When one door closes, another opens. Members of the Jaboor family ran West County Cycles in Ellisville, Missouri, for 25 years until it ceased operations in March 2018. Now, Drew Jaboor, his father, Steve, and his sister, Devon Bussen, are back with Alpaca Adventure Tours, a new business that incorporated in February.

“I think we have the perfect team to do this,” said Drew, who spent the last three years traveling the country working on different cycling tours. “I led my first ride in 2016 and never wanted to do anything else. The idea to start our own company began when my dad closed the store and came out and did a few rides with me. He brings his experience in the bike industry and mechanics. My sister brings her knowledge of the hospitality and event management industry.”

Drew says his focus is “with each ride, to create an atmosphere that isn’t just fun but strengthens relationships with your fellow riders.” “Through bicycle touring, I’ve met the most incredible individuals and gained lifelong friends,” he continued. “Making connections and keeping the cycling community strong is really important for our company.”

As such, Alpaca Adventures will offer rides in the Midwest (the Katy Trail and RAGBRAI) as well as around the country (Mount Rushmore and Natchez Trace) and even internationally (the Northern Tier in Canada). Most of the company’s current tours involve overnight stays in hotels, though organized camping rides will also be offered.

“Our team can curate exclusive, customized cycling vacations to meet our clients’ needs,” said Drew. “I can even see a time when we tackle other adventures, like pedal-paddles or backpacking trips.”

Cycling tours are now being booked through 2020 on the company website. alpacaadventuretours.com