Question 1

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

We are located at the Historic John Paul Jones House, 43 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH. 603-380-6524.

Question 2

What can I expect during a typical bike tour with PortCityBikeTours, and how should I prepare for the experience?

Accepted Answer

A typical bike tour with PortCityBikeTours offers an engaging and scenic ride through the historic and vibrant areas surrounding 43 Middle Street at the John Paul Jones House. Operating from April to October, each tour lasts approximately two to three hours, covering well-maintained routes suitable for riders of varying skill levels.

Guests will enjoy knowledgeable guides who provide insightful commentary on local landmarks, history, and culture while ensuring a safe and comfortable ride. To prepare, participants should wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes, bring a water bottle for hydration, and apply sunscreen.

All necessary equipment, including quality bicycles and helmets, is provided by PortCityBikeTours. Whether you are a casual rider or an experienced cyclist, our tours offer a balanced combination of light exercise, education, and enjoyment tailored to provide a memorable experience.

Question 3

Do You Offer Bike Tour Trip Protection for Your Daily Bike Tours?

Accepted Answer

We now offer trip bike tour protection for our guests. Purchasing trip protection allows you to cancel or reschedule your public bike tour at any time for any reason up to 48 hours prior to before trip departure. You will be reimbursed the full amount of each ticket, less the credit card fee and the cost of trip protection.

Question 4

I have a young/small child, can they come too?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! For children, we offer tag-a-long bikes and toddler seats that easily attach to the parent/guardian’s bicycle. If renting a tag-a-long or child seat, they must be able to safely ride while you, navigate streets, and traffic and ride for 2 hours. Check out our stock here to learn more. Due to limited children's equipment, we suggest you call us to reserve it in advance. Toddlers must be 2 years and older and up to 40 pounds.

We request that if this is a public tour, the child and parent have had experience riding. A frame-mounted rear bike seat will be securely and safely attached to the adult bicycle when you arrive.  If you are unsure about being able to ride for 15-20 minutes at a time, please select our private bike tour that has a go-with-the-flow.

The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute urges parents to take care when dismounting the adult bicycle.   
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Question 5

Should I tip my tour guide?

Accepted Answer

Yes, tipping your tour guide is customary and a thoughtful way to show your gratitude for a great service. This gratuity goes directly to your tour guide as a recognition of their hard work and dedication to ensuring you have an enjoyable and memorable experience. If you feel that your guide went above and beyond or provided exceptional service, additional tipping is always appreciated. It's a great way to express your appreciation for their efforts and dedication to making your tour a fantastic experience. 
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Question 6

Will I have to sign a waiver when I attend PortCity Bike Tours?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all guests must sign a waiver and release form.

Question 7

What is PortCity Bike Tours' commitment to safety?

Accepted Answer

All of PortCity Bike Tours bikes are top of the line, well maintained, expertly fitted, and safe. We provide each rider with a helmet as well. Moreover, PortCity Bike Tours is a fully insured company. Your safety and comfort are of the utmost importance to us. Be sure to arrive 30 minutes prior to departure time in order to have your bike and helmet fitted by one of our experienced tour guides. All bikes and helmets are fully outfitted with reflectors and reflective strips. Lights are available for those who will be riding at night in the Fall.
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Question 8

What is the cancellation and reschedule policy?

Accepted Answer

Refund & Rescheduling Policy. ​Cancellation of the tour (by our guests) —

• We offer a full refund for cancellations made more than 72 hours before the event. You may reschedule for a $20 fee per (rider) ticket based on availability.
 •  If you book within 48 hours, no cancellations and no refunds. Tours must be rescheduled in person by phone, not text or email.
 • Rescheduling requests are subject to availability and are processed at the sole discretion of the employee making the transaction. 
 • Reservations may only be rescheduled once. Tours must be rescheduled in person by phone, not text or email.
 • Failure to arrive 30 minutes before your tour departure time may result in your space being given away. You will not receive a refund or credit for your tour.
 • Late arrivals will not be able to catch up to the tour. Our seats are limited for a one-on-one experience. When we receive a cancellation close to the actual tour date, we won't be able to re-book that canceled space for another guest. 
 • We now offer trip bike tour protection for a small fee per guest. Purchasing trip protection allows you to cancel or reschedule your public bike tour for any reason up to 48 hours before trip departure.
 • Failure to arrive 30 minutes before your tour departure time may result in your space being given away. You will not receive a refund or credit for your tour.
 • Late arrivals will not be able to catch up to the tour.
 • Our seats are limited for a one-on-one experience.

