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TESTIMONIALS
Gail (and Shane):
I just wanted to let both of you know what a wonderful time we had biking last week. Everything about the trip (except Iowa losing to Penn State) was perfect. I've already given away the only business card I had from Gail, so now will have to depend on my memory of your web addresses when people ask about the trip and how they might arrange something similar! Thanks again!
Marybeth and Steven L.
10/2011
Gail,
Thank you so much for putting together such a great trip for us and for putting up with US and all our changes. You went above and beyond and we truly appreciate it. Please accept this tip as a small token of our gratitude. We will send any and all friends your way when they are looking for a fun adventure.
Vicki
09/2011
Good Afternoon Gail,
My husband and I would like to thank you for all of your fantastic planning of our trip. The accommodations, as well as, the dining were fabulous. Your planning made our trip very enjoyable, easy and one we will fondly remember.
Thanks again,
Darla and Bob M.
09/2011
Gail,
The bike trip was wonderful. Chelsea was very pleasant and prepared a great breakfast for us. The Levi deal mansion is quite a place. An experience we will remember fondly.
Pat and James H.
09/2011
Gail,
Just want to thank you both for taking care of our bike trip. We all had a wonderful time on the trail. Best wishes.
Jill T.
08/2011
Dear Gail,
I would like to thank you for the outstanding job you did in arranging our bike trip last week. Everything was even better than you had advertised. My only “complaint” relates to the food you provided. I had hoped to lose some weight with all of the biking, but your food providers were so good that I ate way too much and arrived home at the same weight I left (small price to pay for such an outstanding trip). Please feel free to use my name and have people contact me if you need any references. I don't think anyone could have arranged a better trip than you. I hope to show my wife some of the B&B's that you arranged for us. Have a great Summer. Hope business continues to be good for you!
Dan W.
07/2011
Hi Gail,
Thank you for a wonderful tour. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the museums and home tours. The food stations were wonderful and everyone went out of their way to show the group a nice time. I felt it was a very interesting and informative tour. It's always a surprise to find out how much there is in the smaller towns of America. It was a pleasure meeting you and working with you. I hope we can offer this trip again or perhaps another one in your area. I'll certainly be in touch with you again. All the best,
Marilyn
06/2011
Hi Gail,
It just dawned on me that I never let you know what a WONDERFUL time we had on our bike trip over Memorial Day on the C and O. Everything went off without a hitch (other than my bike having technical difficulties) thanks to your excellent planning. I also need to tell you how much we enjoyed lunch at Beans in the Belfry - what a find! We're planning to continue our ride over Columbus Day weekend, weather permitting. We've already booked Dennis's shuttling service. Now we're looking for a place to stay. We thought we'd ride from Williamsport to Little Orleans and Little Orleans to Cumberland. Weather permitting. We'd like to stay at your B&B on the night of October 9.
Barbara H.
06/2011
Gail,
The first group is back and all in one piece (except for some poison ivy! Great time! I am sure Cynthia will give you the run down. The Opera House was also cool! Thanks for everything! We will be sure to recommend you.
Lisa L.
06/2011
Hi Gail,
We are back home now and had a great time. All of our lodgings were first class as were the meals that you included. We asked Donna at the Town Hill Inn (Little Orleans) to pack us a lunch for Thursday since we expected to be well past Hancock by the time Weavers opened. She did and we ate it at Fort Frederick. The Red Roof Inn at Williamsport is located right next to the Waffle House and the Waffle House is open 24/7 so we had breakfast at 6 AM and were in Shepherdstown before 10 AM. With nothing to do for the rest of the day we decided to drive the car down to Brunswick and have our lunch at Beans In The Belfry a day early. Also we expected to be well past Brunswick by lunchtime the next day. So, on Saturday we had a picnic lunch at a little picnic area just past Point Of Rocks. The picnic lunch was made up of leftovers from the lunch that you made for us and the one that Donna had made for us and we still had stuff left over for snacks the next two days.
