Outfitter Bicycle Tours
Family owned since 1996, this company is known to specialize in tours to Provence, Alps, Burgundy, the Dordogne, Pyrenees, and Tuscany (in reference to Europe). New tours also include Napa/Sonoma as well as the Asheville, NC area. From difficult climbing adventures in the Alps to casual riding through beautiful countrysides such as Provence, offered cycling vacations satisfy ANY cyclist. Whether self guided or guided, the rider is in control with the ultimate flexibility and service as the staff motto is, "You are not on our schedule; we are on yours." Self guided tours can be scheduled according to the riders preferred dates while guided tours are small (limited to 15 guests) and personal.
- Operator Type:
Full-Service Operator, Regional Operator - Website:
http://outfittertours.com/ - Price Tier:
$$$ - Avg Price Per Day:
$374 - Services:
Guided, SAG Van, Self-Guided - Country:
France, Italy, United States
28 Reviews
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I was a member of Outfitters Tour de France tour the summer of 2022. It far exceeded my expectations ! Jamie and the French guides Bruno and Stephane went out of their way to ensure our experience was the best possible. The accommodations, the food, and the bicycles we used, were excellent. We literally had to do nothing but ride, eat and enjoy the race for 10 days. I highly recommend this company if you are considering following the tour in 2023 !
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All class! These guys take care of you – excellent hotels and well supported rides through beautiful mountain scapes! The French tours guides had a lot of patience and made everyone feel safe to enjoy the adventure. Seeing all the different aspects of the Tour De France was a trip of a lifetime!
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I have taken nine tours with Outfitter since 2004. Five were self-guided. I have never been disappointed. Support and accommodations were very good.
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We had a super tour through Provence that included summiting Mount Ventoux. My husband wanted a Tour de France ride and Jamie delivered. Nicholas, our guide, was always available and definitely came through when I broke the cleat on my shoe and needed a rescue. He had someone nearby arrive with several shoe options and new pedals. We were on our way and were able to complete the ride that day!
The level of riding met our requests and optional add on loops were provided to add to our experience. The accommodation and food were beyond our expectations. Having never booked anything like this before we sometimes felt out of our league but everyone and everyplace was welcoming and lovely to stay at. Even though this was a “Relaxed Wine and Dine Ride” we came to ride and were very happy with the routes and destinations. The amazing meals just added to our tour! The countryside was serene and beautiful and we enjoyed the self guided tour option, as we could explore and ride at our own pace.
We would definitely book with Jamie and Outfitter Bicycle Tours again and hope to try the Alps out in the future! -
We had a great tour around Provence France. The tour was organised for just the two of us and was well planned and organised. Occasionally, we had to challenge the GPS, but that’s just part of using any GPS. We were able to visit places we would not have discovered by ourselves. The accommodation was excellent in in some cases unique. Nicolas, our local support was excellent – always cheerful and willing to help when ever possible.
The rides were at the right level of difficulty for fit older riders and permitted us to enjoy the ride but still remind the legs to work.
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Our group of 16 women from Green Bay, WI used Outfitter Bicycle Tours for our bike tour of Florence/Tuscany, Italy. Jamie/Outfitters was very responsive to all of our questions prior to committing to the tour, after we signed up for the tour, and during our tour. Very organized and prompt in informing us of the ride details. The accommodations were more beautiful than I imagined; the breakfast and evening meals included in the tour were excellent. The bike routes were stunning in their beauty. We were on a self-guided tour and the maps/routes were easily followed and provided to us on a GPS; the van was prompt everyday in loading up and delivering to the next location; the bicycles provided were excellents and bicycles adjustments were easily made. During the tour we asked for a modification to one of our daily routes and was happily provided the modification in a timely manner.
Do not hestitate to use the Jamie/Outfitters – you will not be sorry.
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Outfitter Bicycle Tours (OBT) continues to exceed our expectations. In the past, we have been on two guided tours. This year we went on a self-guided tour in Provence, which was immediately followed by the Tour de France group tour. Both were fantastic tours in every respect (e.g., hotels, meals, support, bike maintenance). OBT provides excellent customer service – paying attention to even the smallest details. We enjoy their tours so much, we have already booked another self-guided tour for next year.
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My husband and I went on the “relaxed” Dordogne tour. It was everything we hoped it would be and more. Our accommodations were fantastic as were the meals supplied as part of the tour. We also enjoyed wonderful help from our “guide” who was able to fix a broken chain while we toured some ancient caves. Jamie was also great at getting back to us quickly to finalise details of the trip. I would definitely recommend Outfitter to anyone interested in a well planned, individualised cycle tour with just the right amount of navigational challenge.
