Self-Guided Tours

(In-Progress...October 2024)

Embark on a cycling adventure with our Self-Guided Tours, designed for both individuals/groups. Having lead 125 cycling trips, I know 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 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.

Self-Guided Tours:

Self-Guided Tours give you and you 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.

The Adirondacks (New York State)

Starting and ending in Schenectady, NY (accessible by Amtrak), this epic journey will pass through the High Peak Region of the Adirondacks, as well as the Lake Region on its western side.

The Catskills (New York State)

Starting and ending in Poughkeepsie, NY (accessible by Metro-North Commuter Rail), you will head into the heart of the Catskills Mountains experiencing rivers, reservoirs, mountain passes, deep valley roads, swimming holes and covered bridges.

Erie Canal (New York State)

Starting in Buffalo, NY (accessible by Amtrak), this route traces the historic Eric Canal to Albany.

The Finger Lakes (New York State)

Starting in Syracuse, NY (accessible by Amtrak), these multiple routes will take you past many (or all, depending on the route) of the Finger Lakes, as well as the gorges, waterfalls, forests and farmland between.

GAP/C&O (Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Washington DC)

Starting in Pittsburgh, PA (accessible by Amtrak), this route traces the historic Great Allegheny Passage and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal through Maryland and West Virginia, on the way to Washington, DC.

More than 6 Riders? Interested in heading out to an area not listed above? Contact us at info@718c.com

    What You Get:

    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 adventure. 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

    Add-Ons and Extras:

    • Garmin Device with preloaded maps
    • Campsite and Logistic Booking
    • Tour T-Shirts
    • Exclusive Content Guidebooks:
      • How to light a fire
      • How to deploy a bear bag

    Testimonials: (see Full Testimonial Page here)

    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).

    ** 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)