That’s what makes America’s Pacific Coast such a rewarding place to explore by bike. The scenery changes constantly, but so does the riding itself. One route favors long, rolling climbs and iconic road cycling. Another mixes ferry crossings with relaxed island cruising. Another disappears beneath cathedral-like redwood forests before emerging onto rugged beaches.

Rather than asking which coastal ride is objectively “best,” it’s more useful to ask which one matches the kind of experience you’re hoping to have. Here are five of the country’s most memorable coastal cycling routes, and who they’re best suited for.

The Oregon Coast: Sea Stacks, Quiet Backroads, and the Best of the Pacific Northwest

For many cyclists, the Oregon Coast is exactly what they imagine when they picture riding beside the Pacific. Towering sea stacks rise from the surf. Historic lighthouses perch above rocky headlands. Long stretches of sandy beach give way to evergreen forests, working harbors, and small coastal communities where fresh seafood tastes even better after a day on the bike.

The official Oregon Coast Bike Route has earned its reputation as one of America’s classic cycling routes, but it also comes with an important reality: portions follow the famous Highway 101, where traffic can be busy during peak travel seasons.

That’s one reason many riders appreciate a thoughtfully designed itinerary. Rather than staying on Highway 101, the Oregon Coast and Willamette Valley Bike Tour uses quieter inland river roads and scenic country lanes to connect many of the coast’s iconic destinations while still delivering the viewpoints people come to see. Riders also experience the Three Capes Scenic Byway, covered bridges, Willamette Valley vineyards, local farms, and opportunities for short hikes that add variety throughout the trip.

Depending on the season and conditions, riders may also spot gray whales offshore.

For cyclists looking for a bigger challenge, the Oregon Coast to Crater Lake Bike Tour expands the journey into southern Oregon, passing through Northern California’s redwoods, the Rogue River region, and ultimately climbing toward Crater Lake National Park. It’s a rewarding option for experienced riders who enjoy longer mileage, sustained climbing, and changing landscapes over multiple days. Whether you’re seeking a classic Oregon Coast bike tour or a more ambitious point-to-point adventure, Oregon rewards riders with remarkable variety both on and off the bike.

Past guests often highlight the contrast between the shoreline and wine country. Jeff B. described it as “almost like two different trips,” while Hope C. praised the varied riding as well as stops such as the Tillamook Creamery, a local vineyard, and a Cape Lookout hike.

Big Sur: America’s Most Iconic Coastal Ride

Few roads are as instantly recognizable as California’s Highway 1. South of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the highway hugs steep cliffs above the Pacific, passing famous landmarks like 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, Big Sur, Hearst Castle, Morro Bay, and eventually Pismo Beach. It’s the sort of ride many road cyclists dream of riding.

For riders looking to experience the magic of Highway 1, the  Big Sur Coast Bike Tour is a great place to start. This fully supported bike tour follows Highway 1 itself. Riders should feel comfortable sharing the road with vehicle traffic while navigating one of America’s most celebrated scenic highways.

The payoff is extraordinary. Every climb reveals another sweeping ocean vista. Redwood groves interrupt the coastline before the road returns to sheer cliffs overlooking the Pacific.

This California Coast Bike Tour is designed for intermediate road cyclists who want to experience this legendary route without worrying about daily logistics. With experienced guides, vehicle support, thoughtfully selected lodging, and flexible daily mileage, riders can focus on the scenery rather than maps, transportation, or where the next overnight stop will be.

For many cyclists, a Big Sur cycling tour isn’t simply another vacation; it’s a bucket-list ride.

Guest Joy V. called the experience “adventurous, fun and incredibly well organized,” praising the scenic routes, outstanding guides, van support, meals, lodging, and friendships formed along the way.

Where the Redwoods Meet the Pacific

While Big Sur is one of California’s most famous destinations, the Redwood Coast feels like its quieter, wilder cousin. Northern California trades lofty cliffside highways for towering forests, rugged beaches, secluded coves, and the immense scale of ancient redwood groves that make even experienced travelers stop and look up in awe.

The scenery changes quickly here. One morning might begin riding along Humboldt Bay before the afternoon leads into some of the tallest trees on Earth. Along the way, sections of the Lost Coast showcase a stretch of California that remains refreshingly undeveloped.

That’s part of what makes the Redwoods and Coast Multisport Tour stand apart from a traditional cycling vacation.

Rather than spending every day exclusively on the bike, travelers also hike among old-growth redwoods and kayak on Humboldt Bay, creating a broader connection with the landscape than cycling alone could provide.

It’s an ideal choice for active travelers who love outdoor adventure but don’t necessarily measure every vacation by miles ridden.

Olympic National Park and the Olympic Peninsula: Variety Around Every Bend

Not every memorable coastal ride spends every mile beside the ocean. Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is proof that some of the richest cycling experiences come from constantly changing environments rather than uninterrupted ocean views.

The Olympic National Park and Discovery Trail Multisport Tour explores much of the broader peninsula, combining sections of the Olympic Discovery Trail with visits to rainforest valleys, coastal plains, beaches, and overlooks stretching toward the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Throughout the trip, views of the Olympic Mountains provide a stunning backdrop that changes with the weather and the light.

Much of the cycling takes place on paved sections of the Olympic Discovery Trail, a dedicated route that offers long stretches away from vehicle traffic while linking forests, waterfronts, rivers, and lakes across the peninsula.

One day may feature easy riding on paved trail corridors. The next could include hiking through moss-covered temperate rainforest before returning to the coast for sunset. Because local guides handle transportation, route planning, and logistics, travelers are free to enjoy the incredible ecological diversity that makes Olympic National Park unlike anywhere else in the continental United States. For riders seeking a bike tour that visits Olympic National Park and includes cycling on a dedicated bike path, this itinerary offers an exceptional balance of approachable riding and immersive outdoor experiences.

The San Juan Islands: A Coastal Ride at a Different Pace

Some cycling vacations are all about conquering big climbs while others invite you to slow down and enjoy the view. The San Juan Islands fall squarely into the second category. Reaching the islands by ferry immediately changes the feel of the trip. Roads become quieter. Traffic fades. Harbors, farms, forests, and sweeping marine views replace busy highways.

Each island offers its own personality. Lopez Island is famous for its gentle terrain and relaxed riding, making it especially welcoming for cyclists of varying experience levels. Orcas Island introduces steeper climbs and rewarding views for riders looking for more of a challenge.

San Juan Island blends scenic riding with historic sites, waterfront communities, wildlife viewing, and countless opportunities to watch for seals, sea lions, and even orcas in surrounding waters.

The San Juan Islands Bike Tour combines these distinct experiences into a single itinerary while taking care of ferry schedules, lodging, baggage transfers, and route planning. A half day of sea kayaking is included, and a seaplane flight back to Seattle helps travelers avoid city gridlock.