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We recently took the Outfitter tour of the Dordogne region in France. It’s a lovely place, and the tour was very well organized. Our tour was one where we were provided with lodging, breakfasts, route advice, lots of great dinners, and a terrific local support guy. We could call him whenever we needed to; he met us, gave us thorough overviews of upcoming routes and attractions, and made sure our luggage made it to our lodging as we moved along. He was even a bike mechanic at one time. He is great. He had moved to the area because he loved it so much – was British – so we had no language barrier, but had someone who knows the route very well, and maybe appreciates it even more than those who have always lived there. The route is very attractive – lots of country roads, little traffic, and French drivers who really do like cyclists in a way it’s hard to imagine in the US. We rode along rivers, along ridges with spectacular valley views, through charming towns, just about every sort of riding, other than challenging climbs, that you can imagine. We knew very little about the region before we went. We are not particularly interested in wine, or in foie gras, actually, but we had no trouble finding more activities and better meals than we had time for. The extensive evidence of pre-historic human activity is impressive, and the varied ways different places display it is intriguing- very easy to spend lots of time exploring. The birds and wildlife are great. And although we did not need any particular daytime support, knowing we always had someone who could do anything from bike repair to translation for us should the need arise made it easy to relax and enjoy the rides. Outfitter Tours is very well organized, very attentive to detail, and very careful to pay close attention to a customer’s needs and interests while setting up the tour. I strongly recommend this company!
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We researched almost countless tour operators for weeks before settling on Outfitter. Its more laid-back approach that seemed to put the clients’ needs at the forefront appealed to us. Also, they promised flexibility in touring and a pace to suit whatever cycling level. The suggested tours seemed imaginative with a mix of off-the-beaten-track adventures to complement obvious not-to-be-missed sites. We were not disappointed. In fact, we were absolutely delighted! Our eight-day, self-guided Tuscany tour was one our most memorable holidays ever. While self-guided, we benefited daily from the sage advice of Outfitter’s local representative who met us every morning to pick up our luggage and review that day’s suggested itinerary. His extensive local knowledge allowed him to make suggestions for small detours for restaurants or other places worth a look. His advice was invaluable and made our tour that much more enjoyable. And considering the quality of accommodations and accompanying dinners, the tour offered great value for money spent.
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Starting in 2004 I have taken many tours in France and Italy with Outfitter, both self-guided and more organized. Routes were well chosen. Their level of support is just right. Accommodations are first rate. Highly recommended!
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We utilized Outfitter Bicycle tours for a six-night, self-guided bicycle tour in Tuscany in the summer of 2017. Overall the experience was excellent. Materials provided by Outfitter in advance were comprehensive and very useful in helping my daughter (16 yrs) and me prepare ourselves. The accommodations exceeded our expectation considerably, and the support provided in Italy by Bruno was perfect. Equipment provided by Outfitter included Garmin navigation which worked flawlessly. The itinerary consisted of many must-see sites, and the roads from place to place were easily managed for cyclists who are used to riding on the roads with a some car traffic (even Italian roads and drivers). Indeed the experience was one of stunning Tuscan landscapes and small towns – one after another. One caution – make sure you know “exactly” what bicycle you will be renting if you do not bring your own. I had a great road-bike, but the “hybrid” requested for my daughter was not entirely appropriate for long climbs and long days. That said, modifications were made to the bike “on the fly” by Outfitter partners in Italy and those modifications make a difference. Long story short, I would use Outfitter again and would recommend it as an outstanding option for experienced cyclists looking for premium accommodations and great service in Italy.
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We had a memorable experience with Outfitter Bicycle Tours. They arranged a customized self-guided tour for us (a party of two) based in Asheville, N.C., that allowed us to discover the natural wonders of the area at our own pace for four days. The Gilpins are a very warm, friendly and attentive couple; they took care of every detail and made us feel welcomed. I would highly recommend their tours without hesitation.
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WOW! WHAT AN INCREDIBLE ADVENTURE!!! Jamie and Joy Gilpin – along with their staff members – created one of the most memorable bike adventures we’ve ever experienced. My husband and I have had the very good fortune of biking all over the world, which should underscore how well planned and organized Outfitter Bicycle Tours is! Every detail was considered, from the exceptional accommodations at every turn….to the expert mechanical experience….to the enormous amount of fun and laughs we had with all who joined us. In fact, we are already planning our next bike tour with Jamie and Joy…We can’t wait! HIGHLY recommend Outfitter Bicycle Tours!!
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Hi every one, this last spring my son and I made an espectacular four day tour in Ashville area. The clim to the top pf mount Eloise was amaising and the surrandings. The Gipin’s couple are lovely for each detaill
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We used Outfitter for a bike trip in France and could not have been happier. They selected great routes for us and the self-guided option allowed our group to ride at least two different routes each day. They picked charming hotels with great food! The rental bikes were first rate and geared for the mountains! It was a great trip we will never forget.
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I just finished a tour through the wine county in California ending with the Gran Fondo race . Great time and Great People! Highly recommend.
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There are so many companies from which to choose. How o decide? At the last minute, we chose Outfitters. It was a great decision. The logistics showed their experience and attention to detail. The hotels and bed and breakfast accommodations were great. The guide, Arthur, was great. If you decide to go with Outfitters, you won’t be disappointed.
