Very good first-time experience

First-time “barge and bike” style of adventure. The crew and meals were exceptional. The cabins were clean and efficient. Nice to have private shower, toilet, and sink. Our guides were very good. Bikes worked well, but as an experienced cyclist, I was disappointed at not being allowed to bring my own pedals and clip-in shoes. As a result, the shoes I hoped would be adequate were barely that, and I had some unexpected pain in my feet and ankles until I got better at foot positioning. I would not do another trip without my own pedals. Based on this trip, I intend to try a future trip that allows for bringing own pedals, and provides maps and recommended sights/stops for each day so that we might do 45km in less than seven hours. Ugh.