The information below should answer most of your questions. However we are always happy to discuss any additional information you may need before registering for one of our tours. Please call 724-261-7797 anytime if you need additional help.
- Bicycle Tour Levels
- Bicycle Tour Routes
- What if my Significant Other doesn't ride
- What to do when you are not riding
- Bicycle Tour Support
- Why Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands for a Bicycle tour
- Should I purchase travel insurance
- Bad Weather
- Bicycle Tour Safety
- Are Children allowed on the tours
- Bicycle Tour Group Size
- Bicycle Rental Equipment
Bicycle Tour Levels
All of our road bicycle tours have some climbing but the pace is controlled by each person and a support van can transport individuals over the steepest climbs if desired. It is the hilly rolling nature of the area that makes it so beautifully with an abundance of differnt types of routes and views. We strongly recommend modern road bikes, preferably with triple chainrings and large rear cogs. Someone intending on coming to one of our tours should start riding regularly at least 4 weeks before the starting date of their tour to insure they are able to enjoy themselves.
The road bicycle tour levels are categorized as "Easy - L1", "Moderate - L2" or
"Epic - L3". Some of our tours are a combination of L1 and L2 levels
The "L1" level bicycle tours have routes that are chosen to minimize the amount of climbing and are shorter in
total distance. They will still have some climbing but the climbs will be shorter
and usually less steep.
The "L2" level bicycle tours are designed for cyclist who ride regularly in rolling terrain. They have no climbs longer than about 1/2 mile and only rarely have grades greater than 8-9%.
The "L3" level bicycle tours are for serious cyclist who ride at least 50 to 75 miles/week and who are used to difficult climbs. Some of the climbs on a "L3" level tour may be longer than one mile with sections having a 12% grade or more.
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Road Bicycle Tour Routes
Each day we select rides of varing length and difficulty. The first ride of the day is always the longest. All of our rides end at the homebase location. On many tours we split the rides into two routes. At the end of the first route we will be back at the homebase and we will have a lunch break. The second ride of the day is usually but not always shorter. You may decide to skip the second ride and take in some of the local sights and attractions.
Road Bicycle Tour Support
There will be van support on each tour ride. The van carries water, snacks, and spare tires, tubes etc. If you need a lift, the guide in the van will be happily pick up you and your bike and carry you to the ride end or over a steep hill. There is also at least one guide on a bicycle, riding the same route. The guide is in cell phone contact with the support van, and can call for van support if needed. We provide route cue sheets with distances and turns marked.
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What to do when you are not riding
Our tours are structured to keep you busy until around 4:00pm each riding day. On tours where we have two different rides each day you may choose to skip one of the rides and do some exploring on your own. Each tour/vacation is centered in a small village with places to shop, restaurants to enjoy, and many other activities, all within walking or very short driving distance. The hotel has an very nice swiming pool for your enjoyment. If you decide to stay in town instead of going on one of the rides, there is always something interesting to do!
Why Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands for a Bicycle Tour
The Laurel Highlands area is a wonderful place for cycling. The large number of quiet two lane country
roads provide many choices of routes to explore. The beautiful rolling hills and mountains offer
spectatular views and inspiring cycling challenges to experience. The sprinkling of historic sites and
attractions provide additional highlights to your bike tour vacation. The large variety of non-cycling
activities near each tour's homebase prevents any possibility of boredom between rides.
The Laurel Highlands landed twice on the Washington Post's (latest June 24, 2005) list of 10 Great Escapes.
The Globe Pequot Press 2005 selected Ligonier as #8 for small town charmers and the Laurel Highlands
region came in at #10 as a hidden gem! Our beautiful mountains and river valleys offer a one-of-a-kind
area for cycling enjoyment. Click the this link to see for yourself Laurel
Highlands Video some of the reasons for coming to the Laurel Highlands region of Pennsylvania.
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Should I purchase travel insurance
Unexpected events can always happen. By purchasing travel insurance you can significantly reduce the potential loss because of them. One possible source of insurance is Travelex Insurance Services
Bad Weather
It is impossible to predict what the weather will be on the days your tour is scheduled. We will still ride in the rain as long as road conditions are safe. If a thunderstorm or major downpour occurs we will delay until they pass.
On many of our tours the tour structure of two distinct rides each day usually will help work around extreme weather. While riding in the rain is not ideal it does add a sense of adventure once and a while. It is a good idea to bring rain-gear with you. We can provide disposable ponchos for those who forget but they are not very stylish. If you are not interested in riding in the rain you can enjoy one of the many other activities at the home base location.
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What if my Significant Other doesn't ride
We encourage couples, in which only one person rides, to come to our bicycle tour vacations. If your spouse or significant other doesn't ride, or doesn't enjoy riding as much as you, he or she can enjoy some of the many non-cycling things to do at the tour home base while you ride.
On the Fort Ligonier tours there are over 60 unique stores and shops within walking distance of the hotel, there is a large swimming pool at the hotel. Fort Ligonier is open each day of the tour and there is a Spa in town for their enjoyment. None of these activities require driving to get there. Please see the "area Attractions" menu for additional information.
On all of our bicycle tours the rides start and end at your hotel. On many tours we structure our daily rides into two parts with the lunch break very near the hotel. The first part of the ride is always the longest part. If you like, you can skip the second shorter part of the ride to spend more time with your significant other. This way you can get in some good riding each day and still have a great vacation experience with the person most important to you. If your significant other rides but doesn't like to ride long distances he or she could join the shorter second part of the ride. Either way this can be a great vacation for everyone.
A non-riding individual will be able to participate in all non-cycling tour activities, dining complementary gifts etc. The non-cycling individual's tour rate will be discounted 25% from the standard rate. That assumes the individual does not ride any portion of the tour rides. If the individual rides on any part of the tour rides their tour rate will be the standard rate.
A non-riding individual could ride in the support van during all of the tour rides to see the beautifully country vistas and sights, if space is available. However he or she will have to pay the standard tour rate. Please let us know in advance if someone is planning on riding in the support van.
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Are Children allowed on the tours
Children 15 years old or older are allowed on the tours as long as they can meet the tour riding level requirements. All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times on every tour ride. The tour rate for children is same as adults
Bicycle Tour Safety
We consider helmets an absolute necessity and all our riders are required to wear them.
Bicycle Tour Group Size
Our limited group size (maximum of 12 guests) allows you to receive our personal attention. It also creates the opportunity for you to get to know the other tour guests as well.
Bicycle Rental Equipment:
We have a limited number of 27 speed road bikes for rental, available on a first come first served basis. The bicycle rental fee is $30.00/day per bicycle. We also have one top quality Co-Motion tandem bicycle available for rental. The rental fee on the tandem bicycle is $40.00/day.
Please contact us as soon as possible if you need us to arrange a rental bike.
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