Tag: Active Travel

If you are primarily a cyclist but you also enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing, kayaking, etc., finding a travel company that offers all those activities isn’t hard. Many companies offer these options, but they may be expensive or limited in what a guest can choose from.

Furthermore, if you choose to travel with a partner or family who aren’t that interested in cycling, that can complicate matters even further. While Bicycle Adventures markets itself as a bicycle travel company, it does support options for non-cyclists by limiting the number of guests on its tours, which are all led by expertly trained guides.

Who is Bicycle Adventures? Why Book a Trip With Them?

The company was founded in 1984 by Bob Clark in Olympia, WA. In 2008, he sold the business to two friends. But as owners, they don’t just sit behind desks in air-conditioned offices and make operational decisions.

They actually are “hands-on” and participate in at least 12 of the tours a year to make sure they are functioning at a high level. They also use their time to discover new areas for new trips and adventures. And with trips in eleven states and fourteen destinations in 12 international destinations, they ensure each trip meets their specifications.

Bicycle Adventures takes pride in hosting small group tours (13 total guests), choosing small local inns, creating dinners without planned menus, and expertly trained guides. Their primary motivation for guests is that they “pedal happy.” They aim to provide the best value for each guest’s time and money.

Destinations Covered By Bicycle Adventures

Bicycle Adventures focuses on destinations where guests can access the best cycling around the world. It hosts trips in the United States and internationally for a total of 23 excursions. Trip destinations for the United States include

• South Dakota
• California
• Montana
• Wyoming
• Arizona
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• Utah
• Idaho
• Oregon
• Washington

While that list is impressive, it’s the company’s list of international trips that will impress many cyclists. Some of these are the standard cycling hubs of Europe, but the other trips are more unique.

• Canada
• France
• Norway
• Chile
• Ireland
• Scotland
• Croatia
• Japan
• Spain
• England
• New Zealand
• Taiwan

What’s Included/ Not Included for Guests on a Booked Trip

Inclusions on a trip are what, of course, differentiate one travel company from another. What Bicycle Adventures offers is pretty standard in some respects but different in others.

• Bicycles such as either a road or hybrid, flat bar bike, or an e-bike. E-bikes, unlike the road or hybrid bikes, come at an additional $200 rental cost.
• Helmet and Wahoo GPS (Bike computer)
• Equipment for other activities, such as kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, and hiking.
• Visits to historical sites
• Park and other entry fees
• Gratuities at meals for all off-bike activities

The company also does van/ luggage support, deluxe lodgings, fine dining, and snacks/ beverages between meals. Airfare, hotels before the start of a tour or after, gratuities for guides, alcoholic beverages, and personal expenses are not covered.

A Typical Trip with Bicycle Adventures

With its many trips and unique destinations, it’s difficult to zoom in on a specific Bicycle Adventures trip. To give you, my loyal readers and subscribers, a good overview, I’ll talk about both a typical domestic and international trip.

For a domestic trip, the company’s “Mt. Rushmore and Badlands Bike Tour” comes in at $3,490 for 7 days. It’s geared toward intermediate cyclists, riders who are comfortable churning out 30 to 60 miles per day. Bikes are included with the cost of this tour, which also includes hiking.

For an international trip, the company’s “Chili Lakes & Volcanoes Bike Tour” is $6,188 for 10 days. It is also considered a trip for intermediate riders but with increased mileage per day: 40 to 55 miles. Bikes are also included with this trip, which like the one above also includes hiking.

Bicycle Adventures states their trips can be enjoyed by the hardcore roadie or more casual riders. They supply guides that cater to both groups. Additionally, they say that many of their trips are taken by retirees or older cyclists in their 50s and above who are welcome to bring family members along.

Last Thoughts

A trip with Bicycle Adventures seems like a good choice, especially if you are an older cyclist seeking a relaxed atmosphere with a small group. The company picks unique destinations, both nationally and internationally, to peak your interest.

Price points are moderate to high, but that might depend on if you choose a trip that has another activity, such as hiking, added on. It’s nice that you are not penalized by additional charges for choosing to use one of its bikes versus bringing your own. And it’s also nice that they will supply you with a helmet and cycling computer. So sign up for a trip and, as the company says, “pedal happy.”