VeloSante Cycling Services
VeloSante Cycling Services
velosante1@gmail.com
(828) 545-1039
VeloSante is a cycling services company that produces safe, custom cycling tours and event support for retailers, teams, clubs, organizations and groups of cycling enthusiasts.
Premier cycling destinations include the Natchez Trace Parkway, Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, Florida's Hill Country and the northern tier of the United States.
Part of the year is focused on producing the Big Ride Across America, a 3300 mile, 48 day bicycle event. A percentage of the proceeds is donated to a charitable organization.
VeloSante is a small company focused on personalized service. Clients deal directly with the owners, Charlton DuRant and Lynn Petrotte.
Charlton DuRant
Cycling took a strong hold on Charlton in his youth as he spent six years, including high school, in Europe riding, racing and commuting. A few highlights of his cycling experiences include: Bicycle messenger in New York City, manager of two bike shops and part owner of a third, organizer for the Tour DuPont and the 1996 Atlanta Olympics Torch Relay, coach, promoter of United States Cycling Federation training camps and races. Charlton directs the Big Ride Across America.
Lynn Petrotte
Lynn has enjoyed the freedom bicycling offers since she was a child. In 2000, she achieved her goal of riding every single mile of the Big Ride Across America. Lynn is an enthusiastic fitness/commuter/mountain/gravel bike rider. She speaks Spanish and has a M.Ed.in Bilingual Administration. When not cycling, Lynn is a watersports guide and instructor, studies yoga, dabbles in wholesome cuisine, plays in the outdoors and enjoys exploring new environments. She is a highly service oriented and a great host. Lynn handles administrisation for VeloSante and is assistant director of the Big Ride Across America.
Together, Charlton and Lynn find their bliss while bikepacking in beautiful places. http://velosante.tumblr.com
VeloSante offers custom cycling trips and cycling support services for events, clubs and enthusiasts.
Is your club or group looking for support for a cycling trip? Our 15-passenger van with roof racks, ten and sixteen foot cargo trailers and extensive logistical support experience are available to facilitate your cycling trip logistics.
VeloSante also offers bicycle valet service for groups. Door to door bicycle pick up and transport to ride destination is provided. This allows riders to travel with their carry on only, and not hassle with a bike box at airports or risk damage to their bike. VeloSante's valet service saves riders time, money and provides peace of mind.
Contact us for specifics and to discuss how we can partner with you.
VeloSante Cycling Services
Charlton DuRant & Lynn Petrotte
velosante1@gmail.com
828-545-1039
http://www.facebook.com/VeloSante/
So, if you are going on a bike trip & VeloSante is supporting it, only a fool isn't going to reserve their services. It was fantastic. Charlton & Lynn are the freaking bomb of service. I now have new names to add to my list of friends. Thanks! dp
Thank you for everything! It was a real pleasure to meet you both. You are an incarnation of "delighting the customer". Beyond making arrangements for providing a bike and door-to-door transportation, your warm welcome each day added an extra dimension to the trip. And no one can beat Charlton's vignettes from his past when it comes to scintillating conversation! Thank you so much for making this a wonderful trip. I hope to join you again on another trip. -Barbara
Thank you, you made my dream come true. - Big Rider Alumni
The Natchez trip is one of the best biking experiences that I have ever had. Lynn and Charlton did an outstanding job with all aspects of the trip. Everything was well organized and planned. I would not hesitate to book another trip with them. – Flint Wiles
I thought I'd better write and thank you for helping make the Big Ride so special, because when I tried to tell you in person I started crying and couldn't get the words out. ... it was extremely difficult, extraordinarily fun, interesting, fulfilling…. The trip wouldn’t have gone nearly so well under anyone else’s leadership. So thank you very much. -2012 Big Rider
Charlton and Lynn are so very friendly and accommodating. Their knowledge of cycling is unparalleled, and during the 2013 version of the Florida Bike SAFARI they met my every need. I will definitely be a repeat customer. – Len
The best thing about the trip was the incredible amount of personal attention that you lavished upon us. If any of us even whispered that we had a concern, you were right on it. I have never been on a ride with this level of personal attention. I would enthusiastically recommend VeloSante to others. -John, Grand Rapids, MI
We all talked about how well cared for we felt, and how you both removed all concerns... a great trip run by great people. Thank you so much! -Kathleen K.
