Question 1

What is included in the Tour Packet?

Accepted Answer

You will receive the Tour Packet in PDF format, access to a library of GPS routes, and a planning spreadsheet to help you bring it all together. See the section above, as well as the downloadable sample tour packet. Basically, you get everything you need to easily and confidently organize and go on your own bike tour.

Question 2

Why should I plunk down my hard-earned money for your Tour Packet?

Accepted Answer

If you are on a budget or appreciate the value of doing your planning yourself, then this Tour Packet is the answer to your needs. You have the ultimate flexibility in planning your cycling vacation with the added benefit of having the knowledge of an expert tour planner.

The simple math of the value is: The typical private bike tour costs $2,500 per person and has 4 guests. With a typical 40% profit margin, you are handing over US$4,000 of profit that you could otherwise use to purchase the DIY Tour Packet and save. Or use it for the DIY Tour Packet and spend extra on special things making your vacation more luxurious, longer, and/or have more activities. Your choice!

Question 3

Why should I use a DIY Tour Packet rather than use a traditional Tour Company?

Accepted Answer

Traditional tour companies do a fantastic job of executing tours, but you’ll pay much more for them to run your tour, and oftentimes you have very little flexibility in what you do on your tour. The typical profit for a tour company is around 40%. That is savings that you can put into making your DIY tour better and you can pocket the savings! With a DIY tour you get to name your tour dates and you can have your own private tour without vacationing with people you know and enjoy.

The simple math of the value is: The typical private bike tour costs $2,500 per person and has 4 guests. With a typical 40% profit margin, you are handing over US$4,000 of profit that you could otherwise use to purchase the DIY Tour Packet and save. Or use it for the DIY Tour Packet and spend extra on special things making your vacation more luxurious, longer, and/or have more activities. Your choice!

Question 4

Who typically would use these DIY Tour Packets?

Accepted Answer

All types! People looking for value and have the "DIY" spirit! People that cannot quite find what they are looking for in other offerings, and want the ultimate in flexibility. Folks that have a mixed group with non-cyclists that need help finding their non-cycling travel-mates things to do while they are on the bike. Cyclists that want to ensure they are riding safe, professionally designed, and vetted riding routes. Cycling clubs and teams that want to set up a camp and do not want to pay for a full tour, yet want a well thought out agenda and set of riding routes. Vacationers that are already set up in one spot but want more riding routes in the region to enjoy, plus other suggestions on what to do when not riding.

Question 5

Is there a guide? Do I need a guide? Why do I need a LOCAL guide?

Accepted Answer

We always suggest you hire a local contact/guide to help ensure that your holiday goes as smoothly as possible, which is why there are local guide suggestions in the Tour Packet. Our local guides generally provide a “self-guided” service, meaning they can help you as much or as little as you need. They will have service fees that they can quote for you. Remember, a LOCAL guide is best. Beware of tours that are operated by guides that are shipped into a destination from afar.

Think of your guide as your local friend showing off their home while you are in town for a visit. They are there from greeting you when you arrive to saying goodbye at the end. The guides can curate excursions, take care of mechanical issues with roadside assistance, transfer luggage between hotels, provide assistance with routing, and much more. They can be a phone call away, and there for you. Having this service provides great peace of mind. They also can offer fully-guided options.

Question 6

I already have accommodations and want to stay in one spot. How can a DIY Tour Packets help me?

Accepted Answer

Each of our destinations feature multiple towns and villages with routes to and from each of them. If you are only staying at or near one of these towns or villages, not only do you have routes from where you are staying, you have other fantastic routes nearby that you can drive to.

Example 1: if you are staying near Brevard in North Carolina, you are not close enough to ride Mt. Mitchell comfortably. But in our Asheville DIY Tour Packet, we have several routes that you can use to ride Mt. Mitchell from Asheville as well as other fantastic rides from Asheville and Burnsville.

Example 2: If you are staying in Brevard, but want to do a day visit to Asheville to not only ride Mt. Mitchell but also experience fun activities, breweries, and restaurants in Asheville, we have plenty of cycling-friendly recommendations!

Question 7

How can non-riders be kept busy and happy as a part of a cycling vacation with your Tour Packet?

Accepted Answer

We stuff our Tour Packets full of non-riding activities that anyone can enjoy. From hiking, to shopping, to cooking classes. We provide non-riders activity suggestions that will make the late-day post-ride rendezvous full of smiles and stories. While you ride your non-riding family and friends will have plenty to do.

Question 8

Why is a Private tour better?

Accepted Answer

DIY tours are centered around allowing you to curate the exact experience you are craving.

Have you ever been stuck with a group of people you do not know and may not particularly like? Or have been required to go along with tour plans or excursions that you were not excited about? Have you ever been in a tour group where you feel like you are being herded along and hurried regardless of what you’d like to do? We’ve been there and don’t like it either! A private tour allows you to travel when you want and with whom you want. Bring your friends, family, partner, or simply yourself. Let us help you curate an experience for YOU!

Question 9

Are bike rentals available? If so, what kind?

Accepted Answer

High-quality rental bikes are available – road, hybrid and eBike - and we help you find where to rent them. Some rental services will deliver the bikes to you and fit them. Our favorite (and vetted) local source for bikes is provided in the Tour Packet.

Question 10

How long does it take to set up a tour using the DIY Tour Packet?

Accepted Answer

Of course, the amount of time it will take will vary on the length of the vacation, the number of people in the group, how you are traveling to and from the destination, and other factors. With our Tour Packets, we succinctly organize the steps and factors to consider when planning a cycling vacation. All in, you can plan to spend 3 hours organizing the tour. That includes choosing your dates, hotel reservations, airline tickets if needed, reserving other activities and restaurants, etc. It could easily take less than 3 hours!