These are the questions we most often get asked about our trips - we’ve divided them into General, Riding, Race Watching, Equipment, Travel, Food, Accommodation categories, and specific queries about our Giro and Vuelta trips. If you have any queries that aren’t answered below, just contact us!
General
Q: What is included in the trip?
A: This varies between our trips. Please check the inclusions of the trip you are interested in to see exactly what is included.
Q: How do I pay a deposit?
A: We have a secure page for submitting your credit card details.
You can “reserve a trip now!” We accept Visa or Mastercard.
If you don’t wish to use the secure page on our website you can send me details by fax to + 61 7 3720-8677.
For Australian customers, cheque by post is also acceptable.
Post:
Bikestyle Pty Ltd
PO Box 3935
SOUTH BRISBANE QLD 4101
AUSTRALIA
Phone and Fax:
Australia +61 (0)7 3720-8422
UK +44 (0)20 8133-2372
USA +1 (312) 212-3382
Fax +61 7 3503-9331
Q: Are airfares included in the price?
A: Most things are included but airfares are not. We collect you from the airport and deliver you back at the completion of the trip.
Q: Do you cater for non cyclists?
A: Yes. We will transport you as close as possible to the race course, and get you to points where you can see the race; for example at stage finishes or at the base of the mountains so that the course is only a short walk away. We meet the cyclists at specific points ie: stage finishes, villages at the base of the final climb etc, so you will get to see your partner during the day and spend time with them if you wish!
We also stay in towns where non cyclists can choose to stay and do tourist walks and shop or just relax if they wish.
Q: What kind of payment/refund policy do you have?
A: Before booking any trip you should read our Reservation Conditions.
Q: When will we obtain access to the special web site that provides all of the trip resources (i.e. maps, travel, training, clothing guidelines, etc.)?
A: As soon as we have a detailed itinerary available to give you.
Q: Do you rent bikes?
A: Yes we do. Please refer to our Bicycle Rental section.
However there is nothing like riding your own bike on a memorable trip. You’re familiar with it while on the trip and after it becomes like an old friend that you shared some great times with!
Q: How many riders will there be and do they break into groups. Does each group have a guide?
A: Our groups are limited to 40people and on a normal day there are 2 to 3 rides, each with one guide or possibly two.
Q: For the climbs, do you have a spot set up to watch the race or do you advise the best spots and we just fit in?
A: We do suggest good viewing spots for everyone but don’t normally have a spot set up as everyone climbs at different paces and go different distances up the mountain.
We do our best to have our guides gather people up to watch the race but often people choose to find a few of the group and watch the race together.
Q: I plan on going by myself, do you pair me with someone or do I pay extra for my own room? If my own room, how much extra?
A: We will pair you with someone of similar ability. We get everyone to fill in a number of forms so we gain an idea of who to match you with. Single Supplement is available if you wish.
Riding Questions
Q: How much riding do we do? What is the distance and intensity of the rides?
A: This depends on the needs and size of our groups.
We usually break the rides up into three groups:
• Those who want to ride long and hard. Say 100 kilometres plus at a good average speed.
• Those who want to ride long, but a little slower.
• Those who don’t want to go too far. We send at least one guide with each group.
Q: Does a tour leader accompany the riders on every ride?
A: We have approx 1 leader per 10 people to help and guide you, including ex European professional cyclists who travel with the groups and will be on the rides that we do.
Q: What gearing is required for the mountains?
A: Mostly double with anything from 25 to 29 on the rear. Some people choose to use triples. The new Compact Cranks have made a real difference as they have a 34 inside ring making a big difference for climbing.
Q: Do I get to ride everyday and how far?
A: Yes, we ride every day except when in transit.
Average distances vary between groups. We cater for recreational cyclists through to guys who want to climb 3 cols in a day. So ride distances each day might be about 20 miles (35 klm), 40 miles (65klm) and over 60 miles (100 klm).
Q: Are there many women who ride in your tours?
A: Yes we usually have a number of women on our trips.
Q: Is there a ‘broom wagon’ for those who cannot finish the days ride?
A: We do have support vehicles however they don’t necessarily follow the riders. If there is a problem that requires extra assistance one of our guides will phone up a van for assistance.
Q: I am curious about the type of support available during the ride.
A: We have a bus and van available on each trip and have some support depending on the conditions each day, however we do like people to experience France so we encourage you to stop at Cafés and enjoy the life!
Q: Approximately what time do the rides leave in the morning?
A: The timing of rides depends on the race and which part we will be viewing. But most rides depart around 9am. The trips can be quite busy as we don’t want you missing out on the action and the scenery.
Travel
Q: When should I purchase airline tickets?
