1. Where do I go once I get to the trip location?
On Martha's Vineyard - we pick you up nearly anywhere on the island! Let us know the name of the hotel, the address of your rental house, which ferry terminal (ferry terminals are in Oak Bluffs or Vineyard Haven) you are landing at or which airport (there are 3 airports on the island...the main one and two small airports with grassy field runways) and preferably a cell phone to reach you on. On our 5 Day/4 Night tours in Arizona, Alabama and Florida we will pick you up at the airport, bus terminal or your hotel with a cold drink, fresh fruit and snacks waiting for you! We are much more than just cycling as we incorporate area activities and van trips into our cycling tours. You are well attended to and our trips are of excellent value!
2. What kind of bike will I ride?
We use high quality recumbent trikes (which have 3 wheels; 2 in front and 1 in back). You will have no issues with balance to deal with, and have the most comfortable and unique cycling experience. You sit in a chair-like seat, which allows you to readily view the scenery around you instead of down at the road, this positioning alleviates neck, shoulder and hand pain!
3. What should I wear? Wear do I put my camera and other stuff?
Because you sit in chair like seat, there is no need for padded shorts or worry about chafing! Wear comfortable clothing, although, we do recommend wearing sportswear that is designed to wick moisture away from your body to keep you more comfortable and dry! You will have a spacious bag on the rear rack of the trike to carry your belongings that you want immediately nearby and you may also leave things in the van which will be following along.
4. What if it rains?
Bring your rain gear and other than a torrential downpour or lightning/thunder, we will continue cycling or hiking, whichever tour you are on, for those that wish to.
5. What about payment and what if I have to cancel? How early do I have to call to book a tour?
We accept credit cards (Visa, MC, American Express, Discover, Debit) or cash. For day tours, in most cases, we take your payment when you arrive for the tour. Reserving your tour as early as possible will assure that you get the tour/date that you want and we recommend at least 2 -3 days in advance but last minute bookings could be possible. A weeks advance notice is usually required for the Cycling/Tea, Treats & Pampered Feet Tour. Call Toll Free 1-866-443-2071 to book your tour with one of our friendly staff members.
For group tours and 5 Day/4 Night tours - ($500 deposit required at time of booking on 5Day/4Night trips.) If you cancel more than 60 days before the trip, we will give a full refund. Less than 60 days we will issue 75 % refund. Less than 45 days we will issue a 50% refund. Less than 30 days we will issue you a certificate to use on a future trip within 2 years. If we, in the unlikely event, cancel a trip we will issue a full refund plus give you a discount on a future trip!
6. What if it’s been a very long time since I‘ve cycled or have never cycled?
That’s the benefit of riding a three wheeled trike; there is nothing to have to balance, so you don’t need any experience! Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery! Pedaling has never been easier. Also, a great way to firm up those “glutes!” And, remember although you need to be in good health and in reasonable shape, the support van is always nearby if you need it! And, for a minimal charge family members that do not wish to cycle may ride along in the support van as well - perhaps to take photos of you while doing so.
7. How many people will I be riding or hiking with?
We only take small groups! We will take as few as 1 guest, although the average group size is about 4 guests and the maximum size the group will be is 10 guests. And, we make an effort to limit the tour to your attendees only.
Small groups allow us to give each person special and individual attention, which you deserve to get on your vacation!
8. What will the meals/snacks be?
Snacks are berries, cheese, crackers, cliff bars, etc.. Meals will be of your choosing from the menu of the restaurant that we use on each particular trip. On our 5 Day/4 Night Tours at least one evening will include outside sunset dining (weather permitting). On Martha's Vineyard - Half Day Dinner Tour - substitution for lobster is available. Half Day Lunch Tour - choice is from restaurant menu.
9. Gender? Pregnancy?
We are especially excited to have tours for females only and also schedule tours for mixed gender groups as well. Overnight trips are double occupancy only. There is a single supplemental fee available or the option, at no additional charge, of pairing with another same gender guest. Call 1-866-443-2071 to let us know your preference and schedule an exciting, very comfortable and unique cycling tour with us! We have had pregnant women on our tours and they tell us having 3 wheels and the van support is the only way they can feel safe cycling - one more great feature of cycling tours with recumbent trikes and a support van!