On Sunday Kathy drove in and parked at Lock 6 which is about 5 miles from Georgetown. She then peddled towards me and we met at The Great Falls. We then peddled into Georgetown together and had ice cream at the waterfront. Then back to the car and back to Leesburg. Thank you for making this trip possible,
Don and Kathy
06/2011
Gail,
Just a big “Thank You” for the fine coordination of the ‘Platt Trio’ cycling on the GAP and C&O trails. Every place we stayed, and every restaurant was welcoming & generous – you’ve got a great network! Thanks again.
Christopher P.
06/2011
Dear Gail,
Many thanks for planning such a great bike tour for our group. It was truly fantastic! We loved our stays at the Levi-Deal Mansion & the Norris House & the Bavarian Inn. The route and the distances were perfect! Again – many, many thanks!
Bonnie S.
2011
Hi Gail,
Good time had by all. Thanks for your efforts.
Mike Gausling-Managing Partner
Originate Ventures
www.OriginateVentures.com
11/2010
Gail,
Trip was great - your package lunch fantastic.
Thanks again.
Bob P.
11/2010
Dear Gail,
Thank you so much for all the effort you put forth for our trip. It was wonderful!! Shane also came through with good quality, comfy-seat bikes and a reliable schlepping service. He was most accommodating when Brian had a knee problem and Maggie needed a new wheel. They were able to ride with the luggage that day. Of course we loved the Bavarian Inn! After a hard ride up to Antietam and an excellent tour that afternoon, it was wonderful to ride into town and enter the suites at the Inn. We had to chuckle that the parking spot marked "Reserved for Presidential Suite" had our four bikes chained together! I don't imagine that happens very often. Thank you for allowing us to have a good dinner there as we were too exhausted to try to make it into town.
We also wanted to highlight the River Run Inn in Hancock. It was so comfortable and close to the trail. The hosts were very nice too. Two other restaurants we especially liked were Beans in the Belfry and the dinner place in Leesburg. We could understand your hesitation with Paw Paw, but it was a good distance for us that first day. The rooms were comfortable and clean. We toured the whole town on our bikes in about two minutes, and now we can tell our friends we have stayed in Paw Paw, WV. The shuttle service from White's Ferry to the Best Western was wonderful, and they also were able to take us to dinner that evening which was much appreciated as it was raining. All in all, we only had one hour of rain on the whole ride, and thankfully that was mostly on the paved section of the rail trail in Maryland.
All in all, your arrangements were most thoughtful and we are appreciative of your services.
Linda & John G.
10/2010
Dear Gail,
Thank you for all your work organizing our lodging and meals for our GAP and C&O Canal trail bike ride. Thank you too for being there when little glitches occurred along the way. You helped make our bike trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’m also glad we had a chance to meet in Cumberland. The meal at Ristorante Ottaviani’s was fantastic. Again, thank you!
Susan S.
The Sroka Group
10/2010
Gail,
Many thanks for a wonderful trip! We enjoyed the variety of B&B’s and hotels, restaurants and cafes. The biking distance was doable (thank goodness!) and each day there was a pleasant surprise and not-so-pleasant obstacle that we always managed to overcome. I think we were unbelievably fortunate in our choice of dates. We were hardly rained on (just a mist one day) and had perfect temperatures the entire time. I think the highlights of our tour off the trail were The Mansion, Town Hill B&B, and restaurants in Cumberland and Leesburg. Also the Beans in the Bellfry Café…can hardly limit it to those few, though. All was great!
It was truly the "Ride of a Lifetime" and we were so glad that we did your tour. Took a lot of stress off of us old ladies and you were always there to help out! We also enjoyed meeting you and your husband. Wouldn't want to do a tour without meeting our guide! Best wishes with all your ventures. As I am listening to cold rain blowing against my windows here in New Richmond, WI, I have visions of beautiful countryside in warmish autumn weather drifting through my head. So many memories! Thanks!
Kay B.
The Sroka Group
10/2010
Gail,
Thank you so very much for arranging such a great trip for Karyn and me. The B&B’s were all just so lovely and wonderful and we enjoyed all of our meals. We couldn’t have been more pleased with both. It was nice to have the feel of the towns and the best places to eat all figured out for us.
