I am a novice cyclist, but I really want to do my first ever multi-day Tour, can your team accommodate me?
Yes, our tours are exactly designed for someone who is already able to ride on their own (mostly) for 100 kms in one day. If that is you now, it is just a few more big rides and higher than usual volume weeks of cycling to get you one step closer to the fitness you require to enjoy these tours. The keyword is Enjoy! It won't be a pleasant cycling vacation if you are so exhausted after Day One that you can't enjoy dinner and comradery in the evening, and we have to wake you up the next day and your muscles are too sore to continue! Finally remember that we have an early season, 2-day Intro Tours that are designed for someone who may not be ready to jump right into a full-on 4-5 day trip. These entry-level tours start and finish in Niagara on the Lake and can include a Friday or Monday add-on to give you the perfect start to the 2021 cycling season. All participants in these early season Tours will be offered generous discounts on longer Tours later in the season.
Will you offer some coaching and mentorship for novice riders?
Yes, depending on how busy we are the team we have assembled includes experienced cyclists and coaches whose role includes helping all of our participants to be 100% ready on Day One for a safe, enjoyable, and challenging bike tour. We can provide you with some general guidelines and training plans to get you from where you are now to where you need to be when your Tour starts. Once we are out on the roads it is probably too late so make sure to be honest with yourself and more importantly take this new challenge ahead of you seriously and train like you mean it! A well-trained athlete in any sport or discipline is a happy one.
My partner is not as fit or willing as I am to spend all day riding, what does your Tour offer for the 2nd person in a group of two looking to join the fun but at less the volume of cycling?
I am one of those nervous cyclists who is terrified of traffic and busy roads, what are the routes like on these Tours?
One of the best features of these Tours are the quiet roads and "roads less travelled". Our routes also include some paths and trails (paved) so we strive as much as possible to keep everyone off major roads. A surprisingly large number of your travels wil include secondary roads with ample bike path room but understand these roads are "open" to regular traffic and this includes many tractors and farm vehicles. We expect all cyclists to ride like they would anywhere else, wearing a helmet and not being distracted with headphones or smartphones. Safety is our first and foremost concern.
Are there vegetarian or other options at the group breakfasts and dinners?
What if it rains?
If I get lost, or my bike breaks down, will someone get me?
My friend and I want to start early and finish late, we want to ride as many kilometers as we can, how will these Tours support this habit?
I don't drink, will I get a reduced rate?
All dinner options include a glass of wine or beer but it will be difficult for our team and hosts to manage this, we will make sure you get extra dessert!
What if I get injured or sick a few days before my tour starts?
Please consult our refund policy before booking. As you may imagine, many details and plans go into building each trip, and if you cannot provide enough notice or fill your spot with someone else we will not be able to provide a partial or full refund. This is why you can buy cancellation insurance with your Insurance Provider.
What if I change my mind after the first day and decide to scale back my enthusiasm for this much riding?
We have designed our routes and itinerary to allow for rest or shortened day in the middle of your experience. This means your luggage will still be delivered and you can opt for a shorter duration ride. BUT this also means you may arrive early at our next destination before the support vehicle delivers your luggage, and/or your room may not be ready so plan for that outcome.
What if my bike or luggage gets lost or stolen?
My friends and I are really into wine (first), then cycling, will there be many wine tastings and winery stops?
This Tour is not a wine tour, there are many local Niagara on the Lake Bike Tour companies that focus on half or full day bike tours with lots of wine stops, and usually, these great tours provide bike rentals. Niagara Cycling Tours are more for riders and cyclists (first) who of course love wine, as we will pass by most major wineries on these routes. You can drink wine with your lunch and you can stop as much as you want to try and taste different types of wines. And of course at dinner wine will always be available, but if you are still reading our website and are now on your second glass its probably not for you. Our schedules and itineraries are designed for cyclists who want to spend most of the day "in the saddle". We encourage our cyclists to keep water and sports drink in their bottles!
I really don't like road bikes and prefer a hybrid bike, is that allowed?
Yes, technically depending on your style and ability/fitness level you could complete some or all of our Tour on a non-road bike, especially if you keep your stops to a minimum and you do some group riding (2 riders at least taking turns at the front).
What are the roads like and the terrain on these tours?
Almost 100% of the roads we travel on will be paved highways and bike paths, but the creative genius(s) behind these interesting routes and roads have included a few very small and short gravel / hard-packed sections for the purpose of the views, passing of unique historical stops or interesting trails we have scouted to ensure any road bike will be fine for a short section. This literally may mean a few hundred yards or on one section we think a 10k detour will have you raving about the change of scenery. There will always be options to bypass or skip these "off-road" adventures and believe us the last thing we want is to have to change everyone's tires at once!