10. What age should I be to do the cycling tours?
Trikes are great for people of all ages! Depends more on being able to reach the pedals on our smallest trikes (usually need to be at least 4'3"). For smaller children, we provide a bike-trailer that can carry two children with a combined weight of 100 pounds. Pedal/Paddle tours have a minimum age of 5 years old. We only accept children if accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. If either the child or parent of that child, needs use of the support vehicle, or wants to do alternative activities the other one must go along as well, meaning parent and child must stay together at all times. We try hard to keep the tours closed to a particular family group.
11. What will I see and where do we cycle?
You will enjoy the beautiful scenery and landscape of our lovely destinations.You will see the scenery easier cycling on a trike versus an upright bike, which makes it perfect for touring!
On Martha's Vineyard - we do our cycling on the bike paths down-island - often using the paths in the area of the state forest and bike paths with ocean views and when finished cycling take drive in the air-conditioned van up-island as applicable to the specific tour.
On our 5 Day/4 Night Destinations - we will see the landscape of the area as well as making visits to art galleries, lovely gardens, museums, a battleship, canyons, sunsets and landmarks as applicable to the tour destination. We will cycle on some bike paths as well as roads with low traffic volume.
Our aim is to create an enjoyable cycling experience and sightseeing vacation for you, so much that you will want to come back and tour with us again in the future and so you will want to recommend us to your friends and family!
12. Do I need a helmet and do I need cycling shoes?
We require use of helmets. You can bring your own or we will provide a free of charge loaner helmet for you, if you choose, leaving more room in your suitcase! You do not need cycling shoes, sneakers are fine (we provide toe straps). If you bring cycling shoes we are able to accommodate you with egg beater pedals and shimano.
13. What is the distance or time I will be cycling? How fast do I have to ride? You cycle at your own pace, and you have the support van (with privacy windows) close by if you get tired! On Martha's Vineyard - depending on which tour you take, it's about an hour to hour and a half of cycling although the Pedal/Paddle Tour & Cycling/Tea, Treats & Pampered Feet Tour are about 2 hours of cycling. On our 5 Day/4 Nght Tours it's about 2 - 3 hours of cycling a day (often divided between morning and afternoon rides) with plenty of breaks.
14. How will I know where to go?
A guide will show you the way with everyone settling into their own pace and keeping in contact with two way radios. The support driver (who will be equipped with amenities including a cell phone, first aid kit, two way radio and plenty of refreshments) will follow along and is readily available for you.
15. What if I want to get the attention of one of my fellow cyclists or something out of the van?
Everyone (including the van driver) will have use of a two way radio during the tour to be able to talk to each other with ease rather than shouting and alleviate the frustration of not being able to catch up with someone.
16. Do I need to bring a water bottle?
No, we will provide a water bottle for you, which is yours to keep and plenty of water as well as sports drinks.
17. How fit do I need to be?
You must be in good health and exercising in some manner on a regular basis. Each guest must be aware of their own physical abilities, and know of any limitations that would hinder cycling or hiking experiences and may not tour with us if so advised by a physician or if determined by us. You are required to inform us of any health concerns or medical conditions at the time of registration for a trip and sign a release of liability form.
18. Why are recumbent trikes better to use on tours? Start with the comfort of a chair-like seat and end with being able to look straight out at the beautiful scenery instead of down at the road while you’re cycling! Since there are three wheels, there are no issues to deal with as far as balance, no sore bottoms from sitting on traditional style bike saddles, and no pressure on your hands, neck or shoulders! Although, the terrain we choose is user friendly, you will be able to ride as slow as you want up hills without tipping over! You can start or stop on hills, at any speed, without having to get off the trike. It is a very unique and fun way to cycle - almost like riding a little go-cart!
REMEMBER..."THREE WHEELS ARE BETTER THAN TWO!"
