FAQs

Q: Why a Bicycle Tour?

It allows you to experience all the sights, sounds, and smells of places we miss in a car or train. It’s an opportunity to slow down, take some photos, talk to the locals, buy a straw basket or linger by a secluded garden. Outdoor exercise in your day and gourmet dinners in the evening stimulate your senses, which makes your trip more enjoyable. When we mix the exercise, the sense of accomplishment, and the adventure of going on roads less traveled – we end up with a most memorable vacation. Try it: you’ll love it!

 

Q: I’ve never been on a bicycle tour. Will I be able to keep up?

Not to worry! First of all, we want you to ride at your own pace. Normally each ride will break into smaller groups that are riding at a similar pace. Of course, we will have one of the guides sweeping to make sure everyone is fine. We also have the support van following. At any time, you may opt to ride in the van. 

 

Q: Is the riding moderate or advanced?

The riding is moderate. On most days, the routes will be either 20 or 30 miles. Except for a ride over the Ravenel Bridge, our highest road in the low country, at 165’ above sea level, all riding will be on flat roads. The tours are not just about biking but also about the culture, history, and excellent local cuisine. All this to say, most of our rides are not geared to avid/century cyclists but those who enjoy exercise and experiencing the many unique things about the Lowcountry on two wheels. You can usually add ten or more miles to the length of our rides if you wish.

 

Q: My spouse doesn’t bike, may they come?

Absolutely! They can participate in biking if they wish or do other things in the area – Hang out by the pool, shop, play tennis, kayak, or tour old homes, museums and plantations.

 

Q: Do you allow children on the tours?

Our trips are designed for adults; therefore, normally, the age of our guests is 18+. 

 

Q: How do I get to the start of the trip? How about if I fly in?

We will send you detailed information well in advance of your departure from home.

 

Q: How do I reserve a space on the tours?

Click on Reserve Your Tour. Or you may call us at 843-324-1156 to register or to ask questions.

 

Q: What happens after I make a reservation?

We will email you an information packet with a waiver form and a survey to be completed and returned to us.

 

Q: If I drive, where do I leave my car?

At the hotel of your first-night.

 

Q: If I fly in, how do I get to the start?

• For 5 or 6 days Charleston/Savannah tours, we provide airport pick-up between 12:00 – 1:30 pm the first day of the tour and return to either the Charleston or Savannah airport the morning after the last night;

• For 3 day tours of Charleston, we pick up at the airport the first day of the tour between 12:00 – 1:30 pm.

• For the 3 day Savannah and Beaufort tours, the guest will need to make arrangements to meet at the hotel in Charleston where we start, and we return you to the airport the morning after the last night;

• For the Keys tour, the guest will need to make arrangements to meet at the Key Biscayne Hotel where we start, and we return you to the Key West airport in the morning after the last night;

• For the Golden Isles of Georgia Tour, we pick up at the Savannah Airport the first day of the tour between 12:00 -1:00 pm, and take you to the airport between 9:30-10:30 am the last morning.

• For the Asheville and Surrounding Valleys Tour, we pick up at the Asheville airport on the first day of the tour between 1:00 -2:00 pm and return you to the airport between 8:30- 9:30 am the last morning.

 

Q: Should I bring my own bike, or can I rent a bike from Charleston Bicycle Tours?

We believe your most comfortable tour will be on a bicycle that fits your body and one your body is accustomed to, so we encourage you to bring your own bike. If you are sending your bicycle, we will send information and confirmation in your packet about which bicycle shop to mail your bike to. The bike shop will assemble it and repack it upon your departure. If you are flying in, you can either box/carrier or have it shipped to a bicycle shop in Charleston.
Charleston Bicycle Tours has a limited number of quality road and hybrid road bikes for those who don’t have a bike; they will be included with your price. Our mechanics will be sure the bike is tuned up and that you have a proper fit. If you desire to use one of our bikes, upon receiving your registration(s), we will mail confirmation within your packet with instructions for determining the size bike we suggest you ride.

 

Q: What is the minimum number of people needed for a trip to take place?

All of our tours will go with a minimum of four people, except the Keys tour, which requires a minimum of six.