Frequently asked questions
Why should I choose Sonoma Valley Bike Tours/Sonoma Adventures?
How long does it take to drive from San Francisco?
How can I get to your shop from San Francisco without a car?
What are the best options for biking with kids?
Sonoma has an abundance of quiet country roads that most families find ideal for a biking excursion. It should be noted that these roads are open to traffic (you will be sharing the road with cars) and most of the roads do not have a bike lane, but the roads are generally very lightly trafficked. Read more (and see) what the roads are like here.
How far do we ride on our tour?
On our guided bike tours, you will ride an average of 3 to 5 miles between stops at local wineries for tastings. The terrain is mostly flat to gently rolling. The total mileage is usually in the neighborhood of about 15 miles.
How much should I budget for wine tasting fees?
Average tasting fees in Sonoma Valley are between $15-30. On our Half-Day Sonoma Bike Tour you will visit two wineries. On the Full-Day Sonoma Bike Tour, you will visit three wineries.
Why aren't wine tasting fees included in the price of the tour?
Wine tasting fees are not included in the bike tour price because 1) Tasting is optional (although our tours are wine-focused and most people who sign up for our tours do so with the intent of participating in the tastings) and 2) Your fees may be waived with minimum purchase (fee waiving policies/practices vary by winery).
How many wineries will we visit on our tour?
On the Classic Half-Day Bike Tour you will visit two wineries. On the Full-Day Sonoma Bike Tour, you will visit three wineries.
What is the picnic lunch like with the Full Day Tour?
The catered picnic lunch that is served during the Full-Day Sonoma Valley Bike Tour is prepared by our talented friends at Sonoma’s Best Gourmet Deli and includes a delicious platter of gourmet sandwiches, including a savory chipotle chicken with provolone and mixed greens, a fresh caprese with soft mozerella, tomatoes and pesto and a Italian classic with salami, brie, carmelized onions and thinly sliced pear – all lightly grilled on fresh locally made baguette. Sandwiches are accompanied by fresh fruit and dessert platters as well as assorted seasonable nibbles.
How much should we tip our Tour Guide?
Gratuity is always optional, but the typical range is $10-15 per guest for Half-Day Bike Tours (Half-Day Bike Tour) and $20-30 per guest for the Full-Day Bike Tour.
Can I bring my own bike?
If you have your own bike, we’re happy to act as your “touring center” and provide free maps and advice. Sonoma is an awesome place to start your ride! We do not offer a discount for guests joining a guided tour and bringing their own bike.
What should I wear on the bike tour?
Cool mornings make layering the best choice for most activities in Sonoma Valley. Beyond that, your main focus should be comfort. Casual shorts or cropped pants are recommend. Denim is probably the only fabric we recommend avoiding due to its thick seams. If you plan to wear long pants, tapered legs are advisable, or you may need to roll or cinch your right pant leg to avoid getting a nasty grease stain or getting caught on the derailleur (we have Velcro straps you can borrow, if needed). We recommend wearing closed-toe shoes or sandals that are securely strapped on your feet.
Can I bring my children or pets?
Our guided tours are adult-oriented and wine-focused and we may ride on roads that are not appropriate for younger riders. For these reasons, young children are not allowed on our guided bike tours. If your family is mostly over the age of 21 with one or two Adult Children and you'd like to participate in a tour, please call our office to dicuss details. We have two options. One, you book a private tour for your family - yes it is more expensive but allows you and your family to enjoy a completely customizable experience that will keep everyone entertained. Two, call us and discuss brining your Adult Child on a tour, what it entails and what to expect.
What happens if it's raining?
On days when rain is forecast, we do require guests to report to the shop at the designated “Meet Time” for their scheduled tour. On days with light/intermittent rain, we can provide rain jackets to keep you dry and comfortable. In the unlikely event of heavy rain and Sonoma Valley Bike Tours determines that it is too heavy to ride in, we may offer to convert you to a chauffeured van tour instead and your Tour Guide will go out of her/his way to visit some special wineries that we wouldn’t have been able to visit by bike. We also offer the opportunity to reschedule or cancel for a full refund on rainy days.
BIKE RENTALS: Should I bring my cycling shoes?
It depends on your objectives. By all means, if you’re planning to get a good long workout ride in definitely pack your shoes and let us know what type of pedal system you use so we can equip your bike with the appropriate pedals. However, if you’re planning to visit wineries by bike, cycling shoes with cleats can be awkward and uncomfortable for walking around at the wineries. Also consider the other people you’ll be riding with; you may not need to clip in if you’re riding with less experienced riders.
