FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the group sizes?

For 1 day guided tours a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4. For all other supported tours a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 10. For self guided tours a minimum of 2. Bespoke Cycle Tours believe small groups have more intimate and insightful encounters with the local people you meet during each journey. Up to 10 also makes for good conversation around the dinner table.

Do you accept group bookings including dates outside the advertised dates for supported tours?

Inquiries are most welcome from groups of 6-10 for advertised dates or other dates that work for your group. Groups with specific needs can also be catered for. As examples: a group of three couples organised a May 2021 Orange 6 day/night tour. With just three double rooms required it enabled a greater choice of boutique accommodation and meal options that the group utilized for a small additional cost. A larger group of young adults and parents organised with Bespoke a lower cost, 6 night tour staying in country pubs. Another group of 3 couples curated with Bespoke a 5 day self guided tour. Groups of course are most welcome to book the advertised fixed date departures subject to availability.

What is the difference between guided, supported and self guided tours?

Guided Tours are exclusively 1 day Sydney Bike Tours. A qualified local tour guide literally leads the way on the bike for the 2-4 clients over distances of either 17 or 34 kms.

Supported Tours have a back up vehicle/trailer that follows or backs-up the tour group (without interfering with the serenity or enjoyment of cycling the ‘road less travelled’). As well as clients luggage; first aid, bike tools and any client on-route purchases; the vehicle/trailer may carry spare bikes, resting cyclists and even morning teas and lunches when in less populated areas. A suitably qualified driver manages supported tours with local knowledge; bike maintenance, first aid and good people skills. Supported tour prices include most meals including some morning teas. Entry fees to attractions and pre arranged farm and gallery visits are typically included. Clients are still issued pre tour with detailed Tour Notes including GPS Strava and Bikemap touring route maps so they can self navigate as they choose during the tour.

Self Guided Tours do not have the vehicle/trailer/driver and associated support. Clients luggage is transferred between each night’s accommodation by local drivers on behalf of Bespoke Cycle Tours. Self Guided tour prices include accommodation, meals where they are only available with Bespoke Cycle Tours pre-arrangement and detailed Tour Notes including GPS Strava and Bikemap touring route maps plus more detailed written route directions.

My partner regularly cycles 100+ kms but I am good for maybe 40kms. Would your supported tours work for us?

Yes certainly if your partner is happy to accept that the average group pace may be comparatively slow. Each day offers plenty of scope for fitter cyclists to have a good work out with the party re-grouping at an agreed time or location. Those wanting to do a little or no cycling are easily catered for. You have the option of putting the bike on the rack as much as you like and travelling in the support vehicle; or deciding one or more days will be non-cycling days. Some partners of very fit cyclists find hiring an electric bike is the answer to sharing the riding experience and some even delight in overtaking their partners on the steeper hills!. Note also that as our daily tour itineraries include much more than just cycling there is plenty of stimulus outside the cycling.

Can I hire bikes as it’s a hassle to transport it to the start of the tour?

Yes bike hire is available for collection at the start of the tour. We offer a choice of high quality e-bikes and suitable touring bikes. Please just let us know when booking or inquiring and we will liaise with you about your specific needs and hire costs. If for some reason we cannot meet your needs, we’ll not process your booking. (Note the tour cost of the Sydney 1 day tours includes e-bike and helmet hire).

For more information on bikes available, see our Bike Hire page.

You mention a variable standard of accommodation but what does this mean?

Accommodation on all tours has been very carefully selected and tested. In small towns/villages we may vary the accommodation depending on the group size. N.E. Victorian Grand Tour has ensuite bathroom accommodation and ranges from a 3 star motel or similar to more up-market boutique accommodation. In Beechworth we use a selection of properties; for example Freemans on Ford – www.freemanonford.com.au The Orange Discovery Tour includes a wider variety of accommodation and may not include ensuites. We generally have at least 1 night in a boutique B&B. The average standard is 3 star: see for example Cowra Services Club www.cowraservicesclub.net.au/accommodation In Carcoar we use a B&C or a former convent with authentic single bed rooms, shared bathrooms and certainly no hairdryer!. (For most the night is great fun experience). Accommodation for The Goldfields Discovery Tour ranges between 3 and 4 star including two nights at www.hotelfrangos.com.au in Daylesford. Note that accommodation may vary subject to available supply and within the smaller properties rooms often vary in standard within the one property.

Will my car be safe at the tour commencement location?

In the instances of the Orange and Wangaratta cars can be parked within the recommended hotel car parks. For the Goldfields & Spa Tour off street parking may be possible depending on one’s pre tour accommodation: otherwise on-street parking in Trentham has been regularly used by clients.

I like the itineraries but for a group of friends can they be varied?

Yes for group tours we will happily craft with you itinerary variations, including for example, changes to the route, on-route experiences or more up or down-market accommodation.