Book: EPIC Appalachians Bike Tour

I agree to follow the safety policies and procedures of Cycle of Life Adventures (COLA) and its guides. I understand that I will be required to sign a Participant Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement in favor of COLA upon my arrival to the tour.

We offer the following cancellation policy for our shorter, domestic tours that require a $500 deposit and our Epic tours which require a non-refundable deposit to sign up. In the rare case that Cycle of Life Adventures (COLA) must cancel a trip due to low enrollment, we will do so at least 45 days prior to departure. If we cancel fewer than 45 days prior to departure, we will issue you a full refund plus a $400 credit toward any of our other tours within a calendar year.

Exceptions to our cancellation policy cannot be made for any reason, including weather, civil unrest, terrorism, natural disasters or personal, family and medical emergencies. In all cases, we will not be responsible for any personal expenses incurred such as airline tickets, hotels or car rentals. COLA reserves the right to make route and lodging modifications, as needed.

No refunds will be made for meals, services or lodging paid for but not used. Travel insurance is recommended for Epic Adventures.

Classic Tours & Four Day Tours

All cancellations must be in writing and are effective upon receipt in our office. Full payment is due 60 days prior to tour departure.

• 91+ days before departure — 100% refund
• 61–90 days before departure — 65% refund
• 31–60 days before departure — 35% refund
• 0–30 days before departure — no refund

EPIC Tours

All cancellations must be in writing and are effective upon receipt in our office. Full payment is due 120 days prior to tour departure.

• 151+ days before departure — 60% refund
• 121–150 days before departure — 50% refund
• 91–120 days before departure — 25% refund
• 0–90 days before departure — no refund

Custom & Private Tours

Full payment is due 90 days prior to tour departure. Custom and Private Tours are non-refundable. If a guest has to cancel, they are responsible for the full tour price or may find a replacement rider.

International & National Park Tours

The following tours will incur a $250 cancellation fee in addition to the policies above: Maine – Coastal Maine "Bold Coast" Bike Tour, Blue Ridge Parkway Bike Tour, EPIC Appalachians Bike Tour, EPIC Cross Country – Northern Tier Bike Tour.

No refunds are possible after the tour begins. No refunds will be made for meals, lodging or services paid for but not used.

As a cyclist, be aware that there are risks, hazards and dangers inherent in cycling. It is your responsibility to operate your bicycle and conduct yourself in an alert, cautious and prudent manner at all times. Your assumption of this responsibility is imperative as Cycle of Life Adventures strives to ensure your safety and the safety of others in the group.

Your personal responsibility includes, but is not limited to, the following cycling practices and principles:

• Always wear a helmet.
• Ride with traffic (on the right side of the road).
• Ride single file — never ride two or three abreast.
• Call out your intentions.
• Control your speed on the downhill. Know that there may be sand, gravel or other debris commonly on the road. Never take your hands off the handlebars during the descent.
• Be alert for changing road conditions, potholes, gravel, sand, standing water, and even ice.
• Beware of the hazards of riding in a paceline and other forms of drafting. It is safer to keep at least two bike lengths between you and the cyclist in front.
• Walk over railroad tracks and cattle guards if you are not experienced, particularly if you cannot cross these hazards perpendicularly.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Use hand signals when turning and stopping to alert cyclists and motorists alike.
• If you stop cycling for whatever reason, pull completely off the road.
• Dogs — try to outrun them if you feel reasonably confident that you will win the race. If you lose, or decide to dismount and walk through the dog's territory, keep your bike between you and the dog. Dogs usually won't chase you past their territorial boundaries. Do not veer out into the center of the roadway to avoid the dog.

A full Participant Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement will be required upon arrival to the tour.