Tour of Macedonia / Halkidiki 2025 : Bookings OPEN

2025 Itinerary 

• Day 1 - Riders arrive and collected from Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) or Thessaloniki Hotels and transfer a short distance to our first hotel. Afternoon ride ~30-40km

• Day 2 - Morning ride ~40km with a lovely lunch and massages on offer that afternoon

• Day 3 - Ride to the Event hotel. Check-in and register for ToMH with massages on offer that afternoon 

Below are details from the 2024 Event

Please use it as a guide for the 2025 event:

• Day 4 - Stage One - 50 KM / 700m Alt

• Day 5 - Stage Two - 82 KM / 1,300m Alt 

• Day 6 - Stage Three - 100 KM / 1,800m Alt 

• Day 7 - Stage Four - 88 KM / 1,300m Alt

• Day 8 - Stage Five - 55 KM / 1,400m Alt

• Day 9 - Stage Six - 95 KM / 1,400m Alt

• Day 10 - Transfer and Riders depart from Thessaloniki

For the Full Itineray - please email us

Highlights for the riders

• Opportunity to ride nine days

• 30 > 100k days on offer 

• Opportunity for rest days

• All rides with a guide and support vehicle + photographer

• During the event there will be twowheeltours support vehicles on course

• Ride as much as you would like of each stage getting to a rest stop to be shuttled to finish

• Amazing food

• Dedicated twowheeltours Mechanic and Masseur on staff

• City and cultural tours  

Included on tour

• Transfers to and from Thessaloniki Airport

• 9 nights and 10 days on tour

• All breakfasts, lunches and dinners 

• Event Entry

• Laundry

• Accommodation in Five Star Hotels

• Massage and mechanic

• Support vehicle includes tools, pumps, cooler with drinks plus fruit and snacks

Price

€5,300 single accommodation

€4,850 twin share : per person

Includes ToMH Entry*

€2,500 to confirm your place

Final payment due 3 March 

€2,695 non-rider program - having daily activities away from the ToMH event

*twowheeltours covers all your land based expenses including transfers, accommodation and all meals. We have our own dedicated mechanic and masseur to ensure you have the best possible experience during the event.

If you have any more questions, please email info@twowheeltours.com.au

Riders will still stay in fantastic five start hotels along the way. 

Our first hotel is a ~30 minute drive from Thessaloniki Airport (SKG).

What staffing does twowheeltours provide?

We cannot wait to get to ToMH. As always, 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 manager who rides the course with our riders. 

Why do the event?

Participating in ToMH, as a rider, beside the challenge, will allow the riders to explore some amazing roads in the Halkidiki region. 

This region in northern Greece famous for its jutting peninsulas, which feature Mediterranean forests that give way to sandy beaches in sheltered bays.

During the stages, you can enjoy not only the landscapes and the challenging roads, but also the Greek history and culture.

Why Start in Thessaloniki?

Thessaloniki is the major city and offers the best airport in the North of Greece. It also allows you good access to the start and finish of the ToMH event.

What will your ToMH day will look like?

• Wake up between 0700 and 0730 

• Breakfast between 0700 and 0830. All breakfasts are included

• Leave your bags at the reception. twowheeltours staff will transport the bags to our next hotel and place it in your room

• Drop your musette(s) at reception, you will see those bags again on course/at the stage finish, they will be with the twowheeltours ON COURSE vehicles. 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

• Stages start at 0900

• You will see our ON COURSE vehicles during each stage for assistance. It varies as to which rest stop they are for each stage, due to 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 musette and give you directions to lunch and the location of the hotel 

• Stage finish between 1130 and 1530 

• An amazing lunch is served by the race organisers 

• Massages are available at the hotel

• Briefing for riders is held at our hotel - a representative from twowheeltours will be at the briefing to collect information to share with you at dinner

• Dinner with twowheeltours and the other riders, usually from 1900

Extras you will receive

• ToMH cycling jersey

• Marshals along the route 

• Motorcycle escorts

• 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 for the event is done via Strava - you do not have to partcipate as a timed rider if you do not wish 

• For your bike and for identification you will receive a personalised frame plate (for your handlebars) 

• Rest stops along the route with food, drinks and energy products they also offer some famous and typical sweets from the local region

• Daily rankings 

• Lunch at the end of each stage plus dinner

• Closing party held at the finishing city

• A medal for each finisher

What time does the ride start each day?

