What’s included on the tour?
- All accommodations
- Breakfast daily
- Daily luggage transfer to your next night’s inn
- Start most days of the week (there are some exceptions)
- Shuttles are included on certain tours
- 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.
What will the accommodations be like?
Most lodging is in bed and breakfast or small inns. 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.
Most of the inns have complimentary WIFI service.
How do I get ready for this cycling tour?
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.
What will my cycling day be like? Will I be able to do it?
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.
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and PayPal. On our website reservation tag select Reservations and follow the directions to complete the form which take you at the end to 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) 253-7522 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.
I am not comfortable buying online. Can I still pay by credit card?
Yes, just call us with your credit card number (309) 253-7522 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.
Can I send a personal check?
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.
Since you move luggage should we bring bike bags, panniers or helmets?
We will move your luggage during the day, but we recommend bringing some sort of pannier or bags to hold your day’s gear such as camera and rain gear. Bike rentals generally include a helmet and lock. Also, you can usually rent panniers and handle bar bags from our preferred bike rental shops.
Can we share a room but have separate beds?
Yes, that is usually no problem. At busy times of the year this may necessitate adding a room to stay resulting in an additional charge based on availability or it may impact your preferred start dates.
Can you outfit us with rented bicycles?
We work with local bike stores and rental shops with good reputations and service and we will refer you at the time of your reservation. A deposit is usually required and you will pay the remainder directly when you pick up your bicycle. Rental cost is about $20 – $25 Canadian or US $ per day or $110 to $130 per week.
Keep in mind that no matter how well maintained and sized for you a rented bike will not be guaranteed to be the same as what you may be used to at home. If you have a particular fondness for your own bicycle you may want to seriously consider bringing it with you if that is practical.
Can I use my skinny tire road bike on the trails?
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.
Can you help if we have a flat or mechanical problems?
Some basic bike mechanical knowledge can make your tour easier. A small tool kit and flat repair items (including a spare tube and small tire pump) are essential on any bike trip. Flat tires are the number one mechanical problem. I you don’t know to fix them we recommend:
- Ask the mechanic at your favorite to demonstrate. They are usually happy to show you.
- Look for a YouTube video on the web. Search for “bicycle flat tire repair”. You will find many 5 to 10 minute videos to choose from.
If you encounter bad weather or a mechanical breakdown that you can’t fix, we will arrange for help or a pickup. The availability of help and timing will depend on where you are along the route, so we cannot guarantee an immediate response. This service is included in the tour but at times there may be an extra cost.
We will also supply you with phone numbers and addresses of bike shops along your route as well as for your next lodging. They may be the best resource for mechanical problems.
Finally, you should carry a cell phone on your tour so you can contact us for help (309) 253-7522 or (866) 269-9913
Can I bring my own bicycle? How do I bring it on a plane?
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.
Are children welcome on the tours?
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.
Can I start my tour any day of the week?
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).
What is included in the Katy Trail tours?
Your pre-paid price includes all:
accommodations,breakfast , maps, route guides, and luggage transfers and unscheduled pickup due to severe weather, mechanical or other problem. See our website and your individual tour for specifics.
My tour starts at Augusta or Rocheport, Missouri. How do I get there?
Augusta is about 18 miles west of St. Charles on State Highway 94. Rocheport is 3 miles from I-70 exit #115 — about 116 miles west of St. Charles. Long term parking is available at either location.
My Katy Trail tour starts at St. Charles, Missouri. How can I get there?
St. Charles is on the western edge of the St. Louis metropolitan area and is easily accessible from I-70 and other major roads. It is a 15-20 minute drive west from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. Shuttles and taxis are available to St. Charles from the airport. Long term parking is available at our shuttle pickup spot in St. Charles. If you are flying to St. Louis and catching the shuttle to your starting point we may be able to arrange an airport pickup that will take you directly to bike rental and outfitting before going west to your starting point. The additional cost will be about the same as an airport taxi, $30 – $40 each way.
