What we’re about
- What our group is about and what we'll do at our events:
The purpose of this group is to arrange fun group bike meetup rides.
For people in the northern part of the U.S. tours in the colder months take Fun Bike Trips to Florida; St Petersburg, Clearwater Beach, Tampa, Rainbow Springs, Key West and more. For people in the southern part of the U.S. in the hotter summer months arrange bike tours to Door County Wisconsin, Cleveland and Cincinnati Ohio using the Ohio Erie Trail network, and to NYC perhaps over Labor Day Weekend.
We will provide a more extensive description in the listings as we post them.
- Who should join our group:
Anyone who wants to do group bike rides in the USA or internationally.
So if you want information on multi-day biking or kayaking events just sign up below to get first offerings.
We anticipate no more than 14 emails a year.
For Fun Biking Tours Sign up at >> https://vr2.verticalresponse.com/s/websitesignupform40681930231007
For Fun Kayaking Tours Sign up at >> https://vr2.verticalresponse.com/s/websitesignupform0106202220617pm
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 second email you are not going to get newsletter. If it is in spam, just click NOT SPAM, then OPT IN.
Coming soon www.FunBiketrips.com www.Funkayaktrips.com
For Rails to Trails Meetup Ride info
- Any dues or fees you plan to charge members:
Our meetup group is free to belong to, we do not anticipate any dues but obviously there may be costs to traveling, hotels (most events will be more than one day to justify travel distance), transportation, guide fees, etc.
- The group's affiliation:
A host may receive fees on the tours or trips they organize, post and lead. Each meetup will state if there is an organizer to, or host for that trip and the anticipated costs.
- Community:
We hope to establish friendships through sharing cycling trips, ideas, experiences and encouragement.
If you have interest in multiple day bike or kayak trips so please join us on FACEBOOK
Check out www.funbiketrips.com
Finally if you want other fun outdoor activities (more casual biking, or kayaking, hiking, camping, boating, pickle ball and other fun outdoor adventures) join our FUN sister group, https://4142298.xyz/outdoorfun/
Sandy Feet Florida Kayak Adventures
Check out our Bike Adventures FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/groups/2746756752291340
More Information:
• Do you want information as we add additional biking or kayaking multiple day events? Sign up below to get first offerings. Not all will be posted on meetup due to limited group size.
• We anticipate 14 emails a year of our Fun Biking Trips Newsletters: https://vr2.verticalresponse.com/s/websitesignupform40681930231007
• Fun Kayaking Tours: https://vr2.verticalresponse.com/s/websitesignupform0106202220617pm
• (Double opt in, check your email and or spam right away to confirm. Some email serves put opt in as spam.)
- We are doing the 360 mile Erie Canal Trail (NY) and some optional miles others that connect to it during July 2025. We will stay in hotels. Comfort Inn. Hilton Garden Inn, etc. Just $1,950 for double occupancy 8 nights of hotels. Single supplement add $995. Non riders are $1,100 and may attend all events. Three to a room just $1500 each.
Your rsvp gets you into the dialog here, commits you to nothing and costs you nothing.
2. We are starting in Buffalo NY July 12th and end in Albany the 19th. If you want to park in Albany and take train then to Buffalo. In 2024 we parked at Depew Buffalo station for free. Then we just took Amtrak train back with our bikes and car was there!
3. We will do 360 miles over 8 biking days so average 45 miles a day. Paul likes to roll at 12mph, especially since a lot of it is crushed limestone. That means we will be riding about 4.5 to 6 hours a day. Kevin may be open to going faster. Paul likes to kayak and canoe too where possible. If we leave hotels at 9 or 10 am you can take all day to get to next one. If distance is too short you will be there 3 or 4 hours before check in. Our experience is you get stronger during the week.
3 A) About the Route 360 miles
Most of the trail follows canal and rail corridors and is nearly level with 1% average grade. A few steeper grades and hill climbs are in the Mohawk Valley section on eastern half. Large sections of the trail are surfaced in stone dust from crushed limestone. A range of bike types can be used effectively on the trail, including mountain and hybrid bikes, as well as road bikes equipped with wider tires (35 mm or more recommended).
