Hmmm, doesn't sound like a good experience, but hopefully the Spanish branch will be good. I think this tour is more self-guided, with the van acting more as a shuttle for luggage. Which is why the price of the tour is about half price of a fully guided tour.
Looking at the photos, it appears that the cyclists aren't very "hard core" so this tour may be too easy. I'm looking at some other possibilities too.
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02-12-2009, 03:56 PM #1
Maui Rock Hopper
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Irish Cycling Safaris Review
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02-12-2009, 04:27 PM #2
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Looking at that description of the bikes "no hard road seats" "no dropped bars" it seems like this is more of a tour for people who maybe don't ride bikes all the time....
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02-13-2009, 09:46 AM #3
Maui Rock Hopper
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Change of Dates and Company
I ended up booking with Bike Spain for the Vuela a Espana 2009 Tour! It is 10days of between 49-55 miles per day closely following the race. There will be numerous opportunities to see the actual race, and VIP area tickets to the finale. It includes a cool jersey too. The lodgings are more upscale, some Paradores. The support van has a long trailer for all the bikes so the van has passenger room.
September 12 to 21, 2009. Cost 1650 Euros
http://www.bikespain.info/en/t_roadVuelta_en.asp
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02-13-2009, 09:53 AM #4
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I did a self supported (short) tour this summer in Europe. When I was figuring out the route, I called some tour companies there. They were actually snobby to me and said no one would want to do the mileage I proposed. They told me I was nuts for planning it the way I was. I was SUPER happy with the mileage. I rode alone so didn't have much else to do but ride, and the distances I did (40-60mi/day) were fine for a whole day. Based on this experience (okay, and n of about 3), I think maybe the tour companies often plan for people who aren't used to riding serious miles. If you can put that aside, any tour with a bicycle has to be way better than a bus!
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02-13-2009, 10:05 AM #5
Maui Rock Hopper
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Spain Tour Daily Mileage
Yeah, when I was shopping around it was either super easy (25 miles) or way too hard like 75-100 miles per day. I think 50 is just right so you have time to enjoy the scenery & culture rather than just pedalling like mad. I hope one can tell by the photos of the riders & their bikes what kind of tour to expect. The easy tours showed people in street clothes & shoes w/ hybrid bikes, and more out of shape. Then once you go over the 40 mile mark the riders are in their kits, lean bodies, and road bikes.
Right now I'm averaging about 100 miles a week and I have to work on riding 50 miles/day for 9 consecutive days. At least I have 7 months to work up to this.
Someone told me they are able to take their bike on the plane for free internationally. I find this hard to believe when they charge you for every suitcase. Plus it would suck if the bike got lost or was delayed. I suppose I could insure it for the value of a new titanium fully loaded bike LOL. At this point I am unsure whether I am taking my bike or not. I'd hate to feel uncomfortable on a strange bike that didn't quite fit. When the tour was only 30 miles/day I didn't care if I rode a hybrid or crappy bike. But this tour will be more challenging and I think I need as much performance and familiarity as I can get.
Any advice on shipping a bike to Europe?
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