As this is Greece, there is no rush and the riders depart from 0900.

What time does the race finish each day?

Again depending on the length of the day and how fast you ride. Expect finishes to be anywhere from 11:30am through to 3:30pm.

What about the road surfaces?

Roads in this region can be rough in sections but overall, expect them to be good. We always recommend that riders bring a bike with larger volume tires.

Is there a minimum speed average?

There are time cut-offs associated with each stage.

It is HIGHLY recommended that you can ride an average of 25kph to complete each stage.

What is there to do at the end of the days rides?

Relax, put your feet up, shower, eat then eat some more, 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. We mention eat twice, you may not feel like eating but this is one of the most important things you can do at the end of each stage. Even if you arrive into the finish at 3:30pm, which is 'past' a normal lunch time, you will NOT make it to dinner if you do NOT EAT.

What is the weather like:

Avg Temps : in Thessaloniki during June : 17 > 30C // 63 > 85F with two days of rain

What other support over and above that provided by the Ride Across Portugal organisation does twowheeltours offer?

twowheeltours offer a Fully Catered tour, we provide you with all land based transfers from the closest airport / train station / your hotel in the host city, two nights pre and one night post event in top level accommodation (four or five star), best possible accommodation during the race, all meals, 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 musettes / feed station bags at our hotel's reception which will be taken to the designated rest stops. Riders receive a musette (back pack) from twowheeltours to be on course. In this riders can put clothes / food / bottles etc.  Each stage varies but you will usually see two twowheeltours staff members on each stage. 

How hard is the ToMH?

This will be a great event, open to all abilities. Yes, you will need to be able to ride ~500km over the six stages PLUS there will be a total ascent of ~8,000m during those six stages. As with all of these types of events, you MUST do some training before coming.

The fitter you are, the more fun you will have. 

There is a 'race' aspect if you want to participate but there is no need to if you just wish to complete the course.

Is it a ride or a race?

The very front of the event will go hard while most of the other riders are there to complete the stages and can do so at their own leisure. This is not an event for people who want to ride a leisurely 50km a day, riders need to have done some big training days and it will also help if riders have done some group rides, so that you can work together to assist in getting through each day. 

6 days is a long time, especially when it is your first multi-day event. There is nothing worse than going hard on Stage 1 and cooking yourself for the rest of the week. 

Can I have a rest day?

Yes, no worries. Any day which you wish to take off the bike is possible. We want you to have a holiday and there is no pressure from us.

I think I need a training program?

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 can be found here. 

You're an Australian tour company, do you have riders on your tours who are not from Australia?

We have clients on our tours from all over the world Australia, NZ, UK, USA, Canada, Japan, South Africa, Brazil, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Czech Republic and Spain. Each year many of our riders return to do tours with twowheeltours, which is a great honour. 

Rooming

All prices listed are single supplement. For dual occupancy, other than your husband/wife/partner, please email us on info@twowheeltours.com.au

Wifi - Internet Access

Our hotels all have internet, the majority have it in rooms but once in a while you may need to access it from the lobby. We have never had problems getting on line with multiple devices for the one person - so using your mobile, laptop etc is okay.

What about transporting my bike to the event?

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. LINK

I have never boxed my bike before, how do I pack my 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.

Which bike box should I use?

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.

Where can I build my bike?

We will have a designated area at the start and finish of the tour which can be used to build your bike. Our mechanic will be there to assist. With a rather substantial amount of cyclists on our tour we highly recommend and encourage that you the cyclist be able build and break down your bike.

Help will be there if necessary

To assist you in building your bike there will be a Toolcase which includes all the major tools. There is also a bike stand, track pumps, torque wrench, grease, chain lube, rags, plastic gloves and hand wipes.

Have you ever had troubles transporting your bike on airlines?

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. 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.

Tools and other equipment

twowheeltours will have a full tool kit for your use on the tour as per listed above including track pumps - also our mechanic is there is assist with any other needs.

What should I bring?

It is highly recommended that riders bring tubes, mini tool, brake pads (especially for those using disc brakes!) levers etc which you would normally take on a long ride - recommended packing list.

During the ToMH riders will need to be somewhat self sufficient. The event has roaming mechanics and they will be able to assist where needed but 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. 

