Is The Challenge ride too difficult for me ?
While Switzerland is full of mountains, The Challenge sticks primarily to
the valleys. Some of this riding, however, is quite steep and demands
endurance. Riders averaging 1,000 or more miles a year should have
no problem, but will enjoy the challenge. Less experienced riders who are “allergic” to moderate climbing should do the Lite Route.
My spouse would love to come, but (s)he doesn’t bike.
No problem. Non-riding spouses will have a wonderful trip: riding the train, hiking the hills, shopping in the villages and relaxing at the hotel. We do give non-riding spouses a discount, but we do offer them a special train pass which allows them to buy ½ price tickets for their entire trip. Take a look at “Non-riding Spouses” in our document library.
What about my luggage?
Each day your luggage will be carried by our support vehicle and will be waiting for you at your final destination. The luggage that you are travelling with must be limited to one piece and must meet the dimensions of a standard airline carry-on (45 linear inches: the length, height and width added together).
Van space is limited so we must be strict concerning this requirement. If you’re travelling to Geneva with more luggage, it can be stored at the hotel at no charge.
What about the bike ?
There are several possibilities: use ours or bring your own. Our 21-speed Swiss BMC hybrids have smooth tires on 26 inch wheels and are built to handle our route’s terrain. Our bikes come with a handlebar bag,pump, tube, repair kit, bottle cage, bell, computer and spd compatible pedals. You'll see few bikes this nice on the road.
We also understand that many cyclists are attached to their own bicycles. It is normally possible to fly your bike from the United States or Canada as a piece of luggage, so long as it is properly packed. Check with your airline to see if there is an extra charge.If you do bring your own bicycle, we’ll assemble it and make adjustments at no extra charge. Cyclists bringing their own bicycles do not receive a discount on the price of the tour.
Cyclists should also be aware that we encounter around 50 kilometers of gravel. This gravel is hardpacked and easy to manage, but not suited for road bikes. One piece of advice that guests often give future riders: "Leave your bike at home. Bike Switzerland's bikes are great for the itinerary".
What should I bring for my bike ?
If you’re a cyclist with an extra tender tush, you may consider bringing your own saddle (without seat post).
What else should I bring ?
You’ll find a packing list in our document library.
What if I have serious mechanical problems ?
We always travel with a medium-sized spare bicycle in case of a breakdown. Otherwise, we work with excellent bike shops along the way and we travel with spare parts. If your bike has a serious breakdown, we can usually have you back on it and riding the next day. In the meantime, you would use the spare.
How many riders will be on my tour ?
A tour will have a minimum of 5 riders. Most full guided bike tours have 18 riders. There are rare instances of 19 or 20 riders.
Where does the tour start ? How do I get there ?
All of our guided bike tours start in Geneva. We encourage participants to make their own travel arrangements over the internet since this is the cheapest alternative. If you're thinking of travelling before or after the tour, we'd be happy to talk to you about the possibilities and make suggestions.
Do I need to wear a helmet ?
Yes. In Europe, you will seldom see a cyclist on the road without one. We have a few helmets to loan out, but you should plan on brining your own.
When should I arrive ?
You should do what is convenient, but ideally you would arrive in the morning or early afternoon of Day One since we're leaving for a vineyard tour at around 5pm. Of course, you can always arrive a day early, but we won't be able to gaurantee an airport pick-up in that case. No worries, however, the hotel is extremely easy to get to from the airport. John will explain all of that to you in detail.
We will take care of hotel stays for anyone arriving before the departure date at the cost of $120 for a single and $180 for a double.
We may not be able to meet you at the airport if you arrive before Day One. However, this is not a major problem since the airport and your hotel are directly linked by train.
What happens when I arrive ?
If there is another guest arriving in the same hour, you may have to wait up to an hour before we take you to your hotel. Otherwise, we’ll take you directly to your room and fit you with your bike shortly thereafter. Then you’ll be free to explore the neighbourhood until around 5pm when we meet for a vineyard tour and supper.
What is included in the price of the tour price ?
Almost everything is included: hotels, all but two meals, bike rentals, Swiss cell phone rental, t-shirt, maps, train transportation back to Geneva, pick-ups and luggage shuttles, special events and certain train rides, bus rides and boat cruises. However, riders wanting to take the train because of fatigue or inclement weather will pay for their own train tickets at these times.
What is not included in the tour price ?
Just so all is clear: meals taken outside the group, drinks or snacks bought en route or at bars or at the hotel. Soft drinks at meals or substitutions to meals, price of evening entertainment, phone calls and museum entrances.
We can supply you with accident insurance for a small supplement.
Do you have a sag-wagon ?
No. We meet the van every afternoon for a catered lunch, and if a rider is feeling especially weak or sick, then of course they are welcome to ride in the van provided there is enough space. However, the van is not meant to seek out and rescue weary riders. That said, we do make exceptions for those who are sick or experience mechanical problems. Riders who find themselves tired and struggling will have easy access to train stations on each day of the ride, so those wanting to cut their mileage or do a half-day will have the opportunity.
How does the train work ?
Our tour goes by various train stations 2-4 times each day. Riders would therefore be able to take the train should they want to shorten the day's mileage. During the orientation, guests will be shown how to put their bikes on the train and how to purchase tickets.
Guests are responsible for paying for their own train tickets. If travelling in a group, your guide may pay for everyone's tickets. In this case, (s)he will keep the tickets and you will be expected to reimburse him/her at the end of the trip. Guests taking the train to make a "half-day" should expect to pay $20-$35 dollars per ticket.
