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 minimum/maximum number of participants on each tour?
We aim to develop guided groups between 4-12 people. Self-guided trips can be run for as few as 2 people and any number of guests can be accommodated for private groups.
Will I be able to keep up with the group?
We encourage riders to participate at their own pace and only insist a group stays together on sea-kayaking days. You can expect to see the support vehicle several times through the day; guides will "van-boost" slower riders to the picnic lunches or to the inn at the end of the day so there's no fear of being left behind. We want you to challenge yourself but keep in mind that it's still a holiday!
How far in advance must I reserve?
Ask us for something organized for next week and we will jump at the chance to create a fantastic time for you. However, with plenty of advance notice, preferably 1-3 months, the likelihood of securing the best of lodging, equipment, and guides becomes greater. We want the best of the best for your adventure so 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 the capacity to pick up some or all the riders at any time, which allows everyone to participate at their comfort level. You will enjoy your holiday more if you have some practice so 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 riding, gets your body used to riding positions, and may show you what clothing makes you most comfortable.
I am a solo traveler. What is the single occupancy charge?
If you want a room alone then there is a surcharge to cover the cost difference between single and double occupancy. If, however, you are willing to share a room with separate beds, you can avoid the single occupancy charge by booking well in advance. Please see the Terms & Conditions page for details.
Which tour is recommended for a first-time cyclist?
We usually recommend the Nova Scotia: South Shore & Fundy Bike; the Prince Edward Island: Confederation Trail Bike; or the Quebec: Bas Saint Laurent adventures, because of the quiet roads, comparatively gentle terrain, and friendly inns. There are also some trips that follow abandoned railbeds - no traffic, easy terrain, and bicycle friendly. If you tell us more about yourself, we can recommend the best fit for you.
Just how hard is a “challenging” tour such as your Viking Bike & Hike 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 Bike & Hike is not van-supported, and one day 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 Alberta: Waterton to Banff Bike & Hike adventure in the Canadian Rockies. If you are looking at the possibility of Freewheeling's most challenging ride, you may be interested in checking out the Wales: Beacons to Mt. Snowdon Bike.
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?
Use This Form or call us any time. We love to know you want one, and will get it to you as quickly as is possible. They're pretty cool if we may say so...
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.
