Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is included
This varies according to each trip. It will be listed on the web page specific for that particular tour.
We will collect you and your bike on tour dates at the designated airport, train station or hotel which is closest to the start of your tour. This information is also mentioned on your statement.
What is not included
All of our trips are land based adventures. Participant's airfares are not covered.
Travel Insurace is not included. We highly recommend you organise a policy which covers your exact needs.
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
We supply our riders with fruit and bars. If you have a particular favourite, we recommend that you bring it with you. Locating your favourite supplements can be difficult in foreign countries.
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.
Cycling
In general we have two ride guides per ten riders. 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.
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.
Please note that itineraries vary according to each trip. An itinerary will be listed on the web page specific for that particular tour.
In general we will ride/hike in the mornings. This way we can get the most out of the day and generally finish around lunch time. This allows you to recharge your batteries with some great food. After a long lunch you can either head back to the hotel to relax or tour the surrounding area with one of the guides.
Particular days of arrival and departure vary greatly, again this depends on each trip.
To speak the language is a beautiful thing. Unfortunately, not all of us speak French, Italian or Spanish. Our team, which supports your adventure, will have a guide who speaks the necessary language.
All participants will be required to sign our waiver prior to travel indemnifying twowheeltours and its employees. On this waiver participants are to list ALL health related issues.
All tours run by twowheeltours are of physical nature.
Once registration and a deposit has 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 of various conditions. 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.
It is a requirement of twowheeltours that all participants organise their own Travel Insurance once their deposit has been paid. This must cover participants if they cancel their tour due to illness, injury and other such factors. There are no refunds or transfers given.
For those participating in the Haute Route, your insurance will need to cover you for cycle racing. For Australians, Velosure has coverage which allows riders to tick a box stating: Yes, I would like to add amateur cycling events cover to my policy.
By paying a deposit you are accepting our Waiver and our T&C’s.
Payment - at time of registration each traveller is to make a deposit, that amount is listed on the booking page. This is to secure your spot (non refundable). The due date for the balance of payment varies depending on each trip (non refundable). Cancellations will not receive a refund. Payment may also be made in full at the time of booking.
Please note that Direct Deposit is required for payments.
Payment can be made by Stripe - Amex, MasterCard or Visa* - there are transfer fees associated with Credit Card payments. Please contact us so that we can send you an invoice from Stripe.
Please note that most of our tour costs are in €'s for Europe and AUD for Australia. 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.
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.
The above is not exhaustive - more details are listed on our waiver (link above) which MUST be completed by each participant on our tours.
Bike and packing related questions
It is highly recommended that riders bring tubes, mini tool, levers etc which you would normally take on a long ride - recommended pack list.
During the HR riders will need to be somewhat self sufficient. There is always a company associated with the event who are there to assist with mechanicals. Note, they will not change tubes for you. It is also recommend that riders bring specific spokes and derailleur tip/hanger - you will be reminded of this during the booking phase. There will be cables, chains and tires, if it gets to that point, available at stage finishes.
Packing your bike with care and in a specific case. This is the safest way to get your bike to the start of the event in one piece. Youtube clip on how to box your bike.
Drop into your favourite Local Bike Store (LBS) and ask them to assist you. You could ask them to do it first then build it up, then you have a go - all for a price. Or you can become a profession via youtube - LINK. We will be there to help you build your bike.
How long is a piece of string, there are SO many out on the market it is amazing, each year there seems to be something new and improved. We have used the EVOC Bike Travel Bag for the last 4 years - they have now updated to the PRO. We have used the EVOC Travel Bag countless of times for our MTB and road tours. It has NEVER had any issues, NEVER had my bike damaged and we really like it. I also have two ‘bits’ to make life a bit easier - CHAIN COVER & ROAD BIKE ADAPTOR. It may take a little longer to use this bike but once you have done with travel the bag compacts down. When boxing the bike, we would highly recommend removing the derailleur from the derailleur-tip but that takes a few extra seconds - youtube clip - this is a clip is by 'Computer' a Sydney mechanic, excuse his hair and finger nails, he really is a good guy! Other options are : Polaris do some very good models or Scicon Bags or there is the Helium one which gets great reviews OR go to your LBS and get a cardboard box.
Will be transported by twowheeltours to and from the train station or your hotel.
