FAQ’s
Q. How long has Black Bear Adventures been in business?
A. I am happy to say that Black Bear Adventures has been in business and operating bicycle tours since 2003. We are a small band of passionate folks dedicated to making your adventure with us the most memorable experience in the industry. Here at Black Bear Adventures you will always deal directly with me, Paul Wood, the owner of the company.
Q. What is included in the trip price?
- All lodging during your tour
- All meals except for trips that include an off day and then the meals that day will be on your own
- Services of experienced guides
- All snacks and beverages during your rides
- Van support during your ride and all transfers necessary once the
tour begins - Comprehensive trip information with detailed route profiles and turn by turn directions
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- National Park permits and all other fees encountered during your tour
- Baggage transfers between inns
- Black Bear Adventures cycling jersey, water bottle & other cool BBA
swag - Full mechanical support during your tour
- Not included: airfare and transfers to and from your tour, alcoholic beverages, gratuities for guides and personal expenses
Q. How long are the daily rides? Do I have to ride the whole way?
A. Daily distances vary and you should read each tour description for more specific information. However, daily mileage is typically between 40 and 65 miles. With some tours daily mileage can exceed 80 miles. But please note at anytime during a stage you can catch a lift from the SAG vehicle.
Q. How many guides are on a tour and is there support on the road?
A. Typically a Black Bear Adventures bicycle tour has 2 guides; one on the bike to accompany you on the road and the other driving the support van. There is always a Black Bear Adventures SAG van on the road accompanying you on your tour with its sole responsibility is to ensure that the guests needs are fully taken care of.
Q. How large are the groups on your tours?
A. It is our position that a small group of enthusiastic cyclists creates the ideal environment with which to travel. This afford us the opportunity to provide a superior customer experience. Our tour sizes typically range from 8 and 14 guests.
Q. If I am traveling alone but would prefer a roommate will you assign me one?
A. Our tour prices are based on double occupancy. If you are traveling alone but would prefer to share a room we will do everything we can to assign you a roommate (like gender) but we can’t guarantee that we will be able to do so. If we are not able to assign you a roommate then the tour specific single occupancy supplement will be assessed.
Q. How do I get to the start of the trip? How will I get to the airport at the trip’s end?
A. Detailed information about starting and ending times and locations, airport and hotel van transfer locations and transportation options will be included in tour information emailed to you. If you wish to make airline reservations before receiving this information, please contact us for times and locations of your trip start and end.
Each trip begins and ends in or near a town accessible by mass transit as noted in individual trip descriptions. If you wish to drive to the trip start, please review the trip information emailed to you or give us a call for departure times and parking options.
Q. Should I bring my own bike or can I rent one from you?
A.
Since we are a tour company designed for avid cyclists, which means there will significant saddle time, it is our position that you would be better served on your own bike, but we are well aware of the difficulty of flying with or the concerns of shipping your bike. So if you do need a rental, I’ll do all I can to secure one for you.
Q. You say your tours are for “Avid” cyclists, what does that mean?
A. Black Bear Adventures bicycle tours are designed for the serious cycling enthusiast. This means that on a typical day you will cycle 50+ miles and be on the bike for 3+ hours. But although our tours are geared towards “Avid” cyclists we have had numerous guests join a stronger friend and only ride part of the day, taking advantage of the accompanying support van for a friendly shuttle to the inn.
Q. Does “Avid” cyclists indicate that your tours are only for those interested in riding fast?
A. Not at all, although we are a tour company that caters to “Avid” cyclists, we are a bicycle “Vacation” company and as such recommend that our guests ride at a pace that is well within their comfort zone. This allows them the freedom to enjoy the journey without the pressure of having to “keep up”.
Something we didn’t answer?
At Black Bear, we’re all about you, the cyclist. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesistate to call or email us.