You guys were truly amazing to be with these past 7 weeks. I owe my safety, my well-being, and the time of my life to you guys. – Cara
It was a great trip and a nice way to experience the south! Beautiful scenery, wonderful company, great weather, delicious food, easy riding and good road surfaces with little traffic. Plus, it was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with fellow Big Riders and reminisce about the Big Ride experience. (And I loved Charlton's jokes!) -Daria Kurkjy
The personal attention was beyond belief. I felt very well cared for, but not rushed, while on the road. Thanks!!! -Margaret Peters
You went out of your way to accommodate us, from the unplanned stop at Elvis’s birthplace to satisfy Erin, to the stop at Brian’s school so we could see the murals, to the extra servings of Nutella (yuck! I say) to please Darya and the others. We never felt rushed or harried, because you were well organized and timed things right. The road was ideal for riding and the distances about right. The group size was perfect – small enough to get to know everyone and large enough not to get sick of anyone. I feel very lucky to have become your customer, and your friend. Fondly, Glenn
Charlton and Lynn, I met up today with three of the 2012 Big Riders, Molly, Cookie, and Rick who are doing the Pacific Coast charity ride. Coincidently, I met up yesterday with a friend’s daughter who had just completed a cross country bicycle ride and shared her experience. What came to my mind was that, upon reflection, you and Charlton did an absolute amazing job on leading the Big Ride. You started by scouting out the ride before we left on our journey, you built a team of riders through some tough love at the beginning, you scouted the ride again each day, and you were there for any issues which came about during the actual bike riding. Molly, Cookie and Rick all noticed the differences in their current ride and commented, "It’s not the Big Ride" not referring to the trip, but to the level of support you all provided.
It was easy to just ride each day without any thought about logistics, and I think that we just didn't know had good we had it because we had nothing with which to compare your level of effort. Certainly we all appreciated at the time how easy each day was to get from point a to point b, but without any comparison, we didn't really know how truly superior your effort was. Just thought you should know that we all really appreciate how you went above and beyond just running a bike tour, and I promise to stop complaining the next time I ride with you. -Rob, 8/2016 (Big Ride 2012 and Big Ride 2014)
Big Ride Across America is a seven week, 3,300 mile, fully supported bicycle ride from Seattle, Washington to Washington D.C. What began as a charity bicycle event in the 1990s as a fundraiser for the American Lung Association has become a cross-country trek steeped in rich tradition. People throughout the world have participated in the Big Ride as cyclists, volunteers and donors. The Big Ride challenges the body, mind and spirit.
Event Details
Big Ride Across America – the Ride of a Lifetime!
Special thanks to MotorLine and Marich Confectionery, our generous sponsors
For more info contact: info@bigride.org/
(828)545- 1039
https://www.facebook.com/BigRideAcrossAmerica/
What's happening with the Big Ride Across America? The Big Ride is seeking a not for profit partner and route revisions are underway to make the Big Ride safer and better than ever.
2020 & 2021 Tour Postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic
The 29th Annual Michigander Bicycle Tour
Date: July 13-18, 2020
Camp Locations: Traverse City & Frankfort, Michigan
VeloSante Cycling Services offers concierge camping services and bicycle shipping for cyclists participating in the 2020 Michigander. Our services are designed to enhance your experience during this six day event, so you can spend more time riding and having fun!
Sign up for the Michigander Bicycle Tour at https://michigantrails.org/events/michigander-bike-tour/ See VeloSante camping concierge service posted under Amenities - Tenting Service.
VeloSante Concierge Camping Service
VeloSante sets up, breaks down, and transfers your tenting accommodations. Upon arrival, you will find your tent set up in Traverse City. We will move it, along with your luggage, to the second camping location in Frankfort.
