary! I’m truly excited about the prospect of sharing very special cycling experiences with small groups, of exploring new and wild destinations, and of getting back to our roots!
I look forward to sharing some adventures with you.
Keep the rubber side down,
Matt
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We’re reducing our tour schedule to focus on a few, select tours that evoke every reason that we love riding bikes – friends, adventure, and connections.
