easy-going by design.
That's how guests describe it. They also call out the incredible food, and Jeff's knowledge of ecological grapegrowing and winemaking.
"Works for all levels of riders."
there's a lot between one winery and the next.
Out here, it's rural Central Virginia roads with rolling hills, vineyards, horse country, with Blue Ridge views. Take the time to look around, settle into the ride and notice what's between one stop and the next.
CHOOSE YOUR DAY
3 ways to ride with Shifting Gears.
a public, or private, ride through Virginia wine country with wine tastings, vineyard walks, and a locally sourced lunch and snacks.
VIRGINIA'S ECOLOGICAL WINERY & BIKE TOUR
FLOWER FARMS & THE FUTURE OF FOOD TOUR
a private bike tour visiting Charlottesville's most beautiful flower farm and Central Virginia's largest CSA farm. local eats and your own bouquet to take home.
PRIVATE & CUSTOM EXPERIENCES
private tours are the way to go if you value a customized experience, or for the intimacy asked for when celebrating a special moment together. from NoVA to Richmond, Charlottesville to 'The Valley'.
YOUR GUIDE
there's a reason Jeff notices the sheep.
Before starting Shifting Gears, Jeff worked within all three tiers of wine: grapegrowing & winemaking, distribution, and as a restaurant sommelier & wine educator. He has also spent the past decade working within and around local food systems.
So a vineyard walk with Jeff can move from what's in your glass to the sheep grazing the vineyard, to local food systems, and back to how that all relates to what is in your glass.
want a little help on the hills?
Simple to use E-Bikes are available for guests who desire a little help along the way. Charlottesville is rolling hill country.
RIDE AN E-BIKE
Guests invariably appreciate the ease of use, and how using one opens them up to just enjoying the ride.
OR A TRADITIONAL BIKE
If you're here for the cycling, comfortable fitness bikes are available too.
EVERY TOUR. EVERY TIME.
lunch gets local, too.
A seasonal, locally sourced lunch. Not another charcuterie board from the fridge. And don't sleep on our "100% Virginia PB&J," built exclusively by ingredients from Virginia growers and producers. Separating this experience from anything else you'll encounter.
all you need to bring is a smile.
The best cycling routes, wine tastings, locally sourced food, helmets and water bottles, vineyard walks, and ecological education, are all part of the day.
You don't have to guess at mapping a route, figuring out lunch or deciding on where to taste. Jeff handles the flow from one stop to the next.
what guests remember.
Everybody signs up for a different part of the day. Yet, there is a common thread within our guests' reviews after each tour: the riding is stunning and feels approachable, the food matters, and everyone walks away with a lot of new knowledge to share with their friends and family.
★★★★★
5.0
ON GOOGLE
“
Recommend this tour to anybody who’s interested in seeing and experiencing our rural landscapes in a new way. Definitely works for all levels of riders since they have comfort bikes and E-bikes.
JT
JEN T.
Shifting Gears guest
“
Our tour guide was Amazing. He was knowledgeable, so kind, patient, and teaching us so much overall. We felt so comfortable and even though my husband didn’t have a lot of confidence riding a bike, the E-Bike was so user friendly that you don’t have to be an athlete to do this tour.
MV
MERCEDES V.
Shifting Gears guest
“
It was such a fun way to spend a Sunday. Jeff is so experience-driven. He made sure that every aspect of the day was well planned & made sure everyone had what they needed. The E-bikes were such a blast. The food was DELISH.
KG
KINDRED G.
Shifting Gears guest
exploring with a large group?
Private tours open up opportunities for location of choice, tour timing and tour length, depth of experience, and special add-on moments. Shifting Gears has hosted celebrating couples, birthday parties, wedding weekend groups, and corporate outings.
For corporate retreats, sales meetings, and team building events we accommodate teams of 2–13 people, and up to 19 people are possible with one month's notice.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Frequently Asked Questions
GET IN TOUCH
let's plan your ride.
Questions about a tour, a private group or a custom day on the bikes? Send us a note and we'll get back to you.