Q. Tell me about self-guided touring? What about luggage transfer?
You will find that it is easy to bicycle and be your own tour guide, with more information than you would get on a guided tour - at a much lower price. Take away the worry of trip planning; finding good roads to bike on, figuring out distances, finding scenic locations and accommodation and camping for the night. Travel when and where you want with cycling companions of your choice. Enjoy that special restaurant, inn, bed and breakfast or campsite. Enjoy the most scenic areas of Ontario, mostly on less busy paved secondary roads and some bike paths. We spend a lot of time developing the routes, rejecting many busy regional roads and highways that are prominent on road maps in favour of quiet local roads.
There are several different ways to keep your luggage with you. For cyclists who want to bicycle a short distance each day the best option is to stay in one location and bicycle from there for several days, either in short loops or out and back on the same route. For additional days you can move to another location and bicycle from there as well. Experienced long distance cyclists carry what they need with them, either in panniers or a trailer. If you don't want to do that there are other ways of travelling with your luggage. Bicycle touring groups can provide their own support vehicle. Often a family member will agree to be the driver. Those who want to bicycle less distance may be glad to take turns driving the support vehicle. The driver of the support vehicle can bicycle back to meet the other cyclists after driving to the destination for the day. In some areas luggage transfer service is available however it is expensive, making it more affordable for larger touring groups. Contact us for a no obligation quote.
You will find that it is easy to bicycle and be your own tour guide, with more information than you would get on a guided tour - at a much lower price. Take away the worry of trip planning; finding good roads to bike on, figuring out distances, finding scenic locations and accommodation and camping for the night. Travel when and where you want with cycling companions of your choice. Enjoy that special restaurant, inn, bed and breakfast or campsite. Enjoy the most scenic areas of Ontario, mostly on less busy paved secondary roads and some bike paths. We spend a lot of time developing the routes, rejecting many busy regional roads and highways that are prominent on road maps in favour of quiet local roads.
There are several different ways to keep your luggage with you. For cyclists who want to bicycle a short distance each day the best option is to stay in one location and bicycle from there for several days, either in short loops or out and back on the same route. For additional days you can move to another location and bicycle from there as well. Experienced long distance cyclists carry what they need with them, either in panniers or a trailer. If you don't want to do that there are other ways of travelling with your luggage. Bicycle touring groups can provide their own support vehicle. Often a family member will agree to be the driver. Those who want to bicycle less distance may be glad to take turns driving the support vehicle. The driver of the support vehicle can bicycle back to meet the other cyclists after driving to the destination for the day. In some areas luggage transfer service is available however it is expensive, making it more affordable for larger touring groups. Contact us for a no obligation quote.
Q. Is it safe to bicycle on roads in Ontario?
Effective September 1, 2015 Ontario revised the laws which apply to cyclists on roads and all drivers of motor vehicles are required to maintain a minimum distance of one meter, where practical, when p[assing cyclists on highways. When ever you can it is a good idea to choose roads with paved shoulders or where motor vehicle traffic is light so drivers can easily leave space around you.
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation Drivers Handbook includes the following information about bicycles on roads:
Bicycles travelling at a lower speed than other traffic are expected to ride about one meter from the curb or parked cars, or as close as practical to the right-hand edge of the road when there is no curb.
Bicycles can use any part of the lane if necessary for safety, such as to:
avoid obstacles such as puddles, ice, sand, debris, rutted or grooved pavement, potholes and sewer grates
cross railway or streetcar tracks at a 90 degree angle
discourage passing where the lane is too narrow to be shared safely
Cyclists are not required to ride close to the right edge of the road when they are travelling at or faster than the normal speed of traffic at that time and place, or when they are turning left, or getting in position to turn left. Cyclists are permitted to make a left turn from a left-turn lane, where one is available.
Bicycles are permitted on all roads in Ontario except on controlled assess four lane expressways where they are specifically prohibited. This has not always been recognized leading to safety concerns for cyclists. With increasing volumes of motor vehicle traffic and average travel speeds both motorists and cyclists developed a belief that for safety and to avoid impeding motor vehicles bicycles should not be on roads with motor vehicles. In recent years the Ontario Ministry opf Transportation as well as a growing number of regions and towns in Ontario have staarted to add paved shoulders to roads as they are reconstructed. This is a significant gradual improvement which benefits cyclists.
Effective September 1, 2015 Ontario revised the laws which apply to cyclists on roads and all drivers of motor vehicles are required to maintain a minimum distance of one meter, where practical, when p[assing cyclists on highways. When ever you can it is a good idea to choose roads with paved shoulders or where motor vehicle traffic is light so drivers can easily leave space around you.
