FAQ

• All accommodations
•  Breakfast daily
• Daily luggage transfer to your next night’s inn
• Start most days of the week (there are some exceptions)
• Shuttles, (added fee for rarely needed extra shuttles)
• Route guides, maps, and recommendation
• Some routes can be modified
• Assistance in renting bicycles.
• Breakdown service
• 10% discount on your next Independent Tourist bike tour.

Most lodging is in bed and breakfast or small inns, with a mix of hotels. We have selected your lodging because of their comfortable rooms and gracious hosts. Rooms usually have a private bath, and the inn may have a common room or broad porch where you can make yourself at home. Many hosts will have a supply of books or games to borrow to make your stay enjoyable. Since they are experts on the area they will happily give you recommendations for restaurants or things to see and do. Some host will shuttle their guest to dining too.

Most of the inns have complimentary WIFI service.

In some cases, at a cyclist request, we will reserve lodging not on our list.

We have designed most tours to be moderate in length and difficulty. There is no need to sprint or set land speed records. Your cycling day is an integral part of the tour. Take your time and enjoy it.

We suggest that you ride a bicycle at home with some frequency before starting your cycling vacation. Generally, if you can ride 60% to 70% of the expected distance without a problem at home, you should be just fine on our tour. Walking and other general exercise is also suggested.

Your cycling day is an integral part of the tour. Getting to your evening destination is at least half the fun. Most tours average 35 miles per day (60 km,) and you should plan on 4 to 6 hours depending on how many stops you make. You may want a leisurely lunch or like to stop at antique shops or take pictures along the way. We can often make a custom tour with shorter or longer daily distances if you like.

If you are uncertain about your ability for these tours please contact us with your concerns. We will be happy to advise you.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and PayPal. On our website
“Reservation/Contact” tab select “Reservations” on the drop down menu and follow the directions to complete the form which will take you through to the end, the payment page.  We use PayPal as our credit card processor.  You do not have to be a PayPal member to pay with your credit card.  If you have any problems please contact us at
(309) 264-4514 or (866) 269-9913.

Personal checks drawn on US banks will also be accepted. Payments by check must be received at least 45 days before the beginning of your tour.

Yes, just call us with your credit card number (309) 264-4514 or toll free (866) 269-9913 (US or Canada). Please compete the reservation form on our website first and select the form that states you have a question before paying.

Yes, if it is drawn on a US bank in US currency. Checks cannot be used for payment of tours that begin in less than 45 days before the tour. Please indicate on your reservation form and/or call Bob Grace at 309-264-4514 for any questions before hand.

At the hotels, yes, that is usually no problem. In a few cases, a hotel may have a king or queen room with a pullout sofa area. At most of our B&B’s, rollouts are used for that separate bed. There is a limited number of rollouts per B&B. In some cases, depending on the number of cyclist, we accommodate with a separate room, at a minimal or no added cost. We will work hard to accommodate this request without an added cost, and we will converse this subject so as there are no surprises. Of course if requested, separate rooms across the tour can be accommodated for the added cost of 75% of room cost only.

We recommend more of a hybrid bike tire on the trails, but our road bike customers tell us they are happy with the hard packed surface of the trails. Usually a size 28C road tire, or more is best.

Yes, you can bring your own or rent. Many people prefer the fit and feel of the bicycle they regularly ride. Plus, you can know for sure if it has all the right features.

Domestic US or Canadian flights and flights between the two countries will charge per bicycle each way. Some other international flights may count your bike as an extra bag or they may have extra bike charges. Check with your airline and with your favorite bike shop about flying or shipping.  Some customers have the bike shop package and ship to a bike shop near our bike tour where it is unpacked.

Generally children over age 12 are welcomed at the inns. Our only requirement is that all of our cyclists, children included, be capable of riding the daily distance of the tour selected. If you are renting bikes, be sure to reserve well in advance. Most cycle shops keep fewer small bikes on hand.

Please see our Reservation and Cancellation Policy

You can start MOST days of the week. Check the Tour Prices for recommended start days.

Our dates are flexible to fit your schedule.  Usually you can start on 4 or 5 days during the week (pending availability). Our recommended start days of the week are the best for logistics of dining options at each town, and lodging availability during the weekends.