EPIC Northern Tier Bike Tour

Rider Requirements: Must maintain a daily average pace of 12-18 mph.

2027 TOUR DATES: 07/01 – 08/22.

This route takes in the many sights and vistas of the Cascades, Rockies, Appalachian and Adirondack Mountains as we ride from Astoria, OR to Portsmouth, NH. While it will be a challenging ride (it is not all mountain), we will also travel across the Great Plains and around the Great Lakes. What an extraordinary way to see and experience the wonderful country we live in. This EPIC Northern Tier option will include an estimated 3,576 miles over 52 days, taking you through numerous states and a portion of eastern Canada. YOU WILL NEED A VALID PASSPORT!  The average mileage will be in the 75-80 miles/day range (but of course, this is impacted by availability of lodging) and daily elevations will be determined as the route unfolds. We include six rest days and several National Parks in our itinerary.

Travel

Airline service should be scheduled into Portland, Oregon by July 1, 2027 prior to 5 pm for an airport pickup or you may UBER to the recommended airport area hotel.  There will be a 9:00 AM shuttle with all bikes and luggage to Astoria, OR on July 2 to our starting hotel with a 1:00 PM warm-up ride to the Pacific Ocean and back to the starting hotel.

Returning airline service should be scheduled out of Boston-Logan International, MA on August 23 (or later). We offer a 9:30 AM shuttle service to Logan Airport on that same day.

Travel insurance is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED due to our refund policies for this tour. Various insurers are available. We suggest Allianz and AIG

Accommodations

All hotels (no camping).

Special Notes

Due to the length and cost of this tour, we ask that each registrant call the office staff personally and discuss the personal goals you desire to achieve from a tour of this magnitude. Prior to registering, please read the following link to our special tour documents: Cross Country Bike Tour – Waiver and Release/ Safety Procedures

This tour will not be sold in segments, but is planned as a complete cross-country tour to fulfill your bucket list. Half segments will be offered 60 days from departure if space becomes available. Available start/stop halfway point will be Sioux Falls, SD. (Call the office for further details.)

Because of the distance, we suggest that you ride your own bike. Arrangements can be made for pre-shipping, and please ship with the provided specifications of your bicycle.

We do have parts and supplies with us on tour for emergency repairs, but we are not a retail store. It is highly recommended you bring two additional tires, 6-12 tubes, extra spokes, a new chain, and a well-tuned bicycle.

We cannot accommodate tricycles or recumbent bicycles on our EPIC tours. 

Northern Tier Deposit and Invoicing

A non-refundable $500 deposit fee is required at registration. Please make the deposit by credit card when registering.

• We will invoice you usually within 72 hours after your registration.  We offer to break your invoice for this tour into three payments if you are registering 180+ days out. If you would like this option, please let us know.
• Full payment is due 120 days before tour departure. 
• Invoices are to be paid by check. There will be a 3.0% additional fee for credit card use.
• Tour is limited to 12 riders, and a minimum of 9 riders is required 150 days out to guarantee the ride is a "GO".

Northern Tier Refund Policy

Due to extensive long-term planning, special cancellation and refund policies are needed.

• 151+ days before departure: 60% Refund (of full tour price)
• 121-150 days before tour departure: 50% Refund (of full tour price)
• 91-120 days before tour departure: 25% Refund (of full tour price)
• 0-90 days before departure: NO REFUND
• This tour has an additional $250 cancellation fee due to National Park access costs.
• No refunds are possible after the tour begins.
• No refunds will be made for meals, lodging or services paid for but not used.

Northern Tier Cancellation Policy

• All cancellations must be in writing and are effective upon receipt in our office.

Included

• Lodging (see above)
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner (see above)
• Park entry fees
• Ride with GPS mapping; printed guide sheets, if desired
• Minimum of 3 guides
• Mechanic
• Van support
• Luggage transports
• Airport transfers
• Souvenir jersey

Not Included

• Airfare
• Rental bikes
• Alcoholic beverages
• Bike box shipping fee
• Lunch and dinner during off days
• Souvenirs
• A 10% gratuity is not included, but suggested; all gratuities will be divided among all tour support personnel