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation Drivers Handbook includes the following information about bicycles on roads:
Bicycles travelling at a lower speed than other traffic are expected to ride about one meter from the curb or parked cars, or as close as practical to the right-hand edge of the road when there is no curb.
Bicycles can use any part of the lane if necessary for safety, such as to:
avoid obstacles such as puddles, ice, sand, debris, rutted or grooved pavement, potholes and sewer grates
cross railway or streetcar tracks at a 90 degree angle
discourage passing where the lane is too narrow to be shared safely
Cyclists are not required to ride close to the right edge of the road when they are travelling at or faster than the normal speed of traffic at that time and place, or when they are turning left, or getting in position to turn left. Cyclists are permitted to make a left turn from a left-turn lane, where one is available.
Bicycles are permitted on all roads in Ontario except on controlled assess four lane expressways where they are specifically prohibited. This has not always been recognized leading to safety concerns for cyclists. With increasing volumes of motor vehicle traffic and average travel speeds both motorists and cyclists developed a belief that for safety and to avoid impeding motor vehicles bicycles should not be on roads with motor vehicles. In recent years the Ontario Ministry opf Transportation as well as a growing number of regions and towns in Ontario have staarted to add paved shoulders to roads as they are reconstructed. This is a significant gradual improvement which benefits cyclists.
Q. Are there good trails to bicycle on in Ontario?
Ontario is a long way from having an extensive system of trails which are suitable for cycling. Aside from the Waterfront Trail, trails are limited in length, often do not go where you would like to go and are not connected together. Most often they are developed and maintained by volunteer groups with limited resources, which results in low standards of construction and maintenance. Some urban areas have developed cycling paths but often the standards do not match those for roads. This means that you need to be prepared for conditions such as rough surfaces, loose gravel, eroded areas, untrimmed vegetation and even obstacles such as utility poles and trees within the path. Unexpected changed in trail conditions can be a significant hazard resulting in falls and collisions. Most trails permit a variety of other users and may have pedestrians with children and dogs. Some trails permit horses and atv's in rural areas. Although trails may seem to be a lot safer than roads, often they are not. Choose trails which are in good condition for cyclig and be prepared to bicycle as slow as trail conditions and other users permit.
Ontario is a long way from having an extensive system of trails which are suitable for cycling. Aside from the Waterfront Trail, trails are limited in length, often do not go where you would like to go and are not connected together. Most often they are developed and maintained by volunteer groups with limited resources, which results in low standards of construction and maintenance. Some urban areas have developed cycling paths but often the standards do not match those for roads. This means that you need to be prepared for conditions such as rough surfaces, loose gravel, eroded areas, untrimmed vegetation and even obstacles such as utility poles and trees within the path. Unexpected changed in trail conditions can be a significant hazard resulting in falls and collisions. Most trails permit a variety of other users and may have pedestrians with children and dogs. Some trails permit horses and atv's in rural areas. Although trails may seem to be a lot safer than roads, often they are not. Choose trails which are in good condition for cyclig and be prepared to bicycle as slow as trail conditions and other users permit.
Q. When can I bicycle in Ontario?
June, July, August and September are the best for bicycle touring in Ontario and Quebec. You will miss the tourist season traffic in June and September. To avoid freezing temperatures and possibly snow plan on riding no earlier than the third week in May and no later than the second week in October. . The weather is similar to the states near the Great Lakes in the United States. You should be prepared for showers and cool temperatures, particularly early in the day.
For early or late season touring select routes in the most southerly parts of Ontario, particularly the Essex Shores area which is frost free a few weeks longer than the rest of Ontario. There the bicycling season starts in the first week in May and extends as late as the third week of October. The bicycling season is shorter in Northern Ontario. For current conditions check out the weather information.
June, July, August and September are the best for bicycle touring in Ontario and Quebec. You will miss the tourist season traffic in June and September. To avoid freezing temperatures and possibly snow plan on riding no earlier than the third week in May and no later than the second week in October. . The weather is similar to the states near the Great Lakes in the United States. You should be prepared for showers and cool temperatures, particularly early in the day.
For early or late season touring select routes in the most southerly parts of Ontario, particularly the Essex Shores area which is frost free a few weeks longer than the rest of Ontario. There the bicycling season starts in the first week in May and extends as late as the third week of October. The bicycling season is shorter in Northern Ontario. For current conditions check out the weather information.
Q. Can you tell me about Custom Routes?
We would be glad to plan a bike tour just for you. You just need to tell us your desired starting and end points, distance per day, total distance, type of accommodation desired and any special interests. We provide a complete route map and guide with attractions, accommodation, restaurants and a bike repair shop list; customized to meet your specific needs. We provide the information that you need to make reservations for accommodation, bicycle rentals, camping and connecting transportation. Our Package Routes provide turn by turn route guides for the most popular areas at a reduced price. Go to Custom Tour information.
