Before you commit to the utter exhaustion and subsequent soreness involved in pedaling 100+ miles, it's important to ask yourself what it is you seek from a bike ride. Do you have an unquenchable thirst for speed, bordering on that of an adrenaline junky? Do you own a cycling computer and track your daily averages? Is everything you own made of carbon fiber? If so, these bike rides are not for you.
These rides are for the gentler, observational rider. You won't find cyclists in a hurry on these fall bike tours. These rides are for those who see cycling as the perfect way to transport oneself from a brewery to a quaint town, so long as the route includes picturesque views along the way. Stopping to take in the sites is not only encouraged, it's mandatory.
These six multi-day bike tours should provide the curious cyclist an exhaustive list of places to see, things to do and people to meet. So, grab your sleeping bags and panniers, and let's find out what we can see.
Pedal the Plains
Sept. 18 - 20, 2015, in Denver, Colo. 1 of 7
This bike tour through Colorado's beautiful eastern plains sets riders on a collision course with three of the Centennial State's most culture-rich towns: Julesberg, Holyoke and Sterling. The three-day ride traverses 172 miles of beautiful landscapes, quaint towns, historic sites and tours of working farms. The interstate ride even dips into Nebraska for a spell.
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Cycling EventsOregon Coast Bicycle Tour
Sept. 27 - Oct. 4, 2015, in Forest Grove, Ore. 2 of 7
An epic, 418-mile ride along Oregon's beautiful coast is sure to give riders a long gaze at the season's gorgeous weather and foliage. Riders will travel along the coast as well as the rural landscapes of Willamette Valley. Along the way, you'll tour a cheese factory, ride an old-fashioned steam train and visit an aquarium.
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Cycling EventsAround the Island Bike Tour
Oct. 2 - 4, 2015, in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico 3 of 7
You won't see any fall foliage during this bike tour, but you will see Puerto Rico's beautiful coast and lively culture and, most importantly, you'll eat amazing food. The tour divides riders into two groups: advanced (who will ride 100 miles per day) and beginners (who will ride 50 miles per day). In an effort to not discriminate against novice riders, this tour allows riders of all skill levels to participate.
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Cycling EventsWill B. Rolling to Ben Bikin' Tour
Oct. 3 - 9, 2015, in Port Byron, Ill. 4 of 7
A bi-state tour that covers nearly 300 miles from Port Byron, Illinois to Sparta, Wisconsin, this ride will present the Midwest in all its fall glory. The ride includes all-you-can-eat food, baggage transportation (so you can leave your panniers at home if you so choose), and SAG vehicle support.
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Cycling EventsOregon Wine Country 5-Day Tour
Oct. 14 - 18, 2015, in Dayton, Ore. 5 of 7
A full-service guiding tour will take you through Oregon's Willamette Valley. Known for producing some of the world's greatest wines, Willamette Valley is also home to more than 70 percent of the state's population, including the state's largest city, Portland, and capital, Salem. While on the tour, you'll stop at numerous wineries, observe breathtaking views and learn about Oregon's "promised land of flowing milk and honey."
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Cycling EventsFredericksburg Fall Bicycle Tour
Oct. 24 - 31, 2015, in Fredericksburg, Texas 6 of 7
Like many bike tours, this ride — which has a max capacity of 25 riders — fills up quickly. So, mark your calendars for 2016, because you won't want to miss this one. In the heart of the Texas hill country, Fredericksburg is a quaint German town that offers wine, geographic wonderment and hundreds of miles of paved roads with low traffic.
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