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Other Questions Continued
Tools and other equipment
twowheeltours will have a full tool kit for your use on the tour as per listed above. It is highly recommended that riders bring tubes, mini tool, levers etc which you would normally take on a long ride. During the HR cyclo-sportif riders will need to be somewhat self sufficient. Mavic is associated with Haute Route and they will be able to assist where needed but will not change tubes for you. It is also recommend that riders bring a specific few spokes and derailleur hanger. There will be cables, chains and tyres, if it gets to that point, available through Mavic.
Other info on what to bring can be found here.
Bike servicing and washing
All riders, pre Haute Route, should get their bikes serviced including, new tyres, brakes and cables if necessary.
At each village there are facilities to wash your bike and yes you will be able to use our tools for any of your needs. There is NO charge for our mechanical work.
Gearing
It is recommended to have a compact crank. In 2011 there were just a few riders who had standard cranks. About what to run in the rear, ask yourself this question, do you spend much of your time riding in the granny around home? If so you'll be in it a lot on the Haute Route.
Insurance + cycling licence
As with any traveling we highly recommend travel insurance for all aspects, medical, travel etc. As Haute Route is classified as a 'race' it is difficult to get insurance. Most insurance companies ONLY cover 'races' if they are by foot.
twowheeltours can recommend www.aiib.com.au - they are aware of our insurance needs. Each policy will differ due to a variety of circumstances, ie age and dates travelled etc. AIIB are happy to assist in giving an obligation free quote. Please email us - here - to receive the contact info for aiib. There is no cycling licence needed.
Sports Nutrition
Everyone has their favourites so please feel free to bring that along. At the rest stops on Haute Route there will be coke, dried fruits, european energy products, water, salted crackers and bananas. If you are hoping to purchase supplements along the way please remember that some of the host towns can be remote.
Bringing my own nutrition
In regards to bringing your own powders and large tubs of powders, we have had clients bring their own from home and they have never had an issue. We would not recommend for you to bring copious amounts of gels/powders etc as there may be an issue. If forms require please declare what you are brining in. Lastly, please pack it in your checked luggage.
Bags for clothing and Bike Bags
Haute Route will be giving you bags and they are available at registration for the event. As we will be transporting your bags daily you don't have to use their bags but it is a nice memento. Bike bags will be transported from start city to the final destination.
Clothing and washing
It is recommended that riders bring at least 3 sets of cycling clothing. twowheeltours will be washing and rising your kits every second day. Weather permitting you'll have that washed kit the next day. You will receive a Haute Route cycling kit which all riders are encouraged to wear on the first day. Other info on what to bring can be found here. Unfortunately we cannot wash all your day to day clothes. At some of our accommodations they have washing machines which you will be able to wash yourself.
Clothing
For the official dinners and functions - there is no dress code. Even at our welcome dinner and farewell dinner there is no specific dress code, jeans, t-shirt and sneakers are more than suitable. There is only so much you can pack.
I've booked my ticket, what next?
If I go book my Haute Route experience through twowheeltours, do I still have to buy a ticket or anything else from the Haute Route organisation? No, once you have booked with us all you have to worry about is training, getting yourself to EU and getting us some information before the event.
What other support over and above that provided by the Haute Route organisation does twowheeltours offer?
We are a fully catered tour, we provide you with transfers, pre and post race accommodation, all meals, drinks including alcohol, bag logistics, point person at the finish line of each stage, every other day laundry of your cycling clothes, extra food and beverages post race and personalised attention.
Hotels
Are the hotels used by twowheeltours different to those used by the Haute Route organisation? As the route changes yearly this is difficult to answer. We at twowheeltours offer you the best accommodation that is available to us, some hotels are very large while others are tiny.
Location of Hotels
How close is the accommodation to the start/finish? We aim to put you in the best accommodation that is as close to the start/finish line as possible. Please remember that some ski villages are not very big and a small trip may be necessary to get to the hotel.
Non-riding partners
For non-riding partners - what activities are planned? This varies year to year. We take pride in offering those partners who do not ride the opportunity to have an enjoyable time, not just sit in the van and watch/wait for the riders. When your partner signs up we like to find out what he/she enjoys to do, whether that be hiking, visiting villages and/or markets and provide them with a variety of activities during the tour. Non-riding partners will catch up in the evenings with the riders. They will dine with them and spend the night together.
Payment
Upon booking a $1500 (non refundable - NR) deposit per person, is required. The remainder of the payment is due in two instalments. Four months prior, 50% (NR) of the total cost of the package is to be paid. Two months prior, the remaining 50% (NR) is due.
Tracking
The Haute Route organisers continue to do a fantastic job of tracking riders with various apps and other breaking technology. This allows people 'back home' the ability to follow your progress.
Extras you will receive
* Full Haute Route cycling kit including a jersey, knicks and arm-warmers
*Two bottles
* Marshals along the route and at intersections
* Motorcycle escorts, many of whom have assisted at the TdF in years past.
* Safety vehicles en route (including a sag wagon/bus)
* Medical team who are also on the road during the event and at each finish village
* Mavic Mechanical support during the race and at the villages
* Timing and tracking system, see how fast you got to the top of all the cols
* For your bike and for identification you will receive a personalised frame plate and two official numbers to wear daily
* Rest stops at the tops of cols and also along the route with food, drinks and energy products
* Lunch at the end of each stage
* Each night there is a mandatory safety briefing followed by an aperitif but we will have our own at the hotel
* Closing party held at the finishing city
* Massage on offer at the finish of each stage
* A medal for each finisher
* A finishing jersey if completed in the specified times
* A personalised certificate to download
Other benefits which are available but not necessarily needed as you are on the twowheeltours package:
* Secure bike park at each finish village
* Hot showers at each finish village
* Access to a bike wash area at each finish village
* Videos produced daily and published to youtube which are shown during safety briefings
* You will also receive a Haute Route travel bag with wheels and a ‘race day’ pack - these are not necessary to keep as you will be able to use your own bag and we will have a mussette for you at the finish line each day.
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