How does the tour work?
Our Katy cyclists all ride eastbound. Our standard tours (#10, #11, and #12) usually start at the eastern end of the trail at St. Charles. We will transport you west to your cycling start point. After an overnight there, you will begin the cycling tour riding east and eventually return to St. Charles where you started.
Cyclists starting in Rocheport (tours #13 and #14) will have a shuttle back to their car at Rocheport at the end of the tour.
Extended overnight parking is available in St. Charles, Augusta and Rocheport. You will be able to return directly to your car at the end of the tour (some alternatives end with a shuttle back to your car). If you rented bikes, they can be returned only a block from the end of the trail.
Are there hills on the trail?
The Katy is generally level for its 225 mile length. A few sections west of Boonville have slight gradual inclines. There are often hills when you go away from the trail or into some of the river towns along the way, but these are largely optional.
What is the Katy Trail surface like? What kind of bike is recommended?
The trail is made of a fine crushed limestone. It packs into a fairly hard surface. Depending on weather, the hard surface can develop soft spots, washed out, or rough areas. We recommend a mountain bike or hybrid with medium to wide tires, but our skinny tire road bike friends generally say they have no problems.
How is the weather along the trail? Is there a better time to tour?
Our standard tour season is from April 1 to October 31. Spring and fall are beautiful and the temperatures are more comfortable. The summer months can be very hot, but early morning cycling will help beat the heat.
| Month | FahrenheitHi/Low | CelsiusHi/Low |
|---|---|---|
| April | 66/43 | 19/6 |
| May | 75/53 | 24/12 |
| June | 84/62 | 29/17 |
| July | 89/66 | 32/19 |
| August | 87/64 | 31/18 |
| September | 79/55 | 26/13 |
| October | 68/44 | 20/7 |
Will you provide or help rent a bicycle for the tour?
We can direct you in to a preferred bike rental shop. Rental costs are additional and can include a handlebar bag, helmet and additional pannier or trunk rack bag if you wish. If you own some of these, you may wish to bring them along with you. This is especially true for a helmet which may fit you better than the rented one. Some people along a favorite bike seat to be added to the rental bike. Bike rental is generally about $30 per day.
I have cycled across many river bridges. Is the bridge across the Missouri River at Jefferson City user friendly?
The bridge is now very BIKE SAFE and FRIENDLY. In 2011 the northbound bridge span was expanded with the addition of a safe bike lane completely separated from vehicle traffic. Cycling across the river now takes minutes unless you stop at a viewing spot to take pictures.
How is the cell phone service along the trail?
There is service along the trail with a few exception. The signals are occasionally and briefly blocked by high cliffs. We recommend that you carry a cell phone on the trail.
Day 3 of the End-to-End tour has 49 miles to cycle. Can this be shortened?
Yes, day 3 (491 miles) can be reduced to 35 miles. We can provide a shuttle service at the beginning or end of the day. We require at least a one day notice and there may be small additional charge. This will allow you to finish your day earlier and spend extra time at your evening destination.
What is included in the PEI tours?
Your pre-paid price includes all accommodations, breakfast, maps, route guides, and luggage transfers.
Where is Prince Edward Island?
It is in the gulf of the St. Lawrence River just 13 km (8 miles) or 22 km by ferry (14 miles) from the New Brunswick or Nova Scotia coasts. It is about 100 miles from Halifax, Nova Scotia; (970 km (600 miles) from Montreal or Boston; and about 1290 km (800) miles from New York City.
How do I get there?
There is at least one daily non-stop each from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Detroit to Charlottetown, PEI.
Regular non-stop fllights to Halifax are available from Boston, Newark, Toronto, Montreal, Detroit and Ottawa. Air Canada serves European travelers with a direct flight to Halifax from London. It makes one stop in St. John’s Newfoundland.