For many riders, it’s one of the most relaxing and surprisingly memorable guided coastal cycling vacations in the country.

Discover The Pacific Coast by Bike

One of the greatest pleasures of a coastal cycling vacation is the freedom to notice the details: the sound of waves below a bluff, the scent of salt air drifting through a forest, or the satisfaction of arriving in a small harbor town after a rewarding day in the saddle.

Bicycle Adventures builds its tours around those moments. Carefully planned routes, experienced guides, quality bikes, van support, comfortable lodging, and thoughtfully designed itineraries remove the logistical challenges while preserving the sense of discovery that makes bicycle travel so rewarding.

Whether you’re drawn to Oregon’s rugged shoreline, California’s iconic coast, Washington’s rainforests, or the San Juan Islands’ laid-back charm, there’s a coastal journey waiting to match your riding style, and a Bicycle Adventures tour designed to help you experience it to the fullest.

The post The Best Coastal Bike Routes in the United States appeared first on Bicycle Adventures.

Oregon Coast & Willamette Valley Bike Tour

Join Bicycle Adventures this September as we pedal from the craggy Oregon Coast to the rolling vineyard hills of the Willamette Valley, just in time for harvest season in the Oregon Wine Country. This fully supported cycling tour combines two of Oregon’s most celebrated regions into one ride that captures the best of the PNW. From sandy beaches and rocky headlands to enjoying some of the best Pinot Noir in the world, this bike tour has a bit of everything.

Departure: September

Highlights

• Riding from the rugged Pacific coastline into the Oregon wine country
• Harvest season in the Willamette Valley
• Covered bridges, coastal headlands, and vineyard backroads
• Fresh seafood, local wine, and small-town hospitality
• Two iconic Oregon landscapes in one trip

Best For

Intermediate riders looking for a classic Pacific Northwest ride with moderate mileage, coastal scenery, and wine-country exploration.

Columbia Gorge Bike Tour

The Columbia River Gorge is one of the most unique landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. As the Columbia River flows from the Cascades to the Pacific, the river winds through a mighty canyon that’s over 4,000 feet deep and 80 miles long. While the peak of summer can bring brutal heat to the river canyon, September brings clear skies and cool autumn temperatures. This ride takes you past volcanic peaks, towering waterfalls, and orchards on the Historic Columbia River Highway.

Departure: September

Highlights

• Waterfalls, vineyards, and volcanic peaks in a single ride
• The legendary Historic Columbia River Highway
• Orchard-lined roads during harvest season
• Sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge
• One of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic cycling destinations

Best For

Intermediate cyclists who enjoy rolling terrain, big scenery, and some of the Northwest’s most legendary roads.

Portugal’s Alentejo Coast Bike Tour

Early fall in western Europe is hard to beat, especially on the Iberian Peninsula. Pleasant warm temperatures linger as summer tourism fades with the changing seasons. Coastal towns return to a slower pace of life, allowing for thorough exploration on two wheels. This fully supported Portuguese bike tour explores national parks, charming fishing villages, cork forests, olive groves, and historic castles, and takes riders to some of the world’s best food and wine regions.

Departure: October and May

Highlights

• Quiet Atlantic roads far from Europe’s busiest cycling routes
• Whitewashed villages, castles, and historic coastal towns
• Cork forests, olive groves, and vineyard-covered countryside
• Exceptional food, wine, and Portuguese hospitality
• Warm autumn riding along Portugal’s wild coastline

Best For

Riders of all ability levels seeking relaxed daily riding, cultural immersion, and a warm-weather fall escape.

Joshua Tree & Anza-Borrego Multisport Tour

While nearly unbearable in the summer, Southern California’s famed desert landscapes come alive in late fall and early winter. Explore this iconic, otherworldly landscape as we pedal through Joshua Tree and Anza-Borrego on this desert bike tour. With plenty of sunshine and opportunities to hike and bike among some of the most unique rock formations in the country, this Joshua Tree and Anza Borrego Multisport Tour is the perfect way to spend your fall.

Departure: December, February, and March

Highlights

• Desert riding beneath towering rock formations and endless skies
• Joshua Tree National Park and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
• A blend of cycling, hiking, and exploration
• Cooler temperatures and ideal fall conditions
• Landscapes unlike anywhere else in North America

Best For

All levels of riders looking to extend their season with comfortable temperatures and a mix of cycling and hiking.

New Zealand South Island Trail Bike Tour

Find summer with a trip to New Zealand on this fully supported South Island Trail Bike Tour. This ride combines gravel riding, rail trails, and backcountry routes that put you in the heart of some of the South Island’s most dramatic landscapes. Travel along some of the country’s most celebrated cycling routes, including the Alps 2 Ocean, Lake Dunstan Trail, Queenstown Trail, Roxburgh Gorge, and West Coast Wilderness Trail, while passing rugged mountains, rushing rivers, and a postcard-worthy rocky coastline. Beyond traveling by bike, riders will board a jet boat through Roxburgh Gorge and finish the journey aboard the scenic TranzAlpine Train crossing Arthur’s Pass back to Christchurch.

Departure: January

Highlights

• Extending your riding season into the Southern Hemisphere Spring
• World-class trail riding across New Zealand’s South Island
• Alpine passes, glacial rivers, and rugged coastlines.
• A mix of rail trails, backcountry routes, and purpose-built cycleways
• Some of the most spectacular scenery in the cycling world

Best For

Intermediate riders seeking an active adventure with a mix of trail riding, varied terrain, and longer days in the Southern Hemisphere Spring.

Cycling season doesn’t end when summer does. Some destinations hit their stride in September and October, while others are just getting started as winter approaches. Whether you’re looking for vineyard roads in Oregon, coastal riding in Portugal, desert sun in California, or a Southern Hemisphere escape, these Bicycle Adventures tours offer some of the best riding conditions of the year.

Valley of Fire & Death Valley Bike Tour

As temperatures begin to cool across the Southwest, some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes become ideal places to ride. This fully supported tour combines Nevada’s fiery red sandstone landscapes with the vast emptiness of Death Valley National Park, creating one of the most unique cycling experiences in North America. Ride beneath towering cliffs, pedal through colorful badlands, visit ancient petroglyphs, and explore iconic destinations like Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and Badwater Basin—all during the most comfortable time of year to experience the desert.

Departure: October, November, and February

Highlights

• Ride through Valley of Fire State Park and Death Valley National Park
• Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and Badwater Basin
• Spectacular desert scenery, colorful canyons, and sweeping mountain views
• Hiking opportunities alongside daily rides
• Ideal fall temperatures for exploring the Southwest

Best For

Riders of all ability levels looking for a warm-weather fall adventure with unforgettable desert scenery, comfortable temperatures, and a mix of cycling and hiking.