Lunette
9/2010
Hello Gail,
We're home safe and sound. Wanted you to know that yours was the best breakfast!!! Thank you for taking care of your side of things meaning we didn't need to plan the specifics and could get on with the ride.
We gave your details to the taxi driver who took us to the airport so you may get a call. Also we can recommend The Bloomingdale Inn in Washington should any of your customers need a base in Washington at the end of the ride. A wonderful place to unwind after all that mileage.
It was great to meet you and Steve and think a meal with you both should always be part of your package.
Kaye & Richard
9/2010
Hello Gail and Shane,
We want to send you a big thank you for arranging this trip. It was the experience of a lifetime. We loved experiencing the nature, culture and history of the trail and towns along the way. Although we had a few glitches, knowing that you were only a phone call away relieved the stress. The hospitality and personal attention at the bed and breakfast inns was second to none. The food was excellent and the beds were comfortable. The GAP trail was in fine condition and we appreciated the trail town signage along the way. The roughness of the C&O towpath slowed us down and was tough on our bodies, but the scenery and history were outstanding. We are already talking about our next long bike trip.
This was a wonderful trip and we will recommend it to friends.
Brenda and John W.
9/2010
Gail,
I’m really sorry for not writing sooner, but lately it just seems as if there’s never enough time. Maybe you know how that can be. Anyhow, the trip was fantastic. We had a marvelous time. All of the arrangements you made either met or exceeded our expectations. Our arrangement with Shane also worked out exactly as planned. We really enjoyed Ohiopyle. It was a neat place; very scenic. The 20 miles down from Big Savage into Cumberland was a great ride.
The view and the food (dinner and breakfast) at the Town Hill Inn were superb. So were the owners. As you may recall, it poured the night we had dinner together in Cumberland. As a result, we spent most of the next day dodging water obstacles on the tow path, with only mixed success. By the time we got to Bill’s we were completely covered in dried mud - us, our bikes and our panniers. The guy who picked us up (the owner, I think, but I don’t recall his name) was just great – he pulled out a couple of stiff brushes and in a few minutes I felt like I could walk into someone’s home without feeling guilty about tracking in a lot of dirt.
We also liked Shepherdstown. The folks at the bike store helped us with some repairs. We had a wonderful dinner at a place called the Press Room.
So, once again, thanks for all your help. We had a great time. Feel free to use us as a reference.
Gloria K.
8/2010
Gail,
Just wanted to send a quick note of thanks for looking after us so splendidly on our GAP-C&O adventure. Every B&B was wonderful and every dinner was great! It was so great to have everything taken care of for us! I will heartily recommend your services for anyone I know coming your way. Our trip was cut a little short on the last day because of the storms in Washington, but we were fine and just really enjoyed our time on the tail. Thanks again for your part in our adventure!
Karyn
8/2010
Hi, Gail,
We're home! We decided to leave on the high of our night at Buck Valley Ranch. We all loved that place. Nadine and Leon were incredibly welcoming and hospitable, and the whole place has such a wonderful charm and magic to it with the horses wandering freely, the peacocks strutting about, the millions of different kinds of birds singing, the cats climbing in our laps to be petted, the hilarious cowboy theme tchachkies all over the place. The kids were in heaven.
Thanks so much, again. I thought I'd send you pictures of our adventures so you can see what a great trip you put together.
Sally F.
7/2010
Gail,
Thanks! Hanna and I had a wonderful time biking for the past three days. Once again, you made it easy by taking care of our food and lodging. It was nice to finally meet you. You were right about the Levi Deal Mansion. What a pleasant change from last September. Jan and Michael provided us with a gracious experience. Thanks also for the other trail suggestions.
Dave R.
7/2010
Gail,
I have to tell you that my husband Jim is on one of your bike trips you arranged and he is having the time of his life...Everyone in his party is totally satisfied...Thumbs up for you!!!!!
Tina S.
6/2010
Dear Gail,
Thank you for the well planned trip. The journey was wonderful. The trip is one of the best I have ever taken.