What wheels should I bring?

When in EU the majority of clients use carbon disc brake wheels with clincher tires. Please 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. 

Bike servicing and washing

All riders, pre ToMH, should have their bikes FULLY serviced including, bottom bracket wear/tear, rims checked, new tires, inner tubes, brakes and cables. At each village our mechanic is there to help. If you so wish, you will be able to use our tools for any of your needs. There is NO charge for our mechanical work.

Bike washing

Bikes do not need to be washed each day - they will be wiped down. 

Gearing

It is highly recommended to have a compact crank. Some riders prefer standard cranks, it is up to the rider. About what to run in the rear, ask yourself this question, do you spend much of your time riding in the granny around home? The earlier stages are the toughest, so if you like 'spinning' bring a compact. The majority of our clients have a compact at the front and 11-30 on the rear with some preferring a 32. 

Insurance + cycling licence

You MUST organise your own travel insurance. You MUST make sure all aspects, medical, flights etc. are covered.

Swimming in Europe 

The majority of swimming pools in Europe have a rule that swimming shorts are banned with 'speedos' being required. They state this because of health and hygene reasons. Please make sure you pack your speedos so that you can enjoy a swim after your hard earned ride.

Do I need a Cycling Licence?

No.

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 RAP registration. Once you have it signed by your Dr, please pack it so that it is with you for the start of the tour. 

Diet - Food on Trip

Travelling away from home is always an adventure. The food in Europe is not the same as 'home'. The food in Portugal is amazing and it is one of the highlights of the tour. 

As this is a Fully Catered tour we supply you with all meals. The race organisers supply you daily with lunch and dinner during the event. 

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. 

If you are a vegetarian please note that being in Europe it is very difficult to get enough protein and we highly recommend that you bring your own supplements. We have had some clients who have mentioned that getting enough protein was much harder than they had imagined.

Sports Nutrition

Everyone has their favourites nutrition companies. Please bring along what you are happy with. Below we list what you will find at rest stops. If you are hoping to purchase supplements along the way please remember that most host villages are VERY remote and most likely will not have what you want.

Want more information about Specific Sports Nutrition for the RAP - Chloe McLeod is a Sports Dietitian who we used to help guide our clients to smarter eating for such events - more information click here. 

Food at rest stops

During each stage there are a number of Rest Stops and these have: Fresh fruit - oranges and bananas; Dried fruit; Cereal bar; Cake; Water; Hydration powder; Energy bars and Energy gels.

Bringing my own nutrition, any issues with quarantine?

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 travel/transit/arrival forms require, please declare what you have in your bag. Lastly, please pack it in your checked luggage. 

Medical assistance during the ToMH

Riders’ safety is the N°1 priority of the organisers of the ToMH. 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 ToMH will be provided by a team emergency technicians and ambulances. For medical reasons, a participant can temporarily or permanently be withdrawn from the event. A medical emergency number will be put in place so that each participant can easily, in case of a medical problem, let the Event Organisation know.

How safe is the ToMH?

The route is not closed to vehicles and ultimately YOU are responsible for your own safety whilst on your bike.

An “end of event” vehicle will close the event. All riders must respect the traffic laws:

• To cycle on the right hand side of the road, at ALL times

• To respect the road signs put in place by the organisation

• To respect traffic lights

• To respect other road users who are not involved in the event

• To wear your helmet at all times

• To display your frame plate on the front of the handlebars at all times

Most stages start with a secured and non-timed convoy of all the participants, at a regulated speed, even for a few kilometers. Each rider has to respect the instructions given by the event management team. 

How fast is each stage, what level of cyclist do I need to be to complete the ToMH?

There is no doubt about it, the fitter you are the more fun you will have. The other secret to finishing the tour is being able to complete 6 enjoyable days of cycling, back to back etc. Also do not stop for 30 mins at the rest stops, keep moving.

If you continue to cycle for the entire stage you will have a very good chance of getting back to the hotel at a decent time. The event organisers want people to finish and allowance is made for this to happen. 

Clothing and washing

It is recommended that riders bring at least 4 sets of cycling clothing. twowheeltours gives you a wash/laundry bag [WB] at the start of the tour. We will wash your kits twice 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. 

Is there gear that I HAVE to wear?