See our photos from 2024 at Erie Canal Trail Fun Bike Pictures
4. There are several on-road gaps throughout the trail, but are navigable with trail signage and road markings and our ridewithgps maps.
5 Your rsvp gets you into the dialog here it does not commit you. Note though we only have 8 rooms at the hotels so it is first come first served.
6.We are offering other cordial enthusiasts to join us, we will be fellow adventurers. A difference with us is one of us (Kevin or Paul) rides with you every day if you are similarly paced. The other drives the support vehicle. You can do whatever you like in terms of visiting sites or activities and food choices.
Finding water or snacks is very hard some sections for many miles. You really want a supported tour. Plus it helps if you have someone who did it before as parts are a tad tricky.
a. In Buffalo, the Erie Canalway Trail 360 miles, https://www.traillink.com/trail/erie-canalway-trail/
https://eriecanalway.org/explore/cycling
7. If we go Buffalo to Albany elevation is 5000 feet over the 344 miles instead of 5400 going the other way east to west, not very significant difference but with the usual winds also being west to east let's take the easier option west to east.
8. We took the train between Buffalo and Albany, https://canalwaytrailtimes.org/2023/02/23/bikes-on-board-a-guide-to-using-amtrak-to-ride-the-erie-canalway-trail/
You could take the train before the ride if you come from east and bike back to your car, or take the train back after the ride if you want to park in Buffalo at the Depew train station. In 2024 parking at Amtrak in Buffalo Depew was free, Albany was not,
9. $1,950 for double occupancy 7 nights, single occupancy add $995. Non riders are welcome at $1,100. 3 per room, each pay $1500.
Your rsvp gets you into the dialog here, commits you to nothing and costs you nothing.
Fun Bike Trip Inclusions:
· 8 nights of hotels, includes 7 breakfasts , and 4 hotels with pools (you’ll thank us later).
• Breathtaking views on the journey
• One dinner at Hofbrauhaus
• 4 Happy Hours at the hotel (wine, beer, soda, snacks etc) where we discuss next days points of interest
• RideWithGPS maps and "Cue" sheets
• SAG vehicle driven by experienced tour owners (for ride support)
• Luggage transport between hotels
And one of us (Kevin or Paul) will ride with those who are interested every day.
For the 8th night you may choose the Albany hotel by airport, (Holiday Inn Express & Suites: Albany Airport - Wolf Road). Has airport shuttle. Alternatively if this night is not useful you may substitute July 11th in Erie for Presque Isle as a warm up day. biking in Erie at Presque Isle. See detail at https://4142298.xyz/funbiketrips/events/302369670/
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Tampa Bay- St Pete-Dunedin-NewYears 7 day FunBikeTrip with cool kids from meetupHoliday Inn Express & Suites Tampa Airport, Tampa, FL
Pinellas Trail (Hall of Fame) and Courtney Campbell Causeway - A Great Cycling environment with many top-rated and varied trails.
Courtney Campbell Causeway aka CCC is Very scenic have you seen the amazing video?
https://www.facebook.com/TasteSeeTampaBay/videos/2028411257400038/
I found it much nicer (and safer) than riding the highway in and out of Key West! Don't believe watch the news video in above link. Our first hotel is just off the Causeway,Only two hotels for the 7 day span! So only 2 mandatory biking days (when we switch hotels day 4 and 7). Want to do a fishing charter one day—no problem if day 1, 2 , 4 or 5! A spa day or beach day —no problem! Avid cyclist wanting the maximum mileage—300 miles during the 7 days—no problem! Want to just bike 20 miles when we switch hotels so 40 miles you or your partner can if you like. The only thing we can't give you is hills! 😊
As I live here I can design routes for 50+ miles a day or less than half that. I am working on multiple options for every day now.
Others price this trip at $3,000! We can do it more affordably for a smaller group of 12 to 24--for $1,492 double occupancy (early bird pricing until 9-30-2024, then $1,795). Private room add $995. Nonriders are welcome they pay just $1100 and are invited to all functions and may ride with SAG.
