Frequently Asked Questions
Royal London Bike Tour FAQs
River Thames Bike Tour FAQs
London Royal London Bike Tour Tour:
Are reservations needed?What about the winter schedule in London?
Children on the bike tour?
Youth/student pricing on the website?
Where do you meet the guide?
Is the bike tour safe?
Is the bike tour difficult?
What about the weather?
What if I reserve and want to come another day?
What about UK Rail's Day's Out Campaign?
Do you rent bikes?
What Royal Parks do you see?
Do you provide the bikes?
Can I supply my own bike?
Tour in the winter?
What about lunch?
Can an adult ride on the tandem?
Where does the tour conclude?
Do you go inside museums/monuments/royal residences?
Is there a best day for a bike tour?
Do you offer Segways in London?
Can I leave my bag/luggage?
Will we be able to take pictures at the stops?
Does the tour see the changing of the guard?
Are the tours ever cancelled?
Thinking about celebrating a special occasion with us?
Can you recommend a cycle repair shop in London?
River Thames Bike Tour:
Are reservations needed?Is this bike tour different than the Royal London Bike Tour?
Is there more cycling on the River Thames Tour than the Royal London Bike Tour?
I’m not a confident cyclist, will I enjoy this tour?
Where does the River Thames Tour meet?
Does the River Thames Tour meet in a different place than the Royal London Bike Tour?
How large are the groups?
How much does the River Thames Tour cost?
What about the weather? Can I cancel my tour for a refund?
What should I bring on the day for the River Thames Tour?
Do you have luggage storage for the River Thames Tour?
Can children come on the River Thames Tour?
What about the river boat?
What about safety? Are helmets provided?
Reservation Needed?
Adults? No (but appreciated).Families with children? Yes.
Larger groups (8+)? Please e-mail us.
Click here to reserve now.
We operate 7 days a week, rain or shine, at 11 am and also at 3:30 pm (May 15 - Sept 15). Simply pick a day and time that works well for your schedule and hop on a bike tour. Reservations can be made via this website. If you decide to not make a reservation, it is cash at time of tour. If you have children that will need kid's bikes, please read the FAQ question below. If you are a larger party, please do e-mail us with your anticipated date and number of riders.
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What about the winter schedule in London?
We will offer tours five days a week during the 2010 - 2011 winter. Our bike tours will run at 11 am on Mon, Thur, Fri, Sat, and Sun all of December, January, February. Please dress for the weather. We will have gloves for sale (3 GBP), but bring your own if you have them. We will not have a bike tour Christmas Day (Dec 25th). Bookings are encouraged, and can be made via the reservation tab (top of this page, on the left side).Back to top
Children on the Bike Tour?
We pride ourselves on being family friendly (in terms of tour material, guides, bikes, etc). For children on tours, we have multiple baby seats, three tandem bikes, three kid's bikes (20 inch wheels), and six youth bikes (24 inch wheels). As well, we have multiple kid's helmets. Click here for photos.The kid's bikes are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and booking ahead of time puts you essentially at the top of the "queue". Please include the age of your children in the NOTES section of the reservation. When you book, we receive an e-mail and keep a list of kid's bikes needed. We will do our best to have your bikes ready, and hold the kid's bikes until 10 minutes after the tour start time (in case you're running late). As for cost...a child seat is complimentary, tandem bike (10 GBP), and any rider on his/her own bike is 18 GBP.
Via the website, it is only possible to pay adult prices. This is as a result of adults too often trying to ride at a concession rate. However, we will gladly reimburse you the difference between adult and youth/child rate when payment is taken on the day of the bike tour.
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Children and Student Pricing on the website?
As it is not possible for us to verify student status with online bookings we will gladly refund that difference at the time of the tour if applicable.Back to top
Where do you meet the Guide?
You will meet your guide outside the Queensway Tube (Central Line) at the time of the tour. He will be wearing a company t-shirt, holding a sign, and standing by the two red phone booths. We will meet outside the Tube, and walk to our bikes (just a literal three minutes away). The guide will be at the meeting point 10-15 minutes before tour time.Back to top
Is the Bike tour safe?
