We give you routes, take your bags so you have A FUN ride!!
FAQ- Ohio to Erie Trail Ride – 35 Questions we can answer.
1 - Is this ride all trails, or is there some street/road riding? If some road, about how much? From https://www.ohiotoerietrail.org/plan-your-trip/ "The number of miles that the OTET is routed onto city streets and rural roads is decreasing and we have worked with local entities to make sure that we have chosen the safest street/road route when there is no other choice. Currently, there are approximately 53 of the 326 miles or 16% in this category. In some urban areas like our three “C” cities (Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati) street routes may be greatly diminished but never completely eliminated. The link in this section will take you to a pdf document that contains the current street and road listings and mileage by OTET region as of February 2019."
2 - What about covid? At this point, all of us are fully aware of the pandemic and the risks associated with it. Therefore, we are asking guests to take responsibility for their travel commitments going forward. This brings up two suggestions, First please buy trip insurance so if you have an issue, you are covered, we do recommend travel insurance. Allianz Travel Insurance is a reputable company and has been used by others in the past. Many companies do offer plans. Read carefully their covered reasons for cancellation, especially in regard to COVID. The cost will depend on several factors, including your age, state of residence, and length and location of your tour.
3 - Is there a shuttle service that can transport me and my bike from Cleveland back to Cincinnati after the ride? Yes, you could use them BEFORE or AFTER, you could park at either end. https://zipitransit.com/. Check with them as to any special needs you have, such as if your bike is a recumbent, a trike, or a tandem etc. As we get closer if a few of you want to use them perhaps you can get a lower rate if you go together. Remember you can take the shuttle the day before we start and park at the finish if that works out better for you either geographically or in your schedule.
4 - What is the maximum number of people attending the trip? Our goal is 12 to 24. We expect some "melt”, but it will be popular gauging the level of interest. https://www.meetup.com/funbiketrips/events/
5 - Is this for adults? Yes. 18+
6 - Where are the people from? For 2022 and 2023 Ohio to Erie all 60 were from the USA who have shown an interest. We should sell out. 18 are from Florida and 14 are from Ohio. The other 28 are from 14 different states with no more than 4 from any other state.
7 - What do I receive at check-in? Upon your arrival for your Fun Bike Trip, you will be given a packet which contains all the routes, maps and cue sheets for the trip. There will be snacks and cold beverages and a gift bag.
8 - Is there a deadline for confirmations, so I may plan accordingly? No but when it fills it fills and the response is amazing!
9 - Is there a group start time to begin each day? Do I have to keep up with anyone? Have a fun ride at your own pace and leave the hotel whenever you wish. Hopefully this is a vacation! There is no mass start. Most riders leave between 7-9am. On our trips, everyone rides at his/her own pace, so you’ll generally have all day to complete the distance. Slower riders (or those planning on lots of photo ops or long lunches!) can plan to leave earlier in the morning, while those expecting to zoom down the trail may enjoy a leisurely breakfast and extra cup of coffee. Check in is generally 3pm, so plan your day accordingly. We find those who ride at a similar pace end up as riding partners, sharing each day's ride. Riders’ average speed on our tours range from 10-20mph, so there's always someone to ride with if you wish. We encourage riders to take their time, stop and see the sights, and take pictures!
10 - What speeds are people showing in their RSVPs? The specific miles per hour on their RSVP at https://www.meetup.com/funbiketrips/ are 11-16, 12-16, 12, 11-14, 15, 15-20, 13-16, 12, 10-15, 12, 15, 10-12, 12, 10 if hybrid, 12-14, 12-14,13-14, 11, 10-12, 16, 16-18, 12, 10-14, 15, 9-16, 18, 10-12, 18-20. Our experience is everyone who wants to can find one or more people to roll with them. The above rolling speeds bear that out.
11 - How do the hotels arrangements work? Can you find me a roommate? Rooms are based upon double occupancy, (2 riders per room). You may secure your room alone by adding the private room fee ($995). Riders may also request that we find you a roommate, (we'll do our best) or bring your own roommate. Simply check the "help find me a roommate" line on the registration form, we will try but cannot guarantee. Without a roommate, the private room extra charge will apply.
12 - What is the support level? This is a Self-Guided Bike Tour with SAG wagon support. As your bike trail experts, our goal is to create an unforgettable experience on the trail for busy bike enthusiasts like you. On a self-guided bike tour, you’ll ride the trail on your own, following a trip plan created for you. We will shuttle your luggage every day and will pick you up if you need to be. We will give you cue sheets and RideWithGPS maps detailing the route and some food and scenic stops.
13 - What about flat tires or repairs? Please bring at least two spare tubes & pump/CO2, maybe 3 if your tire size is unusual especially with the pandemic supply chain issues. It's also a great idea to store spare spokes in your luggage. You may bring additional tires which we can store in the baggage truck at no additional cost. A van driver may assist in the changing of your tire or give you a ride to the local bike shop and our booked hotel, if needed. Please be advised that if you have a trike, tandem, or recumbent or other oversized bike, we will do our best to transport you if space allows. Otherwise, you may need to arrange for an Uber X if you have a major breakdown.
