Tour Q&A

Hire a bike or bring your own bike? It is entirely up to you.

Many riders prefer to ride their own bike and it is great riding a tour with a bike you know; however travelling with a bike is difficult and potentially expensive due to airline luggage allowances so we do have some great hire bike options available. Click here for information on bike hire.

Fitness Preparation

Our tours are structure and tailored on a daily basis to cater for most riding types, however you will get the most enjoyment form our tours if you have a good level of fitness, that means you can ride for 3-5 hours and climb around 2000m of vertical ascending. We recommend that you start training well in advance of the cycling tour you are going on. Commencing training twelve or more weeks out will give you time to build your fitness and focus and getting into a riding routine of being able to complete four to six regular rides each week. Please talk to us if you want further information or advice.

Bike Gearing Suggestions

The gearing on your bike should be appropriate for long climbs, however it is difficult to recommend a particular gearing as every cyclist is different. You will need to be comfortable that you have the right gearing to ride over steep and long mountains. We recommend Compact gearing 50/34 chain rings and a rear cassette of with a 28/30/32, depending on your riding ability and fitness, especially if you are unfamiliar with riding in mountains. Please talk to us if you want further information or advice.

Tours can be booked instantly online, a deposit of AUD$750 per person is required and this confirms your reservation and secures your place(s) on a Tour. For your ease and convenience there are a few payment options available, these are Paypal, Visa or Mastercard and Direct Debit. Final payment is required 90 days before your tour is due to commence and payment via direct debit is preferred.

Click here to go to Tour Bookings.

If you have any difficulties or questions please contact us and we will be happy to assist.Click here to read the Terms and Conditions.

velobiketours will transport your luggage:

• To each accommodation location throughout the tour; and
• To and from the start and end, pick-up and drop-off locations.

Due to the number of people on a tour we ask that your luggage is limited to the equivalent of a medium sized suitcase and a day back pack or similar.

Our tours are designed for cyclists, however in saying that, we welcome non riders as the scenery and destination towns and villages in our tours offer so much to see and do for everyone. We are happy to provide guidance and assistance for non-riding partners to make their tour an enjoyable experience. Depending on your chosen tour location, there is a wonderful range of interesting activities and sights available. Many local attractions, cafes and shops will be within walking distance of your accommodation.

What is the price for a non-rider?

Non-riders are equal members of the tour group, we offer them the same daily inclusions and therefore the price for a non-rider is the same.

The velobiketours support includes assistance with bike mechanicals, general assistance where required and rider pick-up if you run out of steam for riding on the day. Food and drink stops will be provided in various locations on each ride day. Your cycling clothes for cold, wet weather and descending will always be on hand.

Mechanical Repairs

The support vehicles are equipped with essential spare parts* and tools including wheels to help get your bike functional again. For major repairs there are always friendly local bike shops not too far away from any point on our tours.

*Spare parts include wheels, tubes, tyres, chains, gas canister, bike pump, etc.  

If for any reason you need to cancel your cycle tour, please refer to our Terms and Conditions. Click here to read the Terms and Conditions.

Travel insurance is a requirement for each person with the cover to apply for at least the duration of the cycling tour. velobiketours can provide assistance for travel insurance if required. Please provide a copy of your travel insurance certificate to velobiketours for our records.

• The accommodation for all tours is included, staying in high quality 3 and 4 star hotels, mostly in quaint villages.
• All meals are included unless otherwise stated in the itinerary. 
• Transfers are included from specific locations, as per the Tour information provided.
• Guided riding with full vehicle support.
• Our tours are limited to low numbers of riders for a friendly, personalised service. We offer a high ratio of rider to support crew of 3-4 to 1.  
• Bike hire is available, if you prefer not to bring your own.
• To review a full list of tour inclusions, click here.

 

Clothing

It is important to bring a range of clothing and be prepared for all weather conditions, essentially bringing both summer and winter kit. In many areas, the weather is very changeable and in the highest regions, particularly in the Alps at up to 2800m, and on many descents, the air temperature can feel very cold, especially without the right clothing. Pack your arm warmers, knee/leg warmers, gloves, wind and rain jacket, shoes covers and a cap or bandana for under your helmet. Of course, don’t forget to pack in your helmet, sock and shoes as well.

A suggested packing list is here for your reference.

Equipment

We recommended bringing the following items with you:

• Water bottles
• Spare tubes
• Basic multi tool
• Spare spokes, if you are using spokes that may be difficult to locate locally