We will have a designated area at the start and finish of the tour which can be used to build your bike. twowheeltours will be there to assist with the building of your bike.
To assist you in building your bike there will be the required tools plus bike stand, track pumps, torque wrench, grease, chain lube, rags, plastic gloves and hand wipes.
In many years of traveling with a bike, there has never been any issues with boxing and flying with our bikes. Note, some airlines do charge for excess baggage while others do not. We do not know the policy on each carrier but we know that United, American Airlines and Lufthansa charge for bike boxes whereas Virgin Atlantic does not so long as it is under 23kg / 50 lbs & 62” / 158cm total linear cm and Qatar / Qantas allow you to bring your bike as long as it is within your 30kg limit. Please make sure you weigh your bike before you get to the airport and it is also highly recommended that you check prices and the fine print for excess luggage (ie bike bags / sporting equipment) with whoever you are flying with. Please do this before you get to the airport.
twowheeltours will have a full tool kit for your use on the tour as per listed above including track pumps.
Over the years we have ridden the Haute Route with the aluminium wheels, fitted with clincher tires. We would HIGHLY recommend that you leave tubular tires at home.
For those bringing disc brakes, please make sure that you bring at least 2 sets, 4 pads in total, of brand new brake pads.
There will be around 5 staff, in a fleet of 3-4 cars, which follow the peloton throughout every stage. During the event, technicians in cars - or at fixed service points - will ensure rapid repairs in the case of any mechanical problems.
All riders, pre Haute Route, should have their bikes FULLY serviced including, bottom bracket wear/tear, rims checked, new tires, inner tubes, brakes and cables. 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 any mechanical work done by twowheeltours.
Bikes do not need to be washed each day.
It is recommended to have a compact crank. In previous years there have been 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 during the Haute Route. Also think about climbing a mountain which is 15+ kms, that can be around 2 hours of going up. Most of our clients have a compact at the front and 11-32 cassette.
Haute Route
All event information will be on the Haute Route Ride with GPS App. This is a fantastic addition to the event with all details available in the one location including the GPS Courses.
The Haute Route update details on the App as required.
All riders can log in with the specific code which you will receive in the month before the event.
From years past, they printed a document and also released it as a PDF. Here is an example from the Haute Route Oman 2019 guide book - LINK.
For a blast from the past, see this example from 2015 of what the Guide Book looked like.
Other guides:
Past Grimpeur Magazine
The Haute Route quarterly digital magazine is the go-to reference for all things Haute Route. Featuring exclusive interviews, rider profiles, event previews, unique articles, guest columns and much much more. A great resource for all Haute Route riders.
We will also receive the GPX files before the event. We (twowheeltours) turn them into ‘ride with GPS’ files and then email them to our riders so you can see the elevation gains etc. EG from 2018:
110.7km with 3,010m
Wake up between 0530 and 0600 - depending on the stage start time
Breakfast between 0530 and 0700 - depending on the stage start time. All breakfasts are included
Drop your mussette(s) at reception, you will see those bags again on course/at the stage finish. In those bags you can put nutrition, extra clothing and/or leave clothing at the rest stops. For you finish bag you can pack comfortable shoes, t-shirt or wind vest and any other clothes
Stage start between 0700 and 0800
You will see on of our vehicles during each stage for assistance. Where they are located depends on each stage, taking into consideration, weather and the distance of the stage. At the end of each stage you will find a twowheeltours staff member to welcome you. You can get a cold drink, offer you something to eat, pass along your mussette and give you directions to lunch and the location of the hotel
Stage finish between 1130 and 1700
A hot lunch is served by the race organisers
HR Massages are available near the finish line. If you want a massage from the race organisers, you will need to register when you arrive. A time slot will be given to everyone, to avoid waiting
twowheeltours will have their own massage therapist on tour
Briefing for riders at 1830 in the race village - a twowheeltours representative will be at the briefing to collect information to share with you at dinner
Dinner with twowheeltours usually from 1830
Haute Route clothing
HR Marshals along the route and at intersections
Motorcycle escorts, many of whom have assisted at the TdF in years past
Presence of security vehicles to escort the peloton (including a sag wagon/bus)
Medical team who are also on the road during the event and at each finish village
Mechanical support during the race and at the villages
Timing and tracking system
For your bike and for identification you will receive a personalised frame plate and official numbers to wear daily
Rest stops at the tops of cols and also along the route with food, drinks and energy products
Daily rankings (Solo, Team, and by age group and sex)
Hot lunch at the end of each stage
Each night there is a safety briefing followed by an aperitif - note twowheeltours has our own briefing at the hotel
Closing party held at the finishing city
A medal for each finisher
A finishing shirt
A personalised certificate to download
Have you watched the HR Video on what to pack / bring? Now you will have some questions, not all points relate to you as your are on our tour and you may be on a shorter tour:
Haute Route Bag - You can take the HR bag IF YOU WANT, we give you twowheeltours luggage tags which you put on your bags, preferably two which we move everyday, one large bag and one backpack. You drop your bags to reception each morning and our team move them to the next hotel. We recommend that you take the HR (small) back pack, you can use that on course. Also, we give you another little bag which you can use for another rest stop during the stage. At reception each morning we have signs to designate where our staff will be on course and you put the bags where you want to see them. At the end of the day, our staff bring them back to the hotel.