Great weather:
In December, Dunedin, Florida typically has warm and sunny weather with an average high temperature of 75°F. The average low is 58°F, with a average of 2.5 inches of rainfall
Snow = 0 daysFun Bike Trip Inclusions for just $1.492 (early bird pricing through 9/30/24 then $1795):
•6 nights of waterfront hotels
• Breathtaking sunsets on the water
• 2-hour kayak paddle (weather permitting)
• One dinner perhaps a cruise
• Ferry ride to Tampa and back (50 minutes each way),
• 3 Happy Hours at the hotel (wine, beer, soda, snacks etc)
• RideWithGPS maps and "Cue" sheets
• SAG vehicle driven by experienced tour owners (for ride support)
• Luggage transport between hotelsSingle room adds $995. Non riders add $1100.
We have two great hotels both on water, Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Tampa has a shuttle from airport and Complimentary Parking is available to all Guests of the hotel. Parking lot is well lit at night. Guests of the hotel can park their vehicle at the hotel for extra days at $10.00 per day.The Yacht Harbor in beautiful Dunedin has water frontage, and refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, mini bar, outdoor parking, (no boats or trailers), and has fishing off pier.
We are still finalizing itinerary meanwhile here are some photos,
Clearwater Beach Photos
https://app.photobucket.com/u/njriverman/a/10df567c-cdb7-4872-8ead-918cd0ce52f3/slideshowCourtney Campbell Causeway Photos https://app.photobucket.com/u/njriverman/a/70969251-d16b-461b-a62d-5097aadfbe1b/slideshow
Downtown St Pete and Ferry Photos https://app.photobucket.com/u/njriverman/a/dae738b0-8784-4705-a8c2-524158d09c45/slideshow
Phillippe Park Photos https://app.photobucket.com/u/njriverman/a/fa1a1515-9d90-4e1e-937b-803cff747791/slideshow
Tampa Photos https://app.photobucket.com/u/njriverman/a/449a311e-216b-45ae-b7aa-a14a9bd5a720/slideshow
Tarpon Springs Photos https://app.photobucket.com/u/njriverman/a/bf387e62-3cf5-4e24-a955-4722bc5f7558/slideshow
FYI here are 30 of Dunedin’s restaurants https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g34187-Dunedin_Florida.html
We will include a paddle. If tides work it could be this one that has optional distances and we land on a sandy beach of a deserted island. It is a fun kayak trip. https://4142298.xyz/randomfun/events/288335846/
RSVP here now as a place holder, no obligation. Do this trip and like 19 out of 20 people at my local rides and paddles who came from out of state you will move here too.
Come bike in paradise for New Years!
Ready to go?
Our meetup's FL Registration Form (cancel up to 10-24-24 for just $95 processing (nuisance) fee. - Escape the Heat-Lake Michigan-Door County-Wisconsin with cool kids from meetupBest Western Maritime Inn, Sturgeon Bay, WI
How about a 6 day bike adventure, now before you run away ...Only two hotels for the 6-day span! So only 2 mandatory biking days (when we switch hotels day 3 and 6). Want to kayak or swim one day? No problem! A shopping day? No problem! Avid cyclist wanting the maximum mileage— 250 or more miles during the 6 days? No problem!
## Details
Door County - Lake Michigan - Wisconsin 6 day Fun Bike Rides
Escape the heat, be cool in summer!😊 Door County - Lake Michigan Bike Tour Itinerary
DOOR COUNTY~ Come visit Wisconsin's and Chicago's vacation spot, a biker's paradise, where you may ride as much or as little as you please I am posting this for people who want a kayak and bike adventure to Door County Wisconsin. Door County is mazing on Lake Michigan. It is considered the Cape Cod of the midwest. Temperatures should be low 70s, so escape the summer heat!
See Door County Kayaking photos.
See Door County Biking Photos.
Door County is a peninsula which divides Green Bay from the main body of Lake Michigan. It has 250-miles of beautiful, rugged shoreline. Door County is often called the “Cape Cod of the Midwest.” We will visit Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, built in 1868, which is period furnished. We will take a ferry to quiet Washington Island which is the largest of Door County’s thirty islands with over 35 beautiful square miles and over 100 miles of quiet roads to explore and enjoy. We will visit Washington Island with views of the surrounding islands' rocky shores, lush forests, and peaceful tranquility. You’re on “Island Time” now and your hectic pace becomes a distant memory and meaningful “enjoyment” begins. Visit coffee shops, restaurants, scenic tower, museums (maritime, farming), lavender farm and gift shop, historic Stavkirke Church, pubs and more.
