Self-Guided Tours

Embark on a cycling adventure with 718 Outdoors Self Guided Tours, designed for both individuals and groups. Having lead over 125 cycling trips, I know what can go wrong and how to make things go right. Navigating the best routes, accommodations, and logistics for a new route on your own can be daunting—let me handle the complexities to ensure a unforgettable cycling experience. Focus on the ride, and I'll take care of the rest!

718 Outdoors Self Guided Tours gives you and your group of 1-6 riders all of the tools required to have the self-supported bike camping adventure of a lifetime. The great thing is that these tours are on your schedule. All riders are responsible for booking their own transportation and lodging (hotel or campsites). 718 Outdoors can book these items at an additional cost.

Signing up for one of our Self Guided Tours below will certainly get the ball rolling. However if you'd like more of a (free) consult so that we understand each aspect of your trip requirements, just fill out this form here, or email me at info@718c.com.  Once we are all set, we create a password protected page for you and all of your trip's materials (see "What You Get" below).

The Self Guided Tours that we focus on are the trip we have done many times. We do this because we are able to pass along this expertise to you in terms of smooth planning and logistics

All Self Guided Tour Packages includes physical items mailed to you (or your gift recipient), as well as digital items. After Registering, you will get the following items mailed to you (or your gift recipient)...your own "Tour in a Box!".

• Patches: Our own custom design, for you to remember the trip forever. 3" circular with and iron-on backing.

• Ride Program: The Ride Program is like the script for each Self Guided Tour. It depicts the structure of the day, as well as important reference material, stopping points and other points of interest (like Bike Shops, Hospitals, etc) Printed on waterproof paper. Ride Program Example .
• Maps: Overall and Daily Maps, Printed on waterproof paper
• Ride Guide Books: These passport style/sized books have proven to be a huge hit with our riders. Book contains maps, daily milestones, stopping points, history and even a scavenger hunt. I design and print all books in-house. Guide Book Example 

In addition, the following items will be transmitted digitally

• Routes: I develop my routes using RideWithGPS . Routes will be delivered as .tcx files, as a RideWithGps route as well as PDF Cue Sheets. ( Route Example , PDF Cue Sheet Example )
• Zoom Call: 60 minutes with the whole group. This will preferably happen at least 2 weeks before your departure date.
• Access: I will create a group WhatsApp Channel so that we can all connect...this is how we run our groups at 718 Outdoors. Please note that I am also leading many trips, so I will make myself as accessible as possible during these times. This is a great tool for the planning portion of the trip, as well as once on the road.

• Packing List and Strategy: I will developer a packing list for each rider based on your existing gear, as well as items that are needed ( Packing List Example )
• Epic Ride Weather Reports: We use Epic Ride Weather on all of our riders. The 2 main features of this tool is its weather prediction along a route, as well as its clear interface. I will send a preview of each day a week before the trip, as well as provide a daily morning update for the group

** Joe’s trips are meticulously planned with safety in mind and are always a good time. They are perfect for both first time riders looking to tour in a group as well as more experienced riders. (CH)

This is a collection of gear that I wouldn't be caught without on any of our Bike Tours. I have led over 125 group Bike Tours, and have developed an affinity for things that just work.

The list may grow or shrink, but will always contain items that have been tested on many, many bike tours with me. Every one of these items is packed in my bags on every trip I go on.