An upstart operator in an upstart region Tales from the road less travelled
Sara McEwen Founder Humdinger Bicycle Tours www.humdingerbicycletours.ca info@humdingerbicycletours.ca
Where are we going today? Personal cycle touring history Founding of Humdinger Bicycle Tours Why fully guided and supported tours? Route development Challenges and… Opportunities
Personal cycle touring history
Humdinger Bicycle Tours  Our vision is to operate a socially-responsible company that provides premium, fully guided & supported cycling tours in Ontario’s cottage country, while maximizing guest comfort and safety, and minimizing risk. Guests will enjoy a complete holiday experience that includes excellent cycling, friendly & knowledgeable guiding, local history, arts & culture, food & drink, and pleasing accommodations.
Humdinger Bicycle Tours Advanced/Intermediate
Novice
6 Day Signature GeorgianBay Muskoka Tour
3 Day Pedal, Pints & Pubs Haliburton
5 Day Hills of Huntsville & Haliburton Tour
3 Day Pedal, Pints & Pubs Collingwood/Blue Mtns
Up to 120 km/day
25-30 km/day
Road bikes required
Hybrid bikes permitted
What is fully guided and supported?
What is fully guided and supported?
What is fully guided and supported?
What is fully guided and supported?
What is fully guided and supported?
WHY fully guided and supported?
WHY fully guided and supported? Want to be guided and hosted Be welcomed, feel at home, get the insider perspective
Have disposable income but no time to plan Middle-aged to seniors, higher income, professional
Guest wants best routes, not just getting A to B Guest is adventurous and active, but wants a safety net Does not know the area May be nervous about mechanical issues, injuries, fatigue, access to food and water, cell phone coverage, wildlife, etc May not speak the language well
Route development: What makes an excellent cycling destination?
Route development: What’s the process?
Route development: Lots of legwork!
Challenges? Opportunities.
Destination and Activity Popularity
Canada is a popular international destination, still emerging for cycling Ontario an emerging cycling destination Georgian Bay and Muskoka well known within specific groups
Routes
Road conditions Traffic volume Food and drink facilities
Cycling culture
Travel industry regulations
Operating costs
*Destination Canada Global Tourism Watch Report 2017
Thank You! humdingerbicycletours.ca
Questions? Sara McEwen
www.humdingerbicycletours.ca Email: info@humdingerbicycletours.ca Facebook: HumdingerBicycleTours
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