...it could be the new vacation option you didn't know you had
You might be put off by the notion of a private group guided bike tour, but it doesn't always mean that you have to be part of a lycra-clad cycling crew or eat, sleep and breathe all things bike. Sure, cycling clubs can and do use our services (and are very welcome), but often we're arranging group tours for couples, friends, or families, on tours that wildly range in style, pace, interest and destination.
We've had some diverse requests over the years and really enjoy and think we excel at finding the right tour for each group. Some examples of this include helping a large group of deaf riders on a custom cycle tour in Vietnam, assisting the Starlight Children's Foundation on a charity bike ride in the Northern Territory of Australia, and helping all sorts of groups look for something a bit different, special or personalised. Understanding that group touring can be flexible and often affordable means that it could be the new vacation option you didn't know you had.
Here are a selection of some recent group tours we've arranged to give some inspiration and insight.
Cycle Tour by Numbers.
Biking with your own group can pave the way for the best holiday ever1. Choose Your Own Dates
Milford Bike, Hike and Kayak, New Zealand
A popular multi-activity tour for groups, this beautiful tour on NZ's South Island is a real winner. Recently, a group of four active women who regularly hike and bike together requested a custom trip so that they could include a wish-list hike and adjust some other elements to their preferences, including dates of their choosing. If you're finding that scheduled departure dates don't fit with your plans then considering a private group departure can be something to start thinking about. Or, if a tour doesn't have a specific activity you'd like to do, but everything else looks good, it's worth reaching out to see if we can help make it happen.
Group Multi-Activity Tours.
Visit New Zealand on an adventure tour with friends or family
2. Customizing Distance and Price
China Bike Tour
Some groups are cycling buddies that frequently tour together who like to explore different corners of the globe via bike. As is often the case, with a private group tour you can sometimes change elements of the tour to suit and on this booking we were able to shorten the tour duration and increase the daily mileage as per the group requests. They were unsure exactly how many riders would confirm but knew they'd have at least eight participants so tiered pricing was provided, meaning the more riders that joined, the cheaper the price would be. As the group grew the tour became more affordable for all. If you're able to get a group together of a good size, it's often possible to pay a similar price to the public scheduled group price.
Cycle Tour China.
Get on your bike to explore afar
3. A Flexible Group Option to Celebrate
South Aegean Plus Bike & Boat Tour, Greece/Turkey
For a special birthday, the lead member of this group reached out to discuss the possibility of leisure bike touring with a big group of friends. Whilst not a private departure, on this tour each couple booked individually so there was no pressure on the lead guest to secure the tour in its entirety however, we were still able to reserve and hold the space to give the group of 14 time to all book. Marking a special event with a group cycle tour can make for a unique and memorable holiday.
Note that it is also possible to charter a private departure on most bike and boat tours, so some groups decide to go that route instead.
Bike and Boat Tour Greece.
Soak up the sun and history in southern Europe
4. Advance Planning on Rural Rides
Hauraki Rail Trail, New Zealand
We have had several groups ride on this self-guided route of New Zealand's North Island. One thing to note is - as with many groups - it's important to book well in advance so we are able to secure good accommodation for everyone to stay together in some of the small regional areas. We often recommend making meal reservations ahead of time too as during peak season, especially in smaller towns and villages, things can get tight for larger groups. Some groups have opted to extend this tour to include short rides on other trails (for example, a two day ride extension on the Te Awa River Trail), or a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, relaxing at a mineral spa, or enjoying a guided kayak of local glowworm caves.
Group Touring is Gold.
Ride an NZ rail trail with your crew
5. Boost your Comfort
Unexplored Istria, Croatia
For a recent group of friends (four couples) we helped arrange a self-guided group tour where upgraded accommodation and gravel bikes were requested. The route was also adapted for this trip after consultation with the group and private transportation was arranged to suit. So if there are a few of you looking at a tour but it doesn't quite work, why not contact us to see what can be done.
Leader of the Pack.
Go guided or self-guided with your own private group
6. Increase Support and Flexibility
Lake Dunstan and Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand
We had the pleasure of helping five families with young children travel together as one large group of 23 to explore this lovely part of NZ by bike earlier this year. Four knowledgeable guides and two buses were included on tour, giving the families flexibility with safety and comfort high priorities. The guides were very mindful of the differing requirements and able to tweak the itinerary each day based on energy levels and how everyone was feeling making for a fun trip all round.
Touring is Fun with Family Friends.
Experience a different kind of school holiday this year
7. Add or Subtract
Best of Carretera Austral, Patagonia
Earlier this year, we helped a group of six female friends who regularly plan epic rides, to go on a supported custom tour with the added request to visit as many hot springs as we could squeeze in! The 12-day bike tour ended up with visits to five hot springs including a secret one known only to the locals... Other activities, outside of the cycling, included scenic hiking and a boat journey to see the Hanging Glacier in Queulat National Park. It's always possible to put in special requests on a private custom tour and we can see what can be done.
Discover Patagonia on a Private Group Bike Tour.
Adventure ride and soak in South America
8. Enjoy the Privacy and Ride your Way
Cycle the Lake District of Chile and Argentina
We helped a group of 10 experienced cycling friends with a private departure exploring this sublime destination. The tour, run by experienced local experts, regularly hosts groups of 6–20 and adding some extra mileage onto the already well-designed itinerary is possible on private departures. Some groups, who are used to riding together at their own pace may prefer a private departure to accommodate their preferences and to enjoy their trip as an exclusive group with the benefit of support and guides.
The Best of Times.
Enjoy a tailored vacation with your nearest and dearest
9. Small but Perfectly Formed
Kaş to Dalyan, Turkey self-guided tour
We've sent several groups on a version of this self-guided Turkey cycle tour and often they can be small groups of just 4–6. This particular bike tour is aimed at more independent riders, so tends to suit those groups looking for an adventurous and historic ride with minimal intervention/support. Often the idea of a group tour might seem to refer to large gatherings but in fact, private group tours are often accessible to just four riders, meaning a family, friends or two couples can easily come together to create a customized experience that works for them.
The world really is your oyster with group cycle tours. Whether you're looking for something out of the ordinary, or just keen for specific needs to be met, it could be an option worth exploring. We hope the information above has made it clear that there really is no 'one size fits all' approach here – anything goes! Contact us with your ideas or requirements.