You can cycle in whatever gear you would like. It is not mandatory to cycle in the ToMH kit.

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 via twowheeltours, what next?

Your main focus once you have booked with us is training and booking your flights. You will be required to complete some twowheeltours paper work which you will be emailed closer to the start of the event.

Paper work

We require you to sign a waiver from twowheeltours. You will also be required to complete a medical form from ToMH - this form will need to be completed by a Certified Doctor and stamped by them. This is MANDATORY, if you do not have this you will NOT be able to ride. 

Location of Hotels

How close is the accommodation to the start/finish? Our riders stay at the event hotels and they are generally the start location for each stage. 

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, 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.

Payment

Upon booking a deposit is required, all details of payments will be outlined on your invoice.

How do I make the remaining payments?

Via direct deposit, all details of payments will be outlined on your invoice.  

Payment can be made by Square Up - 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. 

twowheeltours has been lucky enough to have been involved with amateur cyclo-sportive events such as the Haute Route (since 2011), Ride Across Portugal (since 2017) and Giro della Sicilia (2023). Since then, we have had hundreds of riders from +20 countries join us on cyclo-sportive tours.  

Some of the most important factors to remember:

Events like the Haute Route, Ride Across Portugal and Giro della Sicilia have been around for years and if this is your first multi-day, welcome to the family.  

The stages are not ALL about climbs, remember, what goes up must come down and then there are all those rolling hills plus flat sections where teamwork is an advantage! 

Make sure you have done some bunch riding.

Also, make sure you have done some riding in the rain. Nobody likes getting wet but there is always the chance that a stage may be a damp one.   

At the end of each tour, we ask our clients for advice for those who are attempting a multi-day cycling event:

Enjoy the cycling and the experience...the twowheeltours team has the rest covered.

Andy - Canada

If you're into the technology, Garmin climbpro, plus a power meter and knowing your numbers makes the climbing a lot less stressful and much easier to manage. If you're not into the technology you should reconsider. GPS routing and climbpro really lets you relax and enjoy the ride, wherever you are. Also, bring all your gear. Southern Australia is not like Northern Australia. The weather can actually change a lot from day to day. If you are planning on extending your stay, I would do that after the riding, not before.

Tim - Australia

Use a Tour Operator, twowheeltours.

Paolo - Italy  

Take it rather easy for the first two days.

Carlo - USA

Unless you are really really at the pointy end, take some time to let the terrain soak in, stop for a minute here and there to grab a photo. Start as you mean to finish, steady, within your limits so that as the cumulative fatigue sets in you can keep on going, the HR events are long weeks on the bike.

Peter - Austraila

For newcomers, what lies ahead can be intimidating and all the more so with a group of super strong riders. Do not be afraid to ask an experienced/repeat rider (who is on tour) to talk about their experiences and what they found helpful. 

Pete - Canada

As much as possible, try to train on climbs equivalent to those on the Haute Route. For Aussies, that might need to be the Snowies… or near Bright.

James - Australia

Start easy, that one day at a time, 1 climb at a time. Don't overwhelm yourself.

Greg - USA

Cannot over stress the rushed nature of everything. The mornings come fast and furious.

Mike - USA

Get the training in beforehand as you will enjoy the experience more AND eat before the ride and during the ride at a minimum 50 grams of carbs per hour and after the ride. You do these things and will have energy during the ride and for everything else you want to do (outside of riding) on the trip to make the most of the place you are visiting.

Simon - Australia

Relax and enjoy the ride! twowheeltours takes care of everything else!

Charles - USA

Your enjoyment of the trip will be directly proportional to the training you put in. With the training. I would also emphasise the importance of including plenty of low cadence/high force training to replicate what happens on the road in the long and steep climbs. I would also advise people renting a bike to consider a 34 if they are at all concerned about being over-powered/worn out by steep gradients. 

Andrew - Australia

If travelling with twowheeltours, you don't need to think of, or stress over, any details. Everything is taken care of.

Steve - Wales 

Be Tassie weather prepared.

Matt - Australia

You will meet some great characters and you don’t have to be a competitive rider to enjoy these tours [Gravel Tasmania]. 

Dave - Australia

Have a ride plan each day. Pacing is crucial from the first climb to the last each day and each stage. Keep the efforts to a minimum. You will be passing people on the last climb every day doing it this way versus being the person being passed. Ride to power and HR ceilings. Any higher and you will burn out. Perhaps not today, but one day. 