Bryce & Zion National Parks Multisport Tour

Southern Utah reaches its sweet spot as summer gives way to fall. The intense heat begins to fade, leaving behind crisp mornings, sunny afternoons, and ideal conditions for riding and hiking. This fully supported multisport tour explores Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks, combining scenic cycling with memorable hikes, including the famous Narrows. Ride through towering hoodoos, red rock canyons, and Zion Canyon’s scenic roads while experiencing two of America’s most spectacular national parks.

Departure: September

Highlights

• Cycling through Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks
• Hiking the Narrows and Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos
• Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and Red Canyon
• Cedar Breaks National Monument
• An all-levels multisport adventure combining cycling and hiking

Best For

Riders of all levels looking for a national park adventure that blends scenic cycling, memorable hikes, and some of the Southwest’s most iconic landscapes.

Arches & Canyonlands Multisport Tour

Fall is one of the best times to experience Utah’s canyon country. Cooler temperatures create ideal conditions for exploring the dramatic landscapes surrounding Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Based in Moab for the entire trip, this fully supported multisport adventure combines scenic road cycling, guided hikes through two iconic national parks, a Colorado River rafting trip, local wine tasting, and unforgettable desert stargazing. It’s an active way to experience one of the American Southwest’s most remarkable landscapes.

Departure: September

Highlights

• Guided hikes in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks
• Scenic road cycling around Moab and along the Colorado River
• Half-day rafting trip on the Colorado River
• Wine tasting and desert stargazing
• Six days based in Moab with time to explore the town

Best For:

Riders of all levels looking for a multisport adventure that blends road cycling, hiking, rafting, and unforgettable desert scenery.

The post The Last of Summer, The Best of Fall: 5 Bicycle Adventures Tours to Ride This Season appeared first on Bicycle Adventures.

Why Winter Is One of the Best Times to Take a Cycling Vacation

When we say winter cycling, we’re not talking about fat tire riding on snow-covered trails; we’re talking about trading the harsh winter conditions of home for the eternal sunshine of the Southwest or summer riding in the Southern Hemisphere. Winter riding in the Southwest means mild temperatures in some of America’s most iconic desert landscapes. In the Southern Hemisphere, winter cycling means riding during the Southern Hemisphere summer months, which bring long daylight hours, pleasant temperatures in exotic landscapes, and an immersive cultural experience all on two wheels.

Taiwan’s Eastern Coast: Asia’s Hidden Cycling Paradise

Escape the cold in Southeast Asia on Bicycle Adventure’s Taiwan’s Eastern Coast Cycling Adventure. This bicycle tour combines tropical mountain riding with coastal road exploration into a single diverse, unique adventure. The adventure begins in Taipei and then moves to the eastern side of the island, where jungle-clad mountains, rural valleys, and the legendary roads of Taroko Gorge await.  This trip explores rice paddies, fishing villages, tea fields, and rural Taiwanese communities, combined with delicious Thai cuisine.

Chile Lakes & Volcanoes: Summer in the Southern Hemisphere

Chile’s mighty Andes Mountains are home to mighty volcanoes, turquoise alpine lakes, and some of the best cycling in the world. Snow-capped mountains tower over alpine lakes, and remote mountain roads wind through northern Patagonia and the Chilean Andes. This guided bike tour dives deep into the heart of Chile’s Lakes and Volcanoes region, tying together Villarrica National Park, the Seven Lakes Route, Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, and the slopes of several active volcanoes.

Chile’s Lake District is one of the most dramatic cycling destinations in South America. Snow-covered volcanoes rise above deep-blue lakes, temperate rainforests, river valleys, and remote mountain roads that stretch across northern Patagonia and the Chilean Andes.

This guided Chile bike tour explores the heart of the country’s Lakes and Volcanoes region, linking together Villarrica National Park, the Seven Lakes Route, Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, and the slopes of several active volcanoes. Along the way, riders experience Patagonian forests, alpine terrain, small mountain towns, and some of the most rewarding road cycling in Chile. Beyond cycling, this trip offers several opportunities to hike, recover, and immerse yourself in Chilean culture.  

New Zealand South Island Trail: World-Class Rail Trails and Alpine Landscapes

If winters get you down, why not travel halfway across the world to one of the most remote cycling destinations on the planet? New Zealand’s South Island Trail takes cyclists through the rugged Kiwi backcountry on the nation’s renowned gravel trails, including the Alps 2 Ocean, Lake Dunstan Trail, Queenstown Trail, Roxburgh Gorge, and West Coast Wilderness Trail, while experiencing mountains, glacial rivers, rainforests, and rugged coastline throughout New Zealand’s South Island. Along the way, travel by jet boat through Roxburgh Gorge and finish the journey aboard the scenic TranzAlpine Train crossing Arthur’s Pass back to Christchurch.

Arizona Sonora: Desert Riding at Its Finest

The Sonoran Desert offers unparalleled riding with mild winter temperatures. Surrounded by giant saguaro cacti, red rock mountains, and a surprising amount of wildlife, the Sonoran Desert offers some of the best winter cycling in the US. This guided bike tour explores the wilderness around Tucson, including Saguaro National Park and the Santa Catalina Mountains.

Ride along park roads, quiet desert highways, and bike paths while exploring the region’s unique geology, wildlife, and rich cultural history.

Valley of Fire & Death Valley: Riding Through America’s Most Dramatic Desert Landscapes

Nevada and California are home to some of the most unique and vast desert landscapes in the world. This fully supported bike tour rides through Death Valley National Park, Valley of Fire State Park, and Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Enjoy a mix of road cycling, hiking, desert geology, and remote southwestern terrain. This multisport cycling vacation explores some of the most visually striking landscapes in the American Southwest. Along the way, you’ll encounter colossal red sandstone formations, arid desert basins, mountain passes, ghost towns, sand dunes, and colorful badlands while visiting Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire, Death Valley National Park, Dante’s View, Zabriskie Point, Artist’s Palette, and Badwater Basin.

Joshua Tree & Anza-Borrego: Where Desert Landscapes Meet National Parks

Pedal among towering granite, ancient desert oases, fields of wildflowers, and one of the most unique desert landscapes in the US. In Joshua Tree and Anza-Borrego, you’ll cycle desert roads, hike through slot canyons, and experience the desert landscape in the midst of winter, when temperatures are pleasant and the adventure opportunities endless.

Methow Valley Cross-Country  Ski Tour: Embrace Winter Instead

Not every winter adventure has to escape the snow. If you’d rather lean into the season than leave it behind, the Methow Valley Cross-Country Ski Tour offers a completely different kind of getaway. Located in Washington’s North Cascades, the Methow Valley is home to one of North America’s largest groomed cross-country ski trail systems, with more than 120 miles of impeccably maintained trails winding through forests, meadows, and mountain scenery.