Our route maximizes the bike paths/cycle lanes through the Royal Parks. For the entire four hour tour, you are in the streets for less than twenty minutes. Our tour is not Le Tour de France. That being said, some amount of bicycle proficiency is required from all participants. The pace is not strenuous, but we do leisurely and comfortably cover around 7 miles or 11 km. The cost of the tour includes: bike rental and helmet and/or reflective vest (both optional).Back to top
Is the Bike Tour Difficult?
No. We stop often for pictures/history/humour, and have a break (lunch/pint/snack) half-way through at Trafalgar Square. Our route maximizes the bike paths/cycle lanes through the Royal Parks. Our tour is not Le Tour de France. That being said, some amount of bicycle proficiency is required from all participants. The pace is not strenuous, but we do leisurely and comfortably cover around 7 miles or 11 km.Back to top
What about the Weather?
We run 7 days a week, rain or shine, at 11 am and 3:30 pm (in the summer). As a result of running so frequently, it is completely up to you when to hop on a cycle tour. We do sell rain ponchos before the tour begins. It's very easy to reschedule. Please just email us if you'd like to change your booking date.Back to top
What if I reserve and want to come another day?
Regarding our cancellation/rescheduling policy, we have a 72 hour cancellation policy for a full refund. Our tours will run rain or shine. However, if a tour is missed for any reason (bad weather/oversleeping), we'll gladly allow the tour to be rescheduled for any tour - in a twelve month period - where we can accommodate you and/or your party. Often this can be the same day (if the afternoon tour is appealing/available) or the next day. However, it is like flying "stand-by" on the next tour, and we sometimes, but very rarely, have constraints.If you decide to reschedule...the best thing to do is send us an e-mail, so we can update your reservation and re-send your confirmation e-mail. However, if you've missed the 11 am (for example), but want to jump on the 3:30 pm tour (later that day in the summer months)...since it's last minute, just print out your reservation sheet and bring it to the meeting point (and we'll sort out things).
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What about UK Rail Days Out promotion?
Regarding the UK Rail Days Out promotion, it's through the UK National Rail services and are simply an attraction participating. To be eligible you must travel from somewhere on the British Isles to London by train (and present a valid rail ticket with the UK Rail voucher) on the specific day which you take the tour. Please understand their terms and conditions...we are bound by their rules.Fat Tire Terms & Conditions: Participation is possible seven days a week between May 15 - Sept 15, 2010 but only at 3:30 pm. These conditions are due to high demand and our commitment to keep the groups small.
Booking Information: If you would like a reservation and/or to pay with a credit card - please book through our system. Please book for your entire party, but mention the "2 for 1" (and the age of young riders, if applicable) in the "Notes" section of your reservation. After the tour, we'll gladly reimburse you the savings with the UK Rail promotion.
However, if you would prefer to simply turn up with no reservation, that is fine, as well. We always hold 10+ places for guests without a reservation. My advice would be to be 5 - 10 minutes early to "check in" and be top of the queue. At time of tour, credit cards are not accepted. We do sometimes pay after the bike tour, so if you have questions, please do ask. Thank you.
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Do you rent Bikes?
No, but bike rental is included when you tour with us (because our guide is with you it is allowable). Our insurance for 2010 - 2011 does not allow us to rent the bicycles. At present we are a bicycle touring company. We do, however, provide the bicycles and the guide. I cannot recommend Go Pedal highly enough(www.GoPedal.co.uk). Included in the price is delivery and pick up of the bicycle. There is, however, a 24 hour minimum rental period.Back to top
What Royal Parks do you see?
Fat Tire - London is proud to have a license to operate within four of the Royal Parks: Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Green Park, and St. James Park. This is the first and only license for a cycle tour via the Royal Parks.Back to top
Do you provide the bikes?
Yes, we have a fleet of California "beach cruisers" which can be seen throughout the photos and video on this site. If you need a baby seat, kid's bike, or youth bike, simply let us know the age and/or height of the young riders in the "Notes" section of the reservations. Anyone under 5 ft. tall will most likely be more comfortable on a smaller bike.Back to top
Can I Supply my own Bike?