14 - How do I get a SAG vehicle to stop for me? You will have the SAG drivers' cell phone numbers on your Cue Sheet.
15 - What about non-riders? (May I bring someone else along?) Yes, we welcome non-riders and do our best to make them feel part of the group even though they're not riding a bicycle. Nonriders may attend when sharing a room with a rider. $1100 Non rider fee includes all group meals, happy hours, etc. Nonriders are responsible for their own transportation to the next location (if applicable), unless other arrangements are made with Fun Bike Trips.
16 - What about snacks? Riders will be provided with snacks for each day’s ride every morning. We will also indicate some restaurants, ice cream options, and convenience stores on the route maps.
17 - May I bring my laptop or tablet on the baggage truck? Yes. All computers must be packaged in a carrying case with your name on it. Please understand electronic devices are carried at your own risk.
18 - Do I need a cell phone? You will want to have a smart phone so you can review the ridewithgps directions and be able to make a call or use google or apple maps if you want to find something nearby or reroute.
19 - How much luggage can I bring? You will need to limit your luggage to one medium to large duffel bag OR two smaller carry on size bags. Remember, this is not a camping tour, so all you’ll need are cycling clothes, off-bike clothes, and your toiletry items. Please pack in soft-sided luggage. If you do not own a duffel bag, use a lightweight soft-sided suitcase. We cannot accommodate coolers or plastic storage boxes. Please do not store liquid or beverage containers in your suitcase because of a potential spill to other riders’ luggage.
20 - What will the weather be like? The weather in Cleveland in July lists an average high-temperature of 78.8°F (26°C) and an average low-temperature of 65.8°F (18.8°C). Months with the lowest humidity are July and August, with an average relative humidity of 74%. Plan for sunny days, but don’t forget the rain gear.
21 - Are we expected to tip? How much? We accept tips but we do not expect them or ask you for them daily as some tour companies do. We also do not put out tip jars or envelopes. We believe those practices are in poor taste and not in the spirit of willing customer service. If you would like to tip, a reasonable amount for a tour of this type is to $10- $15 per tour day per tour participant based on your ability to pay and your level of satisfaction with the service. If you choose to, just give the tip to any staff member near the end of the tour. Tips are pooled and divided equally among the staff.
22 - Do you offer discounts? AAA, AARP, first responders, military, senior, etc.? No, we don't. As we announce new tours, prior participants get an “early bird” announcement, so they have first shot at those spots. Please keep checking in on our website for any other current news!
23 - Are you bonded? Yes. $25,000 surety bond.
24 - What kind of a bicycle should I bring? For tours of this type, most cyclists choose a lightweight road bike that can handle hills and is durable enough to ride for a week. The last section of the route is very fine crushed limestone. I had 30mm front tire and 32mm back tire road bike and I did great. Choose a bicycle that is comfortable enough for you to ride for several hours on consecutive days, including hybrids, tandems, and electric bikes. NOTE-we are not guaranteeing the ability to transport anything other than a standard road or hybrid bike due to space/size limitations.
25 - When may I register? now REGISTRATION FORM.
26 – Will you email me? Yes, if you subscribe to the Ohio Ride mailing list at https://vr2.verticalresponse.com/s/websitesignupform40681930231043 Once you sign up, please immediately check your email, if you don't see a follow-up confirm opt in check spam. We are using a double opt in and some folks with yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, msn say they went into spam. Until you click the second email you are not going to get our emails or newsletters. If it is in spam, just click NOT SPAM, then OPT IN.
27 – I signed up on meetup am I confirmed? No. Once we give you the registration form and you fill out the registration form and submit it with your deposit then you will get a confirmation. Please allow 2-3 business days for us to confirm your Fun Bike Trip. Please do not make non-changeable travel plans until you receive our confirmation. Your confirmation email will contain a statement reflecting your deposit and the balance due.
28 - I am a maybe for now. Will firm up closer to date. Is there a deadline for confirmations, so I may plan accordingly? First come, first served. We have a lot of people expressing interest. We plan on capping around 20+/- depending on single/double occupancies.
29 - How do I best Train? Ride! Feel free to come to Florida next month and a get week in biking paradise. Less mandatory days. Check it out: https://www.meetup.com/funbiketrips/events/
30- Group Dinner? Yes our treat, dinner in Columbus. Hofbräuhaus Columbus - German Food, Beer & Events
31 - Is there a place to rent bikes? Yes.
Bishop's Bicycles is your rental headquarters
32 - What are hotels ? Here is current plan: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17DKkIp6ZgSZ6aqTgj5pfQJelHHur-SgFsgbtegY4pmQ/edit?usp=sharing
33- What should I pack? https://funbiketrips.com/what-to-bring
34- What about parking? We have a free one in Cincinnati. In Cleveland you probably have to pay. See link https://funbiketrips.com/otet-northbound
35. TRAINING Here are some tips on getting ready for the ride. How to Train for a Week-Long Bike Tour | ACTIVE