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How long/strenuous is the tour anyway?
strenuous, adj: requiring or using great exertion. Thus began my high school graduation speech, and, although it described getting into college, it is not applicable to Bobby’s Bike Hike. Each tour is set at a relaxed pace, covering about 6-8 miles in 2-3 hours, including a small break at a quiet, outdoor café'/beer garden just in case you need a snack. By the way, snacks are ala carte and not included in tour price. If you are a group leader, and would like to include breakfast/lunch/dinner into the price of the tour, just let us know and we’ll make it happen.
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I couldn’t fit my bike in my suitcase. Do you have one I can use?
No bike, no problem! We have hot Schwinn Cruisers for you to ride, and we’ll give you a helmet if you want one. Each bike is labeled with a name that describes its personality, but you can also tell them apart by their distinctive markings and behavior. They each have baskets for your convenience. Although we recommend riding our bikes, you can bring your own and save $5. All Bikes are Deluxe Cruisers with fat tires, cushy seats, and fenders to keep you clean.
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All the tours look like fun! Which one should I take?
Each tour is unique and, of course, we suggest taking them all. Bobby’s ‘Quintessential Chicago’ Tour orientates you to Chicago’s most popular tourist draws, including Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, Soldier Field, and Museum Campus. Bobby’s ‘Lakefront Neighborhoods’ tour takes you off the beaten path, and into Chicago’s most popular neighborhoods, parks, and beaches, giving you a glimpse into ‘real’ Chicago life. Bobby’s ‘Sunglasses at Night’ tour has been extremely popular, providing a healthy and fun alternative to Chicago nightlife and the skyline fireworks. You can combine any two tours and receive $10 off your ticket price. Just call ahead (312-915-0995) to reserve both spots.
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How large are the groups? What can I expect?
Expect to explore Chicago with 20 of your closest friends, learn about its history and have unparalleled fun. Gosh, we set the bar so high, it’s a wonder people don’t go home disappointed, but they don’t! Amazing! Chicago was recently voted the "best bicycling city in North America" by Bicycling Magazine. You'll see why when you cover more ground then a walking tour while avoiding the constant diesel rumble of a bus tour.
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Should I purchase tickets in Advance?
We’re popular and not afraid to admit it. So we suggest buying tickets in advance for a number of reasons. This will not only guarantee your spot on the tour, but will avoid possible long lines once you arrive at the tour. By paying online, we’ll immediately email your E-ticket, which you’ll print and show to your guide, and off you’ll go for three hours of Chicago fun. Plus, you’ll save 10% off our walk-up prices.
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What is your cancellation policy?
Why would you want to cancel? If there is an unforeseen change in your schedule, don’t worry, you can cancel your tour with 72 hour notice. Tours are offered from April through November because these are the months you can usually rely on good Chicago weather. Tours do run rain or shine. If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that weather forecasts are often unreliable. Chicagoland is huge, so if they predict a shower, it probably won’t affect the tour. If a brief shower does occur, we'll provide raingear for the group. In the rare event that a tour is cancelled due to weather, we will allow you to reschedule your tour, subject to availability. Check ahead! You should dress appropriately for the day's weather conditions.
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I’m bringing an infant/very young child. Should I purchase them a ticket?
Don’t worry, children 3 and under will not be charged a full kid price. Your small child will, however, be charged a $5 ticket price which goes toward reserving their special equipment. Please let us know how many infants/young children will be attending and mark any needed special equipment (child seats, trailers, tag-a-longs) when you purchase your tickets.
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Where are you located? How do I get there and where can I park?