Can I bring my electric bike?
My small group has our own ideas for accommodations and we prefer to eat together as a group. What would that outcome be like on these Tours?
Great question. We don't expect everyone to want to eat and enjoy the company of others at all times and we will make exceptions where possible. This is why Niagara Cycling Tours offers custom group packages sometimes at the same timeframes as you see listed in our calendar and then also anytime your group or company wants to join us. We have a special form, HERE, for anyone considering this alternative, keep in mind if we become too busy or unable to specialize your trip details you may be required to pay a special advance deposit against this package. For more details before filling out the form, visit our custom tour page. Remember custom trips usually mean a little higher cost, if you are looking to save or reduce the advertised packages and pricing maybe consider starting with our 2-day intro packages that have lower costs. While here you can add-on your own extra riding days on your own
I hate spandex and can't imagine "looking" like those road cyclists I see on tv. What to do?
What are your Covid19 precautions and planning like?
What about hills? I hate hills, going up and especially bombing down. Can I get a lift in the van to avoid these?
Funny. We have heard this before, but don't worry, there are very few "hills" in the entire Niagara Region, which may be a turn off for some cyclists who have enjoyed Italian and French mountain riding. You may only encounter 2-3 climbs of any significance over an entire 4-5 day Tour with us and we're talking a 3-4 minute MAX incline, nothing really to sweat about and if you really had to walk your bike up these few sections you won't lose much time on the group.
I don't want to be last! I often find myself at the back of the pack in my endurance sports activities.
The last riders gets the biggest piece of cake? We understand your frustration but remember its not a race but a Tour. If you are last it means you go your moneys worth, and you took the best photos. Plus we have many great excuses you can use, for free. My tire blew. I got lost in that tornado that swept through my area. I helped an injured squirrel back to safety. I picked random berries for a snack and fell asleep like that girl Dorothy. I stopped at the golf course and played 9. etc.
What happens to my car for the duration of the tour?
Ride assured as we have fantastic accommodation partners that will allow you to leave your car on-site for the duration of your tour. This parking option is available to all participants across all tours. So, even though you may be meandering through the Niagara Region, taking in the beautiful sights of over 30 towns and villages we pedal through, your car will be safe and permitted to stay where you originally parked it.
How does luggage transfer work? What do I need to do?
While our tours are self-guided, we do offer support. A team member of ours will coordinate and take care of your luggage from stay-to-stay.
Why book with Niagara Cycling Tours?
Our new company is not new to creating amazing experiences and memories for our customer. Over 10,000 satisfied customers enjoyed a successful event experience with Good Times Running Inc. (Monster Dash Canada, the Toronto Corporate Run, Midnite Run Toronto and Isolation Run 2020) and over 1,000 clients signed up and worked with All Sports Marketing ( MyNextRace.com and RoadRaceResults.com) over the 19 years in business. Niagara Cycling Tours brings a wealth of direct knowledge, expertise, enthusiasm, and roll-up-the sleeves hard work in making sure every detail is covered and every contingency is planned and prepared for. We guarantee if you show up ready with us you will enjoy your time spent with our team.
What is a self-guided tour?
Don't worry. We are not leaving you to fend for yourself in an unfamiliar corner of Southwestern Ontario. Self-guided means you are in control in terms of pace, coffee & leisure stops, etc.
How many KMs will I be cycling each day?
Our tours focus on high-mileage, really looking to test your limits and all the training you have been putting in to get to this point. With that said, our terrain is primarily flat and friendly, so while there will be a lot of miles to cover, many will be forgiving.
I am ready to book, now what?
Things are getting exciting! You are ready to sign-up and start the process to join us this summer, so now what?
What happens once I book?
First off, congratulations! Taking the first step towards an awesome riding vacation is huge and we are excited to share this experience with you.
What is included in my trip/purchase?
Where can I find more about refunds, cancellations, and need-to-know information?
COMING SOON - detailed policies and all you need to know when booking with NCT.
Can I listen to music as I ride?
We strongly, strongly encourage safe cycling. To us, that means no music or headphones in as you ride. While many of the routes will take you outside villages and towns where traffic may be sparse, we believe it is best to remain aware and engaged by being distraction free as you ride - besides, you will be cycling some of the most beautiful terrain in Ontario, enjoy it (: .
Can I travel/sign-up alone?
Absolutely! Our Classic tours have a lot of group related activities so there is plenty of opportunity for social interaction - or not. You can choose what works for you.