VeloSante is a cycling services company that produces safe, custom cycling events and tours for retailers, teams, clubs, organizations and groups of cycling enthusiasts.
Velosante is permitted by the United States National Park Service on the Natchez Trace, Blue Ridge and Skyline Drive parkways.
Part of the year is focused on producing the American Lung Association's Big Ride Across America, a 3400 mile, 48 day bicycle ride which raises money for the American Lung Association. "When you can't breathe, nothing else matters."
Velosante is a small company focused on personalized service. Clients deal directly with the owners, Charlton DuRant and Lynn Petrotte.
Charlton DuRant
Cycling took 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. Currently, he directs the Big Ride Across America.
Lynn Petrotte
In 2000 Lynn successfully rode all of the 3400 miles of the Big Ride Across America. As a spirited child, Lynn enjoyed the freedom the bicycle offered. In the years following she has developed into an enthusiastic fitness/sport rider and commuter. She is fluent in Spanish and has a M.Ed. in Bilingual Administration. When not cycling, Lynn works as a sea kayak and stand-up paddleboard guide and instructor. She studies yoga, dabbles in wholesome cuisine and is a gracious host. Lynn handles the administration for VeloSante and is assistant director for the Big Ride Across America.
VeloSante is pleased to offer the following trips and services:
Cervelo R3 bicycle rentals and demos.
Natchez Trace Parkway
March, April, October, November
Blue Ridge Parkway
May & September
Skyline Drive Parkway
May & September
American Lung Association's Big Ride Across America
June - August
Florida Hill Country
November - February
VeloSante's exclusive bicycle valet service is available for cyclists traveling by air. Door to door pick up and transportation to ride destination is provided. This allows riders to fly with their carry on only, and not hassle with a bike box, or risk damage to their bike.
VeloSante's valet service saves riders time, money and provides peace of mind.
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
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.
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 vey 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 (yuchh, 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
The Big Ride Across America is a seven week, 3,300 mile, fully supported bicycle ride from Seattle, Washington to Washington D.C.
This charity bicycle adventure is designed to challenge the body, mind and spirit while raising funds and awareness for vital life-saving programs. Many people throughout the world have participated in this long standing tradition as riders, volunteers and donors. The Big Ride Across America is a way to honor those that have lost, fought or won the battle with lung disease.
For more information about the 2013 Big Ride go to http://www.bigride.org or click on the image above.
***April 1 is the reservation deadline for tent/chair service and bicycle rentals.***
VeloSante is pleased to offer full concierge services, airport transfer service, and bicycle shipping for cyclists participating in the 33rd annual Florida Bicycle Safari. (http://floridabicyclesafari.com)
Save your time and energy and enjoy your cycling event.
Let us set up and take down your tent, fill and decompress your air mattress, and have a chair and fresh towel and wash cloth waiting for you!
No need to fly with your bike... ship your bike via Air Caddy and we will receive, assemble, repack and drop at FedEx.
We also offer airport transportation to and from the Jacksonville airport.
VeloSante is proud to offer the CERVELO R3 bicycle for rent at the Bike Safari.
Cervelo R3 rental Rates:
1 day - $50
3 day - $125
6 day - $250
For details, contact Charlton DuRant at 828.545.1039 or velosante1@gmail.com.
Full concierge tent service- tent, air mattress, chair, luggage transfer to Cherry Lake and a fresh towel and washcloth daily!
Single occupancy, five day: $300.
Single occupancy, six day: $360.
Double occupancy, five day: $360.
Double occupancy, six day: $432.
Chair service only: $25
Towel service only: $20
Chair AND towel service only: $40.
Air caddy (bicycle shipping)includes: Receiving, assembly, repacking, and delivery to FedEx $50.
(Shipping container & shipping not included – contact Charlton 828.545.1039 for details.)
Airport transfer, round trip to Jacksonville Airport: $120.
VeloSante: 828.545.1039 velosante1@gmail.com
