Preparation Archives - Outfitter Bicycle Tours

How to Stay Safe on a Self-Guided Bike Tour

by Jamie Gilpin | Feb 6, 2023 | Blog, From The Blog, Preparation, Self Guided Tours, Tips & Advice

While bike tours are meant to be incredible experiences packed with fun, adventure, and learning, it’s essential to consider your safety and security. Cycling newcomers, those new to touring, and even seasoned cyclists planning excursions in new and unfamiliar locations need to keep a number of important things in...

7 Essential Items to Bring on Every Bike Tour

by Jamie Gilpin | Dec 7, 2022 | Blog, Guided Tours, Preparation, Self Guided Tours

Whether you’re a beginning rider or an experienced distance cyclist, bicycle touring is one of the best adventure experiences you can have. And like every adventure, you’ll want to be prepared. There are many checklists out there listing what you should pack—from food to clothing to equipment—and you’ll need...

Getting in Shape for your Bike Tour

by Jamie Gilpin | Mar 19, 2021 | Blog, FAQs, Preparation, Tips & Advice

You’re booked and thrilled for a new adventure! We’re so excited for you! Bike tours will introduce you to new landscapes in a different way than a rental car ever could. You’ll have time to take in all the smells of the Provencal countryside, you’ll be able to see...

What to Know about your 2021 Bike Tour!

by Jamie Gilpin | Sep 11, 2020 | Blog, COVID-19, FAQs, Preparation

It’s about that time. Time to make your cycling vacation plans for 2021. As most international travel plans for 2020 were squashed by COVID-19, 2021 is going to be LEGENDARY! Travelers looking for solace, families looking for adventure and cycling fans looking for excitement and history can all be...

Physical Wellbeing Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Jamie Gilpin | Apr 13, 2020 | Blog, COVID-19, Preparation, Tips & Advice

We want to know: how are you? Are you being safe and following all the recommended guidelines? Are you checking in on your family and friends that might need a little extra support now? But most importantly…how are you? Are you taking care of yourself? Eating well and staying...

Our Guide to Tour Preparation

by Jamie Gilpin | Mar 3, 2020 | Blog, Preparation

We love to be prepared. If you’ve ever gone on one of our tours, you know this to be true. We love to cover all of our bases. We want you to be able to do the same. We’ve written several posts over the years about how best to...

Is it best to ship or rent your bike for a bike tour?

by Jamie Gilpin | May 1, 2019 | Blog, Preparation, Tips & Advice, Update

Are you on a bike tour to conquer some of the big mountains? Or are you on a family tour ready to see some of the most gorgeous sights in southern France? Do you think you’d be more comfortable on your own trusty steed? Or do you feel you’d...

Our Favorite Tips to be Prepared for a Rainy Ride

by Jamie Gilpin | Jan 13, 2019 | Blog, Preparation, Tips & Advice

It’s no secret that weather can make or break a ride. Brilliant sunshine and a light breeze are the makings of truly memorable ride. Especially when you’re riding from Florence to Panzano in Tuscany! However if you add in some rain, it can be a tough day in the...

Preparing for a Bike Tour: The OBT Way!

by Jamie Gilpin | Apr 27, 2018 | Blog, Guided Tours, Preparation, Tips & Advice

You’ve booked your tour. You’re bursting with excitement. Now the questions start. What should I pack? Should I take a map? Will I stand out like a sore thumb? These are all natural questions that most travelers ask at some point. Once you book your tour, the team at...

Our Top Apps for Communicating While Abroad

by Jamie Gilpin | Dec 21, 2017 | Blog, Preparation, Tips & Advice

One of the most common questions we get from upcoming tour guests is how do we stay in touch with our loved ones while we’re traveling? Should we buy a phone card? Well, you certainly can but to many international travelers, phone cards have gone the the way of...

Preparation