Where do we stay ?
Bike Switzerland offers luxury without pretension. Our hotels are all normally 3 or 4-star quality, typically Swiss and located in magnificent settings. We realize that your accommodations are an extremely important part of your experience and we've gone out of our way to find some great places to stay. You will find pictures of hotels with descriptions for each day of the tour on the website.
Where do we eat ? What do we eat ?
Breakfast will be provided for us every morning at the hotel. Our support vehicle will then meet us every afternoon for a lavish picnic lunch of meat, cheese, bread, salads, chocolate, beer, wine, juice and soft drinks. From time to time lunch may be provided for you at a restaurant along the route in case of bad weather. Evening meals of Fondue, Raclette, Rosti, Choucroute and other Swiss dishes will always be taken at a restaurant in the evening. There are a few award winning restaurants on our itinerary. We can always accomodate vegetarians or lactose intolerant cyclists.
What about drinks ?
There will always be mineral water (flat and sparking) on the table. Otherwise, individuals pay for their drinks seperately.
Otherwise, Bike Switzerland often provides an evening cocktail before supper at around 7 O’clock where beer, wine, soft drinks and appetizers are served.
Can I go alone ?
Although most participants come with a friend or in small groups, we do encourage solo-travelers to join us since the camaraderie will allow you to make friends fast.
If you come alone, you will need to pay a $500 supplement for a single room. Upon request, we will try to find you a same-sex roommate, but we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.
How do I sign up? Tell me about the deposit.
Go to the "Sign up" page (under "Join Us") to begin the process. You'll choose the tour, fill-out an on-line application, and pay a $500 deposit to reserve a space on our ride. If you are going through your bike shop or bike club, your deposit should be paid through the individual in charge. Otherwise you can reserve your trip with a check payable to
John Klemme / Bike Switzerland
19948 C12
Hawarden, Iowa
51023, USA
Credit cards are accepted through our site.
You will be notified by email or telephone when your payment is received.
When is the balance due ?
The balance for your trip is due three months before Day One of your trip. Again, the balance can be paid by check, credit card or bank transfer. Your balance should include any extras that you’ll be needing (insurance, extra night in Geneva, etc.)
Once we receive your final balance, we will send a packing list and general information about our tour.
What if I change my mind ?
If you change your mind three months before Day One of your trip, you will receive a full refund on your deposit minus $200. For example, if your tour begins on August 3rd, you would need to cancel your tour on or before May 3rd
What if I change my mind later ?
Should you decide to cancel, and if there is a waiting list, Bike Switzerland will simply transfer your tour to a different person(s) of our choice and there will be an administrative charge of $100. If there is not a waiting list for your ride, we will apply the following refunds.
- Each person cancelling more than 90 days before Day One of the tour will forfeit $200 of their deposit.
- Each person cancelling 61-90 days before Day One of the tour will forfeit their deposit.
- Persons cancelling 31-60 days before Day One of the tour will receive a refund minus 50% of the trip price.
- Persons cancelling 30 days or less before Day One will receive no refund.
- In order to avoid loss of funds, riders may choose to transfer their ride to another person of their choice for an administrative fee of $200 dollars. Such a transfer must be made at least 30 days before the tour unless special permission is granted. Bike Switzerland reserves the right to refuse any such transfer if the participant substituted is deemed unacceptable for any reason.
Do you offer insurance ?
Yes. We offer Swiss-based emergency medical insurance. This insurance costs $80 and will give you 10,000 Swiss Francs of coverage over a 15-day period. This is ACCIDENT insurance and it covers evacuation and medical costs that would be directly related to the trip (bike accident, pulled-muscles, sprains, heat stroke). Pre-existing medical conditions are not covered. Medical expenses resulting from strenous activity (heart attack, would therefore not be covered. General sickness: cold, flu, etc. are not covered.
There are lots of different kinds of insurance available (trip cancellation, lost luggage, flight delay, etc). If you’re interested we suggest that you check out Travel Guard International.
Do you have a liability policy ?
Yes. Bike Switzerland is not liable for bodily injury or property damage as a result of (but not limited to) participants' physical exertion. Bike Switzerland is also not liable for property damage or bodily damage as a result of forces of nature; travel by plane, train, auto, bike, boat or other transportation. Bike Switzerland is not liable for accidents caused by consumption of alcoholic beverages; civil unrest; terrorism; breakdown of equipment; high altitude; lack of or limited access to medical attention in remote locations; and the adequacy of medical attention once provided. Bike Switzerland is also not liable for expenses not specified as included in the trip, but which may be required to get to or from a trip start or end. Bike Switzerland reserves the right to make route and hotel modifications as necessary for the comfort and safety of participants. Bike Switzerland may take photographs or make film records of its trips for promotional and commercial use, as well as approving such use by third parties without financial remuneration.
Is there anything else that I should know ?
Again, Bike Switzerland believes in being very clear about policy so that there are no eventual misunderstandings. For this reason, please note the following:
- Participants arriving late or leaving early receive no refunds or rebates unless agreed upon beforehand.
- Single supplements are considered as part of the trip price and are therefore subject to cancellation fees.
- Bike Switzerland reserves the right to make route and hotel changes if necessary.
- In the very exceptional case of Bike Switzerland cancelling a trip due to low enrolment, participants will receive a full refund of all payments received to date.
- If Bike Switzerland cancels a trip because of natural disaster, terrorism or civil unrest, participants will receive a full refund.
Participants must sign the Release of Liability form and the Assumption of All risks and Arbitration Agreement.
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