If you are driving. PEI is only 10-minutes from New Brunswick by crossing the 13 km (8-mile) Confederation Bridge. It is about a 3 1/2-hour drive from Halifax airport. During the summer a 22 km (14-mile) ferry crossing is maintained from Nova Scotia to Wood Islands, PEI.
What is the weather on PEI?
Summers are mild with average midsummer highs around 21 C (70 F).
#31 – The 4-Trails Bike (4 Nights) Tour – 2013
Marshland to Reedsburg, Wisconsin
4 Days (4 nights/4 cycling days) – 100 miles
From: $625
Available Start Dates (DAY 1):
May 15-Sept 30 Any Day except Tues or Wed
What’s Included:
- 4 days of cycling
- Shuttle to start on Day 1
- Shuttle on Day 5 (morning B&B departure)
- 4 nights in Bed & Breakfast or small inn
- Lodging near trail and evening restaurants
- 4 mornings with breakfast
- Parking at Sparta, WI
- Bring your bike or rent
- Daily luggage transfer to the next inn
- Maps and daily route directions
- Emergency assistance
- Our one of a kind: Independent Tourist t-shirt
- 10% discount for returning customer
Details
Ride the entire 101 miles of the 4 Trails starting at Marshland in the west and finishing at Reedsburg in the east. This tour differs from #30 by skipping Trempealeau village for an overnight on the first day by riding from Marshland to Onalaska for a first overnight.
NOTE: This tour requires a morning shuttle with arrival in Marshland before or by NOON to allow enough time to reach Onalaska at a reasonable hour.
Day 1
Travel Day – Shuttle Sparta to Marshland (luggage delivered to Onalaska)
Cycling Day: 23 miles cycling from Marshland to Onalaska
Route: Great River State Trail
Meet the shuttle van at Sparta near the middle of the 4 Trails. Parking and bike rental are available for you. Shuttle will drop you at Marshland, the west end of the Great River State Trail for the ride to Onalaska and an overnight stay. Your luggage will be delivered to the B&B in Onalaska.
Lodging: B&B in Onalaska, WI
Day 2
Cycling Day: 23 miles eastbound from Onalaska to Sparta
Route: Great River State Trail and La Crosse River State Trail
Return to the trail and continue eastbound. Cross the trail bridge over I-90 and connect to the La Crosse River State Trail and ride on to Sparta (where you left your car). Sparta has a choice of restaurants and shops for your overnight stay. Lodging is about 8 blocks from the trailhead.
Day 3
Cycling Day: 21 miles to Wilton
The trailhead in Sparta is the beginning of the Elroy – Sparta State Trail. Today will take you to two tunnels and to Wilton for evening lodging. This is a shorter day since walking through the tunnels will add a little time to your day.
Day 4
Cycling Day: 31 miles Wilton to Reedsburg
Route: “400” State Trail
Return to the trail and head east for the last tunnel. At Elroy the Elroy-Sparta State Trail links up with the “400” State Trail for the ride to Reedsburg and the final night of the tour. Reedsburg has a choice of restaurants.
Day 5
Travel Day – return shuttle to car
Shuttle will meet at your B&B for the ride back to your car at Sparta.
#30 – The 4-Trails (5 nights) Bike Tour – 2013
Marshland to Reedsburg, Wisconsin
5 Days (5 nights/4 cycling days) – 100 miles
From: $725
Best Start Days:
May 15 to September 30: Any day except Tue or Wed
What’s Included:
- 5 days of cycling
- Shuttle to start on Day 1
- Shuttle on Day 6 (morning B&B departure)
- 5 nights in Bed & Breakfast or small inn
- Lodging near trail and evening restaurants
- 5 mornings with breakfast
- Parking at Sparta, WI
- Bring your bike or rent
- Daily luggage transfer to the next inn
- Maps and daily route directions
- Emergency assistance
- Our one of a kind: Independent Tourist t-shirt
- 10% discount for returning customer
Details
Day 1
Travel Day – Shuttle Sparta to Marshland (luggage delivered to Trempealeau)
Cycling Day: 9 miles cycling in the afternoon Marshland to Trempealeau
Route: Great River State Trail
Options: Pick from the many quiet country roads in Trempealeau County for extra miles on the way to your B&B. The area is known for some of the best quiet roads in the Midwest.
