Tom Helbig – Bike Tour Guide Feature
The Ocean, Epic Adventures, And Making The Most Of Your Bike Tour
“Well, the ocean just chills people out. People just look healthier, act healthier, they’re less stressed out. That’s something I’m going to remind people of, is to really take it in, be present, try to leave the stresses of daily life at home…”
-Tom Helbig on being at the beach
Bike Tour Guide Tom Helbig is no stranger to riding his bike on epic adventures. From 2016 to 2020 Tom traveled over 15,000 miles circumnavigating the United States on a mission to spread love and good vibes.
The Florida Keys were the conclusion of his bike ride across the southern edge of the U.S. and the beginning of his bike ride up the East Coast to Canada. This year, he’ll return to The Keys to guide our very first departure of 2026!
The Tomfoolery Good Vibes Tour started in Ocean Beach, California and finished in Bath Maine, and over the course of those four years Tom offered volunteer services wherever he went and raised $10,000 for the Special Olympics.
Tom Helbig, originally from Ohio, is an adventurer in the truest sense of the word. He’s circumnavigated the Florida Keys on a kayak as well as embarked on a 15,000 mile bike ride around the perimeter of the United States while raising money for charity. He’s also the creator of Tomfoolery Outdoors, a company that brings his love of movement and playing outdoors to people everywhere.
If you ask Tom who he is he’ll tell you that he’s just a fun-loving, outdoorsy guy making a positive difference in the world. If you ask the team here at Wilderness Voyageurs we’ll tell you that Tom is a legendary, multi-faceted adventurer who embodies what it means to truly relax on vacation.
Tom’s Start With Wilderness Voyageurs
Tom Helbig’s journey to becoming a Wilderness Voyageurs Bike Tour Guide is not a typical one. Tom met Wilderness Voyageurs founder and current president, Eric Martin, at an event in Ohio while Tom was working for Five Rivers MetroParks.
In 2018 there was a last-minute need for a guide on the Cincinnati to Cleveland OTET tour and, with his excellent reputation as a guide and familiarity with the area, Tom was asked to lend a hand.
Since then, Tom has been guiding our OTET tour and bringing his own personal brand of outdoorsiness to the Wilderness Voyageurs bike tour experience with impromptu yoga sessions and an unmatched attentiveness that delights and surprises our guests every step of the way.
“TJ and Tom(foolery) were fabulous guides. They created a fabulous biking experience for the entire group at all times. They were always present and ready to help when needed. The picnic lunches they prepared were always well done, healthy, delicious, and with ample portions. The snacks were just as good and appreciated by all. We ride far, about 55 miles per day for 6 days, and both of them were always supportive and encouraging. I was one of the slower riders, yet they always made me feel supported and never rushed. We traveled with our almost 30 son and his girlfriend. It created a wonderful multigenerational experience for us. we are already planning a next trip.”
Bobby H., Minnesota
Finding New Adventures In The Florida Keys
This year, Tom is expanding his experience with Wilderness Voyageurs Bike Tours by guiding our new Florida Bike The Keys tour.
In 2014, Tom spent 30 days kayaking around the Florida Keys. Starting from Key Largo, he and adventure partner Jody Suttle paddled the Atlantic all the way to Key West and then back to Key Largo along the Gulf Coast. To say Tom is familiar with the Florida Keys would be an understatement, and he’s excited to guide our Florida Bike the Keys bike tour this year.
“I’m guiding the new Florida Keys tour coming up in January. And that’s something I’m going to remind people of, is to really take it in, be present, try to leave the stresses of daily life at home. Just be in the Florida Keys and really take in all the natural benefits that are there.”
-Tom on guiding our new Florida Bike The Keys tour
That’s what our Florida Keys Bike Tour is all about. Slowing down and taking some time to relax and connect in one of Florida’s most vibrant locales. With amazing food, rich culture, and beautiful sunsets that span miles and miles of ocean this vacation destination is as great as it gets.
Making The Most Of Your Biking Vacation
We all know that vacations, as much as we try to prevent it, can be stressful.
On a Wilderness Voyageurs Bike Tour our guides and tour managers do everything and anything to make your vacation a relaxation retreat from the stresses of daily life. From the routes to the meals and lodging, our team creates these vacations so all you have to do is show up and ride, but Tom tells us that there’s a little more to it than that.
“I notice some people get stressed if they’re stopping a lot or trying themselves to keep the group together. I want guests to know that it’s okay to take photos or stop and read a historical plaque, because if that’s your thing, and you’re not doing it, well, then you’re not getting the full benefit of your vacation. So, striking that balance between riding at your own pace and making it your vacation, that’s what I try to radiate to my guests.”
-Tom on getting the most out of a bike tour.
Are you ready to make the most of your next bike tour with Wilderness Voyageurs? Give us a call or check out our full catalog of tours to over 40 amazing destinations across the U.S.!
Wilderness Voyageurs Bike Tours operates Inn-to-Inn Bicycling Vacations across the United States.
If you want to experience the sights, sounds, culture, and geography of a place, what better way than from the saddle of your bike?
All Wilderness Voyageurs tours are fully supported with a Support-and-Gear vehicle and include beautiful routes through stunning landscape, excellent food and accommodations, top rate equipment, and dedicated and enthusiastic guides.
Give our wonderful reservations staff a call to book your next bike tour vacation (800) 272-4141