How to do a Bike Tour, see here the main questions that may arise when making and scheduling your bike tour.
Minimum number of participants for a Bike Tour?
The programs available have a minimum number of participants. However, we can consider groups with a number lower than the program. In these cases, we certainly present a proposal taking into account the number of participants.
Physical capacity for the various programs?
Physical ability is something that cannot be neglected. In other words, it is evident that someone who does not practice the minimum of exercise (at least 1 to 2 times a week) and rarely rides a bicycle, therefore it is not advisable to participate in these events. Therefore, to test your skills, we suggest participating in one of our lower/intermediate/higher level 1-day programs.
Assuming I’m in good physical shape, what do I do if I have a power outage in the middle of a trip?
In the proposed programs, when included, a support car accompanies the group for supplies or other eventualities. According to the points on the route, in addition to transporting the luggage of the participants, the support car provides support for any physical, mechanical or other problems. As a result, if the program does not include a support car per package option, participants will have to carry all their luggage in panniers on the bicycle between stages.
Is it advisable to do some physical preparation before the trip?
If there is no regular practice of physical exercise, preparation before the trip will not be the solution. For those who practice some exercise on a regular basis, a more specific preparation, 1 or 2 months before, depending on the days, kilometers and accumulated, of the program, will certainly help.
What are your concerns about food?
Since we are the engine of the bicycle, food takes on the role of fuel. In this sense, it is recommended that, during the trip, we take some care and prioritize richer energy foods. However, participants should not see this issue as conditioning or restrictive. A program like this also offers participants the opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine, so it is not desirable for them to be concerned about what they eat. The most important thing is to ensure that we are well fed.
Is a specific bike needed?
No, Depending on the type of program in mountain, road or cycle tourism. We can present a bicycle for the respective tour as a rental with various options and equipment levels. If you use your own bike it will be better as it is already adapted. But we always advise a prior inspection, which participants can carry out in our workshop.
Is it necessary to have a navigation device (GPS)?
No, if the program or package includes a Tour Guide. In autonomous programs, without a guide, at least one of the elements must have this type of equipment to follow the trails. A navigation system is always useful, as well as guiding us along the way. You can also use GPS to locate someone who gets lost along the way. Upon availability, it is possible to rent the GPS.
Is it necessary to take tools and spare parts?
The parts and tools normally used as SOS for punctures or minor repairs, such as inner tube, air pump. It is always convenient to have in a bag on the bike. The support car will deal with more complex mechanical issues, depending on the type of breakdown and subject to a prior estimate.
Do I need to have some mechanical knowledge?
No. The guide accompanying the group will be able to provide basic assistance in case of breakdown. However, if this fails to resolve, you will have to continue in the support car until the end of the stage that day in order to repair the malfunction. If repair is not possible and there is no replacement bike (extra), the ride for that element may be compromised.
What equipment should I bring?
Depending on the program and season of the year you are going to perform, you must adapt the type of equipment. An important point is the shorts or pants to be used, having a good padding that is a “cushion”. To provide comfort over a few hours sitting in a saddle. The clothes to wear at the end of each stage are at the discretion of each participant. However, we advise something relaxed. and always carry equipment for each day.
Carrying luggage during the bike program?
In all proposed programs, we provide a support car that accompanies the group and transports the luggage, also serving as a resource for any problems. Groups that choose to carry out the route autonomously will have to use bicycle racks to carry their luggage.
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