Touring Bike Rentals? East Coast Based

[audios89]

Hello Everyone. First time poster, but been touring for several years now. I was wondering if anyone knew of an East-coast based bike rental supplier, that may be able to provide touring bikes. I'm planning a trip with my family, and we're thinking the Vermont loop with some asides. The thing is they (family) don't really want to buy bikes/racks etc. We also don't want a fully guided tour either. Would anyone be able to recommend a place, or at least a place to start doing some research. Perhaps even a touring company may provide rentals.

Thanks in advance!

[BikeliciousBabe]

Talk to Local Motion in Burlington. Rents bikes, but I doubt things like panniers. And your family is planning on riding the hilly Vermont loop? Do they bike now?

[audios89]

I'll check them out, thank you! Yes, they bike, but have never toured, however they all long distance run for some reason Anyhow they don't want to throw down for a touring bike and ship it across the US, but are more open to buying panniers (+ I have enough for myself and another).

Is the Vermont loop particularly challenging? I also noticed that the Adirondack Park Loop is right next to it and has a little less elevation change.

[JHamelman]

My experience is the Adirondacks have a lot of ups and downs, one after the other. They also wind quite a bit. Both of these factors keep sight lines relatively short. It can be mentally challenging as well as physically, too. Depending on the time of year, traffic can also be an issue. High summer season will bring more people driving through either with their large vehicles and boats or on their way to the family camping spot.

Jennifer

[audios89]

Thanks for the info, that's great knowledge. We're aiming for first couple weeks in August, but may also be able to do mid-sept.  Does the Vermont loop have better LOS and possibly less traffic?

[BikeliciousBabe]

There are a lot of ups and downs in Vermont. Some of them pretty steep. I didn't find the sight lines had at all, compared to the Adirondacks. And there will definitely be a lot more traffic in August in the Adirondacks, especially on the weekends. The campground we stayed at was mobbed in August. Can't remember which one it was.

The Lake Champlain Bikeway is another option, although I find their website not very user-friendly:

http://www.champlainbikeways.org/