1. When does my Tour of the Italian Dolomites, Alps, and Lakes begin?
Your vacation will begin when we meet you at the Milan Malpensa Airport on June 17th, 2010. Please schedule your arrival before 12 noon. If possible, it is highly recommended that you arrive a day early so you can rest up, wait for any delayed baggage, visit the center of Milan and get organized.

AAA Travel: To help with your vacation planning, please contact our AAA Travel Rep , Shelley Lulow, at slulow@aaane.com or by calling 1.800.854.5044 ext. 272 on Monday - Thursday from 12 noon - 6 pm CST. Grazie!

2. What kind of bike should I bring and what gears should I plan on using?
It's simple - if you are not a Category 1 pro, bring a triple or a compact with a 27 - 31 gear on the rear! The reason for this is that our program includes riding up such fabled Giro climbs as the Passo dello Stelvio, the Passo di Gavia, Passo Pordoi, Passo Sella, and other heavyweights! Thus, you will want all the gearing you can get as these climbs have 10% - 16% grades in places and are quite challenging. As a final note, please leave your pride on the shelf when it comes to selecting your gears. Your legs will thank you later and you'll enjoy the trip a lot more!

3. How many meals are included?
All breakfasts, 4 dinners, and 2 lunches.

4. Do you provide full sag support on the vacation?
Yes, we will provide full sag support during your entire vacation. Our vans will be stationed at key turns on the cycling routes and are stocked with bottled water, pastries, fruit, and cookies. Each day's itinerary and the location of the sag support vans will be discussed each prior evening during a brief group meeting before dinner. It is highly recommended, however, that you please bring your own drink powders, gels and energy bars with you. The reason for this is that everyone has different tastes, sensitivities, and responses to various sports drinks. Thus, you should bring what works best for you. Thanks!

5. What kind of weather should we expect?
Normally, summer days are full of sunshine with temperatures that range from the mid-60's - low 80's. In addition, it can rain quite frequently in the Dolomites. (That's why everything is so green!) Thus, you will want to bring your rain gear with you. The evenings are quite pleasant and a bit cooler so you will want to make sure you have a pullover, sweater or fleece jacket with you so you don't get a summer chill.

6. What is the group size for this program?
The group size will be 25 riders maximum. We are keeping the group level small to insure that everyone gets the needed attention during their vacation.

7. How should I train for this vacation?
The best training is to get out and ride! You should be comfortable riding 3-5 hours per day over rolling and mountainous terrain for this vacation. The climbs in the Dolomites are longer and steeper in general than the Alps so you will want to be prepared for some challenging back-to-back rides. In addition, the vans will always be close by so, if you've had enough riding for the day, we will be more than happy to give you a lift to the hotel. It's your vacation and we want you to enjoy it on your own terms!

8. What is included in the price of my Dolomites vacation?

• 3-star and 4-star hotel accommodations.
• Major airport pickup and drop-off.
• All breakfasts, 4 group dinners and 2 lunches.
• All gratuities, taxes, and fees for all hotels, meals, and porter services.
• Daily guided cycling through the Italian Dolomites, Alps and Lake District.
• All daily transfers, luggage transfers, and on-road sag support in either our cell phone-equipped autobus or our Thule-equipped vans.
• All daily prepared routes with maps and cue sheets detailing each days route with each turn and its corresponding mileage. This is all outlined for you in advance.
• Professional mechanics who will build your bike up for you, do the daily maintenance if needed, and repack your bicycle for you when the tour is finished.
• Professional staff with a ratio of 1:6 so everyone gets the needed attention during the tour.
• Professional Velo Echappe Cycling Jersey.
• Daily supply of bottled water, fruit, cookies and other goodies to keep you fueled on the road!
• Cell phone communications.
• Pre-Tour Information Packet that will be sent out to you in advance detailing each day's program, hotel info, sponsor info, what to bring, how to pack, etc. so you're fully prepared before you leave home.

9. What documents do I need to have with me when I arrive into Italy?
You will need to have a valid U.S. Passport with you when you arrive. We also highly recommend that you make 2 copies of your Passport, visa, and identification materials before you leave. Please leave one copy with your loved ones before you leave and bring one copy with you but keep it separate from your baggage. The reason for doing this is to have backup copies in case your belongings and identification papers are stolen. To obtain a new passport, or replace an outdated, lost, or stolen passport, please contact the U. S. State Department .

10. What is not included in the price of my vacation?
Airfare to and from Italy, some lunches and dinners, lodging before and after the vacation, souvenirs, any gratuities for Velo Echappe' staff, and any incidentals.

11. When does my vacation end?
Your vacation will end when we transfer you to Milan Malpensa Airport following the conclusion of your vacation.

12. How do I transport my bike on my flight?
We recommend the Thule 699 Round Trip Race Case. All guests who take a trip with us will receive special discount pricing on these travel cases.