The Different Types of Bike Tours

Are you ready to travel and shape up on a bike tour? Note: be sure to get in biking shape first!

Maybe you’re doing it as a way to escape the office or maybe you’re doing it for a sport – either way, you need to know what your options are.

There are many types of bike tours for both leisure and sporting events – you just need to know which is best for you.

As far as bike tours for leisure go, there are tons of options!

• Guided bike tours
• Self-guided bike tours
• Mountain bike tours
• Road bike tours
• City bike tours
• Wine and culinary bike tours
• Adventure bike tours
• Family-friendly bike tours

There are many different types of bike tours. Some are arranged by a company specializing in bike tours, while others are unplanned.

In either case, choosing your bike tour carefully is important because some biking tours are unsuitable for beginners.

However, if you have plenty of time to spend on your tour, you might want to consider an open-ended rambler tour, where the cyclists will follow tailwinds and better weather as they go.

This style of bicycle tour is extremely popular with cyclists who enjoy a little freedom and adventure.

Guided bike tours

Guided bike tours are organized and led by experienced guides who provide a structured itinerary and support throughout the tour.

Participants follow the guide as they explore various destinations and attractions.

These tours often include accommodations, meals, and transportation, allowing participants to focus on the biking experience while the logistics are taken care of.

Guides typically provide historical and cultural information about the places visited, ensuring participants a rich and informative experience.

Guided tours are a great way to learn more about a destination.

Guided tours provide a map and will note the various sightseeing activities and scenic stops along the way.

Self-guided tours are more affordable than guided tours and may have a more flexible schedule.

However, they don’t come with as many benefits as guided tours. In general, self-guided bike tours require the participants to have good physical fitness and be experienced with bicycles.

Self-guided bike tours

Self-guided bike tours are designed for independent travelers who prefer to explore at their own pace.

Participants are provided with maps, route instructions, and sometimes GPS devices to navigate the tour on their own.

They are free to choose their own starting time, route, and stops along the way.

Self-guided tours typically include accommodations and luggage transfers so participants can enjoy the ride without the burden of carrying heavy bags.

It’s a great option for those who want flexibility and autonomy while still benefiting from pre-planned routes and accommodations.

Mountain bike tours

Mountain bike tours are specifically designed for off-road cycling enthusiasts who enjoy exploring rugged terrains and natural landscapes.

These tours are typically conducted in mountainous regions, national parks, or dedicated trail networks that offer a variety of trails suitable for mountain biking.

Participants ride specialized mountain bikes that are built to handle rough terrain, including rocky paths, steep descents, and challenging climbs.

Mountain bike tours can range from single-day excursions to multi-day adventures, with experienced guides leading the way and providing necessary support.

It’s an exhilarating way to experience the thrill of biking in nature while enjoying breathtaking views and challenging trails.

Road bike tours

Road bike tours are designed for cyclists who enjoy riding on paved roads and exploring scenic routes.

These tours are typically conducted on well-maintained roads, often in rural or coastal areas known for their picturesque landscapes.

Participants ride lightweight road bikes that are specifically designed for speed and efficiency on pavement.

Road bike tours can vary in duration and difficulty level, catering to both beginners and experienced cyclists.

They often include accommodations, support vehicles for carrying luggage, and sometimes even mechanical assistance along the way.

Road bike tours offer a fantastic opportunity to combine the joy of cycling with exploring beautiful destinations.

City bike tours

City bike tours are a popular way to explore urban areas and discover the highlights of a city on two wheels.

These tours are typically led by knowledgeable guides who take participants on a cycling route that covers major landmarks, historical sites, and local attractions.

Participants ride comfortable and easy-to-use city bikes that are suitable for urban environments.

City bike tours provide a unique perspective of a city, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the local culture, learn about the history and architecture, and explore hidden gems that may not be easily accessible by other means of transportation.

It’s a fun and eco-friendly way to experience the vibrancy and charm of a city.

Wine and culinary bike tours

Wine and culinary bike tours combine the pleasure of cycling with the indulgence of tasting delicious food and wine.

These tours take participants through scenic wine regions and culinary destinations, where they can explore vineyards, wineries, and local food producers.