Our staff on Course - The location of our staff on course varies each day, due to weather, distance and other logistical factors.
Bike Bag - The race organisers take your bag from Registration to the final village - ie Megeve to Nice or whichever are your start and finish villages. You can put any gear in the bike bag which you do not want to see for eight days. Many of our clients will place their HR Travel Bag (90 litres) in their bike box for a momento. There is no access to your bike bag once it is dropped off on the registration afternoon through to after Stage 7. twowheeltours will be leaving your bike box during HR in Divonne-les-Bains.
Rules - if you DNF one stage you can still start the next stage. You may not receive a shirt at the end but you will receive a medal.
Take on the challenge together and register as a team of 4-6 members! Keep each other motivated and ride like professionals!
The aim of the game: Each team will make their own strategy to get three of their riders to the finish line as fast as possible. The ranking will be based by cumulating the times of the three fastest members.
You can register as a Team by selecting the Team option directly from your customer account, on the "registration form" section of your event.
twowheeltours can assist in supporting your team to help reach your goals with on course support, bottles on the fly etc.
Luckily enough, I was intereviewd at the finish line of the Haute Route Dolomites 2016 event, here's what was reported:
Forty-something-year-old Sydneysider Will Levy was celebrating a unique achievement, having become the only rider to complete every Haute Route event since the first one in the Alps in 2011. “I feel good…probably better than I did after the first one in 2011, that was extremely hard because you didn't know what was going to happen with riding for 7 days in a row. It has been an amazing experience to go through from the beginning until now and on into the future. Things certainly become easier once you have one Haute Route under your belt.”
What is Will’s advice to someone thinking of taking on an Haute Route event? “The fitter you are, the more fun you’ll have. These are not just Saturday or Sunday rides – you need to come prepared and the better prepared you are the more fun you will have,” he said.
The top 50, or so, riders go hard. They do not mess around, do quick rest stops, many times miss the timed rest stops and not much chatting in the bunch. Not to say that the riders from 51 to the back of the bunch do not ride hard but there is definitely a different mentality. There is nothing worse than going hard on Stage 1 and cooking yourself for the remainder of the stages.
This varies each day, there is no set rule. The Haute Route try to get as much of the day’s ride as a timed section. Some days there may be a 10km neutral ‘roll-out’ from the start while other days there may be 1km, each day is different. The weather also plays a major part, if it is wet/raining etc they may cancel the timed descents for safety reasons.
When there are non-timed descents, riders will go as fast as they can up the hill and cross the timing mat. More than likely, there will be a feed-station at the top of that climb, where the timing will stop. These feed stations are very relaxed and people ‘hang-out’ to refuel, rehydrate etc.
Then riders usually take the descent ‘easy' and many times you will find a large group waiting before the timing mat, which is generally located at the bottom of the hill/mountain. This situation happens more-so if there is a valley or long flat section. Then someone usually takes change and decides when to roll out when the group looks ’strong enough’.
If there is a non-timed descent going straight into another timed climb, people will just roll across the timing mat as they please.
Each rider is different. A training program certainly helps, especially when talking to a coach who has a wealth of experience and who has completed many cyclo-sportives.