Whether you’re new to Nordic skiing or an experienced skier looking to explore a world-class trail network, the Methow Valley delivers exceptional conditions, cozy mountain lodging, and the relaxed pace that has made it one of the premier Nordic destinations in the United States.

Where Will Your Winter Take You?

Winter doesn’t have to mean months spent on the indoor trainer waiting for spring. Whether you’re climbing through Chile’s volcanic landscapes, exploring Taiwan’s dramatic coastline, riding beneath towering saguaros in Arizona, or pedaling through the deserts of California and Nevada, there’s no shortage of incredible places to ride when the temperatures drop at home.

At Bicycle Adventures, our guided winter tours are designed to help you stay active, explore remarkable destinations, and discover what we strive for on every trip: the simple joy of pedaling happy.

The post The Best Winter Cycling Tours Around the World appeared first on Bicycle Adventures.

America’s First Rail Trail

The first rail Trail in the United States was the Elroy-Sparta State Trail in Wisconsin. When the trail was constructed in 1965, no one knew that it would spark a nationwide movement; the local community just wanted to use the space abandoned by the railroad. The trail spans 32.5 miles of the former Chicago & North Western railway corridor between Elroy and Sparta. The route includes three massive railroad tunnels blasted through ridges in the 1870s. Even today, these tunnels remain the trail’s signature attractions: Kendall Tunnel (1,690 feet), Wilton Tunnel (3,810 feet), and Norwalk Tunnel (3,140 feet). Combined, they total more than a mile and a half of underground riding.

What Makes a Great Rail Trail?

Generally speaking, rail trails make for great cycling. Often, they offer riders gentle grades because the routes were originally engineered for trains. There’s typically no vehicle traffic to deal with, and many of the routes include historic tunnels. Thanks to the length and grade, they’re a great way for riders of all abilities to take on a multi-day tour.

The George S. Mickelson Trail: South Dakota’s Black Hills Classic

The George S. Mickelson is one of the premier rail trails in the West. Snaking through the Black Hills of South Dakota, the George S. Mickelson Trail stretches for 109 miles with more than 100 converted railroad bridges and several historic tunnels. Ride through Deadwood, Hill City, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mt. Rushmore, Wind Cave National Park, and the state’s rich mining history. Take on the George S. Mickelson Trail on Bicycle Adventure’s Mickelson Trail Bike Tour to see some of the nation’s most iconic landmarks.

The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes: Idaho’s Rail Trail Giant

The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is one of the country’s premier rail trails, following a former Union Pacific railroad corridor through northern Idaho’s historic mining country. Once used to transport silver, lead, and timber from the communities of the Silver Valley, the corridor has been transformed into a scenic paved route stretching more than 70 miles. On the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes Bike Tour, riders pedal through the landscapes that shaped Idaho’s mining history while exploring destinations like Wallace, the Coeur d’Alene River, Lake Coeur d’Alene, and the communities that continue to define the region today.

The Route of the Hiawatha: America’s Most Famous Rail Trail

Perhaps the best-known rail trail in the United States, the Route of the Hiawatha was built along the former Milwaukee Road railroad, which was once considered one of the most ambitious engineering feats of its time. This rail Trail passes through the St. Paul Pass Tunnel and the Seven Towering Trestles, offering enjoyable, gradual downhill riding among stunning mountain scenery. While The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes forms the backbone of Bicycle Adventures’ Idaho itinerary, a highlight for many riders is the opportunity to ride the entire length of Silver Valley, the legendary Route of the Hiawatha.

Québec’s Véloroute des Bleuets

The Véloroute des Bleuets is a 256-kilometer (159-mile) cycling route that loops around the shores of Lac Saint-Jean in Québec, Canada. The ride offers an immersive introduction to French-Canadian culture while showcasing one of Canada’s most developed cycling networks, with approximately 80 percent of the route on dedicated bike paths and the remainder on quiet country roads.

Along the way, riders pass through Pointe-Taillon National Park, visit the historic village of Val-Jalbert, and experience the region’s lakeside communities, forests, and agricultural landscapes. Explore the splendors of Quebec and French Canadian culture on Bicycle Adventures’ Quebec’s Blueberry Route.

Washington’s Olympic Discovery Trail

Built in part on former railroad corridors that once connected communities across Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, the Olympic Discovery Trail stretches more than 130 miles from Port Townsend on Puget Sound toward the Pacific Coast. Much of the modern route follows older rail service corridors that connect logging communities, farms, and coastal towns across the peninsula. Today, that same infrastructure gives cyclists access to some of the Peninsula’s most pristine wilderness areas, including Olympic National Park. To explore everything the peninsula has to offer, from cycling the Discovery Trail to exploring the mountains, coastline, and rainforests, join us on the Olympic National Park & Discovery Trail Multisport Tour.

Rail trails preserve pieces of history while creating some of the most accessible and enjoyable cycling routes in North America. Their gentle grades, scenic routes, and access to local communities make them ideal for riders of all experience levels. At Bicycle Adventures, we’ve built tours around some of the continent’s most memorable rail Trail experiences, allowing you to focus on the ride while we handle the logistics. Explore our tours and discover where the railroad can take you next.

The post America’s Great Rail Trails: The Ultimate Guide for Cyclists appeared first on Bicycle Adventures.

A Walk in the Park by Kevin Fedarko

For anyone planning to visit Arizona or ride through canyon country, this is essential reading. No modern book captures the scale and power of the Southwest quite like A Walk in the Park. Fedarko chronicles an ambitious journey to through-hike the length of the Grand Canyon, traveling across some of the most inaccessible terrain in North America. While the story focuses on a hike and the efforts behind it, it is ultimately about understanding the canyon itself—its geology, ecology, history, and the people who have fought to protect it. Fedarko’s writing is immersive and often humorous, but what makes the book special is the sense of awe that permeates every page. For anyone planning to visit Arizona or ride through canyon country, this is essential reading.

Riders preparing for Bicycle Adventures’ Arizona Sonora Bike Tour will find Fedarko’s observations especially rewarding. While the tour explores a very different corner of Arizona, the book provides valuable context for understanding the immense geological forces, deep history, and sense of scale that make the state’s landscapes so compelling.

Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey

Few authors are more closely associated with the Southwest than Edward Abbey. Written during his time as a ranger in what is now Arches National Park, Desert Solitaire is part memoir, part environmental manifesto, and part love letter to the desert. Abbey’s opinions can be provocative, but his descriptions of canyon country remain some of the finest ever written. His writing captures the solitude, beauty, and harshness that make the desert such a compelling place to explore.

