But the awards didn’t stop there. This year’s Sidney and Martha winners comprise a cross-section of young upstarts and savvy veterans who embody the spirit of service that permeates everything we do.

And the awards go to…

The Martha Award for Best Female Guide

Lottie Williams-Burrell

Lottie has proven herself a rock star, for many reasons: exceptionally hard work, unbridled enthusiasm and an all around sense that she has discovered her true calling, to name just a few. Lottie came back from her first trip with bruises, cuts and bike grease all over her legs—and a HUGE smile on her face. It is just so nice to see someone doing a job they are so passionate about.

Rookie of the Year

Anthony King

In his first season with B&R, Anthony has already done it all: from chasing children around on family trips to roasting travellers (as they keeled over in fits of laughter) on final night of his last trip. Through it all, his co-guides couldn’t help but notice what our travellers said about him: he’s a star.

The Knight in Shining Armour

Stefano Lopez

When travellers spotted a puppy abandoned in the forest along one of our routes, it was Stefano to the rescue. Along with the travellers he snatched up the poor pup, explained the situation in Italian to the staff at our hotel, Masseria Torre Coccaro, and had had a vet brought in to care for the pup. Twenty-four hours later, the dog had been adopted by a member of the hotel staff. Bravo, Stefano!

The MVP

Jacopo di Lorenzo

As the staff in our Italian office put it: “Jacopo is appreciative, polite and warm. I have never seen someone who is so clean and organized (who wasn’t Swiss, that is) washing the van interior himself almost daily. He is very perceptive and thinks of others before he thinks of himself. That is a rare quality to find these days.” We couldn’t agree more.

The Guide Mentor Extraordinaire

Alessio Frangioni

We’ll let Alice Van der Voort (another veteran guide who knows a thing or two about mentorship) sum up Alessio: “This gentleman, my Italian brother, is always available for a chat, he will listen to you when you need to blow off some steam and he is also always there to help. For all of the many years that he has been working for B&R, he has been consistent, kind, a lovely co-guide, and so wonderful with all travellers. He always gives 150% to make a memorable trip.”

The Workhorse

Eric Sponseller

Between May and September, Eric took about eight days off—not eight days, plus weekends. Eight days. Total. As if the sheer quantity of his work weren’t enough, the quality also happens to be exceptional: Eric is smart, takes initiative, helps train new guides and runs terrific trips in many of our Eastern European regions.

The Comeback

Tibor Barna

After a few years off, Tibor returned to the guiding fold this year, and was instrumental in helping get our Danube Biking trip off the ground.

The Dynamic Duo

Kim Hession and Christopher Litt

These two work hard, bike hard and play hard. After four trips together in the Loire Valley this year, not only did these two come back still speaking to each other (an accomplishment in and of itself), but smiling to boot. Their dynamism has been a pleasure for both our travellers and our staff.

Best Jersey Drop

Sonia Ter Hovanessian and Lara Mattioli

Long one of our most hallowed traditions, the revealing of the B&R jersey has become a point of pride for our guides, and resulted in some pretty fantastic theatrics. In this case, Sonia and Lara coerced some local riders into initiating our travellers into the Tuscan town of Assissi in a ceremony they’ll never forget.

The Swan

Remi Lahaussois

Remi is considerate, helpful and enthusiastic, just as a B&R guide should be. In short, he makes it look easy.