Frequently Asked QuestionsReservations To book a trip. First please fill out the electronic reservation form and press SEND. Or print the form and fax it to the fax number provided. You will then receive a reply form us with further instructions. Payment To reserve a seat we require a deposit ($900 Australian or approx. $470 US). We accept Visa or Mastercard and you can send me details by email or fax. You can also pay by check but we prefer credit card as cashing US checks is expensive. The balance is due 60 days prior to trip departure (May 7, 2002). Refund of Deposits and Cancellation Policy You have the opportunity to accept or reject the final itinerary within 14 days of it's release by us (mid November). If you choose not to proceed at this point your deposit will be fully refunded. When you accept the itinerary we strongly suggest you immediately take out travel insurance to cover the cost of your trip in the event that you must cancel your trip for unforseen circumstances. However if you must cancel your trip, we will need to be notified in writing up to 60 days prior to the trip. If you cancel up to 60 days before departure, your deposit will be returned less a 50% cancellation fee. If you cancel within 60 days and we have a waiting list to fill your seat, the cost of the trip will be returned less the deposit. To pay a deposit ($900 Australian or approx. $470 US) we accept Visa or Mastercard and you can send me details by email or fax. You can also pay by check but I prefer credit card as cashing US checks is expensive. When is Final payment due? The balance is due 60 days prior to trip departure (May 7, 2002). Group Discounts? I will provide a 7.5% off the price if you book 5 people or more before 1st November. After that date 5% off. The early booking discount does not apply in this circumstance. What if I'm a non cyclist? The trip is organised to watch the Tour de France but we do cater for non cyclists by taking the bus to the base of mountains (or finishes) on the Tour watching days, where you can rendezvous with your partner (if you have one) and organising guided tours of interesting places etc. How much riding will we do? You can ride as much or as little as you like. The usual procedure each day is to form a couple of groups. Some going longer and faster and others going shorter and slower! And you don't have to ride every day if you don't want. For instance on the 2001 trip on the day of Alpe d'Huez one group rode from the hotel to meet the bus at the base of the climb and stopped there while others continued up the mountain and returned to the hotel after. While another group took the bus to the base and rode the climb and then rode home (downhill) and non cyclists took the bus out and back. Normally I anticipate 3 groups. One slower group doing the long rides (60 miles)and another faster group leaving later while another group does part of the route (25-30 miles) at a moderate pace and if you want to get on the bus that fine too. That way we cater for most levels of fitness. So you can choose in the morning which group your legs can handle! Do the Rooms have Private facilities? They will definitely have private facilities and where ever possible Air Con. but until the route is confirmed I won't be able to choose hotels. However I will definitely try for air-conditioned hotels as a priority, mainly for the quiet more than the heat. Out of a 5 star rating the hotels will be a minimum 3 star. Do we hire bikes? We don't hire bikes however you can do that in Paris but everybody we have taken so far has taken their own bike. I recommend it as you will enjoy the riding more on your familiar steed. How will our bikes be transported? Bikes are transported either in the luggage compartment of the bus or in our truck which accompanies us. We are all cyclists and know that care of out bicycles is "all important"! Arrival and Departure Times You should not book a flight without confirmation from us. We will provide you with suggested arrival and departure times with confirmation. Inclusions All trip costs are per person, plus airfare. All schedules and information are subject to change in the event of bad weather and unforseen events.
Planning A complete checklist will be sent after your deposit is paid with information of what to bring, cycling equipment (suggested clothing, gearing etc.), how to pack your bike and training tips. And don't forget your passport! Read More About Your Tour Leader
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