Frequently Asked Questions

 

What should I bring?

Cyclists and Non Cyclists

Please note that this list in not exhaustive but a suggestive list of equipment

Packing List Road Cycling that should be brought on tour - cycling shoes, bib knicks, cycling jerseys, undershirts, cycling cap for when it rains or to help keep sun off, sweat band if you regularly ride with one on, riding specific socks including thicker socks for cold/wet weather riding, arm warmers/coolers, at least two pair of gloves (one long finger set), wet weather cycling jacket, wrap around sun glasses -dark and clear- and a bag for wet/dirty clothes. Other riding equipment you should bring, camera, thumb drive to share photos, spare tubes and tyre -or decent old used one, butt butter, tire leavers, mini-tool, muesli bars/gels or similar for riding sustenance and mini-pump (there is a track pump in the van). We also highly recommend that you bring a few spokes, non drive and drive side for your wheels, the reason being that there are millions of types of spokes, when in remote areas it is better to have some spare, just in case. It is also required that you bring a derailleur for your bike, a similar reason to the spokes.

Click on the road bike icon below for a print out check-list

If renting a bike we recommend that you also bring your own helmet and pedals. Some riders also like to bring their own saddle.

 

Packing List Mountain Bike Trips (MTB)

It is also highly recommended that you bring a hydra–pack, yellow/clear sun glasses, body armour if needed and a mini fold-a-way tool.

Click on the MTB silhouette icon below for a print out check-list

If renting a bike we recommend that you also bring your own helmet and pedals. Some riders also like to bring their own saddle.

 

Non Cyclist Equipment that should be brought on tour, we recommend that you bring comfortable (worn in) hiking shoes, hat, sun glasses, clothes that breathe, wet weather gear, camera, hydra-pack muesli bars or similar for sustenance.

 

Other notes Don’t forget to bring clothes that are appropriate for all weather conditions. If you are on a trip that takes in the mountains the weather can change instantly and it does get cold at night even in the summer months. There may be opportunities to swim so if you are planning on taking a dip bring your swimmers.


bike silhouette mtb silhouette
Tool Kit on Trips

To assist you in building your bike there will be a BBB Toolcase Tool Kit including:

• BTL-05 Nautilus II - Chain rivet tool.
• BTL-10 HighTorque - Pedal wrench.
• BTL-11 TurnTable - Freewheel turner.
• BTL-12S LockOut - Lockring remover.
• BTL-13 Hexagon 8mm - Hex key.
• BTL-13 Hexagon 10mm - Hex Key.
• BTL-14 PowerPull - Crank pulley.
• BTL-15 Turner II - Spoke wrench.
• BTL-17 ToothBrush - Cassette cleaner.
• BTL-25 ConeFix 13mm - Cone wrench.
• BTL-25 ConeFix 14mm - Cone wrench.
• BTL-25 ConeFix 15mm - Cone wrench.
• BTL-25 ConeFix 16mm - Cone wrench.
• BTL-25 ConeFix 17mm - Cone wrench.
• BTL-28 ThreeStar - Hex key wrench.
• BTL-29 ThreeStar - Socket wrench set.
• BTL-32 BoldGrip - Chainring nut wrench.
• BTL-33 BottomFix - Lockring remover / bottom bracket tool.
• BTL-37 EasyLift - Tire levers.
• BTL-51 ChainChecker - Chain wear checker.

 

There is also a bike stand, torque wrench, grease, chain lube, rags and hand wipes.

 

What is/is not included on the trip?

What is included - this varies according to each trip. It will be listed on the web page specific for that particular tour.

What is not included - all of our trips are land based adventures. Participant's airfares are not covered. We do have a relationship with Travel Planners Wyong who we highly recommend and can organise all your travel bookings. You will be collect from a designated airport or train station close to the start of your tour. Travel Insurace of any kind, we highly recommend you organise a policy which covers your exact needs. For note - Those who like to spend their holidays jumping out of planes or diving the depths of the ocean should look into Medibank and Cover-More, which cover the "widest range of activities", according to Choice, for more information SMH LINK.