For riders joining Bicycle Adventures’ Arches & Canyonlands Tour, Desert Solitaire offers the perfect introduction to the region. Many of the landscapes Abbey celebrated remain remarkably unchanged, adding another layer of appreciation to every ride through Utah’s red rock country.

Cadillac Desert by Marc Reisner

Water is the defining story of the American Southwest—the landscapes it shapes, the resourcefulness it demands from wildlife when it’s scarce, and the abundance of life that flourishes where it flows. Cadillac Desert examines how dams, reservoirs, canals, and political battles transformed the arid West into the region we know today. The book explores everything from the Colorado River to the growth of cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas.

What could easily have been a dry policy book becomes a fascinating story of ambition, engineering, and unintended consequences. After reading it, you’ll never look at a reservoir, irrigation canal, or Arizona golf course the same way again.

Reisner’s exploration of water scarcity and desert development provides important context for understanding some of the harshest and most beautiful landscapes in the American West that we explore on our Valley of Fire & Death Valley Bike. 

Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne

The landscapes you pass through in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona take on entirely new meaning after reading this book. The Southwest cannot be understood without understanding the people who shaped it. Empire of the Summer Moon tells the story of the mighty Comanche Nation and the dramatic collision between Indigenous cultures and westward expansion.

Centered around the life of Comanche leader Quanah Parker, the book examines the rise and fall of one of the most powerful Native American nations in North America. It’s a gripping narrative that reads more like an epic novel than a traditional history book. The landscapes you pass through in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona take on entirely new meaning after reading this book.

The book also serves as a reminder that the Southwest is more than a collection of spectacular landscapes. Explore the lands that the Comanche roamed on our Arizona Sonora Bike Tour. 

The Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko

Before writing A Walk in the Park, Kevin Fedarko produced another Southwest classic during his time working as a boat guide on the Colorado. The Emerald Mile tells the story of a record-setting boat trip through the Grand Canyon during one of the largest floods in the Colorado River’s history. Along the way, Fedarko weaves together the canyon’s geology, exploration history, river-running culture, and the construction of Glen Canyon Dam. The story is both an adventure tale and a portrait of one of North America’s most extraordinary landscapes.

Like A Walk in the Park, The Emerald Mile deepens your appreciation for the canyon country of the Colorado Plateau. It’s an excellent companion read for riders preparing for Bicycle Adventures’ Bryce and Zion National Parks Multisport Tour, where the same geologic forces that shaped the Grand Canyon are visible throughout the landscape.

Blood and Thunder by Hampton Sides

For readers interested in the history of New Mexico and the broader Southwest, Blood and Thunder is hard to beat. The book follows the life of frontiersman Kit Carson as it explores the complex and often violent interactions among Native nations, settlers, soldiers, and explorers during the nineteenth century. Sides has a talent for making history feel accessible. The landscapes featured throughout the book, from New Mexico’s high deserts to Colorado’s mountains, remain much as they were when these events unfolded.

While Blood and Thunder spans a vast geography, it provides valuable context for understanding the broader Southwest as a whole. Riders joining Bicycle Adventures’ Joshua Tree and Anza-Borrego Multisport Tour may find themselves appreciating the region differently after reading about the people, conflicts, and cultures that helped shape the American West.

These books help bring those stories to life. Before your next ride through the Southwest, consider packing one of them alongside your cycling gear. You may find that the roads, trails, and landscapes feel a little richer when you already know some of the stories they have to tell.

The post The Southwest Reading List: Books That Bring the Desert to Life appeared first on Bicycle Adventures.

Getting ready for my first bike tour I was admittedly a little nervous. Will I be able to ride all the miles? Will I be able to keep up with the “real cyclists” on the tour? But first, and most challenging for me personally, what do I pack?! 

What do I pack for a week-long bike tour? 

Obviously, I’m familiar with the packing list that we share with guests. But what did I really need from that list? Everything? Certainly not. But definitely more padded bike shorts than I currently owned. So off I went to my local bike shop to try on bike shorts and chamois (aka shammy or padded shorts). When I didn’t find what I wanted locally, I started ordering online. The number of cycling shorts I tried on before finding “the one” (actually two) was absurd but having options ready for riding comfortably several days in a row made it worth the effort. I ended up with two liner-style chamois that I could wear under regular shorts and one full Bicycle Adventures cycling kit complete with bib chamois and a cycling jersey. For me, the most comfortable options had a high waist that wouldn’t roll down when I leaned over and soft, flexible padding. Remember that you’re wearing these as underwear. That’s right, no underwear under your chamois! You’ll get used to it and appreciate the lack of chafing from extra layers, I promise. For more on avoiding chafing read this article on how to use chamois cream from our friends at Cycling Weekly. 

The weather in the San Juans turned out to be a little breezy and cool on our trip so having layers and a good windbreaker was essential. I didn’t go out and buy a special cycling jacket just yet though, my lightweight raincoat that I’ve used for years while hiking worked perfectly. It’s brightly colored so I knew I would be easy to see on the road, and it packs down small enough that I also had room for a puffy coat that came in handy more than a few times on tour. I also got some new padded cycling gloves that were great for keeping my hands warm in the wind, protected from the sun, and comfortable on the grips. I’m not ready for clipless pedals yet so I opted to wear my old mountain bike shoes and even just regular sneakers one day. I love my bike helmet and since I wasn’t trying to fit it in a suitcase or carry-on bag, I brought it, but everyone else opted to use our helmets, so they had one less thing to fly with. 

With my cycling wardrobe decided upon I just needed to pack clothes for off the bike. Really only for dinners since my bike/activewear also worked for the hiking and kayaking included on this trip. I’m an admitted chronic over-packer so of course I brought way more than I needed (Sorry to Camille who had to heave my suitcase into the trailer)! Note to self: no one will notice or care if you wear the same pair of pants to dinner every night, especially if the weather doesn’t turn out as you expected. And you know you’ll never wear that sweater so just leave it at home! 

Can I do all the miles?  

Let’s be perfectly clear, I have never described myself as a cyclist. I love to ride my bike around my small town of Leavenworth, Washington (a stop on our American Alps and new Cascade Loop: North Cascades to Leavenworth bike tours), but I had just never gotten into longer road riding. Mountain biking is huge here, but it was painful to both my knees and my ego because it wasn’t something I’ve always done and been good at.  

To help rehab my knee I bought a used Peloton stationary bike, which I rode all fall and winter in my office to get fit for skiing (my true passion) and for my first bike tour. The Peloton is fun, and I was getting stronger but it’s not the same as riding outside, not even close. So, this spring, I bought one of Bicycle Adventures’ used e-bikes (there are still more for sale in our Gear Store if you’re interested) and I took my pedaling to the road. All the fun of grabbing my bike and heading out to who knows where as a kid came rushing back – riding this bike was fun!!  

