About Us.
Velo Escapes runs group cycling trips in the world's best riding destinations. Serious routes, half the big-brand price, and everything handled by the founder - on the ride with you.
Carey with riders in downtown Austin.
“I don't have to think. Just hang on and have fun”
Doug L., on Google
“He is super safe to ride with and fun to talk to.”
Vanessa T., on Google
“He does a great job making everyone feel welcome while keeping the rides organized, safe, and enjoyable.”
Andy G., on Google
Every Escape Has Its Epic
We don't sell generic bike tours. We build each escape around a signature epic - the thing you'll still be talking about years from now. Sometimes that's a legendary climb. Sometimes it's being fully immersed in a place and the people in it. And on select routes where the geography cooperates, it's a point-to-point day with the wind at your back from start to finish - one of the rarest, most joyful things in cycling. The epic is different on every trip. Delivering it is the whole job.
Incredible Support
From lead-rider pacing to mechanical response and route logistics, our support system is designed to reduce friction at every stage. You ride with confidence while we handle the complexity behind the scenes.
The Culinary Journey
We believe that a day in the saddle earns a night at the table. Our escapes aren't just cycling trips; they are moving feasts. We collaborate with celebrated local partners and family-run kitchens to bring you the authentic soul of a region. No generic buffets - only curated menus worth the miles.
Flawless Routing
We obsess over the asphalt. Every route is scouted to link the quietest, most scenic roads we can find - forgotten passes and ranch roads over highway shoulders - so your ride is as peaceful as it is breathtaking.
My Story.
"If you want an epic life, you've got to do epic sh*t."
- The mantra. It's on every jersey we make.
Golden hour on a Hill Country road.
I'm Carey Rouse, and Velo Escapes is founder-led in the most literal sense: I build every escape, and then I ride it with you. Not hosting from a support van - riding. Every mile, every trip.
Here's why that matters to me. A few years ago I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. I came back from it to long-distance cycling - and then kept going: a 1,300-mile ride in a single trip, and the documentary that came out of it. A 24-hour ride. A cargo van I turned into a camper with my own hands. I wrote a book about the mindset that carried me through all of it, Find Meaning Through Relentless Discipline. I don't list these things to impress you. I list them because when you hand a cycling company one of your precious vacation weeks, you deserve to know the person leading it has actually lived this.
I have led group rides in Texas for more than 20 years, well over 500 of them. I am a member of Violet Crown Cycling Club, and Velo Escapes sponsors the club.
The next time you are in Austin, come ride with us. Every local ride Velo Escapes leads is posted in our club on Strava.
Somewhere in those miles, the sentence at the top of this page became my operating system. Epic is different for everybody - a desert summit, a wine-country immersion, a week of riding you weren't sure you had in you. But it never happens on the couch, and for most riders with a real job and a real family, the forty hours it takes to plan an epic trip is exactly the reason it never happens at all. That's the gap Velo Escapes closes. I build the escape - the routes, the hotels, the tables, the support - and you show up and ride away with the story you'll be telling for the next ten years.
Meet the Founder.
Founder & Ride Architect
Based in Austin, Texas, Carey is an author and endurance athlete - and above all, a lifelong cyclist and lover of the open road.
The record speaks for itself: a comeback from congestive heart failure to long-distance cycling, a 1,300-mile ride and the documentary that came out of it, a 24-hour ride, and a camper van built with his own hands.
Every itinerary, hotel partnership, and route decision passes through Carey's hands. And when the escape starts, he doesn't wave you off from a parking lot - he's in the group, on the road, every trip he leads.
In their words.
A sampling of our Google reviews, word for word. They are about the group rides Carey leads.
“I always enjoy riding with him whenever I get the chance.”
Alex, September 2026Read the whole reviewClose
Carey's a great ride leader that goes above and beyond planning epic cycling trips. He also consistently organizes great local rides every week with a positive attitude and mindset towards group etiquette. I always enjoy riding with him whenever I get the chance.
Carey replied
Hey Alex, thank you so much for the review and the kind words. I'm looking forward to our next ride together.
“Carey was welcoming, inclusive, and did a great job making sure everyone felt comfortable and no one was left behind.”
John W., September 2026Read the whole reviewClose
I had a great experience riding with Velo Escapes. Carey was welcoming, inclusive, and did a great job making sure everyone felt comfortable and no one was left behind. I also really appreciated how focused he was on safety and keeping the group together throughout the ride. On top of that, hearing about some of the incredible rides and adventures he's done is genuinely motivating and adds to the experience. I'd definitely recommend Velo Escapes to anyone looking for a fun, supportive, and well-led group ride.
Carey replied
John, thank you so much. Your kind words mean a lot to me. I can't wait for you to get back out on another ride with us.
“He is super safe to ride with and fun to talk to.”
