Ever since Backroads pioneered the concept of guided bike tours in 1979, all-inclusive group adventure rides have surged in popularity, with numerous operators now “peddling” trips on every continent. Along with this growth, there’s now plenty of variation on the classic guided inn-to-inn trip—and the choices are as dizzying as a mountain bike ride down the switchbacks on the Tour of Mont Blanc in the Alps.
Today's major bike-tour companies offer a range of adventures that allow beginning-to-experienced cyclists to choose among distances covered (typically 20 to 30 daily miles), types of bike (road, mountain, hybrid, or e-bike), accommodations (campsites to five-star hotels), and groups (solo to large gaggles) and between guided versus unguided options.
These seven main types of bike tours should help you make summer cycling plans that’ll fit your needs and preferences like a perfectly sized helmet. | 