Participants ride bikes specially designed for comfort, with enough storage space to carry any purchases made along the way.

The tour often includes stops at wineries for wine tastings, visits to local markets or farms for sampling fresh produce, and opportunities to savor regional cuisine at restaurants or food festivals.

Wine and culinary bike tours offer a unique way to experience the flavors and traditions of a region while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

Adventure bike tours

Adventure bike tours are designed for thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts who crave excitement and exploration on two wheels.

These tours take participants off the beaten path and into rugged and challenging terrains, such as mountain trails, forest paths, or even remote wilderness areas.

Adventure bike tours often involve long distances, technical sections, and varying terrain, requiring participants to have good physical fitness and bike handling skills.

They can range from single-day adrenaline-pumping rides to multi-day expeditions camping in the wilderness along the way.

Adventure bike tours offer an unforgettable experience, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on a bike and allowing participants to connect with nature in a thrilling and adventurous way.

Family-friendly bike tours

Family-friendly bike tours are designed to cater to the needs and interests of families, providing a fun and enjoyable biking experience for all ages.

These tours typically feature safe and easy-to-navigate routes, with minimal traffic and gentle terrain.

The pace is adjusted to accommodate younger riders, and the distances are shorter to avoid fatigue.

Family-friendly bike tours often include attractions and activities that are appealing to children, such as stops at parks, playgrounds, or ice cream shops.

Some tours may even provide bicycles with child seats or trailers for younger children who are not yet able to ride on their own.

Family-friendly bike tours offer a fantastic way for families to bond, explore new places together, and create lasting memories.

Here are a few companies that organize bike tours, along with their contact information:

1. Backroads
   • Website: www.backroads.com
   • Phone: 1-800-462-2848
2. BikeTours.com
   • Website: www.biketours.com
   • Phone: 1-877-462-2423
3. DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co.
   • Website: www.duvine.com
   • Phone: 1-888-396-5383
4. Trek Travel
   • Website: www.trektravel.com
   • Phone: 1-866-464-8735
5. VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations
   • Website: www.vbt.com
   • Phone: 1-800-245-3868

Please note that contact information may be subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to visit their websites for the most up-to-date contact details.

Last update on 2025-01-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

A destination rider is someone who needs to get from point A to point B.

They might be headed to a birthday party across a state or country, a city they have always wanted to visit, or even the love of their life.

Whatever the reason, biking gives you the flexibility to see and hear more than walking or driving.

And the benefits of being able to explore a destination are worth the effort.

Small groups are safer and easier to organize. There is more support from fellow riders in case of breakdowns or injuries.

On the other hand, bigger groups are more exciting, but are also harder to organize.

Small groups are not recommended for beginners, so it is best to tour with other experienced cyclists or a group with an organized bike tour.

The group size may also be limited, and you’ll be required to share accommodation with other people on the tour.

Depending on where you live if you want to go out of the country or not, there are many different opportunities for you to try out.

Romantically speaking, the bike tours in California or France are most definitely the way to go.

Consider setting up a “loaded tour when planning your bike tour.”

Strap on your saddlebag’s old west style and pack well for one of these.

On a loaded tour, you bring everything with you – food, clothes, your sleeping bag, and bug spray.

This type of leisure bike touring is perfect for someone who loves to plan, camp out, and really step away from it all. This tour is very rewarding because you’re totally self-reliant throughout.

If you’re not feeling quite so crafty, you can plan a “credit card tour,” which as you can tell by its name, doesn’t involve eating trail mix for dinner.

On this type of tour, you pack light, stay in hotels, and try out the local eateries for your meals. This is a great way to balance a long tour while letting you get involved in each one of the tour destinations’ local cultural spots.

Plus, you can relax when you reach your destinations because everything is handled for you.

Feeling like a sportier bike tour?

There are boatloads of bike tours geared to those who want to push the envelope a bit. F

rom mimicking the legs of the tour de France to attending training camps with international bike pros, you’re sure to be up to your helmet in sports biking.

These types of bike tours are great for those who take biking very seriously.

Regardless of what type of bike tour you take, be sure to always pack plenty of water, energy bars, and a first aid kit.

Most of all, remember to have fun and stay safe!