Richard - Australia

Train beforehand! Seriously train.

Terry - USA

Always pack cold and wet weather gear for destinations that may have '4 seasons in one day', and take up the offer of the van carrying extra gear in your musette.

Roslyn - Australia

Train, train and train.

Eimear - Ireland

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip (in Tasmania) but there were moments when I was on my limit on some of the short climbs. So check your riding level and capability.

Keith - Australia

On the bike > breathe ... eat ... drink ... enjoy!

Owen - Australia

Train and know it will not be enough.

David - USA

Embrace the experience! Rain, punctures, cramp, bone-chilling cold, transfers - they are all part of what makes the Haute Route such a challenge. And talk to your fellow riders - everyone has a story to tell.

Adrian - Australia

Have the utmost confidence in the professionalism of twowheeltours and Will's staff.

Sergio - Italy

Preparation. Most important is consistent training and lots of it. Work on strength and endurance. Focus on getting the body to recover from a long day and be ready for the next. Lots of riding required, never underestimate back to back riding in Europe.

Grant - Australia

Preparation and attention to detail. Put in the kms of training. This is not something that can be finished without true training preparation in the legs. Also, invest in a really good "butt butter" type product that works for you and figure out how to minimize saddle sore discomfort.

Paul - USA

Buy a Castelli Gabba!! [Prepare for all weather conditions]

Mark - Australia

Train - simulate actual event. Make sure you have the right clothes - bring what is on the Packing List and prepare for cold weather riding.

Stan - USA

Train a lot. Prepare for all weather conditions. Eat a lot on the bike. Take in the scenery.

Dave - Australia

Train, train and train to be able to enjoy the HR and not suffer every day.

Mike - Netherlands 

Install a climbing cassette before you leave.

Stephen - Australia

This is an open door: the Haute Route is harder than you think it is - try to keep your body weight as low as possible before the event. You will not regret it.

Paul - Netherlands

For first time riders (in Tasmania) be warned that it is not for the faint hearted.

Tom - Australia 

Haute Route is a long event - bad days could be followed by good days...so take it easy the first two days and always pay attention to good nutrition. Put up serious training before any Haute Route event. You will appreciate much more the event with trained legs

Stefan - Brazil

Train for a solid three months including a significant amount of hill climbing. You must have a high dgree of fitness otherwise you are wasting your time. Also put on a 32 cassette. 

Noel - Australia

Don't allow the physical and psychological challenge of the HR to get in the way of enjoying the wonders associated with riding a bike through some of the most beautiful natural scenery one can find anywhere.

Paul - Switzerland 

Arrive fit with experience of 10km climbs.

Geoff - Australia

Manage your efforts on the first few days, particularly on any long drags up a valley when it is easy to burn matches.

Keith - UK

Make sure you have appropriate fitness.

Dave - Australia 

Train, train and then train more. If your goal is too complete a seven day event, make sure you pace yourself on the first few days and then if you feel good you can increase your effort on the later stages. If your goal is to position as high as possible I now know that you need to push yourself hard from day 1! But no matter what your goal is just try and take it all in and enjoy the moment. 

Will - UK

Trust Will’s advice and descend within your abilities.

Bruce - Australia 

Train in a peloton/group to understand the group dynamics on the road - also helps to have plenty of miles in the legs before you turn up. Finally, train for hills and the flat roads will take care of themselves.

Paul - Australia

Relax and let the team handle all the logistics! I was swamped with everything prior to get to Bormio, but then I realised the team had everything under control and I could rely on them completely. Doing that really helped me enjoy the week.

Adria - Spain

First time rider, work on some bike handing skills and in your training do some simple single track (for those doing a Gravel Tour)

John - Australia

As far as racing, race your own race. Don't get too caught up in others excitement. As far as the twowheeltours part, stop and smell the roses. Enjoy yourself and your teammates and just relax. 

Ned - USA 

Pack well, have the right gears on the bike and plenty of riding in your legs. if you do not have a coach then find one. Their guidance on endurance riding, interval training and recovery is well worth the cost.

Ian - Australia

You can relax knowing that Will and his team will have designed a tour to suit your aspirations, budget and needs. You can also relax knowing that if your circumstances change that Will knows how to adapt the tour.

