An Upstart Operator in an Upstart Region: Tales from the Road Less Travelled

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

Instagram: humdingerbicycletours Twitter: @humdingertours