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Trip Overview
Cycle through forests and vineyards, past castles and abbeys |
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Bike in Burgundy, France: Frequently-Asked Questions about The Colors of Burgundy Discover Burgundy: By day, bike from the turquoise waters of a secluded, serpentine lake, to the golden stone gates of medieval Flavigny. Then relax over some of the world's best cuisine and wine. This FAQ page is intended to accompany other pages about this trip and about our company (see links at left). Some of the answers below may include links to other other sites; please use the BACK key of your browser to return to this page. Contents:
How do I get to Beaune?
This is called a 7-day trip. Exactly what does that mean?
Our "7-day" trip thus consists of 6 full days and two partial days. Some companies promote a trip of this length as being 8 days since it includes pieces of 8 different days. We feel it's more accurate to refer to this as 7 days. When does this bike trip start and end?
Each trip ends after breakfast. There are no group activities on that day, so if you have tight travel connections, you can get up and leave as early as you wish. When your schedule allows it, you'll probably want to spend some time sightseeing in town, with others from the trip, before departing. I'm traveling alone. Will everyone else be in couples?
You don't need to pay the single supplement if you're traveling alone. We'll be happy to match you with a roommate. Pay the single supplement only if you want a bedroom to yourself. Can I talk to someone who's been on this trip?
Our website includes a full page of comments from past travelers. Most of them have volunteered to talk about their experiences with future potential travelers. Please call for the names and phone numbers of references in your area. What kind of bikes do you use?
We also supply a lock, spare tube and patch kit, and a handlebar bag or back rack for carrying a few small items. I want to bring a gel seat cover for my bike trip. What size is best?
How does the van support work for cyclists?
The specific van schedule varies day to day, based on a number of factors: the route, whether there's a picnic that day, and whether riders are all likely to be on the same road, or off on different options. Typically, the driver stays with or behind most of the group until about lunchtime (or earlier, if there's a picnic to set up), then drives ahead to deliver luggage into your rooms. If most of the group is likely to be on the same road, the driver may then circle back to see if anyone needs the van. However, we suggest various optional routes each day, and many people on our trips like to explore independently. That means cyclists may be spread out over many miles, and over several routes. In most cases, we find that a cyclist who needs help will get it fastest by calling the driver at the hotel or calling their cell phone, rather than waiting for the van to patrol all the spots where cyclists could be riding. We'll go over the details in more depth at the briefing when the trip starts. On paper (or on a computer screen) the system can seem uncertain because so many variables are involved. In practice, it works out well. There are many weeks when no one ever needs the van. If you do need assistance, generally you're able to get to a cafe or other comfortable spot while you wait for help. Is a stationary bike a good way to get in shape?
This trip looks fun, but is probably too hard for me. Is it okay to come anyway and ride in the van some days?
However, this is a bike tour, not a van tour. The van's route and itinerary are set up to accommodate cyclists, not van passengers. You'll miss some of the sights, and some of the fun, if you're in the van. We offer trips in a variety of terrains; you should be able to find a bike trip on which you can complete each day's biking. (They're summarized on our biking tours page.) You'll have a much better vacation if you select a trip that's right for your abilities. I like to bike but my partner isn't into it as much. Is this a good trip for us?
A perfect trip for couples with different levels of cycling experience is The Provencal. It includes two layover stops (when biking is optional, as we don't change hotels), during which your partner can shop, hike, or go sightseeing, while you loop through the hilltop towns of the Luberons. On the other days of this trip, our "official" route from one hotel to the next is fairly short, but (as with all our bike trips) we've planned enjoyable longer options for those who want more biking. Another trip the two of you could enjoy are Valley of the Kings, in the chateau region of France. This trip also includes two layover stops, and because there's so much to see, we've kept the biking routes fairly short. Or try the 5-day Big Loire, Little Loir. What's the train schedule from Paris?
What's the weather like in Burgundy?
Although prolonged rain is unlikely during this period, a day of rain is not unusual, but shouldn't interfere with your trip as long as you have a light waterproof top. Do I need to speak French?
What books could I read to get ready for Burgundy?
This trip generally gets a mix of avid wine lovers, and gay cyclists who come primarily for the scenery and gay camaraderie. Those in either category, but particularly the oenophiles, will enjoy Eunice Fried's Burgundy: The Country, the Wines, the People. Fried gives a well-rounded portrait of the countryside, the wine industry, and the people, and even adds a few recipes. Finally, for a sense of this region's past, the French novelist Colette wrote an evocative account of growing up in a small Burgundian village. You can read it in My Mother’s House and Sido. I'm visiting Paris after the trip. Can you recommend a hotel there?
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