"I had the trip of a lifetime with Gourmet Cycling Travel. Simon and Jon put together an amazing trip with fantastic food, beautiful accommodations, and spectacular riding. The trip from start to finish went very smooth and was packed with fun. Simon with his cycling expertise and Jon with his gourmet chef background were excellent hosts taking us through an extraordinary journey." – Martin Bates, Florida

"Simon and Jon were the most personable and honest-to-God greatest men we could have EVER expected leading us on this amazing trip. They had every step of the way perfectly timed and planned for a completely worry free 8 days of gorgeous cycling through France. The destinations they chose gave us a true experience of French scenery, foods, and, yes, even wines! The climbs we did in the Pyrenees were spectacular and the TDF viewings were unforgettable! The best part of the entire experience was the camaraderie and friendships found in the small intimate group and these memories will last us a lifetime. We will definitely be back for another tour with Simon and Jon!" – Susan Carroll & David Gregory, Delaware

"Thanks for such a memorable travel experience to my first (and hopefully not last) Tour de France. Everything was simply amazing from the accommodations to the cuisine, the incredible views on the rides, the ability to get so close to the Tour riders and the fun & laughter of such a great group of people. This was one of the best vacations I’ve ever experienced! Gourmet Cycling Travel truly did an impeccable job!" – Kim Vaughan, Florida

"The 2010 TDF trip through the Pyrenees with GCT was beyond words; it was such a fantastic trip! This was my first time traveling with a tour group and I am so happy that I chose Simon and Jon’s GCT. I’ve wanted to follow the TDF for five years and finally fulfilled my dream and GCT made it even sweeter. As a non-cyclist, GCT was the only tour group advertising the non-cyclist version at the time I was planning my trip. After talking to Simon on the phone, I was ready to go!

Simon and Jon were excellent with taking care of both the cyclists and non-cyclists in the group. Jon made sure that I got my sunflower pictures as well as to try foie gras, at my request! Between seeing 4 of the TDF stages, eating fantastic food, seeing the countryside in the south of France and our group’s camaraderie, I couldn’t ask for a better trip. Thank you Simon and Jon for some great memories and stories to tell for years to come!" – Rachel Ripperger, Arizona

"Cyclists of any level will appreciate Simon's knowledge of the classic climbs in France. Who better to lead you up Mont. Ventoux than a former pro racer? For the non-cyclist who wants to experience the culture, wine and cuisine of France, Jon is your man, as he will whip you up a gourmet meal while you sit poolside sipping your wine. Simon and Jon, Thanks for the trip of a lifetime." – Knop Family, New Hampshire

"We are one of those couples who always said we would never do a “tour group” trip, but with Simon and Jon as our guides it was an incredible experience. Simon insured that every single aspect of this “once in a lifetime” cycling experience was a memorable one from arranging plenty of sports drinks to changing a flat with acute accuracy and speed as well as his gentle kindness and encouragement up Alpe-D Huez that only Simon can provide.

Then there is Jon with his professional cooking skills providing the most amazing menus and even cooking classes for those non-riders who wanted a few cooking secrets to take back home. Jon was constantly looking for ways to tempt our taste buds with food and wine.
So never say never, we would trust our vacation plans with Simon and Jon again."
- Jennifer and Luciano Trevisiol, Florida

"From the peaks of the French Alps and the valleys of Provence, to the cobbled streets and Eifel Tower of Paris, my adventure of a lifetime with Jon Chiri and Simon Kessler as our guides, was the best ever! Our accommodations, cuisine, and wine were top notch. Jon’s extensive knowledge of both the food and wine of each region after moving to France from California several years ago, not to mention his talents as a chef, was five star. We were extremely blessed to have Simon as our biking guide. With his experience as a former pro racer, turned cycling coach, and having lived in France himself for many years to train, he knew each and every ascent, switch back, and descent, like no one I have ever known before. The prime spots to watch the best stages of the 2009 Tour de France was the icing on the cake! While I did not reach my goal of biking to the summits of mountains like the Col de la Croix de Fer or Mont Ventoux, I am inspired to try it again in 2010 with Jon and Simon to lead the way." – Mary-Stewart Latta, Florida

"I traveled with a tour company that employed Simon as a cycling guide for the Tour de France in 2009. Along with Simon, our non-cycling guide was Jon. Despite some glitches caused by the tour company, Simon and Jon made my vacation unforgettable. In fact, had I not learned otherwise, I'd have never known there were issues. As a cycling guide, Simon was extremely knowledgeable and looked after cyclists of all abilities. For non-cyclists, Jon found the local flavor and ensured that each person's needs were met, whether it meant a late night run to a pharmacy or a cross town trek to find the perfect wine. Both Simon and Jon were fun "on the job" as well as over dinner just having a laugh. Great people. I sincerely hope that Simon and Jon guide a tour next year, as I will be first in line to book that trip." – Jennifer Perkins, Washington

"They say it's the people that make the trip, not the places; and this certainly applies to these guys! Their attention to detail, expertise, and amicability will ensure that your experience will be made into a memory…mine was!" – Aaron Langford, Oklahoma

"These guys were absolutely great. I can't imagine a better blend of professionalism and personability. France is France, however Simon and Jon made the experience unforgettable." – Kyle Shadid, Oklahoma