What are your policies?

• Minimum rider height is 5’1”. The e-bikes can be adjusted to fit riders between 5’1” and 6’3”. The maximum rider weight is 260 lbs.

• A signed release form is required.

• Minimum age is 16. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

• 100% refundable if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. No shows and cancelations less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.

• Minimum number of riders per tour is 2. If you are a solo rider and nobody else joins, you can either reschedule to a confirmed tour or get a full refund. Maximum number of riders is 8. If you have a larger group, contact us.

• While rare, the guide has full discretion to not allow a rider to continue the tour. This is mostly, but not limited to, safety concerns. For riders not able to complete the tour, no refunds will be given.

• Helmets are provided and required. No flip flop style sandals are allowed. Use of phones while riding is strictly prohibited.

• Please show up to your tour 15 minutes early to help ensure setting out on time. There are options nearby to hang out if you arrive more than 30 minutes early.

How good of a bike rider do I need to be?

You need to be fit enough to ride a regular bike about 9 miles on mostly flat terrain to join the Old Milwaukee Tour and about 5 miles for the Milwaukee Smörgåsbord Tour. The e-bikes do not have a throttle, they are pedal assist, which means you must pedal. Both tours make frequent stops.

You need to be comfortable riding in a street with moderate traffic. The route tries to utilize bike paths, bike lanes, and quiet streets, but you will encounter automotive traffic and some potholes. There are also fellow bikers and pedestrians to be mindful of.

What if it rains?

If the forecast calls for rain and you are concerned, just reschedule or cancel your tour at least 24 hours in advance. If you don’t reschedule or cancel at least 24 hours in advance, then whether or not to ride will be the guide’s decision. We generally ride if there are occasional light showers in the forecast. If the guide cancels the tour for weather reasons, a full refund will be issued.

Is there parking? A bathroom? A coffee place nearby? A nice nearby place to hang out if I arrive early?

Yes. See our Location information.

Can I use your parking lot more than 30 minutes before or after the tour?

No.

What should I bring?

As little as possible while having the essentials: solid footwear, an outfit appropriate for riding and the weather, a water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, and probably a phone for photos. For the Milwaukee Smörgåsbord Tour, definitely bring a credit card and some cash. For the Old Milwaukee Tour, packing a small, easy to eat snack can be useful.

Can I bring my own e-bike?

Yes, as long as you do not exceed the guide’s speed. Many e-bikes are illegal on bike paths, but it should not be an issue if you are following the guide’s instructions. Contact us for a small discount promo code.

Is it a good activity for Milwaukee locals?

Yes! John Gurda, Milwaukee’s best known historian, has a big local following from his articles in the Journal, show on PBS, and guided history tour. We designed our Old Milwaukee Tour as how we imagined his history tour would look if he swapped out his tour bus for bikes.

Also, we have a program for returning Milwaukee residents to ride for free if they bring at least two paying guests. It’s a fun activity to do with visitors. Ask your guide after your first paid tour for details.

Are there vegetarian and vegan options on the Milwaukee Smörgåsbord Tour?

Yes. You’ll have less options, but probably enough choices to satisfy.

Are there things to do on the Milwaukee Smörgåsbord Tour for somebody who isn’t going to eat very much?

Yes. There are about a dozen stops along the way and the food stops have points of interest nearby or are interesting in their own right. The Public Market is fun to stroll around, Cathedral Square is the oldest park in Milwaukee, the lakefront is super fun to cruise along, Bradford beach is lovely, and the Calatrava is iconic. For a more relaxed pace tour, the Milwaukee Smörgåsbord Tour is a good choice even if food isn’t a focus.