FAQ
BOOKING YOUR CYCLING TRIP
What is included in the cycling trip cost?
All cycling tours include all accommodation, overnight ferry crossings, breakfasts, baggage transfers and support, usually transport to the start of your trip and back to a certain point afterwards. All trips vary so please check specific information. European trips offer transport for your bike and bags to the start and home again so you can fly luggage free.
What is the deposit, and when is the balance due?
The deposit for our cycling trips is £200 per person and is non-refundable. The balance for all trip fees is due 12 weeks before the start of your trip. Group trip balances are due 16 weeks before the trip.
How do I choose the right trip?
There is no one trip that we can recommend for everyone. We offer trips in France, Belgium, Italy, Ireland, The Netherlands and the UK. Most if not all of the cycle tours are for keen riders or those looking for a challenge - 100 mile days are common. If you have questions after reading about our destinations and the individual trip detail pages please contact us.
How far in advance should I book?
We launch our calendar to our previous clients and Facebook before we make them public on this website and some of our trips get close to selling out out quickly. We recommend you follow us on Facebook for first news of the trips.
How do I contact you to ask questions about a trip?
If I haven't answered your question here then please either fill in the contact form at the top of this page or give me a text on 07860563810, You can of course ring me but I am very busy outside of the trips and your best bet really would be texting me as I may not be able to answer your call.
If I book a trip, is there a guarantee that it will run?
We have never cancelled a cycle tour due to low numbers. However, there is no guarantee of this in the future. If a trip is cancelled by us we will issue a full refund or put on an alternative date.
What if I have to cancel my trip?
For many cycle tours with enough notice we can generally fill your spot. If you cancel after you have paid your balance I am afraid the money is non-refundable unless we can get another rider to fill your spot. Please call us and we will be as reasonable as possible.
What if I have to pull out during a tour?
Unfortunately this sometimes does happen and you will have to make your own way home from where you wish to leave us. Money wise I'm afraid there is no option for a refund as accommodation will already be committed to and I have a mortgage to pay and mouths to feed. I will however always invite you back to complete your challenge.
What does double occupancy mean?
Unless you request to have a room to yourself (single supplement) we will pair you with another traveler of the same gender in a twin room. Single supplement rooms are sometimes available but need to be requested at time of booking.
Do you offer a single room supplement?
We do although not always available, if you would like the privacy of a private room throughout your trip please select this upgrade option at time of booking, this cannot be changed later on.
Do you provide a list of hotels?
No. Due to group numbers and availability hotels quite often change, If you have somebody planning to meet you on a specific night then please enquire but providing hotel details in the past has caused me great problems with riders friends and family booking rooms under my name on the same night.
Do you do private or custom cycle trips?
We have created custom cycle tours for many of our clients and are willing to operate in all of Europe, South East Asia and the USA/Canada. Let us know what you desire and we can discuss what options you have.
Can I make a group booking?
Yes of course, this will allow you to customise almost every aspect of the ride to make it your own, group bookings do however incure a larger deposit that is non refundable and will need to be done well in advance as I sometimes book up quickly.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, While all cycle trips are run on public highways and we offer no resposibility for you on the tour it is recommended that you provide yourself with some sort of cover. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for European tours.
GENERAL TRIP QUESTIONS
Can you help with travel arrangements for European trips?
We can suggest a few specific airlines to travel with based on our experience, but we cannot make flight bookings before or after your trip.
Where and when will you pick me up when I arrive?
The trip itinerary with pick up and drop off information will be sent to you when you place your deposit, or early by request. This lists all the important details that you will need to make your travel arrangements.
How many riders will there be on my trip?
Most tours have 8/10 riders and on large LEJOG cycle tours sometimes go up to 20 riders.
What do I need to bring on a trip?
Equipment wise, bike, helmet and shoes. Helmets are mandatory, whatever your opinion on them we have seen enough carnage to be very pro helmets and you will require one to ride with us. On booking you will be provided with a guide kit list to help your trip run as smoothly as possible.
Are there non-riding activities?
The trips we offer are mainly based around the ride, this is reflected in the larger daily mileages and overall trip lengths so therefore there is little to no time for any extra activities aside from the overnight stops in some great cities. Regular riders will be aware of the daily drinking opportunities.
ABOUT THE RIDE
How fit do I need to be for the trip?
This is always the first concern people raise. Our cycle tours are geared to cyclists. Please be comfortable riding in a small group with other riders. If you are out on your bike a couple times a week, then you will do fine and have a great time.
How do you handle guests with varying levels of fitness?
On almost every ride the group breaks up into 2 or 3 smaller groups and you will always have someone to ride with no matter your ability, you will have Garmin GPS computers for navigation and there are no expectations of you so please come and enjoy your ride how you want it to be.
What ride support do you offer?
The van will always be around the riding group, sometimes bringing up the rear and reguarly in front for you to top up water etc. Water is provided on the van along with the use of a spare bike and spare wheels should you need it.
EQUIPMENT
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes, in fact you need to. Unless you are flying in from abroad in which case we can arrange hire bikes you will need to bring your bike. One bike only please.
Can I use my own Garmin for navigation?
Absolutely, daily routes for your chosen trip will soon be available to download directly from Ride with GPS and will be available when you book.
Im booked on a summer European tour, shall I leave the waterproofs at home?
No, while the weather is generally as you would expect it to be we have experienced bad days now and then on all of the tours so I would advise bringing your bad weather gear so you dont get cold and miserable.