FAQ's
How do I get there?
The easiest way is to simply book a flight all the way through to Malaga (for Spain) or Bastia (for Corsica) or Ljubljana (for Slovenia) or Bangkok( for Laos). The airport codes are AGP (Malaga), BIA (Bastia), LJU (Slovenia) and BKK (Bangkok). There will be a connection through a major city. Which one depends on the Airline. If you are creative, you can sometimes reduce the cost by finding a deal to say Paris or Madrid and then booking Air France or Iberia separately. If you do the latter, you need to be sure to allow sufficient time to make your connection and understand any weight limitations. Also, call Air France as they can frequently give a better deal over the phone as internet search engines do not always deal well with a CDG (international) to Orly (domestic) transfer in Paris.
What will the weather be like?
Should be nice. The tours are all scheduled at a good time of year to go. ...Spring and Fall for Europe, August for Canada and November/December for Asia. You can look up averages here: http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/stats/
How do I get my bike there?
On most international flights your bike can be checked as one of your two pieces of luggage at no charge. It will need to be boxed or in a case. If you are booking a flight within Europe, you will have to call the airline to book the flight rather than booking the flight online.
Be sure to discuss any restrictions with the ticketing agent. Some airlines charge and some don't on Trans Atlantic flights. Flights within Europe have weight constraints. Excess weight can carry hefty charges. Certain airlines have recently changed their policies to charge for bikes. For instance, Continental has an $80 charge per flight and Air France now has a charge of 150 euros per flight. It is agood idea to ask BEFORE booking your flight. Also counter personnel sometimes don't know their airlines's policy so it is a good idea to get an email response (or at least write down who you talked to and when) indicating that the bicycle is not subject to a charge.
Generally, once outside the US there is no charge for bicycles.
How about the Ferry to Corsica?
You can take a ferry to several cities in Corsica from Nice and other towns. Check SNCM and Corsica Ferries for the schedule and cost. There is no problem taking your bike on the ferry. There is a fast ship and slow ship so observe the arrival times. The Port in Bastia is in the city while our hotel is closer to the airport which is 17k south of the city. Cabs are expensive, but depending on your arrival time, I may be able to pick you up.
There also are narrow gauge trains on Corsica connecting Bastia, Calvi and Ajaccio and spots in between. Your bike may or may not be a problem on the train depending how crowded it is. Generally, there is spot to hang two or 3 bikes by the front wheel in each fo the two train cars. The charge for a person is 7 or 8 euro while the charge for a bike is 18 euro one way on the train.
What do I need to do to sign up?
You can reserve a spot (and lock in the price of the trip) by sending a check for $300 (payable to "Far and Away Cycling Tours LLC").
Make your check payable to: Far and Away Cycling LLC
Mail your check to: Robert E Thompson, 1016 S. Wayne #904, Arlington VA 22204
Refund/cancellation policy:
See the sign up form for details.
What does it cost to get there?
Depends from where you are flying and when you book, but usually about $1000. If you have flexibility you can can get it down with Priceline or your own creativity. I have sometimes seen flights are as low as $450. Always ask about any charges for bringing a bike as one of your two pieces of luggage.
How hard are the rides?
There is a good amount of climbing and the rides are intended to be challenging. Your bike should have a triple or if you are a younger, stronger rider, no less than 28t in the back and 39t in front. You might be able to get away with bigger gears if you very good climber. You can always opt to take a day off or jump in the van if you are maxed out. That's part of the reason we have it.
How long are the days?
You should be done betweem 2pm and 4pm. Time to relax and check out the town and surroundings. We'll start between 8 and 9 am after a typical european style breakfast.
Can you provide a bike?
Maybe. Contact me. People generally bring their roadbikes to Spain and Corsica and mountain or hybrid bikes to Laos, but we can also get touring bikes in Spain for 150 euros for the week: Touring Bike. Ca n also rent a mountain bike for Laos for about $110 USD for the trip.
What kind of places do you stay in?
2 or 3 star inns and hotels usually. They are nice. I have provided some links so you can see them. In some cases they are unique and I have reserved the entire place.
Do I need to speak a foreign language?
No. You just need to attempt an "Hola" or "Bonjour" as a start. These are biker friendly places. Even if English is not spoken, people go out of their way to help you.
What clothes/articles should I bring?
These are casual places and the trips are scheduled during periods when the weather should be very comfortable. I will send you a list in advance of what to bring. We eat dinner at nice places so bring so bring some pants/skirt.
What's the max group size?
12 people. This allows us maximum flexibility.
How much money should I bring for lunch/incidentals?
You can have a nice lunch for 6-8 euros. The rest is really up to you. It depends on whether you want to visit some places, which may have an entry fee, or buy beer and wine with dinner, gifts for friends and relatives etc. etc. My experience is that you should probably plan on no less than 15-20 euros per day. In Spain, a beer usually comes with some tapas to eat with it.
Is there internet access?
For the most part, yes, you can almost always find a cafe or store with access available. Charges vary and sometimes the speed is slow. Plus sometimes you have to deal with "QWERTY" keyboards which have certain keys in a different location. The level of access really depends on the size of the town.
Are there cash machines available?
Yes, but it is a good idea to call your bank or credit card company to let them know that you are headed overseas. They all have security systems designed to detect usage outside your norm. It is possible that your card may become suspicious. Credit can also be used but you will want to carry some cash for incidental purchases
What travel documents are needed?
Your passport. Keep a copy of it elsewhere, in case you lose it. Also, it is a very good practice to keep a copy of all your credit cards, driver's license etc. elsewhere. Not just overseas, but all the time.
How about insurance coverage?
You need medical insurance. Call your insurance company and make sure you are covered. Bike riding, like almost any activity, carries risks. You are riding at your own risk. You must sign a waiver releasing Far and Away Cycling. You should ensure that your bicycle is in good working order. Trip insurance is at your option.
Who goes on the trips
Age does not make much difference, but generally the rides are designed for people who enjoy a challenging bike ride mixed in with some very interesting locations and nice hotels. The group size is small at a maximum of 12 so we are able to stay in some interesting places.
What if I'm traveling alone?
Wonderful. Prices are based on double occupancy, but other arrangements can usually be made. There is a single supplement for those who desire a single room or for those whom we can't match up with someone of the same sex to share a room.
Liability release
Must be signed advance. Bicycling is a dangerous activity and the trip is undertaken at your own risk.
Spain