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

All of our 2009 Etape du Tour Vacations will include the following:

• Entry into the Etape du Tour.
• Professional coaching and training program from Kent McNeill, a USA Certified Expert Cycling Coach and a 6-time Etape du Tour finisher.
• 2 private Velo Echappe' aid stations along the Etape du Tour course on the day of the event!
• Velo Echappe' supplied food / drinks at the finish.
• Professional Velo Echappe cycling jersey, bibs, and socks.
• All transfers.
• All hotel accommodations in Velo Echappe selected properties.
• All breakfasts and group dinners as outlined on the itinerary.
• All gratuites, taxes, and fees for all hotels, meals, and porter services.
• All daily transfers, luggage transfers, and on-road sag support in either our autobus or our Thule-equipped vans.
• All daily transfers of bicycles both before and after the Etape du Tour.
• 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.
• Daily supply of bottled water, fruit, cookies and other goodies to keep you fuelled on the road!
• First aid and cell phone communications
• Pre-departure packet detailing the entire vacation, our hotels, contact info, what to bring, how to prepare, how to pack your bike, and other essential info guaranteed to get you ready for the Etape du Tour!

3 .How many years has this event been in existence?
2009 will mark the 17th 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 100 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 early November 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 or purchase a Category 5 USA Domestic Racing License online and include the receipt with your form.

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 training program in December / January from Kent McNeill, a USA Expert Cycling Coach and 6-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, lodging before and after the vacation, any gratuities for Velo Echappe' 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 Bike Pro Travel Case. You can visit Bike Pro USA online and view their entire selection. After you have found the case that you want, please call us at 402.345.7445 for special discounted pricing. 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!

10. What should I bring on the vacation?
Off the bike, Velo Echappe's programs are casual. Informal polo shirts, jeans, khakis, shorts, and slacks are all very appropriate. You do not need to bring coats and ties, dresses, etc.

For your cycling, you should bring your bike, cycling shoes, plenty of cycling socks, extra cleats, padded cycling shorts or bibs, cycling jerseys, arm and leg warmers, rain jacket, cycling gloves, enclosed gloves in case it rains, 1 long sleeve cycling jersey, poly-pro under garments for layering, waterproof booties in case it rains, cool weather jacket, fleece pullover, 3-4 bike tubes, sunglasses, water bottles, drink mix, preferred gels and energy bars, and sunscreen.We will send you a similar list in our Pre-Tour Info Packet that will be sent out to you when we receive your final payment.