Frequently Asked Questions

We try to explain everything and answer all your questions as you browse through our site, but if there should be something that you’re not sure about then please contact us or look through the frequently asked questions below.

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes, of course you can bring your own bike, although relying on airlines or other forms of transport for your bike... well, our bikes are high quality and we do carry spares so you should never be in the position of being without a bike. If you want to bring your own saddle or pedals, by all means do so and we’ll gladly fit it to our bike for the duration of our tour.

Do you cater for special diets?

The French cuisine does tend to be based around a variety of meats and animal produce, but arrangements can be made for special diets to be catered for. Please complete the dietary boxes on the booking form and this shouldn’t be a problem.

How do I get there?

The entire trip will be hosted by a local Columbus resident. Complete itinerary details and instructions will be included with final documentation.

What clothing should I bring?

We want you to be comfortable on your Tour and therefore recommend, that if nothing else, you invest in a decent pair of cycling shorts with some form of padded liner (I'm guessing Cyclist Connection has these in stock).  An alternative would be to wear just a regular pair of shorts with a pair of padded undershorts. With regards to the rest of your clothing, anything that you feel comfortable wearing, which may consist of leisure/cycling garments or just regular tee-shirts, shorts and trainers/sneakers. Remember to pack at least one warm top-layer just in case and also something for the evenings, although it’s not necessary to bring your best cocktail dress and tuxedo as the evenings are quite relaxed and informal.

Do I have to be very fit to do the tours?

This trip is aimed at the leisure cyclist with a reasonable level of fitness, although future tours may require a little more physical exertion. We don’t glue your feet to the pedals so at any time during the day you’re free to get off and walk for a short distance or even retire to the support vehicle.

How big is the group?

In order to give a personal service to all our customers we must limit the number of people to 16, although circumstances could dictate that more are possible. The minimum number is 10 and this is in order to create a good group atmosphere. This could be made up of singles and/or couples. We do reserve the right to cancel any tour, with a minimum of five weeks notice, if we fail to get the minimum number of customers.

Will I need travel insurance?

All participants are suggested to have suitable travel insurance, which we recommend provides them with appropriate coverage for cycling in France and should include medical coverage. Optional travel cancellation and trip interruption insurance will also be available upon request and is highly advisable that this is purchased. Insurance can be provided through First Class Travel. Details will be provided by request in your itinerary.

Do I have to carry my clothes each day?

No, our support vehicle will transfer all luggage not needed for the days ride onto the next hotel. Should anybody want to do a spot of souvenir shopping then the vehicle will always be on hand to convey those larger objects.

What other things should I bring with me?

We advise you to bring sun-tan lotion/cream, a pair of sunglasses (sometimes the lighter lens variety are preferable for cycling as even if it’s a dull day they protect your eyes from dust and insects), a hat, perhaps some travel wash which can come in handy and requires you to pack less clothes, a small amount of Euros as sometimes in the more remote places it’s difficult to find cash dispensers and your sense of adventure!

What travel documents will I need for the trip?

All travelers to France are required to have a valid U.S. passport.   Please make 2 copies of your passport, and personal identification before you depart. Keep one set of copies with you in a separate location from your travel documents, and leave the other set of copies with a contact at home before you depart. Suggestion: If not currently holding a passport, begin the process very soon to receive it back in plenty of time prior to the trip.

What is the average daily mileage?

The average daily mileage is about 15-30 miles (40-60km). There will be daily options for riding additional, or fewer, miles.
 

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