Blog

Our Top Tours for Families with Young Riders

by Jamie Gilpin | May 14, 2018 | Blog, Featured Tours, France, Italy

We absolutely love seeing the next generation mount a bike and find that addictive connection to nature and self. We love it even more when that passion inspires travel to other countries and we love it the most when their travels lead them to a an Italy or France...

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...

eBikes on a Bike Tour? Common Questions Answered!

by Jamie Gilpin | Apr 24, 2018 | Blog, Guided Tours, Partners, Self Guided Tours

In a simple word: yes! No matter what kind of rider you are, eBikes on a bike tour can be a game changer. Whether your goal is to go faster or farther, an eBike is a tool that you can’t discount. Now that you know eBikes on a bike...

Cooking Classes on a Bike Tour

by Jamie Gilpin | Apr 18, 2018 | Blog, Burgundy, France, Italy, Partners

Maybe you have a loved one who doesn’t looooove riding bikes as much as you do. Or maybe you want to ride really hard for three or four days and then relax really hard for one or two days. Or maybe your love of food rivals your love of...

Food and Drink on an Asheville Bike Tour

by Jamie Gilpin | Mar 29, 2018 | Asheville, Blog

Let’s be honest, we ride bikes to eat and drink. Of course there is also the sense of accomplishment, self-fulfillment, and wonder that you also experience from the saddle but when it comes down to it, we ride bikes to eat and drink. Most of our favorite tour locations,...

The Sights and Smells of Lavender on a Bike Tour

by Jamie Gilpin | Mar 16, 2018 | Blog, France, Provence

There are few things in life more relaxing and more breathtaking than a field of lavender in full bloom. Although we would argue that seeing lavender on a bike tour is one way to up the ante. Stopping for a breather alongside a field overflowing with the deep purple...

Top 5 Sights in Siena to see While On A Cycling Vacation

by Jamie Gilpin | Mar 10, 2018 | Blog, Italy, Self Guided Tours, Tuscany

If Tuscany is the heart of Italy, Siena is the heart of Tuscany. It’s truly a special place that is featured on almost every one of our Tuscan tours. Many itineraries include an overnight stay in this storied city so we thought we would share our top 5 sights...

Dordogne Cycling Vacations: Our Founder’s Favorite

by Jamie Gilpin | Feb 28, 2018 | Blog, Dordogne, France, Self Guided Tours, Update

Our Founder, Dick Powell, shares why he has a particular soft spot for Dordogne cycling vacations in this post written in 2014. Jamie and Joy Gilpin have since taken over the running of Outfitter Bicycle Tours but still rely on the expertise and local knowledge of Dick and his...

Our 4 Favorite Provence Rides

by Jamie Gilpin | Feb 14, 2018 | Blog, France, Provence, Self Guided Tours

Our fearless leaders, Joy and Jamie, spend much of their summers in Provence. They’ve spent their time riding the roads and getting to know each climb, each sweeping turn, and each winding descent. With varied terrain for any cyclist, there are options for everyone. From conquering Mt. Ventoux to...

Why take an Asheville Cycling Vacation?

by Jamie Gilpin | Feb 8, 2018 | Asheville, Blog, Self Guided Tours

It’s true that we offer life-changing cycling vacations in storied international destinations like France and Italy. But did you know we can also arrange your life-changing Asheville cycling vacation in Western North Carolina? Asheville and the surrounding area is quickly climbing up to join the ranks of Tuscany and...