Barge and Bike in the USA?

[dayjack119]

I'm trying to interest a number of male family members (the ladies are more comfort prone) in a 'barge and bike' vacation for next year but traveling outside the country sure makes that idea expensive.  Is anyone aware of this type of USA travel in a gorgeous setting whereby one puts his gear on the boat and they provide a bunk, showers and meals and each day one rides from breakfast to supper with a guide, meeting the boat at the next stop?  I'm actually a touring cyclist with 10 cross-countries under my belt and while wondering how the other half lives by being supported, would really like to come up with an epic event for the family.
Ideas are welcome.

[canalligators]

I haven’t heard of those plans in the US, but you might put together your own trip with a rental boat.  Maybe members of your group could take turns piloting the boat?  Erie Canal Adventures near Rochester NY rents boats.  I think that there are other companies too.

[Westinghouse]

Barge rentals in England, yes.

[UncaBuddha]

My wife and I did that in France for our 20th anniversary. VERY posh and, yes, pricey. So posh that I can't imagine it wasn't comfy enough to have everyone interested!
I would love it if someone did that here! Say on the Hudson River or the Ohio!

[dayjack119]

  I agree.  There are so many beautiful places here.  Such as the Columbia River, the Coastline of Maine, the Outer Banks.  Maybe somebody will start something.

[donald.stewart.92]

Canal boats in Great Britain! There are so many canals to rent boats at. In Scotland a canal goes from downtown Edinburgh to Falkirk Wheel. I’ve been on one and it’s pretty nice with bathroom, shower, kitchen. Easy to steer and dock. Maps include where to dock and go touristing.


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[David W Pratt]

The Erie Canal has boats for charter, coincidentally, it parallels a lot of the Erie Canal Towpath bike route.  I read a post, somewhere, about a guy who was planning on being the sag-wagon/boat for a group on the Erie Canal.  I don't know about the C&O, but it parallels the Potomac.
Alternatively, you might plan a river trip with day trip excursions on bikes out from the river.
All in all, it sounds like a cool idea.

[canalligators]

C&O is not a complete canal.  There are only a few short sections that are watered. There may be boats on the major rivers, e.g. Mississippi, Misouri, Ohio?

[ray b]

I know the McCreadys have planned a Santana Tandem Barge and Bike tour from Memphis to New Orleans as well as a Portland to Lewiston Columbia River cruise for next year - so it can be done. Plenty of cruise ships on the Mississippi and Ohio and elsewhere. I imagine most would be happy to accommodate your bikes. "Just Google it."

https://santanaadventures.com/mississippi-river-2024/
https://santanaadventures.com/columbia-river-2024/

"Unless specifically labeled a Tandem Event, ALL types of bicycles & brands are welcome"

[dayjack119]

Thanks, that's the very thing I was looking for.  Unfortunately, the McCready tours look great but I think my family would balk at $5,000 per head.

[Pat Lamb]

Thanks, that's the very thing I was looking for.  Unfortunately, the McCready tours look great but I think my family would balk at $5,000 per head.

They'd probably balk at the price of a Santana, too!

[David W Pratt]

Right, Mr. 'gator, I should have been clearer, boat in the Potomac, bikes on the C&O trail, not in the stagnant, fetid, interrupted, remains of the canal.

[dayjack119]

David, when I biked the C&O it appeared no boat could make it up or down the Potomac.  It was too rocky, rough and shallow and I assumed that's why they built the canal a long time ago.