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Bike Tour Blueprints

An Exciting New Approach to Self-Guided Bike Touring

We love helping riders get outside and explore new trails. We cherish opportunities to give new perspectives to a self-guided biker who has ridden a trail many times. Over the years we’ve taken thousands of riders on some of America’s finest and most popular bike trail systems.

Over the past year we’ve developed something new – a digital, low-cost itinerary service that utilizes our bank of touring knowledge but ultimately allows you to construct the best tour for you. Bike Tour Blueprints allows the self-guided bike tour lover to really do it on your own! Well, mostly.

It’s an incredible and “noble” new product. Call it a “low-cost, take our brain, take our years of guiding these trails, put it in your pocket and make the adventure YOURS” itinerary. If you’ve ever been part of building, you know how “blueprints” work. They are essentially step-by-step guides full of information that contractors need for a successful outcome. The architect is super important. If he or she misses anything, the plan falls apart. Luckily, as bike touring goes, you’ve got the very best architect. (That’s us!)

We know you’ll love this new self-guided bike tour option. It’s important to remember this isn’t replacing our more traditional tours. Blueprints are a different product altogether. If you have any questions, please contact us: info@nibiketouring.com.

What is a Blueprint?

what is a bike tour blueprint
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Who's it for?

If any of the following sound like you, then a Bike Tour Blueprint may be perfect for you!

  • I like Digital Guidebooks.
  • Planning and Scheduling is Fun!
  • Research is Part of the Adventure Experience!
  • I Take the Reins on My Vacations.
  • I’m On a Budget.

How It Works

Our Bike Tour Blueprints are your insider’s guide to the trail. Purchase your blueprint and you will receive online access for 1 year to your digital trip guide. This product is provided entirely online for easy access and nothing is mailed to you.

All blueprints include the following:

  • In-depth trail guide including essential trail knowledge such as the best time of year to ride; wifi and cell coverage; trail conditions and detours; where to park; and other necessary trip logistics.
  • Detailed Trip Itineraries for a range of riding abilities, where to stay and eat each day, and trail histories.
  • How to reserve your own trip with our recommended accommodations, transportation contacts, and off-trail activities.
  • Members-only access to training tips, nutritional guides, and more!
  • Option to purchase 1-hour trip planning consultation and/or custom digital mapping

What is a Bike Tour Blueprint?

what is a bike tour blueprint
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You also will receive access for the duration of your bike tour to:

  • Digital route maps via Ride with GPS, also downloadable to Garmin and other formats.
  • Voice Navigation and offline maps in mobile app.
  • Points of interest, water and bathroom stops, restaurants, and lodging.
  • Tour Experience digital guide for your chosen itinerary with day-by-day instructions, dining guide, and emergency contacts.

Available Bike Tour Blueprints

Empire State Trail

The new 750-mile Empire State Trail is an epic bike touring route that crisscrosses New York State. Explore rural upstate New York, historic Hudson Valley, farm communities up to the Canadian border, and ride directly into Manhattan – all on one trail system!

We’re excited to offer one of the first comprehensive resources for exploring this incredible trail system. This blueprint will include the Erie Canalway, Hudson Valley Greenway, and Champlain Valley Trails.

Difficulty

Medium to Hard

Durations:

5 to 14 days

Blueprint Price:

$90

Mileage

750 miles

Erie Canal scene

Erie Canalway Trail

The 350-mile Erie Canalway Trail offers a glimpse of 19th century New York State as you follow the historic route of the Erie Canal. Ride from Buffalo to Albany along bike paths and secondary roads crossing farmlands and historic towns of upstate NY.

Difficulty

Medium

Durations:

5, 6, and 9 days

Blueprint Price:

$75

Mileage

365 miles

Loudoun County's Historic Roads

Loudoun County, Virginia, is home to almost 300 miles of pristine gravel roads – just waiting for you! Spend a few days biking these historic roads, soaking up the amazing scenery of northern Virginia and the Blue Ridge, and enjoying the local food and brewery/winery scene.

Difficulty

Medium to Hard

Durations:

2-3 Days

Blueprint Price:

$50

Mileage

15-80 miles

Great Allegheny Passage

The Great Allegheny Passage stretches for nearly 150 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Cumberland, Maryland taking you on a scenic journey through the Appalachian Mountains.

Difficulty

Easy to Medium

Durations:

4, 5, and 6 days

 

Blueprint Price:

$75

Mileage

150 miles

MM0 C&O feature5

C&O Canal Towpath​

Made a National Historic Park in 1971, this 180 plus mile trail has brought visitors from all around the world to ride it. Using our extensive experience and knowledge, this Bike Tour Blueprint will set any self-guided biker up for success. 

Difficulty

Medium

Durations:

5 days

 

Blueprint Price:

$75

Mileage

185 miles

Clinton feature5

Katy Trail

From quaint towns to dramatic landscapes, the Katy Trail has beckoned visitors for decades. After guiding hundreds of people on its’ beautiful trail system, we’ve created a Bike Tour Blueprint perfect for anyone looking ride it. 

Difficulty

Medium

Durations:

5, 6 and 7 days

 

Blueprint Price:

$75

Mileage

238 miles

GAPCO feature9

Great Allegheny Passage / C&O Towpath – Blueprints

The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) and C&O Canal Towpath combine to create one of the most unforgettable bike trails in the world. For 335 miles you’ll ride car-free through forests, farmlands, historic towns, and transportation history.

Difficulty

Medium

Durations:

5, 7, 8, 9, and 10 Days

 

Blueprint Price:

$90

Mileage

335 Miles