Kymbal - Australia

Don't worry about going hard to stay in a group as the twowheeltours guys will be there to support the first and last rider.  

Richard - Australia

Do the necessary hill training and endurance work. Use hill repeats if no long hills available.

Aidan - Ireland

Train, Prepare mentally, get use to eating a lot of food with heavy training. Learn the in’s and out’s of your bike, you will pick up early if something isn’t right.

Mitch - Australia

Don't pack too much cycling gear, there are wash days.

Graham - Australia

Train well, get a a couple of back to back days in ideally in mountain terrain.

Kieran - Ireland 

Talk to as many of the group as you can - all great people with different experiences as riders and otherwise. Don't stress about the weather- you cannot change it. 

JR - Australia

Train to do the length of rides that are planned so you can enjoy them.

Mark - Australia 

Train hard. Seek advice from others. Understand you will be grinding / spinning up a slope for what main be two or more hours. Hopefully you are confident with that.

David - Australia

Keep riding, let Will tell you stories, use his energy, if everyone else is doing it you can too (in terms of fitness), relax and have fun. For Ride Across Portugal, it’s not a race it’s a ride, you literally have nothing else to do all day other than ride your bike.

Kristin - USA

Go steady at the start, but not too steady. Be ok to push yourself, and trust in your training. The sooner you get to the end, the more recovery time you’ll have.

Stuart - Australia

Have enough training hours in your legs.

Michael - Australia

Good gearing, avoid deep dish wheels up high in the wind, and do not chase on day one. 

Stephen - Australia

It's worth getting fit for the trip rather than hoping you'll ride into it. If you're fitter and therefore don't struggle as much on the climbs you can enjoy the scenery.

Adrian - Australia

It's a 7 day race. Pace the 7 stages, save something for the end of each day and the last couple of days. For a HR 3 day event, it is lot different from HR 7 day. 3 day with add-on tourism package means you can really enjoy it. I guess only advice would be to train right ahead of time. Make sure you are ready for climbing.

Brent - USA

Relax, enjoy every day. Put as much time into road miles as you can based on the time you have available pre trip. Don’t feel intimidated as in my experience there will always be a broad cross section of riders and you will be looked after by twowheeltours.

Greg - Australia

I want to say do it with an organised group like twowheeltours but in hindsight, I appreciate that my first HR was done with friends only, doing all the extra bits myself. It made me really appreciate the luxury of Will & crew and how much easier it made the stages. So my real advice to a first timer is to ask advice, from people that you know that have done it before. Even regarding travel and best routes etc. Understand all the logistically elements before you arrive, so that you can have fun in the race and don't have to sweat the small stuff either side of the stages. It makes the whole event more relaxed and enjoyable.

Jocelyn - Australia

Go easy on day one! Don't burn all your matches on that first day.

Simon - Australia

Do it with twowheeltours. Find an experienced coach and ask him to make a training plan for Haute Route. If the coach has done a Haute Route or done stage racing that would be better. Spend time on training as much as you can so that you will not regret. You need to do some 6+ hour days as part of your training.
Don't care about other riders who pass you. 
Keep your pace - the Haute Route is long.
Never work too hard especially on the first day.
Don't think about the upcoming passes and stages which remain, just concentrate on the climb or descend you are facing.

Kenji - Japan

If you want to challenge yourself and have an amazing time with like minded people, then just do it.  You get heaps of support during the ride from twowheeltours. Plus if you find you are struggling on a particular day, you will have a great network of riders, both other participants and support crew to provide encouragement and help. If it's all still to much, then there is a support van to jump into and then have another go the next day. Although there is some challenging riding for a newbie (in Tasmania for the gravel tour), with the right attitude and guidance from those you are riding with you can achieve new skills and take your riding to a new level.
For non riders, come along to support your loved ones, or friends, eat at some fantastic restaurants, enjoy first class accommodation and get to see some new sights and meet new people. Plus it beats going to work.

Bryce - Australia

Mix with all the people on the tour to get the most out of the experience.

Garren - Australia

Pace yourself - don't go full gas on day 1 or at the start of any stage unless you are an experienced stage racer.

David - Australia

Get a good training program that focuses on hill climbing and endurance - do the prep, ride to your ability, pace your efforts to enjoy each day. 

Michelle - Australia