Door County is blessed with a history of many cultures, especially Scandinavian. From the Viking-like presence of the Village Hall in Ephraim, to the authentic beauty of Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant in Sister Bay, which defines the whole village. Washington Island, however, harbors a real, almost hidden historical treasure: the Stavkirke (Church of Staves) based on drawings of one built in Borgund, Norway in 1150 AD.
Others price this trip at $3,000! We can do it more affordably for our smaller meetup group of 12 to 24--for $1,595 double occupancy.Great weather: Late June averages: 76° high / 60° low.
Fun Bike Trip Inclusions for just $1,595:
• 5 nights of hotels
• Breathtaking views of Lake Michigan
• One dinner (Fish Boil)
• 3 Happy Hours at the hotel (wine, beer, soda, snacks, etc.)
• RideWithGPS maps and "Cue" sheets
• SAG vehicle driven by experienced tour owners (for ride support)
• Luggage transport between hotels
• Also either Kevin or Paul will be biking every day so if you find our pace or departure time suitable feel free to join us. Paul will brobably ride 11-12 and Kevin at 14ishOur hotel this year is the best yet
Pine Grove Inn in waterfront Ephraim Wisconsin- Door County Cycling and Fun Itinerary
- Door County Registration Form and Waiver
Do you want information as we add additional biking or kayaking multiple day events,
Sign up below to get first offerings.
• Fun Biking Trips
https://vr2.verticalresponse.com/s/websitesignupform40681930231007• Fun Kayaking Tours: https://vr2.verticalresponse.com/s/websitesignupform0106202220617pm
• (Double opt in, check your email and or spam right away to confirm. Some email serves put opt in as spam.)Like rails to trail bike rides? Join our FB group.
• More Affordable and Fun Bike Trips
RSVP as placeholder, more info: registration, carpool, waiver etc to follow. No obligation at this point.
See our ride after this event biking across Ohio.
let’s bike the Ohio to Erie Trail. If not on your bucket list yet, it will be!!! | Meetup - OTET-bucket list-Ohio to Erie Trail- cool kids from meetup summer Fun Bike Ride!Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront, KY, Covington, KY
I did the Ohio to Erie trail (OTET in 2021, which is really 22 trails that take you across the state. I did it just to get another 300 plus miles for the year but I found the Ohio network to be amazing. This will be my 5th time doing it!
So let’s bike the Ohio to Erie Trail. If not on your bucket list yet, it will be! A virtually undiscovered gem.
We saw this trip priced at over $3,000 by more than one tour provider and said hey let's see if we can do more affordably for 12 to 25 meetup cool kids"! $1,950 double occupancy. Single occupancy add $995. Non rider $1,100.
This scenic 326-mile trail links the Ohio River to Lake Erie, primarily on rail trails and canal paths. It traverses four major cities, numerous quaint small towns and miles of pastoral countryside. Do it before more and more people learn of it and add it to their bucket list! This trail can be done on a road bike as it is paved until the 20th of the 20 trails. The last section is finely packed limestone. For that section 28mm tires are ok, but it’s better to have 30mm+.
Join the 326-mile club by riding the whole trail with FunBikeTrips. Why endure the wear and tear on yourself and your bike with gravel or dirt trails when you can enjoy this scenic well-groomed, well-planned trek?
Fun Bike Trip Inclusions:
· 8 nights of hotels, includes 5 breakfasts (3 buffet, 2 on the go), and 4 hotels with pools (you’ll thank us later).
· RideWithGPS maps and "Cue" sheets
· SAG vehicle driven by tour owner who has done this and many other tours. We will carry your luggage from hotel to hotel!
· 3 Nights of Complimentary Social Hours (wine, beer, soda, snacks etc)
· Affordably Priced. In fact, at $1,950 we are less than two thirds the price ($3,090 charged by some other operators. This price is good for deposits received by 9.30.24 after that price is $2150 assuming space remains.
