Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Bike Tours . . .

by Ken Streater

 

Where can I go on a bike tour?

Almost anywhere in the world. There are bike tours offered on a daily or weekend basis near every major metropolitan area. There are tours offered through remote rural or wilderness areas such as California's wine country, the Italian countryside, Alaska's frontier lands, and through the Canadian Rockies. There are also an increasing number of bike tours offered in pure backcountry as part of a weekend or weeklong mountain bike tour.

How far do we ride each day?

Most bike tour companies offer a variety of trips that offer a variety of options including daily trip lengths. In general, these tours are designed to allow for comfortable distances depending on elevation changes and weather conditions. For example, thirty miles on a flat distance in nice temperate weather is regarded as a fairly easy ride. Thirty miles on a route with significant elevation changes and in 95 degree and 60% humidity weather could be a lot of work. Ask the tour companies you are considering to address your concerns about daily lengths and terrain.

What do I need to carry on the bike?

Generally, nothing! Most bike tours feature support vehicles (also known as sag wagons) that carry all of your overnight gear. This leaves you with a light bike that is far more maneuverable than one that may have heavy panniers (bags that are attached to your bike at the rim hub) stuffed with clothes. You may opt to carry a seat bag or lightweight pannier or even a fanny pack with a snack, rain jacket, or an extra fleece jacket. And this is rarely necessary as the support vehicles are often close to the group and can be called on to stop if you need to access your gear.

What are the accommodations?

The most popular bike tours today feature overnights at various lodging establishments along the route. For example, trips in France through wine country stay at quaint country lodges each night. There isn't anything better than a nice invigorating day of peddling through the French countryside, followed by cuisine extraordinaire, glasses of tasty wine, and a cozy bed in a centuries-old mansion!

That said-- there are also many, many bike tours that take place in more remote locations that feature camping in amazing natural settings. Consider a day peddling through the Rockies and pulling into a riverside camp area where the support guides have a dinner of fettucine alfredo, garlic bread, Caesar salad, and ice cold beverages waiting! On these trips most outfitters provide all personal camping gear, meaning you need only bring some clothes and personal toilet effects and the rest is taken care of!

Do I need to be in top physical condition?

No. You need not even be in great physical condition. Reasonably good condition is more like it. While bike tours are certainly more demanding than Internet surfing, there are so many tour choices that you will have no trouble finding a trip to match your abilities. Rather than worry too much about your fitness level, worry more about your choice of tour. Folks from all walks of life can find a tour that fits their abilities. You may want to choose a tour that takes on only 20-30 flatter miles a day, which most people can ride in three to four hours. Or, if you are relatively fit and want a bit of a challenge, choose a tour that averages 40 miles a day and travels over some mountain passes. That said, be prepared for some sore spots on your body including, very possibly, the "tail end".

What are the bikes like?

As with the tours there are a number of bicycle choices. If you want stability and comfort consider a tour that features 16 speed style bikes with slightly wider cruising tires and softer seats. If you want to ride for distance and speed find a tour that offers trips with performance 27-speed bikes. If you are a true backcountry enthusiast try a mountain bike tour on bikes with shock absorbers!

Many tour companies allow you to bring your own bike if you prefer. When inquiring about trip options be sure to ask the outfitter if you can bring your own bike. Whether you bring your own or use one provided by the company there will likely be staff on the tour to help repair and maintain your bike. This allows you to focus on the ride and enjoying the scenery rather than being concerned about whether or not you will be able to shift on the next hill!

Who else comes on these trips? Will there be families, just adults, or a mix?

Many, many bike tours are designed for adults only and others are geared towards families. It is possible to find a tour that exactly matches your wants and needs. Many bike trip companies offer trips at specific times just for seniors. Others offer trips just for single travelers. Many offer family-friendly experiences that will have lots of kids.

If you are concerned about the make-up of the group simply ask the outfitter to provide you with a breakdown of kids, adults, males, females, and so on, that are signed up. It may not be possible at the time of inquiry for the outfitter to know exactly who will be on a particular trip, but you will get a good idea about the others who will be participating and the style of the trip. From there, you can choose the perfect bicycle tour!