My longest ride before I went to the San Juans was about 15 miles, so I was really nervous about being able to ride 40-plus miles in one day. But then I got on tour and the enthusiasm of the group and endorphins of being outdoors doing something new and fun kicked in and all the fears sort of melted away. Being able to lean on my e-bike battery to (nearly) effortlessly climb up hills and ride into the wind (darn Gale ) gave me the confidence that had been the missing piece of me falling for cycling and feeling comfortable with the label of “cyclist.”  

Now I don’t want to mislead anyone to believe this tour was a piece of cake for me. I still struggled from time to time, I almost fell over just trying to start riding in a gravel parking lot at one point, I came home with multiple scrapes on my ankles from my pedals (and now I know why cyclists wear socks that go up over them!), and I skipped that last really big climb of the ride. But I learned what “Pedal Happy” means to me – enjoy the ride! And I rode all the miles that I wanted to ride. Which turned out to be all but about 12 of 133 original miles offered. And I feel damn good about that accomplishment! 

Can I keep up with the “real cyclists”?  

As I said earlier, skiing is my sport. I was so young when I learned to ski that I don’t remember learning, it has just always been second nature. Riding a bike, on the other hand, I remember learning at around age 6. I distinctly remember going over the handlebars of my yellow banana seat bike and forever being afraid of feeling that again. But then I started talking to guests and colleagues at Bicycle Adventures and hearing tales of these gorgeous and fun bike rides and I felt like I was missing out. So, I decided I would do it, I would go on a tour and maybe even become a “real cyclist,” as if anyone who rides a bike is not already a real cyclist! 

I am in no way delusional enough to say that I kept up with the strongest cyclists on my tour. But I held my own with my new friends and gratefully accepted their encouragement, riding tips, and high fives. I quickly learned that keeping up with the pack isn’t what group cycling is all about for me. Yes, it can be fun to ride together and chat where the route allows. But I enjoyed staying at the back watching the stronger riders take turns leading the pack. And I learned things from my new friends like calling out “car back” when I heard a car approaching from behind, so they all knew to get back in a single file line for the car to pass. I found myself cruising along taking in the scenery, a smile pasted from ear to ear, repeating to myself “It’s so beautiful here!” and “This is so fun!”  

We always tell guests “It’s your vacation” to encourage them to ride as much or as little as will make them happy on tour. To find those “Pedal Happy” moments. I pushed myself to see what I could do at times on my tour and other times I whizzed up a hill with my e-bike battery on high for what I came to call self-preservation. It was my tour to ride how I wanted, and I loved every Pedal Happy moment of it.  

So, will I go on another bike tour? You better believe it! I never pass up a good adventure and that experience was about as good as it gets. And yes, I do consider myself a “real cyclist” now! If my story resonates with you as a first-time or beginner rider, check out our Beginner or All Levels tours. There’s never a wrong time for a first Bicycle Adventures tour! 

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At Bicycle Adventures, our annual guide training weekend has long been a cornerstone of our commitment to excellence. As anyone who has been on a guided tour knows, great guides make the tour experience memorable. Guides are great at connecting with guests, adept at handling challenges, and go the extra mile to make a tour special. Our guides keep our guests coming back to Bicycle Adventures year after year and we are proud of the work they do.

In the last few years, as we continue to navigate the post-Covid world, our approach to guide training has evolved to meet new challenges and opportunities. No longer confined to our traditional office setting, our training weekend now takes place at the picturesque Camp Koinonia in Cle Elum, WA, spanning an intensive and enriching four days.

Building Connections and Skills

For our new guides, this weekend serves as a vital opportunity to connect with their peers and staff members. It’s more than just a training session; it’s a time to bond, learn the fundamentals, and showcase their skills. For the staff, it’s a chance to gather in person, share knowledge, and strengthen our community. With remote work and busy schedules it’s extremely rare for the staff to all get together so this year everyone was especially grateful for this face-to-face time.

Our returning guides also played an integral role, joining us for the last half of the weekend to share their invaluable experience and insights with the newcomers. Their knowledge and mentorship are a pivotal part of getting the new guides up to speed.

Immersive Learning Experiences

We kicked off the training by immersing our new guides in the guest experience. They were picked up and taken on a scenic bike ride, culminating in a catered lunch, just like on a Bicycle Adventures tour. This hands-on introduction set the tone for the next two days, which were packed with practical training sessions. From mastering the art of backing up the van and trailer to fine-tuning bike mechanics and learning more about Bicycle Adventures’ core values, our new guides dove deeply into a variety of essential tasks.

Meals were a communal affair, enjoyed together in the dining hall, fostering camaraderie and team spirit. Evenings around the campfire provided a relaxed environment for deeper conversations and storytelling, allowing everyone to unwind and connect on a personal level.

The Intensity of Training

The training weekend is designed to be both rigorous and rewarding. Preceded by extensive interviews before being invited to training, this weekend represents the final step for new guides to officially become part of the Bicycle Adventures family. They are continually learning, absorbing information, and being evaluated on both their technical abilities and interpersonal skills. The colder-than-expected weather caused some restructuring of the weekend and made the evening campfires all the more welcome. Rolling with the punches and adjusting to unexpected conditions are all part of guide life, so it felt appropriate that the weather threw a bit of a wrench into the weekend!

Stepping into Guide Roles

Following the training weekend, the journey continues as new guides learn from veteran guides on tours. This mentorship phase is crucial, allowing new guides to refine their skills in real-world scenarios. With each tour, they grow more adept at tasks like loading bikes and preparing delicious lunches, eventually performing with the ease and confidence of seasoned professionals.

As we look ahead, we are excited to see our new guides flourish and bring their enthusiasm and expertise to the unforgettable experiences we create for our guests. This training weekend has not only prepared them for the road ahead but also reinforced the strong, supportive community that is the heart of Bicycle Adventures.

You can learn more about all of our guides here.

The post An Introduction to Guide Training appeared first on Bicycle Adventures.

In this post, we’ll explore the unique charm of five distinct tours, showcasing why they make for incredible experiences for both cyclists and their non-riding companions. Each of these has been recommended by our staff and guides as the best tours to join for non-riding guests. 

1. Croatia – Dalmatian Coast

Our Croatia – Dalmatian Coast tour combines adventure with relaxation, allowing our non-riding guests to fully embrace the beauty and culture of the Adriatic without hopping on a bike. From wine and olive oil tastings to leisurely boat rides, the itinerary offers enticing activities that capture the essence of the region.

The tour’s start in Split gives non-riders time to delve into the rich history, architecture, and culture of the vibrant city.  After departing Split our route takes you through charming coastal towns, with ample time to explore. Island hopping adds a dynamic element, with each island boasting a unique atmosphere and change in scenery. An optional day off the bike on the island of Korčula gives partners a chance to explore together on foot. 

