Frequently-Asked Questions
If you have any questions that we have not answered, just ask us and we will answer it for you.
What is the maximum number of participants on each tour
Unless you are a private group, we usually restrict our guided groups to 12 people.
Will I be able to keep up with the group?
We do not try to keep everyone together, even on guided group trips, except on sea-kayaking days. You are free to travel at your own pace, and can expect to see your support vehicle several times through the day. If you are travelling too slowly to cover the day's distance, your guides may insist that you accept a "van-boost" as far as, say, the picnic lunch spot. They will also come and find you at day's end if you cannot cover the distance.
How far in advance must I reserve?
If you call and ask for something organized for next week, we will jump at the chance to create a fantastic, fun time for you. However, if you give us lots of notice, preferably 1-3 months - longer for high-season, the likelihood of securing the best of lodging, planning, equipment, and guides becomes higher. Please plan as far ahead as you can.
How much training should I do before participating in one of your bicycle adventures?
We support our guided bicycle trips with vehicles having capacity to pick up some or all the riders at any time, which allows anyone to participate. However, you will enjoy your holiday more if you have some practice. We suggest you go for several short rides (5-10km) in the weeks leading up to your holiday, and at least one longer ride (20-30km). This helps eliminate the soreness associated with the first ride after long periods of abstinence. It also gets your body used to riding positions, and may show you what clothing will make you most comfortable.
I am a solo traveler. What is the single occupancy charge?
If you want single occupancy, there is a surcharge to cover the cost diifference between single and double occupancy. If you prefer to avoid it, give us at least 90 days advance notice that you are willing to share, and we will try to match you with an appropriate room-mate. If we cannot, we will reduce the usual single occupancy charge by 50%, even if you end up with a private room.
Which tour is recommended for a first-time cyclist?
We usually recommend the Nova Scotia: South Shore Secrets; the Prince Edward Island: Sideroads; or the Quebec: Bas Saint Laurent adventures, because of the quiet roads, comparatively gentle terrain, and friendly inns. If you tell us more about yourself, we will recommend the best fit for you.
Just how hard is a “challenging” tour such as your Viking Trail tour?
Our challenging rides often attract more vigorous riders, and are designed to make you pleasantly tired after a full day of cycling and/or hiking. You are welcome to join for the sake of the location and scenery, but will have to accept boost rides in the support vehicle if you are not maintaining the pace required to complete the day’s distance. The hike on the Viking Trail is not van-supported, and demands eight hours of steady hiking, partly on steep slopes. The option exists to turn back at the base of the mountain. Other great challenges include the Yukon Alaska Multisport and the Alberta: Waterton to Banff adventure in the Canadian Rockies.
I am bringing my own bike with me, in a plastic bike transport box. What can I do with the box while I am on tour with you? Will my guides assist me with unpacking and preparing it for my tour?
Because of van space concerns, we cannot provide transport for bike boxes, except by prior arrangement, usually at an extra cost. However, we can usually find ways for you to store your bike box at the start/finish point, and can sometimes arrange a taxi pickup at the airport when you arrive. You should arrive prepared to put your own bike together, and to re-pack your bike at the end of the tour. Our guides have many concerns to which they must devote their time, and are not free to help you with mechanical issues until all other needs have been met. If you are not comfortable putting your own bike together, we suggest considering the rental of one of our bikes. They are mechanically prepared ahead of time, and will remove the cost and hassle of transporting your own bike
I love your custom cycling jerseys. How can I get one?
Call us any time. We love to know you want one, and will get it to you as quickly as is possible.
If after I have booked my adventure and paid my 30% deposit, I discover medical or professional difficulties, what options are available to me?
We strongly recommend that you obtain trip cancellation/interruption insurance as part of any travel plans. If you do not have it, or if your changes are not covered under the policy, you have three options:
- Cancel the tour at least 60 days ahead of time, and receive a refund of half your deposit.
- Change to another tour in the same calendar year. As long as we receive 60 days notice, you will pay a $100 change administration fee, and will immediately be confirmed on any other tour with availability.
- Join part of the tour, leaving early or arriving late. We will help you with making alternative or “catch-up” travel arrangements.
What bikes do you use for your rentals? I am interested in a light road bike, and would like details about the chainring and the cog set?
Our racing-style bikes are aluminum TREK 1500, or something very similar, with 30/42/52 triple chainrings and 12-25, 9-speed cassettes.