Thank You,
Jim
6/2010
Good Morning Gail,
I’m sorry I’m so tardy in getting a very needed thank you to you. Team Virginia thanks you for the terrific job you did for us in planning our GAP adventure. You were totally responsive from the initial telephone call (January?) to the total end. You are wonderful and a pleasure to work with! Everything worked out beautifully and it is our pleasure to recommend you and Shane to anyone we know who could use your services. Who knows—we might do the same again—the GAP is SOOO easy and beautiful all the way. It was a surprise to us. We had no idea it was THAT easy and well maintained.
Have a fruitful prosperous and enjoyable summer!
Mary S.
5/2010
Dear Gail,
Where do I start? What a fabulous trip you planned for us! We enjoyed it all. Our lodging was outstanding and all the food was awesome. For me the test of an exceptional vacation is not thinking about work for the week! Thank you for making this such a memorable trip for us. We appreciated all the planning and attention paid to all the details. Your gifts and talents made for a special trip that we won't forget!
Best Regards,
Larry & Martha T.
5/2010
Gail,
Just wanted to let you know that I had a great time on my bike trip with Jerry Bizer and group. Even though it was a little rainy at the end, it was a fantastic trip. Thanks for all of your help in making the arrangements. The accommodations were very nice & the meals were perfect.
Regards,
Larry C.
5/2010
Dear Gail,
Anyone contemplating biking on the C&O Canal tow path should sign up with Gail Hall and Mountainside Bike Tours. Professional, efficient, and ever thoughtful, Gail arranged a perfect eight-day tour for eight seniors in their seventies. At times she took the initiative to avoid a problem; at others she served as a support system, always at the end of the cell phone to solve a problem. The accommodations and food were pleasantly varied and just right. Gail is a first class business woman. She is also a gem, and she will walk into your hearts.
George W.
5/2010
Hi Gail,
WOW! What a wonderful trip! Everything was perfect, including the weather. Thank you and Shane so much for planning it.
Chuck
9/2009
Thanks again for a very special time. FYI the Firefly Grill in Ohiopyle is open for breakfast. We had a good breakfast at the Falls Inn. You are a special person.
Dave
9/2009
Hi Gail,
Dan and I completed our trip yesterday afternoon in Boston PA. We had a magical time. So many beautiful sights and memories. This was a trip that I had thought of doing five years ago but couldn't quite get myself motivated enough to tackle it. You made the experience so pleasant for us. We didn't have to concern ourselves with trying to find a place to stay or places to eat. Your choices were outstanding and I appreciated how easy you made it for us. Your attention to detail was greatly appreciated. We mentioned your name and company to everyone that we stopped to talk with. Do you do bike tours in other parts of the county??? How about Europe?
Gail and Shane,
Thank you for a wonderful trip. Everything went smoothly. We were not even sore. The accommodations and food were great and we met a number of interesting and friendly people. Again, thank you for a great trip and feel free to tell people about the two PhDs and one MD that went the wrong direction on the trail on the first day.
Regards,
Louise
8/2009
Hi Gail,
Well, we are finally home to stay, for a month anyway. We just wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed the bike ride. We only had one really rainy, muddy afternoon. We had big laughs on that one. We thought the accommodations, meals and planning on your part were excellent. Shane also did a great job with the bikes. We were lucky, no flats, no break-downs! We met up in Georgetown. Thank you.
Pat and Mike
7/2009
Gail,
Finished today. Great places to eat and stay.
Tom
6/2009
Dear Gail,
Yesterday, I received a "surprise" package with crab cakes. What a thoughtful gesture. Really classy. Thanks so much. Now that family members have seen my pictures, there are a lot of long faces because they didn't accept my invitation to join us. I'll give your name to family or friends who are serious about the trip.
Jim
6/2009
Gail,
This is a much delayed thank you for putting together the fantastic trip for us a few weeks ago. We loved the trail, had lots of laughs and generally enjoyed some great family time. Your arrangements were fantastic and I appreciated your sense of what the kids would like, as well. I thought Sophie would die when she woke up in Paw Paw and there was a dusting of snow on the streets, but she recovered quickly! I am sending you a link to my Facebook page where I posted photos from the trip. Take Care.
Lisa
4/2009
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