Feedback

This page is to encorage travellers to write something about their trip.
To start things off - here are a few comments from previous travellers:

Check out the trip report from the Carpenter family.

From Tristan Leov  September 2012

Hi Ross

 Thanks so much for organising the logistics and bikes during our recent trip to Savaii.

 I was lucky to get some great riding in whilst there but did make one of my trips twice because it was just so enjoyable and challenging.

 Based at La Legato resort I headed up to the crater rim on the bike one afternoon and have to say the mix of heat and vertical rise ensured this would be an excellent workout for even a very fit cyclist.

 The 5 km road start is perfect for clearing the cobwebs and then it is a good hard climb up to where the crater man lives. This trail is rough and does require some skill in places (Or you can push over the worst parts if needs be).

 Once at the top you can pay your money and walk the last 250m to the crater proper (That’s one big hole!) or rest on the grass and chat with crater man, who happens to be a real nice guy who is not just focussed on taking your money.

The return run can be awesomely wild or relaxingly mild depending on how often you pull in the brake lever and you could expect to be back at the bar in a couple of hours round trip for a regular mountain biker

 I returned early one morning and not only enjoyed the temperature much more but also managed to get up close to the traditional Samoan way of harvesting the breakfast fresh each day. Had some lovely conversations with the locals who were out in force walking up the hill to get their breakfast and were generally concerned for my mental wellbeing in wanting to ride up there!

 This ride was the highlight of the whole Samoa trip

 Thanks again for everything!

From Jim Hudson  September 2012

 Hi Ross and Frances

 Our party of 6 thoroughly enjoyed our time in Samoa and and we would like to thank you both for doing all the groundwork.We were all first-timers to Samoa and I think all pleasantly surprised at the friendliness of the people, their laid-back attitude and the tidy, well-kept villages.

 I must say we were very grateful for the support van. Only 2 of the party, Nick and Ingrid did not make use of the van and Ingrid, a NZ age group champion cyclist, actually rode all the way. What we found challenging was the heat and the route was overall more hilly than we had thought it might be, although you did warn us in your excellent handbook. The van was restricted to carrying a maximum of 3 bikes (at a pinch) and fortunately we had one or two of Peter and Sarah's sons on occasions to ride one of the bikes, so we coped.

 Accommodation on the whole was very good with the best fale resorts being Manase and Satuiatua, while Vaisala with its ensuites was a real bonus! And Amanaki Hotel was a great place to finish, their meals were excellent value.

 Two comments: You may envisage at some stage getting a trailer to carry bikes for a fully supporting vehicle. Sarah is a big woman and getting 3 bikes on board plus Sarah plus bodies was nigh impossible!!

A warning to clients with medical conditions. I think it imperative that they should take a fully supported tour. Quite frankly, with my cardiac arrhythmia and age (76), I wouldn't have made it without the support van.

Otherwise, it was a wonderful experience and we are very grateful to you both for giving us the opportunity. Thank you very much.

 Kind regards

From John Sumich (September 2012)

Hello Ross & Frances

have just returned from savaii. It was superb. Some things undone this time so have an excuse to return, perhaps with friends. With just 2 of us we were hesitant for example to leave bikes at Falealupo canopy walk so in a bigger group or with a back up vehicle security will be greater. The bike ride from Falealupo was one of the most pleasant we had, no menaces but it was Sunday and we set off at 7.30 to lessen the time in the heat. Stopped several times at churches though just to listen.

Took our bikes up the road to matavanu, left them 2/3 of the way up and were bloody minded enough to go all the way up after having to pay the crater man his 40 tala. Some how it wasn't as impressive as I'd hoped but may be it was just the heat .

Only 2 dog incidents and those both on the last day. No injuries though.

Bikes were very good thanks and all up the holiday matched expectations. I agree with your comments on Satuiatua. Lelua runs a great establishment

john

Kevin Evans August 2012

Hi Ross

Thanks for the service your people gave us on our Samoa cycle trip.The bikes were especially well presented and the service A 1.

We had wonderfull adventure and this being my 3rd visit I don't tire of the beauty of the place and more especially the Samoans themselves.

Thanks again

Kevin Evans and family

Free bananas in Manase

More fun with kids

July 2012 Escorted trip

Hello Ross,

 A big thankyou for all your energy, passion, thoughtfulness and fun you bought to our magic time on tour.

It certainly was a trip to remember - lots of moments constantly coming back to remind us of our expedition.

 Great to have Graham with us too - hope he enjoyed it as much as we did! - you both were very supportive at all times!!

 Thanks for the photos on Picasa - a good idea.

 Life has been hectic since returning home - now a wet cold week so have not been on the bike - no tennis - only 1 walk - feel as though I have ground to a halt in the fitness department.

 Lets know if you ever have any soft recreational trips, or hear of any.

 Kindest regards

 Val W

From Matt in July 2012

Just wanted to say thanks for a sweet trip.  I really enjoyed the 3 days cycling on Savaii, what a treat!

 I did some major stuff-ups that I should mention.  I got to the airport on Sunday morning at 5am in Auckland and they wouldn’t let me on the flight – unbelievable, my passport was expiring within 6 months.  Cost me a day and a half off my holiday and the cost of a last minute flight booking.  I still can’t believe it.

Also I suffered from dehydration by combining beer, a big days cycling and diarrhea – if I had read your guide book I would have avoided a fainting fit.

A couple of things that were cool was cycling inland to Paea village around sunset the night we spent at Manase, the whole village seemed to be together playing sports.  We also decided to take the inland road to avoid seeing the same bit of coast again on our return from Manase to Solologa to catch the ferry.  That was pretty full on, definitely appreciated having good bikes on that road/track!  5 stream crossings (it was raining so the creeks were up), no sign posts or shops and 2 dog attacks but it was worth it.  I am recommending bike tours to Samoa to all my friends.

 Thanks again

 Matt.   

 From a December/January 2012 trip

 Cycling route. Awesome, and we see why you chose Savaii.