Frequently Asked Questions
1. What if I don't have a bike?
2. What if I haven't ridden a bike in a long time?
3. What should I bring with me on a tour?
4. What does the tour fee include?
5. What if it rains?
6. What if I get a flat tire or have another problem with my bike on a tour?
7. What if I have food allergies or foods I prefer not to eat?
8. What if I purchased a tour and cannot make it?
9. How will I know where I'm going? Will I get lost?
10. Can kids join tours?
11. Other questions?
1. What if I don't have a bike?
Each tour begins (and ends) very near a location where you can rent a bike at an hourly, 1/2 day or full day rate. Rental fees are not included in the cost of the tour.
When you make your tour reservation, we'll send you precise directions on how to get from the rental place to the tour start point. Budget 30-40 minutes before the listed tour start time if you need to rent a bike. This allows time to rent your bike and travel to the start, especially if the bike rental shop is busy. We encourage you to reserve your bike in advance. Rental information will be included in your confirmation.
If you borrow a bike from a friend, remember to make sure before your tour that it is in good working order and fits you comfortably. [back to top]
2. What if I haven't ridden a bike in a long time?
We welcome riders of all levels, but we want you to be comfortable riding through the city on your tour. Do a short practice ride if it's been a while since you've been on a bike.
We ride at a leisurely pace of no more than 8-10 miles per hour with frequent stops at traffic lights and stop signs. Each food stop is also a chance to rest.
Before each ride, please review our "Safety Geeks' Guidelines for Riding in Groups." We will send you these guidelines with your confirmation after you have signed up for a tour. [back to top]
3. What should I bring on the ride?
- A bike: If you don't have one, borrow or rent one. See also question #1 above.
- A helmet: Your safety is our top priority. We will be riding at times on busy city streets. Riders on our tours must wear helmets.
- A bike lock if you have one
- Any sundries you need to ride comfortably in Chicago in summer (examples: a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes: We'll be traveling on bike, but some of our tours include stops at outdoor and indoor markets where we will be walking.
- Cash for any additional purchases (examples: beverages and food items at markets); also see question #4 below for what is included in the tour fee
Fork and the Road is not responsible for any lost or damaged items. [back to top]
4. What does the tour fee include?
The tour fee includes:
- All food from pre-selected menus to be sampled at each stop
- Gratuity for all of the establishments we visit
Not included in the tour fee are:
- Bike rental costs
- Beverages
- Any food not on the Fork and the Road menus [back to top]
5. What if it rains?
Riders' safety is our top priority. We will ride through light rain, but if it is raining hard or storming we will cancel the tour in advance or end a tour in progress. See our Policies for more information about weather conditions and refunds. [back to top]
6. What if I get a flat tire or have another problem with my bike on a tour?
We will do our best to help troubleshoot minor mechanical problems, but during the tour riders are responsible for the operation and repair of their own bikes.
If a mechanical problem arises that prevents a rider from being able to continue with a tour, we can give you directions to the nearest bike shop. We cannot, however, offer refunds for tours not completed. [back to top]
7. What if I have food allergies or foods I prefer not to eat?
We hope that participants approach the tours with a sense of adventure and exploration. We've worked with each restaurant and shop to introduce you to the best of what they have to offer.
Even with that, it is likely that some of the selections will not be to your liking. We hope these experiences are only small disappointments in an overall positive experience. Taste is very subjective; we can't guarantee that you will love everything.
If you have food allergies or there are foods you really cannot eat, please contact us in advance of your tour. [back to top]
8. What if I purchased a tour but cannot make it?
See our Policies. [back to top]
9. How will I know where I'm going? Will I get lost?
There will always be 2 of us leading the tours. One of us will ride in front of the group, and one person will ride at the tail of end of the group to make sure no one is left behind or lost. [back to top]
10. Can kids join tours?
We love families and kids. Unfortunately, we limit our tours to individuals 18 years of age or older. We've designed our tours to maximize use of the city's bike lanes and side streets, but we travel through some busy patches that may not be suitable for younger riders. Again, riders' safety is our top priority. [back to top]
11. Other questions?
We're happy to answer them. Email forkandtheroad@gmail.com. [back to top]