What are your policies?

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

• A signed release form is required.

• 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 10 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?

The pedal assist e-bikes contribute about half the power and you provide half. So each rider needs to be fit enough to ride a regular bike about 8 miles on mostly flat terrain.

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

Of the two tours, the morning tour is the best choice for less experienced riders. Traffic is lighter and more frequent stops are made.

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, sunscreen, sunglasses, and probably a phone for photos. You can bring your own water bottle, but strongly recommend a squeeze type. If you don’t have a bike water bottle, one is provided. For the afternoon tour, definitely bring a credit card or some cash.

Can I bring my own e-bike?

Yes, as long as you do not exceed the guide’s speed. Some e-bikes with a throttle are illegal on bike paths, but it should not be an issue if you are following the guide’s instructions.

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 tours 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.