We would be glad to plan a bike tour just for you. You just need to tell us your desired starting and end points, distance per day, total distance, type of accommodation desired and any special interests. We provide a complete route map and guide with attractions, accommodation, restaurants and a bike repair shop list; customized to meet your specific needs. We provide the information that you need to make reservations for accommodation, bicycle rentals, camping and connecting transportation. Our Package Routes provide turn by turn route guides for the most popular areas at a reduced price. Go to Custom Tour information.
Q. Can you tell me about your Bicycle Touring Atlas?
BIKE ON TOURS offers the Ontario Bicycle Touring Atlas which includes long distance linear routes across the province and loop routes, suitable for day trips or weekends. The atlas has full color route maps and a selection of the most convenient and best restaurants, bed breakfasts, inns, motels and camping. You will also find information on bicycle repair shops, beaches, natural areas, wineries, theater, festivals, historic sites, Mennonite and Native Canadian communities. See What To See And Do for current information on all of the places in the Atlas.
BIKE ON TOURS offers the Ontario Bicycle Touring Atlas which includes long distance linear routes across the province and loop routes, suitable for day trips or weekends. The atlas has full color route maps and a selection of the most convenient and best restaurants, bed breakfasts, inns, motels and camping. You will also find information on bicycle repair shops, beaches, natural areas, wineries, theater, festivals, historic sites, Mennonite and Native Canadian communities. See What To See And Do for current information on all of the places in the Atlas.
Q. How soon will my order be delivered?
Your order will be delivered quickly. Most orders are processed within two business days. Select shipping by Xpresspost for two day delivery in Canada, three to five days to the United States. If you have time constraints please let us know in advance of placing your order. We can ship to a forwarding address if that helps. Custom Routes take longer.
POSTAL DISRUPTION? No worries, we will deliver your order by courier in the event of postal disruptions.
Q. Are your route guides available from stores?
The Bike Tour Atlas is available in a limited number of retail stores. Ask your local bookseller or cycling shop.
The Bike Tour Atlas is available in a limited number of retail stores. Ask your local bookseller or cycling shop.
Q. Can I call you on the telephone about a custom route or questions that I have?
We would be glad to have a telephone or SKYPE conversation with you if you have questions that you you would like to have answered that way. Contact us by email first to arrange a date and time. We will respond as soon as we can.
Most of the custom routes that we have done for our customers have been completed with communication by e-mail only however some customers prefer to talk to us. Since we do not have regular office hours and are often not available to properly respond to calls we do not publish our telephone number.
We would be glad to have a telephone or SKYPE conversation with you if you have questions that you you would like to have answered that way. Contact us by email first to arrange a date and time. We will respond as soon as we can.
Most of the custom routes that we have done for our customers have been completed with communication by e-mail only however some customers prefer to talk to us. Since we do not have regular office hours and are often not available to properly respond to calls we do not publish our telephone number.
Q. Can I pay by credit card or other payment methods?
For your convenience BIKE ON TOURS accepts all major credit cards and bank transfers through PayPal. We also accept Interac Direct Transfer but contact us first to obatin the total amount of your order including taxes and shipping.
For your convenience BIKE ON TOURS accepts all major credit cards and bank transfers through PayPal. We also accept Interac Direct Transfer but contact us first to obatin the total amount of your order including taxes and shipping.
Q. Do you sell your tour guides and custom route services to international clients outside of Canada and the United States?
We are glad to sell our tour guides and custom route services to visiting clients who wish to tour in Ontario and live anywhere in the world. We have had customers from Mexico, Switzerland, the Netherlands. The cost of mailing physical products is very high and we are glad to provide lower cost solutions to get you the touring assistance that you require. On request we can send a route guide by email or send an order to a forwarding address in Canada or the United States where you can conveneintly pick it up before you start your tour. If you are interested please CONTACT US in regard to your touring plans and we will be glad to assist you.
We are glad to sell our tour guides and custom route services to visiting clients who wish to tour in Ontario and live anywhere in the world. We have had customers from Mexico, Switzerland, the Netherlands. The cost of mailing physical products is very high and we are glad to provide lower cost solutions to get you the touring assistance that you require. On request we can send a route guide by email or send an order to a forwarding address in Canada or the United States where you can conveneintly pick it up before you start your tour. If you are interested please CONTACT US in regard to your touring plans and we will be glad to assist you.
c. Bike ON Tours 07/2016