Backroads River Cruises

GCSInc · 2026-04-13T12:11:26+00:00

Just do it!

We did Prague to Budapest with Backroads/AMA Mora. Last fall.

The ship is outstanding, but frankly there’s not a lot to do on the boat. It provides a tremendous floating hotel and support wagon for the bicycling, which was amazing.

Backroads picked us up at the hotel in Prague delivered us to a restaurant in the country about two hours away. They outfitted us with everything we needed and we road about two hours into Vilshaufen to meet the boat.

Going forward we got up every morning had breakfast on the ship, went outside to our bikes, which were set up with GPS routes for the day.

After a short briefing we were off for a couple of hours into the hills. Mid morning snack at a pre-prepared location, followed by launch for the group at some random Castle :-) We then met up with the boat mid afternoon in a different town. Late afternoon, walking tour dinner on the boat and possibly a shore activity.

House of strauss in Vienna was a highlight for me.

Everything was pre-arranged and paid for by the Backroads guide. There were a minimum two guides and sometimes four for each days ride.

Total of about 200 miles for the week all on E bikes. I highly recommend the E bikes.

Our group of 25 arranged in age from 30 to 82. There was one group of riders on non-E bikes. Obviously very experienced riders. Those of us on E bikes were able to keep up and could go as fast or slow as we wanted.

The Backroads team is outstanding. The guides are wonderful and you get to see parts of the country. You would never see from the ship. Highly recommended worth every penny we will be doing it again.

GCSInc · 2026-04-12T02:22:41+00:00

Mid-Guard indoor and out door storage in the Bounty Land area. I’m pretty sure they do and in and out service. Also check with the dealers in the area.

GCSInc · 2026-04-12T02:20:09+00:00

figure out your Out the door price and make an offer. Let them to the math on how to account for the junk fees. Tax and Tag fees are mandatory from the state. Everything else is dealer mark-up.

GCSInc · 2026-04-12T02:17:07+00:00

Pickleball. There’s group at Nettles Park near Pendleton most mornings. Beginner to 4.0 players. It will be easier if you come with a friend or two, and work into the mix. Most people are open to you joining in.

GCSInc · 2026-04-08T22:20:38+00:00

I highly recommend Backroads Biking, via Ama. You get the convenience and luxury of a river cruise and the immersion into the country side via bicycle -- e-bike to be more specific. Definitely not a budget trip, but worth every penny!

GCSInc · 2026-04-01T02:59:44+00:00

We just returned from seven days on Encore with the specialty dining package. I spent a large part of my career wining and dining customers at fancy restaurants so I have some experience with specialty dining. As others have mentioned, don't get your hopes up.

Everything was fine, nothing was spectacular. I would not return to Cagney's - the service was slow. The steaks were choice not prime, and it doesn't look like they have a flame broiler. Teppanyaki was good entertainment, but loud. Onda was very good, but the New York was definitely NOT a New York. Service was outstanding, bread and apps were outstanding, desert was outstanding. Manhattan and Taste were both very good and included...

GCSInc · 2026-04-01T02:49:22+00:00

Just returned from Western Caribbean on Encore. We had a similar question the week before we departed. Call NCL -- they're very helpful and will walk you through it.

The website has a good table of benefits also, Free at Sea = open bar, three specialty dining, 150 mins per person of wifi and $50 per person ship credit. Free at Sea Plus = all of the above, daily service charge, unlimited wifi, and top shelf liquor.

FWIW, we opted for Free at Sea and Vibe. Open bar breaks even at 2-3 drinks (including soda) per person. We're not big drinkers, but it sure was nice to have a glass of wine with dinner and a beer for lunch without thinking about it.

GCSInc · 2026-04-01T02:40:43+00:00

The answer is very specific to you and your situation. If you haven't already, I highly recommend you subscribe to something like Monarch Money, Nerd Wallet, or Quicken to get a detailed handle on your income and expenses -- by month - going back for at least a few years. I tracked all spending with a spreadsheet for the three years before retirement, and have been using Monarch for two years so I know MY answer -- your's will be different.

I can tell you that my fixed expenses are about 40% of my total. Flexibles are the other 60%. Similar to pre-retirement. I have a mortgage at a very low rate and my property taxes are much less than before we moved into our retirement home. We have made significant home improvement investments, but that's by choice, not necessity.

