Southern Tier Cross Country Bike Tour FAQS
| How do I know if I can do it? | If you can ride 20 miles on your bicycle today, you can train to ride cross country with us. We send you a 6 – 12 week training program after you register. Remember that our support vehicle is always available to pick you up if you get tired. That’s what we’re there for. |
| What if I can’t keep up? | Everyone rides at her own pace. We are not about speed. Women of varying cycling abilities ride with us across the country. Our support vehicle will be on the road until the last rider finishes for the day. |
| Will I be the oldest (or youngest) woman on the tour? | Probably not! The average age of our cross country rider is 59. We almost always have women in their 70s each year. |
| Why do women want to ride across the country? | Some do it for the challenge. Others to see the country, to get away from home, or to commemorate a 60th birthday. Some feel that cycling every mile is a requisite, while others just want to be able to bike when they want to. Whatever your reasons, you’ll probably meet other women with similar motives and goals. |
| How can I train if I live in snowy Minnesota or flat Florida? | After you register, we send you a series of Prep Talk newsletters including training tips. We estimate that most women begin the tour wishing they were in better shape, but they’re all in the best shape of their lives when they finish! |
| What does the tour price include? | It includes lodging, airport shuttles, all breakfasts, dinners and snacks on biking days, van support, cycling maps and cue sheets, trained guides, a WomanTours jersey and a water bottle. The tour price does not include lunches, meals on layover days, alcoholic beverages, personal expenses, airfare, or guide gratuities. |
| Can I rent a bike? | We do not rent bicycles for our cross country tours. Everyone needs to bring her own bike that she knows fits perfectly and works properly. You spend a long time in the saddle – you need to know it’s comfortable. After you sign up, our series of Prep Talk newsletters discuss how to get your bike tour ready, or what to look for if buying a new one. |
| How do I get my bike to the tour start and back home once the tour is over? | We recommend shipping or bringing your bike with you if you fly to the start of the tour. We help you pack your bike at the end of the tour to ship or bring back home with you. We provide more detailed information about packing and shipping your bike before the start of the tour. |
| Is there any camping? | No! We try to stay in AAA-rated motels, such as Comfort Inns, Hampton Inns and Best Westerns. Sometimes we treat ourselves to more upscale lodging, such as an oceanside condo or an historic B&B. |
| Can my friend or spouse visit me while I’m on the tour? | Yes, some women have visitors during the tour. We ask that your guests make their own hotel reservations. We charge a nominal fee of $10/day if they wish to join us for dinner. |
| What if I have dietary allergies? | Our traveling chef prepares buffet-style meals on cycling days. About 6 weeks prior to the tour, we will ask for information about dietary restrictions and allergies. Our chef will take everyone’s concerns into account when preparing the menus. |
| Will I be the only one traveling alone? | No! Most women come by themselves. Unless you request otherwise, we’ll pair you with different roommates throughout the trip, so you’ll get to know everyone. |
| Do most women share a room? | Yes, the majority of our guests choose to have a roommate. However, there are always some women who choose to pay for the single upgrade to secure their own room. It is a personal decision. Due to the scarcity of lodging, we cannot guarantee a single room on 8 nights during the tour. |
| Will the trip fill up? | Our cross country tours often fill up months in advance. The sooner you register, the sooner you are guaranteed a spot. |
| Can I register at the last minute? | Sure! If we have space available, we’d love to have you. |
| Is there internet access along the way? | Yes, many hotels offer internet access. Several hotels and libraries along the way have public computers for your use. We discourage bringing your own laptop computer. |
| Can you provide references? | We would be happy to provide you with a list of previous guests as references. |
| How do I get more information? | Call us at 800-247-1444 or email us at info@womantours.com. We will be happy to mail you information, put you in touch with women who have gone cross country, or answer your questions. |
| How do I sign up? | Call us at 800-247-1444 or register on-line with a nonrefundable deposit of $200. |