Meet the shuttle van at Sparta near the middle of the 4 Trails. Parking and bike rental are available. Shuttle will drop you at Marshland, west end of the Great River State Trail (about 5 miles downriver from Winona, MN) for a beautiful 9 mile ride along the Mississippi River, and the National Wildlife Refuge and adjacent wetlands.
Lodging: B&B in Trempealeau, WI
Day 2
Cycling Day: 17 miles south from Trempealeau to Onalaska.
Route: Great River State Trail and La Crosse River State Trail
Enjoy a second day along the Mississippi to Onalaska for your next overnight near the river.
Day 3
Cycling Day: 23 miles eastbound from Onalaska to Sparta
Route: Great River State Trail and La Crosse River State Trail
The La Crosse Trail connects with the Great River Trail just east of Onalaska as you head for Sparta. This trail is 21.5 miles and follows the La Crosse River crossing on trail bridges and along beautiful farmland.
Day 4
Cycling Day: 21 miles eastbound Sparta to Wilton
Route: Elroy-Sparta State Trail
Take the Elroy-Sparta trail east from Sparta crossing I-90 on a dedicated bike bridge. This trail is famous for its 3 disused tunnels. Two ¼ mile long and one is ¾ mile. The first two are today and the third on Day 5. Bring flashlights for an exciting walk with bikes through the tunnels. A jacket is also a good idea even in summer as they can be chilly.
Day 5
Cycling Day: 31 miles Wilton to Reedsburg
Route: “400” State Trail
The “400” Trail meets the Elroy-Sparta at Elroy and riders continue 22 miles to the eastern terminus at Reedsburg. We will pass through one final tunnel today before leaving the Elroy-Sparta trail
Day 6
Morning shuttle will meet at your B&B for a ride back to Sparta and the end or your tour.
What’s Included:
- 4 days of cycling
- Shuttle to start on Day 1
- Shuttle on Day 6 (morning B&B departure)
- 5 nights in Bed & Breakfast or small inn
- Lodging near trail and evening restaurants
- Start most days of the week
- 5 mornings with breakfast
- Parking at Sparta, WI
- Bring your bike or rent
- Daily luggage transfer to the next inn
- Maps and daily route directions
- Emergency assistance
- Our one of a kind: Independent Tourist t-shirt
10% discount for returning customer
Wisconsin’s 4-Trails Bike Tour – 2013
Enjoy 100 miles of connected rail to trail bike paths in beautiful southwest Wisconsin. Included is the Elroy–Sparta Trail – the oldest rail to trail in the US with its three disused rail tunnels.
Maps: http://www.bike4trails.com/
The 4 Trails:
- The Great River State Trail – following the Mississippi and wetlands
- The LaCrosse River State Trail
- The Elroy-Sparta State Trail
- The 400 State Trail
The Elroy-Sparta is considered the granddaddy of the modern rail to trail bike path and bicycle themes abound in the area. If you think 25-mile daily averages are too short for you then hop off the trail and take side trip loop on one of the many wonderful quiet country roads for some additional miles. Then hop back on the trail to your evening destination. Trempealeau County where you will start your tour has some of the best quiet cycling roads anywhere.
Wisconsin’s extensive networks of state trails are managed by the state but funded entirely through trail pass fees ($4 daily or $20 annual for riders over age 16).
#30 – The 4-Trails / 5 Day Tour
Wisconsin 4-Trails Bike Tour
Marshland to Reedsburg
5 Days (5 nights/4 cycling days) – 100 miles
From: $725
#31 – The 4-Trails / 4 Day Tour
Wisconsin 4-Trails Bike Tour
Marshland to Reedsburg
4 Days (4 nights/4 cycling days) – 100 miles
From: $650
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