Cycling Tour of the Lakes of Minnesota

Things to know

• Covid measures in Minnesota

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. 

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Minnesota, please refer to Minnesota’s latest travel resources.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced cycling guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • Airport pick-up and drop-off
    • Accommodation during the trip
    • All breakfasts and dinners
    • Support van with tools and spare parts
    • Helmet (we recommend bringing your own for comfort and fit, but if you don’t have one, contact us prior to the trip and your guide will provide you with one without charge)

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation to Duluth International Airport
    • Accommodation prior to and following the tour
    • Bike (rental possible for $35 per day)
    • Lunches (your guides will recommend various lunch alternatives in the mornings so you can bike at your own pace without having to hurry)
    • Guide gratuity
• How fit do I need to be?

  The Minnesota lakes cycling tour is designed for bikers with good fitness. As long as you pedal on two wheels with no issues for 40 to 55 miles (65 to 90km) per day, you can book the Minnesota lakes adventure. Over 9 days, you’ll cross about 421 miles (677 km). On the most difficult day of the tour, you’ll need to be able to bike up to 74 miles (120km). Consider preparing for this tour and riding your bike a couple of times a week with similar mileage.

• What do I need to bring?

  Here’s what you’ll need:

  • • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
    • Comfortable riding or athletic clothing, preferably moisture wicking or synthetic material (shorts, t-shirts)
    • Helmet and cycling gloves
    • Sneakers or sport shoes
    • Breathable outside layer or jacket
    • Rain jacket and rain pants
    • Sweater (synthetic or wool)
    • Warm-up pants or tights
    • Hiking shoes
    • Leisure clothing (for after cycling hours)
    • Sunglasses
    • Plenty of water, water bottle or hydration bladder
    • Daypack with snacks
    • Biking gloves are optional but recommended
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, etc.)
    • Camera and binoculars — optional
    • Daypack for hiking
    • National Parks Pass — if you have one, bring it along

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

  If you’re bringing your own bike, here’s the cycling equipment you’ll need:

  • • Rear blinking red light visible from 300 ft is required on all bicycles
    • Alpine gearing, with a low gear in the range of 30”-36” 
    • Rear pannier rack and rack top bag
    • Frame pump, tire irons, spare tub, patch kit
    • Clipless pedals or toe clips and straps

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• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • The group size for these group cycling tours are usually between 1–8 people with one guide. 
    • It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. 
    • The cost does not decrease as the group grows. 

  Cycling tour of Minnesota lakes can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

   If you’re a solo traveler, you must choose the single booking rate. However, if you’re open to having a roommate assigned to you, and your guide is able to give you one, you will be reimbursed $810 that will be taken away from your final payment.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 21, you’re good to go.
    • Children as young as 14 are able to go on trips with a legal guardian. That said, if you have a young rider strong enough to handle sustained climbs (either riding or walking their bike) of hundreds of feet, and rough terrain, then they may be able to participate on a case-by-case basis. 

  If your group has riders under the age of 21, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Deposits and cancellation policy

  A $500 per person to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 2 month (60 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.

  • • If Client cancels the Booking in writing anytime prior to sixty (60) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund, minus the $200 cancellation fee. 
    • For cancellations thirty (30) to sixty (60) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund of the amount in excess of the initial deposit.
    • For cancellations received less than 30 days prior to the departure date, no refunds will be granted. The same goes for arriving late or leaving the tour prior to the scheduled conclusion.

  Your guiding company reserves the right to cancel any tour for which fewer than 6 people have registered. You will be notified of any such cancellation at least 30 days prior to the departure. In the event of such cancellation, you may transfer to another tour, keep the credit for a future trip, or receive the full refund.

• Getting there and meeting location

  Your cycling tour of Minnesota lakes starts in Duluth, MN. To get there, most people fly into Duluth International Airport, a 10-minute drive from the city. Your guides will pick you up from the airport and drop you off at the end of your adventure.