A: You shouldn’t purchase a ticket until you have paid a deposit and we have provided you with firm dates for the trip.
Q: Travel Insurance?
A: It is a company policy of Bikestyle Pty Ltd that all clients traveling with us have adequate travel insurance covering accident, personal injury, loss of luggage and cancellation. You should arrange your travel insurance at the time of booking. We can help you with locating travel insurance if required.
Equipment
Q: Do most cyclists bring their bikes?
A: Yes they do, but we also have rental bikes available. See our Bicycle Rental section for further information.
Q: How do people bring their bikes?
A: Most have hard cases or padded soft cases but a good ol’ cardboard box will do a good job also. We store the cases while we travel and collect them again at the end of the trip. They don’t travel with us.
Q: Is mechanical assistance available to build up and repack bikes?
A: Yes we are always there to assist as much as required, however experience tells us that most people like to put their own bikes together. If you need us to help you with some finishing off or even to completely assemble or disassemble you bike, then we can do that for you.
Q: Do most riders come with triple chain rings on their bikes?
A: Mostly double with anything from 25 to 29 on the rear. Some people have triples or compact crank sets. The expense of the triple is probably not warranted unless you intend to get use from it after the trip, but we highly recommend compact cranks.
Q: Do you rent bikes?
A: Yes we do. Please refer to our Bicycle Rental section.
However there is nothing like riding your own bike on a memorable trip. You’re familiar with it while on the trip and after it becomes like an old friend that you shared some great times with!
Q: What type of bike should I bring?
A: That depends on how much you want to ride. If you are looking to do the longer rides you will need a Road bike, but if you are doing our shorter, easier rides a Mountain bike is fine.
Q: Can you elaborate a bit on the spares available?
A: We will have a good range of spares. Tyres, tubes (Michelin), just about everything including the kitchen sink! or in this case cleaning equipment. CO2’s in 12 and 16 (threaded), spare brake blocks, bar tape and the most common cleats. If you have less common cleats, such as Keewin or Speedplay we recommend you bring your own spares.
Food
Q: How many meals are provided?
A: This varies between trips.
On our France trips all Breakfasts are included and a minimum 3 evening meals and on our trips to the Vuelta and Giro, we usually provide most if not all evening meals.
Please check the inclusions of the trip you want to do to see exactly what is included.
People often ask why we don’t provide all the dinners on our trips. Well we used to “once upon a time” but we found it difficult to please the many different palates of all our guests at one restaurant! While hotel food is quite good, it can become a bit much every night. Most people like to take a walk and find a restaurant to their liking and sample some of the great food.
Q: Are Vegeterians catered for?
A: Yes there is no doubt that France is the last bastion of the meat eaters! Every year it gets a little better and so long as we know the vegetarians (from your Personal Details Form) we will be able to cater for you at the dinners we organise. At restaurants they will normally cater for you if you ask. It may not be on the menu but they can do it. Plus the French make fantastic salads that are meals in themselves.
Q: What do we do about power bars, Gu, Gatorade etc while riding?
A: If you are particular, it’s best to bring your preferred food with you. A fair bit is available from stores like Decathlon but it can be difficult to get to these stores at times. On our trips we will have some products available but please check with us before the trip.
Race Watching
Q: Do we have TV coverage of the race in English?
A: Our vehicles are equipped with TV’s but commentary is not in English.
Q: Can we ride on the Course?
A: Most days we will ride a part of the course prior to the race coming through. Some days we ride 100k along the course and other days we will come from a different direction and intersect the course, riding the last part of it, including the final climb or similar. It is normal to throw in one hard day where you ride the last 80 or 100k over 2 climbs on a tough mountain stage. If you are not wanting to ride that far or that hard we also provide shorter, easier rides on the course.
Accommodation
Q: Do you have single supplements on the tour ?
A: We have single supplements and the cost varies between different trips.
Please check the pricing of the trip you are interested in.
Q: Does the tour price change if I’m going alone?
A: If you want a room on your own then it’s single supplement, which is extra. It’s always good to travel with friends but we always get a number of people traveling alone. If you are traveling alone but wish to share we aim to place you with a person of similar age and interests.
Q: Is Internet access available in most locations?
A: Yes internet access will be available in most hotels.
Giro d’Italia
Q: Do I need to speak Italian?
A: No, not at all but of course the usual greetings and pleasantries always help.
Q: How many people do you take?
A: We take small groups of approximately 25 - 30 people on our Giro Trips.
Vuelta d’Espana
Q: Do I need to speak Spanish?
A: No, not at all but of course the usual greetings and pleasantries always help.
Q: How many people do you have?
A: We take small groups of approximately 25 - 30 people on our Vuelta Trips.