Vanessa T., September 2026Read the whole reviewClose
Carey is an exceptional ride leader. He is super safe to ride with and fun to talk to. He knows the ins and outs of all his routes, and he makes sure to call out holes, cars, and bumps well in advance. He is a strong and caring ride leader who can make a ride as challenging or as easy as the group desires. Highly recommend riding with Velo Escapes!
Carey replied
Vanessa, you are the bomb! I've enjoyed all of our rides together, especially the first one where you tackled your first century. Looking forward to many more rides together.
“Velo Escapes is led by an amazing ride leader who is super accommodating and just wants you to enjoy the ride.”
Eduardo D., September 2026Read the whole reviewClose
Velo Escapes is led by an amazing ride leader who is super accommodating and just wants you to enjoy the ride. If you're serious about becoming a stronger cyclist this is the place for you!
“Carey is very knowledgeable and diligent about cycling routes, trip organization, and conscientious about ride group dynamics and keeping individuals within the group together and comfortable throughout rides.”
Todd W., September 2026Read the whole reviewClose
Carey is very knowledgeable and diligent about cycling routes, trip organization, and conscientious about ride group dynamics and keeping individuals within the group together and comfortable throughout rides.
“Love riding with him and would recommend him to everybody.”
Thorsten B., September 2026Read the whole reviewClose
Carey is a highly motivational group ride leader that also knows to guide the team always safe and sound through any routes. Love riding with him and would recommend him to everybody.
“He made the entire ride enjoyable, comfortable, and fun from start to finish.”
Matt W., September 2026Read the whole reviewClose
I had an absolutely wonderful experience with Velo Escapes! Riding alongside Carey was one of the highlights of my Austin trip. He is an extremely knowledgeable and experienced rider, but what really stood out was how personable and easy he was to talk to. He made the entire ride enjoyable, comfortable, and fun from start to finish. You can tell he genuinely loves cycling and sharing the experience with others. I couldn't recommend Velo Escapes and Carey enough. I'm already looking forward to riding with Carey again!
“He's also great at making sure that everyone has fun while still keeping the group together.”
James D., September 2026Read the whole reviewClose
I have been on several rides that Carey has led. He's very cautious and makes sure that everybody knows any safety concerns. He's also great at making sure that everyone has fun while still keeping the group together.
“Carey the ride leader is the best , he's attitude , he's patient, he's passion for this spot/hobby will leave you wanting to come back for more”
Luis V., September 2026Read the whole reviewClose
If you want the best experience riding in Austin and surrounding areas Velo Escapes is exactly what you need , Carey the ride leader is the best , he's attitude , he's patient, he's passion for this spot/hobby will leave you wanting to come back for more , no matter if you plan to come and do a super chill ride or one that will make you drag your tongue trust me Carey is the best man for that ! Want to do a long ride , 100miles , 200 miles , he's got you covered . I would recommend Velo 1000% to anyone looking to come and explore more of Austin & it's surrounding areas.
“He never makes anyone feel like the slow one.”
Vitale M., September 2026Read the whole reviewClose
Five stars, and I'd give more if I could. I ride a lot, and riding with Carey Rouse is a different experience than riding with anyone else. He calls out every hole, rock, and line change before you're on it, so the whole group behind him rides safer and faster than they would alone. It's like having a GPS with real-time input: guiding, alerting, adjusting. What most people don't see is how much work he absorbs. I've watched him sit on the front and block wind for hours at a stretch, holding a steady pace so the riders behind him can hang on. He does it at every level, from a nervous beginner's first group ride to advanced riders going deep into an ultra distance. He never makes anyone feel like the slow one. He's not a tour guide. He's a master of the craft of cycling, and he coaches while he rides. At 4 a.m. or hour 20, I want him in the group. If you get the chance to ride with Carey, take it.
“I don't have to think. Just hang on and have fun”
Doug L., September 2026Read the whole reviewClose
I have been riding with Carey and Velo Escapes for a while. They are always the best rides of the week! I don't have to think. Just hang on and have fun!
“Carey keeps the ride going fast and safely.”
Daniel W., September 2026Read the whole reviewClose
Carey keeps the ride going fast and safely. Always well prepared and knowledgeable of the route.
“He does a great job making everyone feel welcome while keeping the rides organized, safe, and enjoyable.”
Andy G., September 2026Read the whole reviewClose
I've had a great experience riding with Carey and Velo Escapes. Carey is an excellent ride leader who is friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about cycling. He does a great job making everyone feel welcome while keeping the rides organized, safe, and enjoyable. I highly recommend riding with velo Escapes if you're looking for a fun, well-planned cycling experience!
“Absolutely the best ride leader I've spent time on a bike with.”
Wilson B., September 2026Read the whole reviewClose
Absolutely the best ride leader I've spent time on a bike with. The articulation and detailed knowledge he provided on the routes is top tier. The information he was able to share made new routes infantry more safe and fast. If you have a chance to ride with Carey, do so!
