Frequently Asked Questions

Why tour with Bike Vermont?

We have been running tours for the last 31 years, and we are told that our experience shows in everything we do. We know the roads…which ones to ride and which to avoid. We know the best inns and innkeepers. We know where to find the beautiful vistas, the special out-of-the-way villages, and the many hidden pleasures of each area we tour. And our leaders are superb.

Do I need to be a strong cyclist to enjoy your tours?

Not at all! You cycle at your own pace so it can be as easy or strenuous as you want. We do not ride as a group but rather you ride with your friends or other people on tour with similar interests and energy. Some of our riders are experienced, but most are casual cyclists. We do have hills, and they are an essential part of the beauty of our tours. So, if you come from less undulant areas, you should keep that in mind. We carefully plan our routes so that they can be enjoyed by everyone.

How long are the daily rides? Do I have to ride the whole way? Can I ride more?

An average day is about 25-30 miles, but daily distances vary and specific mileages are detailed on the pages describing each tour. You don’t have to ride the whole way, as all days can be shortened if you want to do something else. For those who would like additional riding, there are optional miles almost every day that can add as much as 50 percent to the standard miles.

What about leader and van support?

Each tour has two tour leaders (unless it is unusually small) and there is always van support. Bike Vermont vans carry your luggage, water to refill your bottle, snacks, purchases you make, and you, if you want a break from cycling. It is also a traveling bike shop carrying all kinds of tools and spare parts in case your bike needs some roadside attention.

How large are the groups? Who takes the tours?

You can expect from 12 to 20 people on your tour (although we run tours with as few as 5). Our customers come from all over the U.S. and Canada and are a diverse mix of couples, singles, and families. Ages vary widely but tend to average from 30 to 55, (with more over 55 than under 30). And there is better than an 85 percent chance you will have at least one past rider in your group who has come back for another tour with Bike Vermont!

What if it rains?

Sometimes you will experience rain but rarely in the past 31 years has it rained so much that we couldn’t ride at least part of the day. Until it stops raining, however, your leaders will be very inventive in finding things for you to do. Rain will not ruin your Bike Vermont vacation.

Can I bring my own bike? What bikes do you rent?

You are welcome to bring your own bike, but please have it thoroughly checked in advance by a competent bike mechanic. Alternatively, you can rent a bike from us (and, if you wish, bring along your clipless pedals or favorite bike seat, and we will put them on for you). We rent Trek and Cannondale hybrid bikes which are expertly maintained, come equipped with a front bag, rear rack and water bottle cage, and have a minimum of 24 gears.

When and where does the tour start and end? (Vermont and Maine tours only)

Your tour starts on the first listed date of the tour (which is an arrival day, not a biking day). You will be sent directions to your starting inn and are welcome (and encouraged) to arrive there anytime after 3 p.m. Dinner the first night is at 7 p.m., and the “get-acquainted” meeting starts shortly thereafter. Your tour ends about 2 p.m. on the last day of your tour at the same inn at which you started. If you are driving to the tour, there is always adequate parking for you to leave your car.

What is the best airport to use for my tour?

Burlington, Vermont airport (BTV) is the closest to our Middlebury, Heart of Vermont, Shoreham, Northeast Kingdom, Swift House, and North Hero tours; Albany, New York airport (ALB) is closest to our Dorset tour; and Manchester, New Hampshire (MHT) is closest to the other Vermont tours. In addition, many customers find flying to Boston, Massachusetts (BOS) or Hartford, Connecticut (BDL) to be good options. Bangor, Maine (BGR) is the airport closest to our Coast of Maine tour. We use Shannon Airport (SNN) for Ireland tours, and Glasgow Airport (GLA) for our Scotland tours. In Italy we use either Rome (FCO) or Florence (FLR) Airports.

When is the best foliage? (Vermont tours only)

Historically, fall foliage has started by the last week in September and will usually peak anytime from October 1 to 15. Color is usually still good until October 20. Huge caveat: foliage is fickle! The timing and quality of foliage varies greatly from year to year and also from place to place within our state.