Throughout the tour non-riders can craft their own adventure, exploring towns or enjoying leisurely strolls. Even from the van, the ever-changing scenery of Croatia unfolds, offering breathtaking landscapes and opportunities to hop out at various lookout points and to join the cycling guests for lunch. 

2. France Bike and Barge

Picture this: gliding along the waterways of France on a charming barge, surrounded by vineyards and medieval villages. The France Bike and Barge tour provides a perfect blend of cycling and cruising, making it an ideal choice for couples or groups with divergent interests. Cyclists can pedal through picturesque French countryside, while non-riding partners can savor local wines, explore historic towns, or relax on the deck of the barge.

Each day you’ll have the option to walk or ride along the canal the barge travels, with longer rides available for those who crave extra miles. If you choose to walk, stroll along the water, enjoying the views and small towns. You can hop back on the barge at various points throughout the day. All your meals (except a couple) are served on the boat, meaning everyone will enjoy lunch together midday whether you’ve been exploring by foot or bike. Excursions throughout the day are reachable by bike or shuttle and you’ll finish each day with a fabulous 4-course dinner, complete with an open bar, with your fellow travelers. 

3. Arizona Sonora

Arizona’s Sonoran Desert offers more than just a breathtaking backdrop for cyclists. With vibrant flora and fauna, historic sites, and cultural richness, this tour is an excellent choice for couples with varied interests. While one partner pedals the scenic routes, the non-riding companion can explore local attractions, indulge in spa treatments, or simply unwind in luxurious accommodations.

The first three nights will be at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, which boasts 2 beautiful pools, hot tubs, a cold plunge pool, a fully-equipment gym, a luxury spa, two championship 18-hole golf courses, and pickleball courts. Feeling active? Stroll out the front door and hit the Ventana Canyon Trail for a hike with beautiful desert views. 

After leaving Tucson we head south to Hereford, where we make Casa de San Pedro our home for the last two nights. The charming B&B resides in a renowned bird-watching area, with trails to explore right from the front door. With freshly baked treats prepared daily, a pool and hot tub, and stunning sunsets every night, you’re in for a relaxing break from city life. 

4. Arches and Canyonlands Multisport

For the adventurous couple seeking a multisport experience, the Arches and Canyonlands tour is a dream come true. Kick off your tour with wine tasting on the first day and get settled into your hotel. You’ll be staying here the whole trip, so you can truly settle in and not worry about repacking until the end of the tour. The next 5 days are filled with group hike options, including hikes to Corona Arch, Delicate Arch, Dead Horse Point, Double Arch, Mesa Arch, and more! Spectacular views will be in abundance on this tour.

When you’re not exploring the parks, relax at the hotel by the pool or hit the gym. Wander through the town of Moab and explore all it has to offer. Enjoy a half-day of river rafting on the Colorado River with the group as well as star gazing one night. 

5. Bryce and Zion National Parks

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of southern Utah’s national parks on the Bryce and Zion National Parks tour. While cyclists navigate the stunning red rock landscapes and explore the unique geological formations, non-riding partners can take in the breathtaking scenery, participate in guided hikes, and explore the surrounding areas. 

Explore Bryce Canyon National Park for the first 3 days, exploring trails and lookouts. If you’d like to ride in the van you’ll have ample opportunity to hop out at beautiful vistas and learn about the unique geology of Bryce Canyon. On day 3 you’ll head into Zion, one of the most popular national parks in the nation! 

The second half of this tour is especially well-suited for non-riders! Springdale, where we stay, is called the “gateway to Zion” and getting to the park is a breeze from our hotel. You can ride the BA van to the entrance, walk from your hotel, or catch the free Springdale shuttle, which runs frequently up and down the main strip in town. Once inside the park, we use the Zion Park shuttle, which makes getting to the hikes simple and convenient. When you’re not busy exploring Zion, opt to lounge by the hotel pool, which boasts one of the best views on tour or hop on the shuttle to explore the ample shops, restaurants, and galleries in town.

Bicycle Adventures’ commitment to diverse and inclusive experiences makes these tours an excellent choice for couples and groups with varying interests. Whether exploring the deserts of Arizona, cruising the waterways of France, adventuring in the red rocks of Utah, or savoring the beauty of Croatia, these tours ensure that every moment is memorable for both cyclists and their non-riding partners. So, why compromise? Choose a tour that caters to both of your passions and create lasting memories together.

Questions? We’d love to chat! Give us a call at 800-443-4040 between 8 am to 5 pm Pacific Standard Time to speak with one of our tour experts.

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I get a little nervous before any tour I guide.  As the owner of Bicycle Adventures, I want everything to go perfectly and for our guests to enjoy the experience as much as I envisioned when planning the tour. Our Japan tour has been nearly 10 years in the making, thanks in part to a 3-year Covid hiatus. But here we are now with an amazing itinerary that I’d put in my top 3 bike tours of all time!

In 2012 I was introduced to the Executive Director of the Japan Cycling Association who was working to develop a strategy to bring bicycle tourism to rural areas in Japan and areas less traveled by foreign visitors. I described our South Dakota tours and several of our other tours that are amazing but off the beaten path, which have become some of our most popular tours.  We quickly became close friends and began looking at various areas of Japan that fit both the Japan Cycling Association’s criteria and the criteria I had for Bicycle Adventures tours. I wanted to find great riding, which would be challenging on a standard bike and achievable for anyone on an e-bike, with little to no vehicle traffic, as little van time as possible, and a very authentic Japan experience avoiding the overly touristed locations. After several trips to Japan, we landed on the Nagano area. Nagano is referred to as the Japanese Alps. It was home to the 1998 Winter Olympics and boasts great riding and incredible scenery. It turned out to be the perfect starting point for our new tour.

We just launched our new Japan – Nagano Highlands to the Sea tour in September. The tour exceeded all my expectations. The tour starts and finishes in Tokyo and includes the pre- and post-tour hotels so you have time to explore the city. We take the bullet train to Iiyama to start riding, with a warm welcome from our uber-prepared and detailed support crew to kick us off. Being in the “Alps” of Japan there is a lot of climbing on the first several days, but don’t let that scare you away. The bikes are very high quality and both flat-bar and drop-bar e-bikes are common. In fact, our local guides all rode e-bikes and looked at those of us on normal bikes as being a bit out of touch with current technology.  As if we were using the old flip phone.