· Great weather! Cleveland, Ohio Average temperature July 83 / 64°F
· Small town Midwestern hospitality, we anticipate local meetup friends will ride with us on several days.
· Your Luggage Carried for You, need a break? Ride in our van!
· 86% Traffic-free cycling on 22+ bike paths,Your RSVP here is non binding, it just gets OTET FUN BIKE TRIP on your calendar and updates.
OTET Videos and Slideshow https://funbiketrips.com/ohio-video
OTET Itinerary and miles https://funbiketrips.com/ohio-itinerary
Here are some FAQ Fun Bike Trips Affordable Cycling Tours
Are you visual?
See OTET slideshow: PhotobucketIS 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. Relax and take your time, since SAG vehicles stay out until the last rider finishes. Rider's average speed on our tours range from 9-20mph, so there's always someone to ride with if you wish. We encourage riders to take their time, stop at see the sights, and take in a bakery or 3. We have several local Ohio Meetup friends who will ride sections with us.Note if you do not need a hotel in afterwards in Cleveland we can reduce $135 assuming your roommate (if any) does not need a room.
Also if you like instead of the night in Cleveland join us at Lake Erie Presque Isle the night of July 11th, and bike and kayak Presque Isle with us the 12th. If you substitute for Cleveland night hotel we will pay hotel, kayak and up to $20 in ice cream treats! https://4142298.xyz/funbiketrips/events/302369670/
#####
Be sure to join Rails To Trails USA Bike Adventures FACEBOOK over 11000 members!
Do you want information as we add additional biking or kayaking multiple day events? Sign up below to get first offerings.
Signup for Fun Biking Trips Anywhere Newsletter: https://vr2.verticalresponse.com/s/websitesignupform40681930231007
Double opt in, check your email and or spam right away to confirm. Some email serves put in spam.
Your RSVP here is non binding, it just gets OTET FUN BIKE TRIP on your calendar. If ready to go click for REGISTRATION FORM.
Check out our Erie Canal trail adventure the next week if you want a double header, https://4142298.xyz/funbiketrips/events/302344604
Note dates, hotels and rates are subject to adjustment based on availability.
- Let's bike and/or kayak Presque Isle-lake Erie 16mi flat pedal-1 hour opt paddleCandlewood Suites, Erie, PA
Let's bike and/or kayak Presque Isle-lake Erie 16mi flat pedal- with 1 hour paddle option.
July 2025-We will be doing a one day adventure between our two 1 week long tours. This is after the 326 mile ride on the Ohio to Erie Trail (in Ohio) and before the Erie Canal Trail 360 mile ride starting in Buffalo going to Albany.
We are staying overnight at the Candlewood Suites in Erie. We can meet there at 6pm in lobby then go out for dinner at 630 for dinner for those who are interested. I reserved 8 rooms and only need 1. Cancellable until June 1. $174 a night with taxes, email me if you want one [email protected]. The hotel has free parking and the Suites have kitchens but breakfast is on your own. Hotels with breakfast were 200+.
The next day we will bike 9 miles, then there is the opportunity to kayak or canoe for 1 hours. Then we bike about 7 miles and stop for ice cream and food, I guess I should say food then ice cream lol.
See 81 photos from this last year at Rails to Trails Bike Trips FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/3UHeKz9giNW93KNA/?mibextid=oFDknkCost to kayak $20 for 1 hour in single or $30 in a tandem. http://www.presqueisleboatrental.com/kayaks.html
Here is map from last year. we will cut out hill at beginning and end by starting in park, not outside, https://ridewithgps.com/trips/198269333
I booked 4 rooms only need 1. Cancellable until June 1. $152 a night with taxes and free breakfast, email me if you want one [email protected]
If you want updated comments or questions answered also RSVP at https://4142298.xyz/funbiketrips/events/
See Ohio to Erie Fun Bike Trip the week before
https://4142298.xyz/funbiketrips/events/302344529/See Erie Canal Trail Fun Bike Trip the week after https://4142298.xyz/funbiketrips/events/302344604
