2. What is included in my package for the Etape du Tour?

• Guaranteed Etape du Tour Entry.
• 2 private feed zones on the day of the Etape along with the three official feed zones.
• Accommodations and breakfast in Velo Echappe' selected properties.
• All transfers.
• All breakfasts and group dinners as outlined on the itinerary.
• All gratuities, taxes, and fees for all hotels, meals, and porter services.
• Daily cycling on either selected routes detailing the best roads of each region or on official race routes from the past and present that are simply legendary!
• All daily transfers, luggage transfers, and on-road sag support in either our autobus or our Thule-equipped vans.
• All daily transfers of bicycles in our custom-fitted bike truck so your bike won't get scratched or damaged.
• 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 and bibs.
• 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.
  

What's not included: 

• Airfare to / from France
• Rental Car, other ground transport
• Lunches
• Drinks with meals and other hotel incidentals (phone, laundry, room service, etc.)

3. How many years has this event been in existence?
2011 will mark the 19th year for the "Etape du Tour." Though it has been a favorite of cyclists from Europe, the United Kingdom, and Ireland for over a decade, the popularity is really beginning to grow here in the United States.

4. How do I register and how does the process work over the next few months?
After you fill out our online reservation form, receive confirmation, and pay your deposit of $1,000.00, you are all set. We have 50 guaranteed entries through our partners at High Gear Travel. The next step is to choose what program you want to be on following our announcement in late October of the various vacation programs. Following this choice, you will need to fill out the official Etape entry forms in late December as well as get a physical from your family doctor.

Following the completion of your form, you will fax it to High Gear Travel, our official registration partner. Next spring, you will receive your official number and race packet from the organizers in Paris. You will need to bring all of this information with you along with your passport when you "sign in" in the Depart Village before the Etape. If this sounds confusing, we will keep you updated every step of the way.

5. How do I prepare for the Etape du Tour?
The old-school answer from Euro veterans who still wear wool tights and detest hard shell helmets is "Ride, ride, ride your bike." The new-school answer is to prepare for the ride of your life and, if you need a coach, get one to help you out. In addition, we will send you a mileage-based training program in December / January from Kent McNeill, a USA Expert Cycling Coach and 7-time Etape du Tour finisher, that will provide you with the necessary guidance and direction to get you ready. In addition, you will be able to email Kent throughout the course of your training to get answers to your questions.

6. What kind of bike should I bring and what gears should I plan on using?
As regards gearing, unless you are a Category I or II rider, put a triple on the front and we also recommend that you have a minimum of a 27 - 29 gear on the rear and don't be afraid to put a 31 or 32-tooth cog on the back. The reason for this is that the climbs in France are steep, long, and hot! Again, this won't be like a nice Century ride back in the States. You are going to want every possible gear imaginable to help you spin up the climbs. The organizers always choose one of the hardest stages for the Etape so be prepared.

To quote Bill Strickland, the Executive Editor of Bicycling Magazine, who joined us in July 2005: " Take a triple or compact-chainring bike, and go big with the cassette. Euro roads are rough." And whatever you do, don't let your local bike mechanic talk you out of putting a triple or a compact on your bike for reasons of ego. As you'll find out on the first climb, your pride won't help your legs spin up a climb.

7. What documents do I need to have with me when I arrive into France for the Etape du Tour?
When you arrive into France, you will need to have a valid U.S. Passport and your Etape du Tour Info Packet (containing your start number) that you will receive from the organizers prior to the event. We also highly recommend that you make 2 copies of your Passport 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 online.

8. What is not included in the price of my vacation?
Airfare to and from France, train tickets, rental car, lodging before and after the vacation, any gratuities for staff, lunches, and any incidentals. Following the announcement of our various vacation programs, more details will become available.

9. How do I transport my bike on my flight?
We recommend the Thule 699 Round Trip Travel Case. Please call us at 402.345.7445 for special discounted pricing if you are signed up for one of our cycling vacations. Another recommendation is the Trico Iron Case.

If you would like to ship your bike over to France in advance, please contact us for special shipping information. Thanks!