We like to encourage riders that the fitter they are, the more fun they will have.
We have a range of coaches who we highly recommend. For further details on training programs, costs etc - CLICK HERE.
Riders may also be interested in reading a paper by Geoff Nash who has written an in-depth paper on a riders power from the Haute Route Dolomites - CLICK HERE for the paper.
The fitter you are the more fun you will have. The race orgnisers have a cut off time for each stage. That can vary depending on the distance of the day and the difficulty of the day's stage. We have had many clients on our Haute Route tours over the years. Some have finished in the top 5 and others have finished in the bottom 5. The secret to finishing the tour is being able to complete back to back difficult rides. Also not to stop for 30 mins at the rest stops.
If you continue to cycle for the entire stage and take note of the cut off times, posted at the tops of hills and also on one of the motorbikes, you will have a very good chance of completing the stage in the allotted time.
Clothing and what to wear
The Haute Route wants to ensure that each rider comes to the event fully prepared for colder temperatures, and not only rainy weather. In the past, some riders have shown up expecting summery temperatures and clement weather, only to almost freeze at the top of some of the cols or on some of the descents! That is why they require the five mandatory items:
Hardshell helmet
Long sleeve thermal jacket
Full finger winter gloves
Thermal overshoes
Leg warmers/leggings
The jacket needs to be ‘waterproof’ and ‘windproof’. The one which we have been using in the past Pearl Izumi Elite Barrier Jacket. We also pack a lighter spray jacket plus a gillet/vest to come away with.
Other choices are:
Attaquer All Day Rain
Gore Stretch
Castelli Perfetto
This can play a major part in the event. For August in the Alps average temps can be:
Nice 20 > 28C // Cuneo 15 > 26C // Serre Chevalier 20 > 28C // Les Deux Alps 5 > 18C // Meribel 8 > 22C // Megeve 10 > 24C
It is recommended that riders bring at least 3 sets of cycling clothing. twowheeltours gives you a wash/laundry bag [WB] at the start of the tour. We will wash your kits during the tour. We will not put the WB in the dryer. On wash days there is a collection bag left near reception. Riders get their WB back before dinner.
Other info on what to bring can be found here. Unfortunately we cannot wash all your day to day clothes.
You can cycle in whatever gear you would like.
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.
Travel, food and accommodation
All land based transfers from the closest Main Airport &/Or closest Main Train Station &/Or Hotel in the closest Main village/city on tour days.
Our official tour times are - First Day 2:00pm and Last Day 11:00am. On the last day we offer transfers from 6:00am until 2:00pm.
Come join us for our 10 day tour in combination with the seven day event.
We have been fortunate enough to be at countless HR events since 2011. We take pride in making sure all our riders need to do is focus on the event. We have our own masseur, mechanic, bag logistic manager and tour managerwho rides the course with our riders.
All event information will be on the Haute Route Ride with GPS App. This is a fantastic addition to the event with all details available in the one location including the GPS Courses.
The Haute Route update details on the App as required.
All riders can log in with the specific code which you will receive in the month before the event.
From years past, they printed a document and also released it as a PDF. Here is an example from the Haute Route Oman 2019 guide book - LINK.
For a blast from the past, see this example from 2015 of what the Guide Book looked like.
Other guides:
Past Grimpeur Magazine
The Haute Route quarterly digital magazine is the go-to reference for all things Haute Route. Featuring exclusive interviews, rider profiles, event previews, unique articles, guest columns and much much more. A great resource for all Haute Route riders.
Secure bike park 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 ‘race day’ back pack
We are a Fully Catered tour, we provide all land based transfers from the closest Main Airport &/Or closest Main Train Station &/Or Hotel in the closest Main village/city on tour days.
We provide all breakfasts and dinners, drinks including alcohol, bag logistics, staff on course and also at the finish line of each stage, staff member riding the course taking photos*, laundry, non-rider partner program with their own guide and daily activities, cooler and baskets stocked with extra food and beverages post race and personalised attention.
You will also see twowheeltours staff on course during each stage. Each morning riders will drop their mussettes / feed station bags at our hotel's reception which will be taken to the designated mountain passes / feed zones. Riders receive a back pack from the Race Organisers plus a musette from twowheeltours to be used for these bags. In these bags riders can put clothes / food / bottles etc. Each stage varies but you will usually see two twowheeltours staff members on each stage.