Inclement Weather Policy
Our tours run rain or shine, except in the case of extreme weather conditions such as lightning, hail, torrential rain, etc. We will have rain ponchos just in case. In some circumstances, tours may be canceled up to an hour before the event's start time. The decision to cancel the tour is up to the sole discretion of PortCity Bike Tours. If we do cancel the tour or event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or we'll refund the ticket.
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Private and Group Tours 
 • Groups must pay in full to reserve a group tour. Tour times are limited.
 • Payments are fully refundable if canceled more than 28 days in advance. After this, you will only receive a 50% refund if you cancel.
 • Cancellations within 14 days of the tour, are non-refundable.  Seats and times are limited.
 • If inclement weather is forecasted for the day of the ride (inclement weather is defined as the forecasted certainty of sustained, soaking rain and/or high-speed winds…NOT scattered, passing, or intermittent showers) you will be given the option of rescheduling or moving the tour to a later time or the opportunity to ride on another available date. If we cancel the tour, you will receive a full refund.
 • Amendments to group number can be made at any point up to 72 hours before the tour, there will be no refund for a reduction in the number of guests.
 
Inclement Weather Policy
 • Our tours run rain or shine, except in the case of extreme weather conditions such as lightning, hail, torrential rain, etc. We will have rain ponchos just in case. 
 • In some circumstances, tours may be canceled up to an hour before the event's start time.
 • The decision to cancel the tour is up to the sole discretion of PortCity Bike Tours.
 • If we do cancel the tour or event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or we'll refund the ticket.

Other Conditions
All participants must be confident bike riders and be able to follow guide instructions while on tour. We reserve the right to cancel any participant who cannot ride a bike with basic confidence as determined by PortCity Bike Tours staff. In this case, refunds will not be given for those who cannot ride a bike safely. Participants agree to obey New Hampshire traffic laws and be able to follow the safety instructions given by the guide. You agree that any injury experienced on any PortCity Bike Tours tour or activity is completely at the responsibility of the participant and is not the responsibility of PortCity Bike Tours. PortCity Bike Tours is not responsible for the loss or damage of personal belongings & it is completely up to the participant to be responsible of all personal property. Any consumption of alcohol during any PortCity Bike Tour or activity is completely at the choice & responsibility of the participant. PortCity Bike Tours reserves the right to cancel any tour or activity due to unsafe conditions or unknown events that make the bike tour impossible to safely complete.

Question 9

I have children. What is the best tour for kids?

Accepted Answer

At PortCity Bike Tours, we understand the needs of families with children. Our private tour is the best option for families looking to go with the flow and have a flexible experience. During our private tours, our experienced guides can tailor the tour to accommodate your family's preferences, including stops for ice cream, skipping rocks in the river, or visiting the around-the-world museum. This ensures that your children have a fun and interactive experience while exploring the city on bikes. Our private tour allows for a more relaxed pace and personalized experience, making it the ideal choice for families with children who can ride on their own.

Our options are 20 and 24-inch bicycles, tag-a-long, and a child seat.

For families with kids that cycle, we recommend the Nature Adventure Gravel Bike Tour (7+ miles) or the Historic Neighborhoods Bike Tour (6-8 miles), both tours are ideal for children over 8 years old and provide a safe and enjoyable experience for families to explore the natural beauty or the neighborhoods in the area. Children who can fit on a 20 and 24-inch bicycle must know how to ride and take orders from a guide.

Question 10

What is the Private and Group Tour Cancellation Policy?

Accepted Answer

Tour & Rental Rescheduling Policy

Cancellation of the tour (by our guests) — If for any reason any of our guests need to cancel a booked tour, we will follow these simple guidelines:
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 • Within 14 days of your reserved tour, tickets are NON-REFUNDABLE. You may reschedule for a $20 fee per (rider) ticket based on availability. 
 • We cannot refund cancellations made within, 14 days of a tour because your space must be reserved. Our tours are small and likely to be sold out. 
 • Guests may receive a 50% refund if they cancel between 14 and 30 days before the tour. 
 • Rescheduling requests are subject to availability and are processed at the sole discretion of the employee making the transaction. 
 • Reservations may only be rescheduled once. Tours must be rescheduled in person by phone, not text or email.
 • Failure to arrive 30 minutes before your tour departure time may result in your space being given away. You will not receive a refund or credit for your tour.
 • Late arrivals will not be able to catch up to the tour. Our seats are limited for a one-on-one experience. When we receive a cancellation close to the actual tour date, we won't be able to re-book that canceled space for another guest. 
 • We now offer trip bike tour protection for a small fee per guest. Purchasing trip protection allows you to cancel or reschedule your public bike tour for any reason up to 48 hours before trip departure.

