In the past few years, Zephyr has gradually moved from using solely paper directions to using mostly GPS units on bike tours, where the units fit directly on each individual bike. (We also provide paper directions in case of technology failures!) We’ve seen a great improvement in our guests’ satisfaction when it comes to being able to easily follow our directions.
Recently, a group of adventurers returned from the Puglia, Italy Bike & Food Adventure where they used GPS units on their bikes. Our Zephyr guides had pre-populated the routes into the GPS so the only thing left for the bikers to do was to follow the instructions. And of course…pedal!
Liz Miller, who is a former Zephyr guide and is now a frequent tour guest, let us know just how much of a difference the GPS units made:
The GPS allowed us to bike at our own pace and feel confident that we were always on the right track, literally. They are so much easier to read than printed directions, especially with corrective vision issues. Thank you and thanks to whoever pre-populated those routes for us.
Rhonda Jarrett, a Zephyr high roller alumna, told us how the GPS units put her mind at ease:
On my last bike trip in Italy, I got lost the first day, so I was very nervous about having to follow written instructions. The GPS took all my worries away so I could enjoy a great trip and actually enjoy the scenery.
Thanks for your input, Liz and Rhonda! Zephyr plans to continue to use the GPS units on bike tours, whenever possible.
I should clarify that the GPS screen capture I shared for this article is from my Strava phone app, which gave a great post-ride report. I had the Zephyr-provided unit attached to my handlebars zoomed to 50 meters for the most optimal guidance.
Thanks for the clarification, Liz!