We have a fleet of California "beach cruiser" styled bicycles. You are welcome to bring your own bicycle at our concession rate of 18 GBP/person. If you have children, please read the FAQ regarding children on the bicycle tour. Our insurance only covers the theft of our own bicycles, so please do bring your own lock(s) for the lunch stop.Back to top
Tours in the Winter?
Our season officially ends after the 11 am bike tour on November 30th, BUT we will run 5 days a week in Dec, Jan, and Feb. We will run every day but Tues/Wed. Booking ahead is appreciated, but not required.Back to top
What about Lunch?
We do stop halfway through the tour for a forty minute rest/snack/lunch stop. However, we give our guests some options (your guide will explain this on the tour). We stop in Trafalgar Square and have a relationship with a traditional English pub (option 1). As well, there is a Pret a Manger (sandwich and salad shop) nearby (option 2), and you are welcome to do whatever else you'd like (option 3). From time to time, people bring their own lunch and picnic at Trafalgar Square, which is fine.Back to top
Can an Adult Ride on the Tandem?
No. We do have three tandem attachments, but it is not an option for adults. It is designed structurally for children and we will not honor anyone older than eleven or twelve (100 lbs or 45 kg).Back to top
Where does the tour conclude?
We finish in the same area (nearest the Queensway/Bayswater underground stations)where we began. However, we do our best to minimize any redundant sights. Thankfully, there are multiple cycle paths in the parks, which allow us to change the scenery quite a bit on the return from Central London.Back to topDo you go inside Museums/Monuments/Royal Residences?
No. We are not able to go inside every point of interest on the bicycle tour. Since we see quite a bit, if we locked up the bikes and explored each unique museum/monument/royal residence, the tour would be the all day and all night bike tour. Instead, our cycle tour provides an outstanding overview of the city. We stop often for pictures/history/humor. As well, you can visit with your guide about your desired itinerary in London and ask him questions about the city.Back to top
Is there a best day for a Bike Tour?
Within your first 48 hours. Most guests prefer to try and come during their first two days in London. Our tour provides a fantastic orientation to the city. You'll immediately get your bearings and be able to visit with your guides about ideas and ways to maximize your time in London.Back to top
Do you offer Segways in London?
At present, the legislation is such that Segways Tours are not possible. The machines are allowed on private property in the United Kingdom, at this moment.Back to top
Can I leave my bag/luggage?
Yes. You are welcome to leave luggage in our storage facility (where we keep the bikes) while you are on the bicycle tour. We will do what we can and keep the storage unit locked, but leaving your bag is at your own risk.Back to top
Will we be able to take pictures at the stops?
Yes. We'll stop at all the spots listed on the website. Most guests feel there is the right amount of time at the stops for pictures/history/humor. That being said, if you're interested in taking out the tri-pod and working through some time lapse images...this tour probably isn't the best idea. Instead, our cycle tour provides an outstanding general overview of the city. If you're less interested in the history, feel free to take pictures while your guide is talking (just please be respectful of the others in your group).Back to top
Does the tour see the Changing of the Guard?
Yes and No. We do our best to see part of the Changing of the Guard - the most exciting section where the band marches down the Mall and past your flashing camera. However we cannot guarantee the guards will be changing every day. Instead, we can promise to do our best to show you part of the ceremony, however, if the Changing of the Guard is a priority for you, we would recommend setting aside an independent morning for the ceremony that begins at 11:30 am outside of Buckingham Palace.Back to top
Are the tours ever cancelled?
As a result of moving through the heart of London, special ceremonies, fun runs/marathons, and city events (predictable and unpredictable) on occasion interrupt our cycle route. We will do our best to alter the route, however we will not compromise safety. On occasion the tour will be cancelled. We will always be at the meeting point to communicate this.Back to top
Thinking about celebrating a special occasion with us?
Please do let us know in advance (in the "Notes" section of the booking). As well, if it's your birthday - bring in some official form of ID (passport, drivers license, etc) and receive a free short sleeve t-shirt.Back to top
Can you recommend a cycle repair shop in London?