The additional 'Race Bag' service from the race organisers. The rough details are - As a reminder the race bag service allows you to access extra kit your own food and any other spares at a pre-determined feed station mid-race - particularly helpful on bad weather days! Riders who purchase this service in advance will be able to pick up their customised race bag on Registration Day.
Travelling with twowheeltours means that you do NOT need this. We will have cars on course and you will have your backpack from the race organisers and also the twowheeltours musette to use on-course. Each night we will go over where our vehicles will be on course. In the morning we will have areas where you can leave you backpack or musette to be collected by you on course.
*Bring an 8G thumb drive and receive the photos for nothing at the end of the trip.
twowheeltours is more than happy to assist with this request. Please email us on info@twowheeltours.com.au so that we can organise exactly what you would like. We are more than able to assist and we can be as flexible as you need.
All prices listed are single supplement. For dual occupancy, other than your wife, please email us on info@twowheeltours.com.au
Hotels are listed soon after the Haute Route releases the race routes. We strive to get the best possible accommodation during the race.
Our hotels all have internet. We have never had problems getting on line with multiple devices for the one person - so using your mobile, laptop etc is okay.
Relax, put your feet in a fountain, shower, eat, talk to other riders, take a nap, rehydrate, grab a massage then eat and drink some more. There is generally a reasonable amount of time to relax before dinner.
This can play a major part in the event. For August in the Alps average temps can be:
Nice 20 > 28C // Cuneo 15 > 26C // Serre Chevalier 20 > 28C // Les Deux Alps 5 > 18C // Meribel 8 > 22C // Megeve 10 > 24C
You MUST organise your own travel insurance. You MUST make sure all aspects, amateur racing, medical, flights etc. are covered.
There is no cycling licence needed. A medical certificate signed by your Dr stating that you are fit for cycling is required. You will receive this once you have completed the HR registration. Once you have it signed by your Dr, you will be required to upload it to the HR website. twowheeltours can assist with this if necessary. Please make sure that you BRING the original document to the start of the tour. If you are from the EU a Cycling Licence is necessary.
Travelling away from home is always an adventure. As we offer Fully Catered tours we supply you with breakfast and dinner. The race organisers supply you daily with lunch during the tour. The food will be excellent, we will experience top level meals.
If you have eating requirements/needs please let us know when you book in the comments section and we will endeavour to meet your needs.
Everyone has their favourites nutrition companies. Please bring along what you are happy with and what you trust.
Want more information about Specific Sports Nutrition for the Haute Route - Chloe McLeod is a Sports Dietitian who we used to help guide our clients to smarter eating for such events - more information click here.
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. Most put powder into a zip lock bag, leaving the big tub at home. 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 have in your bag. Lastly, please pack it in your checked luggage.
At the top of each col there are 'full stations' and these have: Fresh fruit - oranges and bananas; Dried fruit - figs, apricots, sultanas; Cereal bar; Cake - savoury; Cake - sweet; Coke or cordial; Water; Energy powder; Energy bars; Energy gels - more info below.
There are also 'light stations' - these are located half way up some col's or after a long flat section. These stations have: Dried fruit - figs, apricots, sultanas; Cereal bar; Water; Energy powder.
Riders’ safety is the N°1 priority of the organisers of the Haute Route. Each year they entrust medical support to a team of professionals who are experienced with large endurance participation events (cyclosportives, running, trail running, adventure raids...).
The medical service on the Haute Route will be provided by a team of doctors, nurses, emergency technicians, and ambulances in sufficient numbers depending on the current rules and the specifications of the event. For medical reasons, a participant can temporarily or permanently be withdrawn from the race. A medical emergency number will be put in place so that each participant can easily, in case of a medical problem, let the Race Organisation know.
It is recommended that riders bring at least 3 sets of cycling clothing. twowheeltours gives you a wash/laundry bag [WB] at the start of the tour. We will wash your kits during the tour. We will not put the WB in the dryer. On wash days there is a collection bag left near reception. Riders get their WB back before dinner.
Other info on what to bring can be found here. Unfortunately we cannot wash all your day to day clothes.
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 small.
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.
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, cooking classes 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. We all dine together and you will spend the night together.