By Jenny Seib Road biking is perhaps one of the best ways to discover the true culture, food, people, and beauty of the region you are touring. Many biking tours are all-inclusive, meaning they take you through the entire process, from instruction to supplies, food, and accommodation along the way.

All-inclusive biking tours offer guests rare retreats into some of the region’s best places to stay. You may find your day of biking conclude as you pull into a historical inn or a pampering bed and breakfast. Check with the tour to find out what type of accommodations are included. If you’re not looking to stay in a one-cot yurt, then it’s best to discover the arrangement before setting out. You can’t truly experience a region’s culture any better than from the seat of a bike. Bicycle tours are usually carefully planned to allow guests the opportunity to explore the people, culture, and traditions, and the unique landscape the region is famous for. Typically, biking tours will have each step of the day planned, relaying significant and historical scenic landmarks and traditions of the area as it is passed by. If you are traveling through a populated area, the people, culture, and history may be emphasized. If planning a more adventurous trip through mountains or difficult terrain, your focus may be more on the geography or unique ecology. Regardless of what type of biking tour you decide on, it’s important to know in advance what you’ll be eating. Biking burns a lot of calories and you’ll need the fuel. Experienced bikers understand that one of the best ways to experience a region or unique culture is through the exotic cuisine. Many tours offer home-cooked feasts, presenting an eclectic variety of local foods prepared in the traditional way. Others may have an exciting line up of the best dining establishments the area has to offer. Some tours may do both. Check with your tour to see how you’ll be fed. Skill Level Many biking tours today are geared toward the beginner biker. Adventure outfitters understand that not everyone who wants to experience a culture from a bicycle seat is the next Ironman champion. However, you must at least be able to ride. There are some biking tours, however, that are designed for those with a bit more experience. They may be strenuous tours, over steep, uneven, or mountainous terrain, or otherwise not suited for the beginner. If you’ve never been on a bike tour, talk to your outfitter about skill level and instruction provided prior to the tour. Your guide will be able to explain the route, skill level required, and determine if you are a good match. Selecting a Reputable Biking Tour Do your homework. Don’t simply surf the Internet for a few minutes and make a quick online reservation for a bike tour through The Canadian Rockies. You must investigate further. Ask questions, either emailed or by phone. Find out the skill level, terrain, number of guests on the tour, cuisine, accommodations, if you need to bring your own bike and helmet, and what the price listed actually includes. Find out if the tour offers a support van (they follow the tour with luggage, refreshments, and medical aid). Find out if airfare is included. Get it in writing. Furthermore, ask for references. If the company refuses to accommodate this request, there may or may not be a valid reason. However, there are biking tours out there that readily supply references for your peace of mind. Your Bike or Theirs? For beginners, it is probably best to use the guide’s bicycles. Most will provide them for visitors. It is inconvenient if you are traveling across the country, or even worse across the globe, and pack your bike with you. More than that, using a tour-supplied bike means that you will have support for break downs. If something happens to your bike along the route, the support van will have necessary supplies needed for that particular cycle. Doing your homework first and understanding exactly what to expect is the best recourse for any adventure bike tour enthusiast. Once you’ve established the criteria for the tour and feel confident about the outfitter’s reputation, be prepared to explore the region and culture in a way never before experienced. Get started by checking out these North American biking touring companies: Deluxe Bike Tours Big Wheel Bike Tours Cog Wild Bicycle Tours