Most all of the Fat Tire Team take their personal bikes to Jazz Cycles (here). The rates are fair, work is quality, the turnover is timely, and Yatzig (the owner) is always around cracking jokes and ready to share his love of bicycles with anyone with a few questions. You won’t be disappointed.Back to top
Reservation Needed?
Yes, please click here to reserve now.Back to top
Is the River Thames Tour different from the Royal London Tour?
Yes. The River Thames tour is substantially different. We see loads of different sites and are even able to get closer to Parliament and Big Ben on the River Thames Tour than on the Royal London Bike Tour. To take both our River Thames “specialty” tour and Royal London Bike Tour would be to see essentially every major London landmark in a fun and different way.Back to top
Is there more cycling on the River Thames Tour than the Royal London Bike Tour?
Yes. We’ll stop just as often (every 8 to 10 minutes), so the pace will not be strenuous. If anything, we’ll be riding in the street a bit more on the River Thames Tour, when compared to the Royal London Bike Tour. Your guide will always make sure you’re in the “know” with what to expect next and the groups will be smaller.Back to top
I’m not a confident cyclist, will I enjoy this tour?
Perhaps. If this is you, you will likely enjoy our Royal London Bike Tour a bit more. The River Thames Tour does spend a bit more time on the roads, and, with it being a longer tour, our Central London bike tour in partnership with the Royal Parks is likely a better “initial” exposure to London bike tours. After your Royal London Bike Tour, enquire on availability for the next River Thames Tour.Back to top
Where does the River Thames Tour meet?
We meet directly across the street from Exit 2 from Waterloo Underground/Train Station. A PDF is available for download to the right of this page to assist. We meet outside of 91 Waterloo Road, arriving 15 minutes before time of tour and holding a Fat Tire sign. If you arrive early, we’ll be there soon.Back to top
Does the River Thames Tour meet in a different place than the Royal London Bike Tour?
YES. Please do not turn up outside of Queensway. We meet outside of Exit 2 of Waterloo Underground/Train Station. Please download and print off the meeting point PDF (to the right) to assist with finding us, as Waterloo Station is large.Back to top
How large are the groups?
In 2010 the groups will be no larger than 10-12 guests/guide (hence why booking in advance is essential).Back to top
How much does the River Thames Tour cost?
The rate is 30 GBP (compared to 20 GBP for the Royal London Tour), as the River Thames Tour is longer (5 hours), more intimate (with smaller group size), and does include a Thames Clipper river boat journey.Back to top
What about the weather? Can I cancel my tour for a refund?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund 72 hours in advance. All of our tours run rain or shine, and, in 2010, your tour does include the cost of a rain poncho (if needed). We do need 72 hours for a full refund, simply because space is limited and we anticipate reaching capacity. Please e-mail in and request the refund. If you miss your tour for any reason, we will gladly move your reservation to another day where we have space on the River Thames Tour. As well, if you prefer, we can move your booking to our daily four hour Central London bike tour through the Royal Parks.Back to top
What should I bring on the day for the River Thames Tour?
Please dress comfortably and for the weather. All of our bikes have racks and bungee cords, so a light jacket and bottled water can fit easily and comfortably.Back to top
Do you have luggage storage for the River Thames Tour?
No. We hope to be able to offer this in 2010, but in 2009, we have very limited secure storage space, so please bring only what you would like to take with you on the bike tour.Back to top
Can children come on the River Thames Tour?
Anyone five feet tall or taller will be welcome on the tour. Our fleet are adult bicycles: comfortable California “beach cruisers” (blue and red, if you're curious). All riders must be competent cyclists and enjoy the idea of cycling on and off for five hours.Back to top
What about the river boat?
We’re proud to be working with Thames Clippers so we really only have to bike one way. From Tower Bridge, we’ll hop on a river boat back to Central London where the tour will continue into Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square, plus a bit more.Back to top
What about safety? Are helmets provided?
Helmets are provided, and we take safety seriously. Your guide will always communicate the “what’s next” so you can cycle with confidence. However, on this bike tour, we do spend more time on the streets, when compared to our Central London Bike Tour through the Royal Parks.Back to top
The Royal Parks
