All our tours are presented with the same set of features (below).
For some of these features there is a brief " ? " explanation at each tour.
Tour level
At each tour the total distance and average daily distance are indicated. Because a bike tour of 20 km can be more strainful than a recreational trip of 50 km on flat terrain, we use three levels of physical fitness as a measure:
- Easy – you are untrained but in normal physical condition.
- Moderate – you cycle often and are in good physical condition.
- Challenging - you are experienced and very well-trained.
If applicable, for mountain bike and road bike tours the total number of climbing meters is indicated and for mountain bike tours the technical level.
Tour support
- Guided tours:
These are tours with 10-20 participants. Long tours have a maximum of 50 cyclists. The cycling tour guide provides information about the points of interest. You can cycle with the group, or you can also choose to cycle individually or with a few of the group members from stop to stop (coffee-lunch-tea), using the route description. There is a support vehicle for roadside assistance, catering and any intermediate transfers. Lunch is served in restaurants or offered as a picknick, by the support vehicle. Because a lot of Americans also participate in a cycling holiday in their own country it is an excellent opportunity for foreigners to really learn the American people and their culture.
- Self-guided tours:
You ride unaccompanied on your own using maps, a detailed route itinerary and sometimes a GPS device. All accommodation is also booked in advance. You can use an emergency phone number provided for help and advice.
Luggage transport
Almost all tours include daily luggage transfers. When luggage transport is not a tour feature, bicycle bags/panniers are included or can be rented. Luggage that you do not want to bring along on your bike tour can be safely left behind at the start of the tour.
Equipment
With some tours a rental bike is included in the tour price. With other tours you can rent a bicycle and there are tours where you have to bring your own bike. The rental bikes offered are modern, high quality and top brands including Trek, Giant and Cannondale.
Other equipment options are indicated for each tour, and include bike model choices, helmet rental etc. On the booking form you can indicate whether you want to bring your own saddle and/or pedals and have these fitted onto your rental road bike.
Accommodation and Meals
We offer three different kinds of accommodation:
- Deluxe - 4-5 star hotels / resorts or deluxe bed & breakfast;
- Basic - 2-3 star hotels, motels or B&B's with private facilities;
- Camping - With a tent provided and put up by the tour company (or yourself), a rental tent or your own tent.
We focus on scenic, historic and small-scale accommodation. 'Concrete' business hotels and motels along highways or industrial areas are avoided wherever possible.
The tours always include accommodation and he tour price is based on two people sharing a double room. If a single supplement fee is listed you have a room of your own. At most tours a single cyclist can opt for a room mate of the same gender and if available you do not pay the single supplement fee.
Meals included are indicated at each tour (room only, room with breakfast, half-board, full-board). Both the quality and quantity of the meals is excellent and is adapted to the energy needs of a cyclist.
With most guided tours refreshments are provided from the support vehicle and during breaks. This treatment is very comprehensive and include all kinds of drinks, energy bars and fresh fruit.
Transfers
At the start and finish, some tours have a specific transfer place or "meeting point". This is usually an airport, railway station or a town center. Transport is provided by the tour company (free or for a small fee) from and to such a meeting point. You can also opt for different transfer points when making your booking and these will be provided at the cheapest transfer rate available.
