Frequently Asked Questions

WHY TOUR WITH DISCOVERY BICYCLE TOURS?
We have been running tours for about 48 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?
Our standard is for each tour to have two tour leaders, and there is always van support (except on special tours like our E-bike & Cruise Croatia tour). Discovery Bicycle Tours 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 10 to 15 people on most tours (although we run tours with as few as 8). 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 65, (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 Discovery Bicycle Tours!

WHAT IF IT RAINS?
Sometimes you will experience rain but rarely in the past 45 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 Discovery Bicycle Tours vacation.

SINGLE TRAVELER? WE ARE VERY FRIENDLY TO SOLO TRAVELERS, AND OUR POLICIES ARE THE VERY BEST.
A limited number of private rooms are available on most tours for those single travelers who want to guarantee a private room at an additional single supplement rate. This cost is indicated on each tour page. Or you can reserve as "willing to share," and we will attempt to match you with a same-gender roommate. 

CAN I BRING MY OWN BIKE? WHAT BIKES DO YOU PROVIDE?
You are welcome to bring your own bike. It should be geared for hills, and please have it thoroughly checked in advance by a competent bike mechanic. Alternatively, we are happy to provide you with a hybrid or gravel bike to use at no charge. On most tours a limited number of e-bikes are also available. Our bikes come equipped with a front handlebar bag or rear carrier, water bottle, mirror and flat pedals. Pedal cages and soft gel seat covers are available on request. We are also happy to put your own clipless pedals (pedals that attach to your biking shoes) and seat on your bike if you wish. The brand of bikes varies by location.

WHEN IS THE BEST FOLIAGE? (VERMONT, QUEBEC, MASSACHUSETTS AND MAINE 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 each state.