Tips & Advice

Why choose an aggressive bike tour?

by Jamie Gilpin | Aug 30, 2019 | Blog, Tips & Advice, Update

Shouldn’t vacation be relaxing? Like sipping cocktails by the pool and long walks on the beach? We admit that this kind of vacation has a time and a place but we often find ourselves to call something a little different. Choosing an aggressive bike tour that will force you...

Our Favorite Road Ride in Asheville and our Favorite Mountain Bike Ride in Pisgah

by Jamie Gilpin | Jul 29, 2019 | Asheville, Blog, Tips & Advice, Update

Sometimes it’s hard to chose between road and dirt. We have an abundance of both in Western North Carolina. Whichever path we choose to take, we know it will be epic. Read on to learn a bit about our favorite road ride in Asheville and our favorite mountain bike...

A Top 5 List of Top 5 Posts

by Jamie Gilpin | Jun 21, 2019 | Blog, From The Blog, Tips & Advice

What’s more exciting than a Top 5 list? Good question! We’ve read through most of our old posts and rounded up our favorite Top 5 posts. From posts about views, rides, experiences and food, we have a little bit of everything. This list is also a great source for...

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 Post-Ride Grub

by Jamie Gilpin | Feb 27, 2019 | Asheville, Blog, Dordogne, France, Italy, Tips & Advice, Update

If you’re like us, one of the motivational factors to taking on a long ride is getting to eat guilt-free. After burning all those calories, eating a pizza in Siena while watching the horses race sounds not just delicious but utterly satisfying. Over the years, we’ve found a few...

Bike Tours for People Who Don’t Ride

by Jamie Gilpin | Jan 16, 2019 | Blog, Burgundy, Dordogne, France, Tips & Advice

Are we crazy? Likely. Are we passionate about bike tours. Definitely. We want to share that passion with you. Even if you think you hate to ride bikes. We think we can convince even the most anti-cycling person that a bike tour is a fun way to vacation! Read...

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...

Bike tours your way: our self-guided tours explained!

by Jamie Gilpin | Nov 7, 2017 | Blog, Preparation, Self Guided Tours, Tips & Advice

Are you overwhelmed with the idea of a self-guided tour? Or, are you not completely sure what a self-guided tour is? Or, are you curious what makes our self-guided tours so special? OBT Self-Guided Bicycle Tours are not the typical “self-guided” tour. Often referred to as “Independent Supported Tours,”...