Potential clients have often asked for reviews about Spyns and our tours. As a relatively young company, people considering our tours often ask for references but would prefer to find information independently of our website. This interview is hopefully a way for clients to find out the thought process that went into a former client's decision to join her TDF Tour's Tour de France trip.
Background: Kathy & Dave Trost are the classic Spyns tour couple, he rides, she doesn't. They joined our 2007 Tour de Frace swing through the Pyrenees, Bordeaux, and Paris for the finish. We previously offered just riding tours but Kathy made us change our minds. Suffering from chronic knee problems, Kathy simply could not ride so we designed a separate itinerary just for her. An idea sparked: why not offer a full itinerary for people who don't want to bike? Voila, hence our separate itinerary for non-riders which has become so popular the last few years. Here is a copy of our e-interview with Kathy:
TDF Tours: Describe your search for a Tour de France tour.
Kathy: I just typed "Tour de France tours" or something similar and your company was first or second on the google list.
TDF Tours: What did you do then?
Kathy: I sent in a request for info and Ryan called back so fast that he almost ruined the surprise. This was a surprise birthday gift for my husband. He left a message and I called the toll-free number and got Ryan. (Ryan King is TDF Tours President/Owner.)
TDF Tours: And then? Kathy: It was a pleasure speaking with the owner. I found Ryan funny, enthusiastic, and very accommodating. I was up-front about my knee problems and that I couldn't bike. Back then they didn't have a separate itinerary for people who didn't want to ride. He said it was possible but couldn't promise anything until he'd done some research. As promised, he called back in a few days after emailing me my own private itinerary. I was impressed.
TDF Tours: How was your tour?
Kathy: Magical. You always wonder if web-based companies are real so this was a bit of a shot in the dark. I was confident about our choice because the registration process and pre-trip back-and-forth were very professional. But we were both relieved when the guide picked us up at our hotel on time. We were a bit jet lagged so Dave didn't feel like riding so Ryan set us up in the hotel (a castle!) lounge with a bottle of champagne, snacks, and the tour on satellite TV. It was a great start.
TDF Tours: What was the highlight of your Tour de France trip?
Kathy: Dinner at the Eiffel Tower.
TDF Tours: What were your comments about TDF Tours for the website?
Kathy: There are no words to describe the cultural, visual, gastronomic and exciting experience we had with you. We will recommend Spyns to everyone we know and meet. We will never forget the tour or you. A million thanks.
TDF Tours: What would you say to someone considering a Tour de France tour with us?
Kathy: Do it! You only have one life and perhaps one opportunity to see the Tour de France. You made our first trip to France unforgettable.
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For more information about TDF Tours Tour de France tours, or to request references from former Tour de France clients, please visit our website http://www.tdf-tours.com/ or call us toll-free at 1.888.825.4720.