Alcohol is not covered by twowheeltours, it will be available to purchase at meals and must be settled before leaving the restaurant.

Bike hire - we can organise the hire of a bike for the duration of your adventure. Please note that this cost is atop the cost of the adventure. The added cost for the hire of a bike will vary depending on the trip that you have chosen. Since we have mechanics on tour we highly recommend cyclists bring their own bike. Our mechanics are there to set the bikes up but we understand that most cyclists prefer to set up their own bikes, we are there to help. If you do need to hire a bike please make mention of this during the booking phase.

Ride/Hike specific food - please note that due to the immense amount of gear available for endurance sports we do not offer Gu's etc. If you have a particular favourite we recommend that you bring this with you. Locating some of these supplements can be difficult in foreign countries. Please note that we do supply basic muesli/granola bars and drinks on the daily trips.

Costing - please note that the cost of the trip is based on a twin share basis. Single supplements are available and need to be discussed as this will vary according to each trip. 

What skill levels are catered for?

Cycling

In general we have two ride guides per ten riders. This is a higher ratio than most other companies. This generally allows us to have two group levels which will cater for two levels of riders. We fully understand that no two riders are alike but we endeavour to offer A and B rides on most days. We certainly hope that the cyclist has done some training before heading overseas, please remember that many of our tours take in mountain environments which include high altitudes.

Non Cycling

We have one guide to take those who do not ride on the day. The range of activities can range from, but not limited to, a hike, city tour, cooking class and/or bus tour. We certainly hope that the non cyclist is fit enough to hike for a number of hours, sometimes in mountain environments which include high altitudes.

I would like to travel in a group but have my own room

If you would like to travel by yourself as a single, we do offer single supplements. These need to be finalised well before the date of departure. The added cost for single supplement will vary depending on the trip that you have chosen.

Bike Info: Hiring, Mechanicals, Gearing, Women, Sag and Distances

Bike Hire - we can organise the hire of a bike for the duration of your adventure. Please note that this cost is atop the cost of the adventure. The added cost for the hire of a bike will vary depending on the trip that you have chosen. Since we have mechanics on tour we highly recommend cyclists bring their own bike. Our mechanics are there to set the bikes up but we understand that most cyclists prefer to set up their own bikes, we are there to help. If you do need to hire a bike please make mention of this during the booking phase.

Mechanical - we have mechanics on tour so the majority of issues can be fixed. Please note that bikes can suffer mechanicals at a variety of levels and at various times. We will do our best to fix all mechanicals as soon and as best as possible. We do carry tubes, tyres, pumps, spokes, cleaning equipment, lubes and chains.

Gearing for Roadies - depending on the tour you are on riders may want a triple chain ring or compact crank (generally 34 inside chain ring). Please specify if you would like your hire bike to have such a setup. FYI I ride a compact crank while in the Alps and Pyrenees.

Gearing for MTB'ers - nice try ... in Europe they have not taken to the 2x10 system as much as us Australians.

Women - I almost refused to put this in but someone mentioned that I must, I know many women who are amazing riders. I have seen many women beat men up hills. I encourage this to happen more often. Please come along and make yourself welcome. We have taken many ladies along on trips.

Sag - we have a sag (broom) bus available out on course in case of emergency. We fully understand that no two riders are alike and the bus cannot follow every rider. Depending on your tour distances and routes will vary. Some days out and backs are ridden while other days may see a one way journey. We certainly encourage riders to stop when they need a break. Tour routes take in villages where cyclists can stop for a coffee or pastry to recharge their batteries. Please note that all cyclists will be given an emergency card with details of people to call, hospitals and the hotel.

