TOURS QUERIES
How do I sign up for an Adventure Cycling Tour?
You must fill out an Application Form and make a deposit to reserve a spot on one of our tours. Reservations cannot be made over the
telephone, nor can we hold spaces without the application form and deposit. You can sign up online, download an application and send it in, or call us and we can send you the proper forms by email, mail, or fax. Click here for our mailing address and phone number.
Are trailers really a good way to carry your gear on self-supported tours?
Absolutely. The model we recommend most is the BOB Yak. It is the most tried-and-true model for self-contained travel, on both pavement and dirt roads. This trailer is indeed a good alternative to panniers. The fact that it can easily mount to most any bike makes it very appealing to most cyclists. There are certainly pros and cons of trailers versus panniers (believe us, we've heard it all), and the deciding factor is usually personal preference. Check out the article titled "The Big Debate."
What type of bike should I use on your off-pavement tours?
We recommend a mountain bike with 26-inch wheels, front suspension, and knobby tires. It is possible to use a hybrid bike (700c wheels) or even a cyclocross bike in certain areas, but a mountain bike is the most versatile choice. For more detailed information about equipment selection, check out the article titled "Choosing a Bike for the Great Divide."
Do you hire leaders for your tours?
Yes, we do. And we require our leaders to take our Leadership Training Course.
Who goes on Adventure Cycling tours?
The average age of our tour participants is typically around 45, and we also have folks in their 20s and even some in their 80s. People come from all walks of life -- from all over America and the world -- to participate in our tours. Participants ride every type of bike you can imagine, and skill levels vary. Most people come to see new things, meet new people, and challenge themselves.
What kinds of riding conditions can I expect?
Road surfaces and shoulder widths vary greatly along our routes, but most of the routes are through rural American countryside. We select our routes to avoid high traffic and metropolitan areas, though groups may choose to take side trips into urban centers. One participant likened our routes to a stringing together of each area's best day ride. However, you will sometimes ride in rain, sometimes ride in brilliant sunshine, and most likely will experience headwinds and tailwinds during a tour. It may get very hot, sometimes cold, extremely dry at times, and incredibly humid all in one tour, especially on our longer rides.
How do I get more information about your supported tours?
You can download a PDF of our Before You Go: A Handbook for Adventure Cycling's Supported Tours booklet (696 KB). A hard copy will also be mailed to all supported tour registrants prior to trip departure.
How do I get more information about your self-contained tours?
You can download a PDF of our Before You Go: A Handbook for Adventure Cycling's Self-Contained Tours booklet (732 KB). A hard copy will also be mailed to all self-contained tour registrants prior to trip departure.
What is Adventure Cycling Association’s cancellation, refund, and transfer policy?
Should you need to cancel your reservation for any reason, you must notify Adventure Cycling Association immediately in writing or via email to receive the maximum refund possible.
Adventure Cycling Association’s refund policy is as follows:
Number of days before trip start date that notice is received: |
Cancellation fee per person: |
More than 60 days |
$100.00 |
31 to 60 days |
50% of trip cost |
0 to 30 days |
100% of trip cost |
No refund will be given:
- for maps received by a participant;
- for a participant’s late arrival for a trip;
- if a participant chooses to leave a trip for any reason after the trip start date;
- once a trip has started, for food, services or overnight lodging for which a participant paid but did not use;
- for membership fees unless a trip is cancelled by Adventure Cycling Association.
Adventure Cycling Association reserves the right to cancel or combine trips. If this results in a revised departure date unacceptable to a participant, the participant’s payments will be refunded. In addition, the number of participants on a tour may be adjusted in response to demand or facility availability.
Transfers between trips are allowed within the same calendar year with a transfer fee of $100.00. If a participant requests a transfer from a fully booked trip, the amount of funds transferred to the new trip depends on whether Adventure Cycling Association is able to fill the spot vacated by the participant. If Adventure Cycling Association is not able to fill the spot vacated, then the funds transferred will be limited by the refund policy stated above.
In order to maintain reasonable trip prices, Adventure Cycling Association will not make exceptions to the above policy.
NOTE! Avoid purchasing non-refundable travel tickets before confirming through Adventure Cycling Association that your activity is a definite go 60 days prior to the activity start date.
Does Adventure Cycling recommend travel insurance?
Our sincere wish is for every trip participant to attend and complete their chosen trip. In an effort to plan for unexpected personal emergencies, health issues, weather, and transportation problems that might cause you to cancel or shorten your trip, travel insurance is strongly advised. Please consult your insurance agent about cost and coverage. Call the tours department for more information.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
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submit your questions to our staff. We'll do our best to get you an answer right away.
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