Climbing in the Japanese mountains was nothing like climbing the mountains of the Western US or Europe. The vegetation was lush and the roads, though narrow compared to the US, were peaceful and untraveled. The pace and variety of this tour was especially appealing. Every day we had interesting stops for food, culture, and amazing views. The rides on this tour, especially the first few days in the Alps, are fairly long so I recommend this tour for guests that enjoy time in the saddle. That being said, with a new sight around every turn, paired with frequent and well-timed support stops, the miles click by effortlessly.  Ok, maybe “effortlessly” is a bit of an exaggeration on the longest climbs. Starting in the Alps was a great wake-up call for the legs and they quickly adapted prior to our transfer day to Kanazawa where we had a day off the bike to explore the city, the famous market, and to hunt down the best Sushi in Japan. Then the tour ended with two days of relaxing (read: flatter) riding along the Sea of Japan and the Noto Peninsula.

Any tour in a foreign country requires guests to be open to new experiences and new ideas. We rode this tour like locals, stopping at local shrines and temples, blessing the bikes at our first shrine, and practicing meditation at a temple in Kanazawa. We definitely had some new food experiences, yet despite the variety and different sampling of traditional Japanese meals, everyone found what they needed to get them through the day.  And if the meals were not enough the support vehicle, a local bakery or convenience store was always nearby to grab what we might be craving.  My favorite meal was when we went to a local tavern, sat in a private room, tasted a variety of Sake, and ordered several local dishes to share, none of which I can remember the name of now but were all delicious nonetheless.  A fun experience and a great reward after a long ride through the rice fields. And, of course, the traditional Onsen baths quickly became a favorite for everyone. Though the guests felt a bit timid at first, by the second day we couldn’t wait to hit the Onsen bath at our hotel before breakfast, after the ride, and sometimes once again after dinner. 

Despite the initial shock of the language difference and the information signs not being in a familiar or understandable alphabet but rather in Kanji symbols, communication was never an issue. I was surprised by how many people of all ages spoke enough English for us to have a conversation and Google Translate is a common source for translation for our hosts and our guests. 

Bike touring in Japan gives you a unique perspective of the country and a chance to go slowly and immerse yourself fully. There are plenty of other companies offering tours in Japan but what sets us apart is the value we bring. The length of our tour, the riding, and the other activities we include set us apart from other tour operators in my opinion. My recommendation would be to stay at least one extra night post-tour, and possibly one night pre-tour.  But I think extra nights post-tour is the preferred choice, as you will be much more comfortable with the culture and what the must-see and do things in Tokyo are.

I am so impressed with this tour and look forward to sharing it with many more of our guests. I hope you will join us in 2024.

Todd, Bicycle Adventures owner and president

For more information on our Japan – Nagano Highlands to the Sea tour visit our website or contact the office by phone: 800-443-6060 or email: office@bicycleadventures.com

The post Off the beaten path: Pedaling through Japan’s Nagano Highlands to the Sea appeared first on Bicycle Adventures.

At Bicycle Adventures, we have two great options for booking private tours:

Adventure Takeovers: A private tour or “Adventure Takeover” is a pre-scheduled tour on our calendar, which your group reserves exclusively. The dates, itinerary, and pricing are as displayed on our website. Your group can be as small as 2 guests and as large as 13. For groups fewer than 6, there are per-person upcharges, while groups of 8 guests or more enjoy a discount of $200 per person. If your group exceeds 13, this is considered a custom trip and may be subject to different pricing.

Vaulted Tours: Our vaulted tours are itineraries we have run in the past but are not currently offering on our regular schedule. Vaulted tours require a minimum of 6 guests and, in some cases, 4-6 months advance notice to secure the appropriate permits. We may be able to accommodate fewer guests than 6 on a vaulted tour, with an additional per-person upcharge.

Custom Destinations: Bicycle Adventures does its best to accommodate custom destination requests but we are often limited by time. If there is a custom destination you have your heart set on, please reach out! A minimum of 8-12 months is required for a fully custom tour.

Now that you are familiar with the options, let’s dive into the highlights of private bicycle tours and why they should be on every avid cyclist’s bucket list.

Exclusive Group Travel

First and foremost, private tours ensure you travel exclusively with your chosen group, whether it’s a circle of close friends, family members, or your local cycling club. This intimacy fosters a sense of camaraderie and makes the journey even more enjoyable. Forget about navigating the dynamics of a mixed group; instead, focus on creating cherished memories with your chosen companions.

“This adventure was a 10 out of 10 for us and exceeded our expectations for tour/biking routes, guides, attention to details, care and concern for us as guests!” –John C., Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes Adventure Takeover

Tailored Experiences

One of the most significant advantages of private bicycle tours is the ability to tailor your experience to your group’s preferences and abilities. Unlike conventional group tours with fixed itineraries, private tours allow you to collaborate with us to create a unique adventure tailored to your interests and fitness levels. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist looking for extra miles or a group that prefers earlier meals, private tours can be tweaked to fit your desires. Further customizing a private tour date might include adding or taking away certain activities or rides, changing the start date of a tour or adding or subtracting days to an existing tour. It’s important to note that customizing existing tours may incur additional costs.

“The tour was perfect. The pace suites our group and the guides were the best.” -Michelle L., San Juan Islands Adventure Takeover

Unforgettable Destinations

In 2023 we had groups book private tours for our Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, Hells Canyon, San Juan Islands, and Mr. Rushmore & Badlands tours and more! Whether you’re looking for a summer adventure to the Pacific Northwest or a fall retreat to the sunny Southwest, we have destinations that will captivate you and your friends and family.

“Arches and Canyonlands Multisport tour with Bicycle Adventures exceeded our expectations – from the awesome scenery to the stellar planning by our guides; including multiple options for our group. The support and meals were outstanding….we’ll book with them again!” -Susan L., Custom Arches & Canyonlands Tour

Booking Considerations

While private bicycle tours offer incredible flexibility and customization, it’s essential to be aware of booking policies. Our Adventure Takeovers and vaulted tours require non-refundable deposits but also offer flexibility through our standard transfer policy.

For a private tour, select any date on our calendar and reserve it exclusively for your group by making a non-refundable deposit of $600 per person from a minimum of 6 guests. Members of your group can still transfer their deposit to a different tour based on our cancellation and transfer policy. Group discounts are based on the number of travelers who take the trip, so if cancellations cause your group to fall below 8 guests, the standard group discount will be removed.

Plan Your Next Adventure

Private bicycle tours are a fantastic way to combine your love for cycling with personalized travel experiences. With the freedom to design your adventure, choose your travel companions, and explore incredible destinations, these tours offer a unique and unforgettable way to see the world. Whether you’re drawn to the mild winters of Chile or the rugged beauty of South Dakota, private tours have something to offer every type of cyclist. So, why wait? Start planning your dream cycling adventure today and experience the world in a way that’s uniquely your own.

“Just show up and enjoy , everything will be supported for you !” -Bradley C., San Juan Islands Adventure Takeover

Ready to plan or have questions? Call us at 800-443-6060 or email office@bicycleadventures.com to get started!

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