Private and Group Tours Cancellation, Reschedule and Refund Policies:

• Groups must pay in full to reserve a group tour. Tour times are limited.
 • Payments are fully refundable if canceled more than 28 days in advance. 
 • Cancellations within 14 days of the tour, are non-refundable. Our tour times and days are limited.
 • If inclement weather is forecasted for the day of the ride (inclement weather is defined as the forecasted certainty of sustained, soaking rain and/or high-speed winds…NOT scattered, passing, or intermittent showers) you will be given the option of rescheduling or moving the tour to a later time or the opportunity to ride on another available date. If we cancel the tour, you will receive a full refund.
 • Amendments to group number can be made at any point up to 72 hours before the tour, there will be no refund for a reduction in the number of guests.
 
Inclement Weather Policy
Our tours run rain or shine, except in the case of extreme weather conditions such as lightning, hail, torrential rain, etc. We will have rain ponchos just in case. 
In some circumstances, tours may be canceled up to an hour before the event's start time.
The decision to cancel the tour is up to the sole discretion of PortCity Bike Tours.
If we do cancel the tour or event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or we'll refund the ticket.

Other Conditions
All participants must be confident bike riders and be able to follow guide instructions while on tour. We reserve the right to cancel any participant who cannot ride a bike with basic confidence as determined by PortCity Bike Tours staff. In this case, refunds will not be given for those who cannot ride a bike safely. Participants agree to obey New Hampshire traffic laws and be able to follow the safety instructions given by the guide. You agree that any injury experienced on any PortCity Bike Tours tour or activity is completely at the responsibility of the participant and is not the responsibility of PortCity Bike Tours. PortCity Bike Tours is not responsible for the loss or damage of personal belongings & it is completely up to the participant to be responsible of all personal property. Any consumption of alcohol during any PortCity Bike Tour or activity is completely at the choice & responsibility of the participant. PortCity Bike Tours reserves the right to cancel any tour or activity due to unsafe conditions or unknown events that make the bike tour impossible to safely complete.

Question 11

What about any other types of cancellations that may come up?

Accepted Answer

All participants must be confident bike riders and be able to follow guide instructions while on tour. We reserve the right to cancel any participant who cannot ride a bike with basic confidence as determined by PortCity Bike Tours staff. In this case, refunds will not be given for those who cannot ride a bike safely. Participants agree to obey New Hampshire traffic laws and be able to follow the safety instructions given by the guide. You agree that any injury experienced on any PortCity Bike Tours tour or activity is completely at the participant's responsibility and is not the responsibility of PortCity Bike Tours. PortCity Bike Tours is not responsible for the loss or damage of personal belongings & it is completely up to the participant to be responsible of all personal property. Any alcohol consumption during any PortCity Bike Tour or activity is completely at the choice & responsibility of the participant. PortCity Bike Tours reserves the right to cancel any tour or activity due to unsafe conditions or unknown events which make the bike tour impossible to safely complete.

Question 12

We are a big group. Do you offer group discounts?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! If you have a group of more than 8 people, please send us an e-mail at hello@portcitybiketours.com (hello@portcitybiketours.com)or call 603-380-6524, and we will arrange it.

Question 13

Are there bathroom breaks or a place to use the restroom?

Accepted Answer

We do have a bathroom in our shop. There is a stop on the way.

Question 14

How are the seats?

Accepted Answer

The seats are made and provided by Jamis Citizen and are the best cushioned seats around! The seats are about 6 inches wide and 8 inches long.

Question 15

I am worried about riding on main roads and busy streets. What do you do as a precaution?

Accepted Answer

Your safety is our top priority. We understand that riding on city streets can be intimidating, which is why we have implemented several precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all our guests.  Most of our tours travel through gardens, parks, and side roads, bypassing the main city streets.

Firstly, all our tours are guided by experienced professionals who are well-versed in navigating city traffic. They will provide you with a comprehensive safety briefing before the tour begins, covering important road rules and cycling etiquette.

Additionally, we limit our group sizes to maintain close supervision and reduce the risk of accidents. Each participant is provided with a high-quality helmet and a bike fitted with state-of-the-art safety features, including lights and reflectors.

Our routes are carefully selected to avoid high-traffic areas whenever possible, focusing instead on scenic and quiet side roads. We also schedule tours during times of the day when traffic is lighter, further enhancing your safety.

Rest assured, with our thorough safety measures and professional guidance, you can enjoy your journey with peace of mind. We look forward to welcoming you on a safe and memorable ride through the beautiful city!

Located In Market Square
@ John Paul Jones House
43 Middle Street, Portsmouth, NH

603-380-6524

Things You Should Know
About Our Bike Tours

Things You Should Know About Our Bike Tours

Things You Should Know
About Our Bike Tours