Distances - this will vary depending on the trip that you have chosen. The rough distances will be listed on the web page specific for that particular tour. Please note that due to unforseen circumstances these distances may change due to weather, road closures etc. As per What skill levels are catered for? In general we have two ride guides per ten riders. This is a higher ratio than most other companies. This generally allows us to have two group levels which will cater for two levels of riders. We fully understand that no two riders are alike but we endeavour to offer A and B rides on most days. We certainly hope that the cyclist has done some training before heading overseas, please remember that many of our tours take in mountain environments which include high altitudes.

Food glorious food

Food plays a wonderful part on these adventures. The number of meals covered by twowheeltours varies according to each trip. It will be listed on the web page specific for that particular tour. Breakfasts are generally taken at the hotel. Please note that we have done our research and found great places to eat. There is nothing better than finishing a ride/hike and enjoying a wonderful evening meal.

We also cater for vegetarians; please notify us of any special requirements when booking your adventure.

Language
To speak the language is a beautiful thing. Unfortunately we do not all speak French, Italian or Spanish. Our team, which supports your adventure, will have a guide who speaks the necessary language. It is highly recommended that the traveller pre-learns a few lines in the native language.
Wet Weather...

We ride in the majority of conditions. Riders never HAVE to ride. Hikers never HAVE to hike. We try our best to offer wet weather alternatives but this varies according to each trip. Please see What should I bring? for a suggested list of clothing.

Terms & Conditions. What is the fine print?
Payment - at time of registration each traveller is to make a AUD $1500 deposit, this is to secure your spot (non refundable). Balance of 50% must be made by each traveller to secure the booking four months prior to travel (non refundable). Full payment is to be made two months prior to travel (non refundable). Cancellations will not receive repayment. Payment may also be made in full at the time of booking.
Please note that Direct Deposit is required for payments. We also offer the use of PayPal*. This enables you to pay by credit card, note you do not have your own PayPal account to make these transactions. * attracts 3% transaction fee - NOTE no transaction fee on the initial deposit.
Please note our prices are set in AUD$, and all exchange rates can be viewed through Paypal.  
Please note that as all costs are in AUD. We reserve the right to alter the total cost due to the variance in the exchange rate. 

Single Supplements [SS] - each tour varies. For our Haute Route tours the price is set for SS. For our other tours SS is available but vary according to the length of stay, please notify ASAP if this is required.

Travel insurance - it is highly recommended that all travellers purchase extensive travel insurance including air travel supplements. twowheeltours cannot assume responsibility for any client losses incurred on account of non-refundable air or train tickets. We do not insure against the cost of medical or dental expenses incurred by participants on these adventures. We therefore advise that participants consider their own insurance needs and to take action appropriate to their circumstances.

 

For Haute Route Race Insurance - 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.

 

Waiver - all participants will be required to sign a waiver two months prior to travel indemnifying twowheeltours and its employees, participants are to list ALL health related issues.

 

Cancellation - twowheeltours reserves the right to cancel any trip at any time for any reason if there are too few participants, or if the trip quality or safety are in question. This includes reasons such as weather, terrorism, civil unrest, and personal or medical emergencies. In the case of such cancellation, a refund shall constitute full settlement.

 

Activity Based Travel - all tours run by twowheeltours are of physical nature. Once registration and deposit have been received it has been acknowledged that there is risk involved on the adventure. This can be as serious as permanent disability and death. We expect riders to have a general knowledge of bike riding and the risks associated with riding. All our biking trips include undulating roads and our MTB adventures will see both double and single track trails. The roads and courses are designed to provide a challenge to riders and areas can be of a difficult nature. A ride briefing will be held before each departure. Riders are required to store important phone numbers including the lead guide's number. All riders are to carry a mobile phone with them and never ride alone.

The above is not exhaustive but covers some of the Terms & Conditions that the traveller should be aware of, more details are made on the waiver which will be emailed to, then signed by the traveller and returned to twowheeltours.

 


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