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My wife and I did a self-guided trip with another couple in the Alps last summer. Jamie did a great job with the arrangements (despite the fact that it took us a while to finalize arrangements on our end) and our guide, Lars, was fantastic. One of our group participated in an ultra-cycling event while we were there and this was seamlessly incorporated into our itinerary, Lars provided outstanding support, and we all got plenty of riding in. We would definitely do another trip with Outfitter Tours.
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I signed up for an Asheville, NC tour with my brother through Outfitter Bicycle Tours. It was an outstanding experience. I instantly liked Jamie when I met him. He is cool, relaxed guy, but also organized and concerned about making sure your trip is everything you imagined it to be. Our rides were customized to our ability level and how much time we wanted to be in the saddle each day. The bed and breakfasts met and exceeded my expectations with gourmet breakfasts, neat well decorated rooms, and lovely hosts. We had a self guided tour, but Jamie was physically close to us every day in case we needed him, and I always knew if something unexpected happened he would be there to take charge. I strongly recommend this bicycle tour company and I hope to take another tour with them soon overseas.
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My sister and I did the self guided Asheville tour. We were looking for a US destination because we only had a week off of work. If you are looking for scenery Asheville has it. Jamie (the owner of Outfitter) asked what mileage we wanted to do before the tour, did we want to ride along the river or in the mountains, or both. Then he made custom routes for us. I think that is what sets this company apart from the rest. Not to mention, taking us back a forth to the airport or driving us to Biltmore estate. The B&B’s that we stayed in were fantastic as well. I have only done the Asheville tour but would rebook with Outfitter.
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In September 2013, Jamie put together the most amazing customized self-guided tour for me and my riding partner. We were looking for something fairly advanced with a lot of climbing, but within a day’s train ride from Nice. We were having trouble finding a self-guided tour that would allow us to ride some famous Tour de France routes, do some serious climbing, big miles and cover a fair amount of territory in 5 days. Jamie custom built a 5 day tour of Provence that was mind-blowing! We saw medieval villages, lavender fields (and lavender oil production), Gorges, climbed Ventoux, visited amazing towns like Gordes, Sault, and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue! We stayed and incredible hotels and ate like kings! The maps and GPS routes that Jamie put together were spot on and the support from Arthur was incredible! He helped fit us to our bikes, made sure we had everything we needed, and even joined us on a ride, which helped get us into see a few things we wouldn’t have been able to without him!
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I have toured in the Alps, the Pyrenees, Tuscany, Provence, and the Dordogne region with Outfitter Tours. Good organization, good support, good hotels. Highly recommended!
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Excellent customer service; friendly and professional staff; accommodates every need. Even though my husband and I ended up being the only guests, they continued with the tour. My husband had a personal guide on the bike, and I, the non-riding spouse had a personal guide as well. If we plan another bike tour, we would definitely use them, and we recommend them to all our riding friends.
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In September, my sister, my girlfriend and I toured the region around Dijon and Beaune, Burgundy, France with Outfitter Tours. Very easy riding on good roads and some bike paths. The accommodations were first rate. We were there at the time of the grape harvest, which added to the interest and enjoyment. Recommended.
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My husband and I ride a tandem road bike, and we have been on two fully supported bike tours with Outfitter Bicycle Tours (one in Northern California and one in Asheville, North Carolina). OBT’s service was superb, and they exceeded all of our expectations during each tour. For example, they provided excellent bike routes each day, put us up in very nice hotels every night, included dinners at great restaurants, and provided details of the area for evenings when we were on our own for dinner. They also included other activities for our enjoyment (i.e., watching a cyclocross race). On each day of riding, the support van was readily available along the route to ensure we had everything we needed (i.e., additional water and food) and carried extra clothing/accessories that we thought we may want to have, but didn’t want to carry on our bike. OBT’s owner and operator is very personable and accommodating to client’s needs and will do anything possible to make your vacation as good as it possibly can be.
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My dad and I had a great trip to Asheville on a self guided tour where Jamie and his staff we’re excellent. They were super flexible with what we wanted to do and we just had to show up and ride. Would definitely go on another tour with them and highly recommend to others.
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I always had an idea that I wanted to go see the Tour de France once in my life. Well, I have now gone on three TdF trips with outfitter bicycle tours as the experience was that good. Jamie and Joy’s low key, friendly and flexible approach made riding in the Alps an amazing experience. They did a great job of helping me determine what would maximize my experience. If I wanted an easier day, they had a suggestion to make that happen. If I wanted to try a different climb than the “recommended” route, they were able to help me make that happen. Support was great and they were there when we really needed help when we got caught in bad weather. Accommodations can be a bit tricky in the Alps during the tour, but we always stayed in lovely places that had good to great food. Overall, one of the best values you gan get for your cycling tour dollars.
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