Bike Tour Planning Services

Embark on a cycling adventure with my expert bike tour planning services, designed for both individuals/groups, and other businesses looking to expand your offerings. Having lead 125 cycling trips, I know exactly what can go wrong and how to make things go right. Navigating the best routes, accommodations, and logistics 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!

Introduction:

My name is Joe Nocella, and I have planned and led over 125 group Bike Camping trips since 2014. In addition, my Routes and Ride Programs have been used to plan many hundreds of additional trips. To get started, see form below in the "Getting Started" section

Our Tour Planning Services draws on my Expertise, Experience and Passion for Bike Camping, and will provide a comprehensive support package for you first solo ride, as well as you next group event.

My area of expertise is designing Self-Supported (you are camping and have everything with you) Bike Camping Trips. This kind of trip is sometime called "Unsupported", but I think "Self-Supported" sounds more positive! I can help you plan trips as short as 1 night.

In terms of geographical area, I have vast experience along (but not limited to) the following routes/areas:

  • Great Allegheny Passage / Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (GAP/C&O)
  • Empire State Trail / Erie Canal
  • Adirondacks Loop
  • The Catskills
  • Finger Lakes
  • Hudson Valley

I am also able to provide expert trip planning in areas not listed above.

    What I Provide:

    • 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 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.

    • Bike Evaluation: I have built 1000's of bikes, both stock and frame-up (it's how 718 got started!). You can either bring your bike by, or send me some images, and I will be able to advise as to how ready your bike is for your next adventure. Please note we do not provide any bike repair/upgrading services.
    • 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)
    • 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.

      • Ride Program: The Ride Program is like the script for each adventure. It depicts the structure of the day, as well as important reference material (Ride Program 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

      Pricing:

      Our base service is $200, plus $50 for each day of your trip. Each Ride Guide Book is $10.

      Pricing Example: 4 Day trip with 8 riders:

      • $200 base fee
      • $200 (day fee, $50/day for 4 days)
      • $80 (8 Ride Guide Books)
      • $480 Total

      Getting Started: Filling out this quick, free and no obligation form gets the process started. The biggest issue is that I need at least 4 weeks lead time.

      Extras:

      • Garmin Device with preloaded maps
      • Instructions for using maps on GPS or phone devices
      • Campsite Booking
      • Bike Travel Logistics
      • Insurance and Waiver Guidance (If you are leading a group)
      • Sticker/Logo/Patches
      • Training Info
      • Exclusive Content Guidebooks:
        • How to light a fire
        • How to deploy a bear bag

      Have you had a great experience on a Tour or Micro-Tour...can I get you to take 1 minute to add your testimonial? No names or emails are collected, just comments and initials. (Form Here).

      Testimonials: (see Full Testimonial Page here)

      ** 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)