ExperiencePlus! Blog


Giving Back in 2017

Creating Meaningful Connections Through Bicycle Travel

(and Beyond!)

No matter where we find ourselves pedaling, ExperiencePlus! is committed to supporting the communities we connect with, both on the road and off.  From visiting local farms and artisans to staying in locally owned and operated hotels to supporting local bicycle advocacy groups – we create as many opportunities as possible for our travelers to connect with their local surroundings. A bike is more than a mode of transportation, it’s a catalyst for community. Here is a look at our 2017 efforts to give back to communities we were happy to connect with and support over the past year.

Tour Donations

Escape NYC: A New York City Cycling club fundraiser and ride benefiting Recycle-A-Bicycle’s Kids Ride Club and I Challenge Myself, two local NYC charities that help local at-risk youth and promote cycling in the tri-state area.

Send a Teacher Traveling Award (S.A.T.T.): The ExperiencePlus! Send a Teacher Traveling Award recognizes outstanding K–12 public school teachers throughout the United States by encouraging teachers to participate in educational, active travel opportunities, like those offered by ExperiencePlus! Since the program began in 1996 we have given away over two dozen free bicycle tours across Europe and South America.  Refresh your memories or learn about our winners here.

K.U.N.C – Community Radio: KUNC’s abiding belief in and strong commitment to the value of diversity strengthens community and enhances respect for a diverse audience. We partnered with K.U.N.C  during one of their fundraising drives to send a lucky donor Bicycling the Best of Provence!

WBUR – Boston’s NPR news station: WBUR serves and engages the local community as a source of news and information, providing insight and cultural context that unites a diverse, complex and changing world. We partnered with WBUR  during their end-of-year pledge drive to send a lucky donor on our Culinary Delights Tour! **It’s not too late to enter to win our Culinary Delights tour. The year-end fundraising drive ends December 8, click here to donate to WBUR and enter to win a tour for two!

Sponsorship Volunteering & Gear Donations

BikeMS: The Colorado Chapter of BikeMS has built communities across the U.S. with the shared passion for raising money to drive research and to deliver services to those facing the daily challenges of MS. This year we continued the tradition of hosting an aid station along the local BikeMS ride’s route.

Adventure Cycling Association: A nonprofit organization working to inspire and empower people to travel by bicycle. We increased our sponsorship level this year to support the organization’s mission to help spread the joy of cycling!

City of Fort Collins Bike to Work days: We continued the tradition of hosting a breakfast station for local cyclists on their morning commute.

In addition to the organizations above we donated gift certificates and cycling gear to organizations such as the Women’s Wilderness Institute and Fort Collins Music Chamber Academy.

Finally, thanks to all our travelers who helped us donate to organizations supporting safety and accessibility to bicycling by opting to have us donate money in lieu of receiving a gift.