Hey, that’s three questions. 465 N. McClurg Court. The entrance to the pedestrian walkway leading to us is located on the southeast corner of Illinois Street and McClurg Court, located at the southeast corner of Illinois Street & McClurg Court intersection. Just follow the walkway down to the end and you’ll see us. Parking in downtown Chicago can be tricky, even if you are a Chicago native—especially if you are a native (see: city stickers, street cleaning, and permit parking). So, try to leave your car at home. Take the metra or public transport (see question #17) into the city. Six CTA buses go directly to River East Plaza: the 29, 56, 65, 66, 120 (express bus from the Northwestern Train Station) and the 121 (express bus from Union Station). Call the CTA at (312) 836-7000 for specific directions from your location, or visit www.transitchicago.com and www.metrarail.com. Make sure you step off at McClurg Ct stop. Better yet, Click Here to view our location map with driving directions and parking suggestions.
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Can I book a private tour?
Yes, private tours are available for groups of up to 100 people. To inquire about a private tour, please Click Here. Bobby’s Bike Hike will contact you immediately to inform you if the date and time requested is available.
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Do you offer discounts for travel agents?
The standard travel agent discount is 10% off Adult Ticket. This discount is valid for travel agents who will be attending the tour, and requires the agent to provide a business card at the start of the tour. To use this discount, please contact us and provide your travel agency's name and contact information before booking.
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Are tours only offered in English?
All of our tours are given in English, but luckily, our humor is universal. We do offer group tours in a variety of languages. Just ask us and we’ll make it happen.
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I took this tour a year ago. Has anything changed?
We change the tour slightly each year. Many parts of the tour remain the same, but we do our best to improve upon and enhance the tour.
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Should I tip the guide on the bike tour?
We've found there to be a number of answers to this question. We think that a tip is a direct reflection on how you thought the tour guide performed. 10% suggested gratuity if you had a good time. More if you had a GREAT time. The guide will be happy to take the extra cash.
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How do we use/pay for the transit system?
The local train system is called the "el" for its elevated positions throughout the city. It is operated by the CTA and you will need a CTA card to get on the "el". IF you have access to the internet then you can go to www.transitchicago.com and click on trip planner. That will tell you the quickest way from your location to where you want to go. It will also show you by which method and how much money.
Paying: If you take the "el", you must prepay by going to a station and going to the self-guided kiosk. A one way ticket costs $2.00. The kiosk will not give change. Just put your money in and push vend. The ticket will come out and you’ll use it to get through the turnstile. The bus costs the same as the "el" but you just hop on and pay. The bus drivers won't have change but they will be your best friend if you tell him that you need help getting to your location. Be nice and they should help you out.
If you have to get out of the city, then you may want to look into taking the metra, which is the fast rail line that takes you out to the rest of Chicagoland. The costs vary depending on how far you are going. Just hop on and someone will come around and charge you the fee. You do not have to prepay. The metra reminds me of a cattle truck but it is a fun way to get anywhere outside the city. I recommend sitting on the second story for the best views.
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Where does Oprah live?
She actually has a couple of places she owns around Chicago. When you're the richest woman alive you can afford such luxuries. Bobby’s ‘Lakefront Neighborhoods’ tour actually makes a stop right in front of her main house. She is a huge fan of the tour and she might even wave to us.
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Where is Tourist Information?
You can receive any information by going to the Chicago Visitor's Center, located in the pumping station, across the street from the Historic Water Tower. The exact address is 163 E Pearson Street (Southeast corner of Michigan Ave and Pearson Street)
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Are gift certificates available?
Yes, gift certificates are available for all of our tours. To purchase a gift certificate, please Contact Us.
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How do I get a T-Shirt?
These T Shirts cost Bobby more to produce but are well worth it. They are soooo comfy and fit nice in the arms. Just Contact Us.
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How do I become a tour guide with Bobby?
Join one of the friendliest organizations in the world. Contact Us to send in your resume, experience, along with a picture so that we can see your smiling face. Our season is from April to November.
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Will I meet Bobby?
Bobby still leads many of the tours himself. But because of growth, he can’t possibly attend all of them. Luckily, we’ve hired a team of Chicago’s finest guides who will ensure you’ll have a great time with or without Bobby.
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