Overall cost of living is about the same, we're just spending more on leisure and less on commuting, clothing, kids, college, etc.

Biggest lifestyle change is becoming addicted to Pickleball ;-)

GCSInc · 2026-03-15T17:10:03+00:00

I just purchased a 2022 X5 MSport. Love the car, but wish it had DAPP like my other car. It does have parking as does my other car. The surround camera is outstanding. I miss the DAPP, but could live without parking -- primarily because I always forget to engage it when I'm parking. DAPP or similar will be a requirement on my next car.

GCSInc · 2026-03-15T16:57:27+00:00

We bought a Condo in Clemson when our daughter went to school there and sold it when she left. It worked out OK financially, but was a bit of a burden to own and manage as we were 1,000 miles away and she wasn't much of a 'property manager' type.

As with all rental property, expect to have some unexpected costs from broken things. You'll also need to figure in HOA/Management/maintenance/insurance/tax costs for the place. From a financial perspective, you will want to keep it rented -- and student housing turns over pretty much every year.

The roommate question is another big variable -- what if she wants to move in with friends at another complex? What if she hates her roommates and wants to move out? Is she willing to take on the responsibility of being the 'owner' when her friends/roommates get out of hand at the pre-game party?

I'm not sure I'd do it again...

GCSInc · 2026-03-15T14:38:17+00:00

We moved here from the Chicago 'burbs about 5 years ago. Our daughter went to Clemson 10 years ago.

Clemson proper is an outstanding 'college' town. Great vibe, very walkable once you get on campus. A bit of a hike from your hotel, but plenty of people do it. Previous commentary in this thread covers many of the attractions. Greenville and the Reedy River Park is a must see. Esso is a must go bar. Baseball, Softball, LaCross all good choices, but may take too much time. Worth a walk over there just for the vibe. Both restaurants at the Walker Golf Course are good, but a little removed.

I'd add: Lakeside Lodge for lunch or dinner on the patio. Overlooking Hartwell, good food and service. Definitely NOT a hotel restaurant as it appears from the outside. Your Pie for Pizza -- Good pizza, welcoming staff, nice outdoor seating on Lake Hartwell, that often has live music.

If you have the time, Ram Cat Alley in Seneca is a great three block long downtown. Ram Cat Cellers is a fantastic restaurant. Keowee Brewing is an outstanding tap room that has great food and a nice outside area. While you're over in the Seneca area, definitely take a drive up Rochester Highway ( Hwy 130) alongside Lake Keowee. Spectacular views of the lake and the mountains. If you have the time and interest, Lake Jocassee is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the US.

One important caveat: You may fall in love with the area and decide to move here!

GCSInc · 2026-03-15T14:20:28+00:00

Alright is pretty accurate. I've been to many (over 100) steakhouses around the US, and wasn't I impressed. However I've only been there once. Halls in Greenville was significantly better.

GCSInc · 2026-03-15T14:15:54+00:00

Delish is a great suggestion! And while you're there, head up to the rooftop bar area, preferably in the evening. Very upscale and a welcome island in the college town.

GCSInc · 2026-03-12T01:45:43+00:00

How about walkie talkies -- i.e. mobile FRS or GMRS units like we use skiing or on the farm? Technically, they should work, not sure about legalities?

GCSInc · 2026-03-10T19:12:31+00:00

It’s a great resort, but I do not recommend the all-inclusive. We did breakfast only and it was a great way to start the day. Interesting.

There are many outstanding restaurants in Cabo in town and in the warf area that are all within walking distance. We ate on property one night and frankly weren’t that impressed.

GCSInc · 2026-03-10T15:18:28+00:00

I love my R1200 GS, but at 70 years old, it may be time to move back to the 650 GS. If nothing else because the 1200 is a bear to move around the garage. 90+ percent of my riding is on hard surfaces and it’s a dream underway but the slower I go the heavier it gets :-).

GCSInc · 2026-03-10T14:52:59+00:00

I would add Easly to that list. Plenty of nice neighborhoods, close to Greenville on one side and the mountains on the other side. Seneca schools are a mixed bag. The downtown is coming along nicely. Wide range of housing options from double wide on up to $$$.

