I’m going to start with a spoiler alert: There is no perfect time, but there is a best time – and it’s now. Not someday. Today.
There is a line from the novel Theo of Golden that captures something essential about how we ought to move through the world: “Fully invested in the art of living.”
As the season changes and the leaves start falling, I want to stay focused on that string of words. It’s really hitting me right now. It’s an evocative phrase, but more than that, it’s a standard to hold ourselves to. As I’m learning, in our 50s, 60s, and 70s, life doesn’t necessarily slow down—it often gets more complex. Between demanding careers, aging parents, expanding families, and endless calendars, it is easy to defer the things that nourish our souls to “someday.”
Here is the quiet truth we all eventually learn: “someday” is a dangerous word.
We never truly know what tomorrow brings, what shifts in health, circumstance, or life will happen next. The only moment we can guarantee is the one we hold right now. Being “fully invested in the art of living” isn’t about reckless abandon; it’s about choosing not to put off joy. It’s about recognizing that the best time to ride through the sun-drenched vineyards of Portugal, taste regional wines in Burgundy, or conquer a high pass in the Alps is as soon as humanly possible.
As we look toward our 2027 calendar, here is some of my advice in picking a trip. I’m always here to help with specific questions but I hope some of this high level advice gets you in the mode of choosing your joy now versus saying “someday”…
Waiting for Aligning Calendars? Go Alone.
How many dream trips have quietly died in group text threads while waiting for four or five different schedules to align? “Let’s do it next year when work slows down,” or “I can’t make those dates work.”
If your friends or family can’t clear their calendars for 2027, go anyway.
Nearly half of the inGamba community arrives as solo travelers. From the moment you land, you aren’t on your own—you are part of a warm, like-minded collection of cycling enthusiasts who share a passion for world-class cycling, mealtime and genuine connection. By the end of day one, over a table set with regional delicacies and exceptional local wines (Mangia e Beve, as we like to say), “solo traveler” is the last phrase you’ll use to describe yourself. You are simply part of the inGamba family.
Embrace the Quiet Seasons: Early Winter & Spring in Europe
There is a distinct, understated luxury to visiting Europe when the rest of the world isn’t there.
While summer draws massive crowds and heat, winter and spring reveal Europe at its most authentic. Imagine rolling past the terracotta rooftops of Tuscany, through the cork forests of the Alentejo or across the coastal roads of Spain with cool, crisp air in your lungs, clear roads ahead, and very low crowds.
Without the heat of July or August, your morning rides are invigorating, and your afternoons spent lingering in quiet village plazas feel entirely your own. It is Europe unmasked, tranquil, and you’ll feel like a local.
Different Paces, Shared Memories: The E-Bike Advantage
A common hesitation for couples is a difference in fitness or riding pace. One partner might want to push for a personal best on every climb, while the other wants to take in the views, enjoy the ride, and arrive at lunch with plenty of energy left in the tank.
Enter the e-bike—the ultimate equalizer.
Our Nytros seamlessly bridge the gap, allowing couples to experience every mile, hill, and village together. You can climb side-by-side up iconic cols without compromise or frustration. It transforms what could be a point of stress into a shared adventure, ensuring that both of you arrive at the vineyard or boutique hotel exhilarated and completely in sync.
Don’t Wait for Someday. Make 2027 Count.
Life is happening now. The 2027 calendar is officially open, featuring expanded journeys across France (including Burgundy and the Alps), fan favorites like Bavaria, Tuscany and Portugal and destinations like Basque Country, Slovenia and Sardinia that beckon for exploring.
An adventure awaits. Choose it now and be fully invested in the art of living. Spots are going fast. Make sure one is yours.