Service Options
Six (6) nights (Sunday, July 12 through Saturday, July 18 afternoon)
Single occupancy… $500 [queen or twin air mattress]
Double occupancy… $590 [one queen or two twin air mattresses]
Five (5) nights (Monday, July 13 through Saturday, July 18 afternoon)
Single occupancy… $440 [queen or twin air mattress]
Double occupancy… $525 [one queen or two twin air mattresses]
Three (3) nights
Single occupancy...$365 [queen or twin air mattress]
Double occupancy … $455 [one queen or two twin air mattresses]
Two (2) nights
Single occupancy...$335 [queen or twin air mattress]
Double occupancy … $415 [one queen or two twin air mattresses]
Bicycle shipping No need to travel with your bicycle when you can ship it via Air Caddy - We will receive, assemble, repack and drop your bicycle at FedEx.
If you are flying, or need to ship a bicycle, we have found Air Caddy to be a superior way of safely transporting a bike. Re-useable, wedge-shaped bicycle boxes can be purchased at www.aircaddy.com. On the front end, we receive, assemble and transport your bicycle to the event. For the return trip, we repack and transport your bicycle to FED Ex.
Bicycle Shipping (round trip) with Air Caddy Box $100*
* Note: Shipping container and shipping fee not included.
To make reservations for concierge camping service e-mail us at velosante1@gmail.com Please specify the service you are requesting, the number of nights you would like to stay with us, air mattress preference, and any questions you may have. We will respond with our seasonal mailing address for payment.
For bike shipping or any other questions, please feel free to contact us via phone, text or e-mail at the numbers below. Thank you for considering our services. We look forward to helping make this your best Michigander experience ever!
Warmly,
Lynn Petrotte and Charlton DuRant
VeloSante
(828) 545-1039
http://www.facebook.com/VeloSante/
We would love to hear from you! To sign up for an a tour or an event, please send us an email or call.
VeloSante Cycling Services
Charlton DuRant & Lynn Petrotte
velosante1@gmail.com
(828) 545-1039
Big Ride Across America
Bike Florida
Bike Ride Across Tennessee (BRAT)
Bike Virginia
Festivelo
Florida Bicycle Safari
Gran Fondo National Series (on going)
Highlands Bike Fest
North Carolilna Mountains to Coast Ride
Ride the Fault Line
Road Titans 300
The Michigander
2020 & 2021 Tour Postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic
New for Bike Virginia 2020 - VeloSante's Morning Coffee and Tea Service, including French Press Pot Coffee!
VeloSante is pleased to provide concierge camping services at the 2020 Bike Virginia. Our services are designed to enhance your Bike Virginia experience so you can spend more time relaxing and having fun!
The Bike Virginia Tour will be held June 19-24, 2020 in the beautiful Farmville-Prince Edward region of the state. Learn more about the 2020 Bike Virginia tour and register at bikevirginia.org See VeloSante's camping concierge service under Sleep - Outdoors - Assisted Camping.
The VeloSante Full Concierge Camping Package
This full service option includes a spacious Kelty 6-person tent (for one or two occupants), air mattress (queen or twin), camp chair, daily cotton towel and washcloth service, luggage transfer, charging station, secure bicycle corral, mechanical assistance (tire pump, chain lube, minor adjustments), afternoon refreshments, and (new this year) morning coffee and tea service. VeloSante sets up and takes down your tent accommodations at both camping locations. [Please note: You are responsible for your own bedding material, such as pillows, sheets and blankets.]
Service Options
Five (5) Nights (Friday 10:00 AM 6/19 through Wednesday afternoon 6/23)
Single occupancy… $440 [queen or twin air mattress]
Double occupancy…$525 [one queen or two twin air mattresses]
Three (3) Nights
Single occupancy… $365 [queen or twin air mattress]
Double occupancy…$455 [one queen or two twin air mattresses]
Two (2) Nights
Single occupancy...$335 [queen or twin air mattress]
Double occupancy…$415 [one queen or two twin air mattresses]
Note: Trip insurance is always highly recommended!
To initiate a reservation for the VeloSante camping concierge package, email us at velosante1@gmail.com Please specify the number of nights you would like services along with your preference for a queen or twin air mattress(s). We will respond with our mailing address for payment.
Questions? Feel free to contact us by email, text of phone. We look forward to helping make this your most enjoyable Bike Virginia experience ever.
Charlton DuRant & Lynn Petrotte,
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