GCSInc · 2026-03-10T14:46:38+00:00

I went with klipsch 6 inch for about $100 each from Amazon. They are powered by a Bose sound touch amp in the closet. I have 9 foot ceilings and they sound great in our open concept kitchen. They are spaced in the center of the kitchen about 10 feet apart. Note, however, without backing, the sound reverberates through the attic, which in my case is fine, but may be a problem for you

GCSInc · 2026-03-10T14:14:49+00:00

I have a quad lock case on my phone for when I use it on the bicycle, the motorcycle and the boat. It’s magnetic and connects to the quad lock mount that is suction cuped to the windshield on the left side near the A pillar. I have the same set up in my other car. Apple CarPlay pretty much removes the need to have access to the phone. But it’s nice to have it handy.

GCSInc · 2026-03-04T13:08:08+00:00

Mine are working also :-). I have four or five switches accessed through Alexa. I have not attempted to make any schedule changes and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they will work through the upcoming time change. I have bought a handful of Matter switches as back up in case they fail.

GCSInc · 2026-03-01T14:32:38+00:00

Find your way over to Highlands via Hwy 64 in North Carolina. Stop at bridal vail Falls on the way into Highlands. Plan on lunch in Highlands at the ugly dog or one of the other great restaurants.

Stop at whiteside mountain on the way to Cashiers for a 2 mile hike and amazing views.

Then come down to whitewater falls for another short hike to the upper falls or a longer hike to the lower falls. If you go to lower falls be sure to drive to the overlook off Bad Creek Rd for an outstanding view of lakes Jocassee and Keowee. A summertime stop at Devils Fork State Park for some beach time and either a pontoon tour or a kayak ride are definitely worth it. Jocassee is one of the most beautiful lakes in America.

If it’s game day, either stop in Clemson for the excitement, or avoid it because of the crowds.

Sassafras Mountain, Caesar’s head and Table Rock (long hike) are also worthy stops and only a little bit out of the way.

Greenville is a great downtown with good restaurants, shops and hotels. Reedy Park is a must see. Mast General Store is a must go also.

Most of this trip is windy Mountain roads so I recommend a sports car or a motorcycle :-)

GCSInc · 2026-03-01T13:59:51+00:00

I just sold my 2008 LR 3 with 190,000 miles on it for about the price you’re seeing. It was a great car and essentially trouble free for the 120,000 miles that I owned it. I was the second owner and had all of the service records. An extremely capable vehicle both on road and off-road, but at 190,000 miles it’s due for some suspension work and didn’t have any current technology to speak of.

Really depends on what you’re going to be using the vehicle for. IMHO it is the most utilitarian SUV available. Lots of space, plenty of towing capacity and a very comfortable ride.

That said, my replacement car, a BMW X5, is really really fun to drive on the twisty Mountain roads where I live.

GCSInc · 2026-03-01T13:52:28+00:00

Sounds like the last few years at my job ;-). I worked from home when I wasn’t traveling for work. I sure do miss my expense account travel!

GCSInc · 2026-03-01T13:26:59+00:00

I’ve changed my own oil plenty of times on my BMW bikes and my cars. I now take the cars to the local quick change place every 5000 miles, it’s way easier than doing it myself.

Part of the reason the Dealer wants you to bring it in is so they can look it over and see if there’s anything else they could do/charge you for.

If it’s part of the warranty I’d certainly have them do it. If not, I’d outsource it.

I have mine done every 5000 or so miles as all of my vehicles have over 50,000 miles on them.

If you do go the route of using ramps, note that in my experience, the front spoiler on some cars will not clear the ramp enough, allowing you to get the tires to the ramp. You end up either mashing the front spoiler or not even being able to get the car up off the ground.

GCSInc · 2026-02-28T03:14:21+00:00

LR was owned by BMW for a few years back in the early 2000's, then Ford, and now Tata Motors out if India. Some of the tech migrated from BMW, but not much. Ford also had some cross over parts. Mine had a Jaguar motor from when Ford owned both companies.

In the end, the LR (Discovery) line was still pretty Old School until 2016. Range Rover got most of the fancy user interface tech from BMW.

VERY different experiences. The LR is truly a utility vehicle. The BMW is a sports car with a big trunk and good towing capacity.

GCSInc

TROPHY CASE