Frequently Asked Questions

Does anyone else do it this way?

Everyone's Journey is different. Yes, there are commonalities, but do what is right for you and your group. Enjoy the adventure.
What methods of payment are accepted?

Cash or credit cards.
Are staff gratuities expected?

Tips are humbly accepted when you feel service has been exceptional and a tip is appropriate. However, tips are NEVER required.
What does the tour fee include?

Included: Hotel accommodations – Day 0 through the night before the last riding day. Double Rooms are standard. A limited number of single rooms are available as an upgrade. Hotels are two- and three-star properties. In some cases, a locally owned property may be used. Digital routing through Ride with GPS is the standard method for route sheets. We want to be environmentally mindful, and will have a limited number of paper route sheets. Daily route rap to discuss upcoming route highlights, notes and changes. Expert trip leaders and support staff. Our staff are experienced adventurers and ready to support your journey. Some meals are included in the tour fee. This includes the tour kick-off dinner and end of tour banquet, along with some meals when dining options in the overnight town are limited and a dinner shuttle may be needed. Breakfast on riding days is always included. SAG service and snacks. Daily luggage transport. America Bicylce Journeys swag. What is not included – personal expenses and travel arrangements to and from the tour, such as your airfare and shipping expenses for your bicycle.
What are the overnight accommodations?

We do not camp. We specialize in hotel-based touring. Business class properties are selected whenever possible based on availability of double rooms for the group, amenities offered and reasonable rates. At times, the selected property is the only available option in the area. Value, quality and comfort are always at the forefront when selecting accommodations.
Are meals included?

Meals are generally not included. Each day you’ll receive dining options that are nearby, and you may select one of those options or go on your own adventure to find something else. Not including meals gives you flexibility in eating when and what you want. It also provides the opportunity to spend what you wish for meals as opposed to the same flat fee that would be built into the tour fee for all guests. There will be some group meals that are included, such as the kickoff dinner and the end of tour banquet. There are also some overnights that have limited dining options due to the size of the town or location of the hotel. In these instances, we will eat as group, which promises some very lively conversations!
What is “Life Like on Tour?”

Simplistically - eat, ride, eat, sleep, repeat. You’ll wake up, dress and fill water bottles for the day. Then you’ll load your luggage on the trailer that’s waiting in the hotel parking lot, eat breakfast then load up on snacks from the tour snack table. Now you’re ready for the day. This is your tour. Enjoy the day at your pace. Follow the digital cues provided from Ride with GPS. You’ll see the vans and trailer along the route and at designated SAG stops to refuel and fill water bottles. We’re taking care of logistics in the background. Your responsibility is to ride from point A to point B. When you get to point B you’ll find your gear in a designated location and the rest of the day may include pool time, seeing area sights, enjoying a treat at a local ice cream shop or doing chores (showers, laundry or cleaning bikes). We also assemble daily to review the next route and to talk about the sights and adventures everyone has experienced.
What do I pack?

You’ll receive a Recommended Packing List before the tour. You will be limited to two bags weighing 35 pounds each.
Are tours self-guided?

All tours are fully supported. Group sizes are limited to 20 riders. There will be two to three staff members for each tour, depending on the size of the group. With three staff members, there will usually be one person riding the route each day and other staff in vans driving the route to support riders until everyone arrives at the destination.
Are there age limits?

Cyclists must be at least 15 years old and accompanied by an authorized adult(s) – one or both parents, close family member, or custodial parent. Adult is responsible for their minors and must cycle together on the road during the day and room together for all nights. There is no upper age limit, although we ask for a medical clearance from a primary care physician for those over 60. We celebrate everyone who takes on the challenge of crossing the country on two wheels!
What kind of roads do we ride?

Our routes are curated with safety in mind. Tours are primarily road rides with bike paths wherever possible. Our major focus is on low traffic roads, but there will be a variety of roads and surfaces that will challenge your comfort zone at times. You will view the real America from the seat of your bicycle on tour.
Do you rent bikes?

We do not. We feel everyone is most comfortable with the bike they have trained on and most familiar with.
Can I bring my e-bike?

Yes, we’re able to accommodate anyone using an e-bike. Trailers have an e-track system to transport your bike, if needed, but vans and trailers are not equipped for charging e-bikes. You should bring what’s needed to charge overnight and may want to consider bringing an extra battery. You’ll also want to investigate how you’ll transport your bike to the start and from the end of the tour as batteries need special consideration when shipping.
Speaking of training, how do I train?

Tours are more enjoyable the more you prepare. We’ll be able to provide training guidance as part of the pre-trip communications that you’ll receive.