1. When does my Tour of Ireland Cycling Vacation begin?

Your Tour of Ireland Cycling Vacation will begin when we meet you at the Shannon Airport on the first day of your trip. From here, we will transfer you to our hotel where our professional guides will build up your bike. In the meantime, you will be able to check-in and enjoy a dip in the pool before our "Welcome Meeting and Dinner" that evening.

AAA Travel Assistance: If you need any assistance with purchasing transatlantic flight tickets, train tickets, personal rental car, or additional nights at hotels, 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. Thanks!

2. How do I prepare for a cycling vacation to the legendary Emerald Isle?
The daily mileages on this program are shorter than our normal European programs. We did this so the trip is more accessible for guests who don't have the time to ride as much as they would like. On average, the rides on this trip will take anywhere from 2-3 hours for a reasonably fit cyclist. This leaves plenty of time for additional sightseeing along the way, unhurried lunches, and more time to spend in the various overnight towns. Please note that there are some good climbs on the route every day so guests will need to be fit and be able to accept a real climbing challenge. If you feel you need a coach to help you out, there are so many to choose from nowadays, both local and national, that you shouldn't have any problem. If you need some guidance on who to sign up with, please contact us and we'd be more than happy to steer you in the right direction.

3. What kind of bike should I bring and what gears should I plan on using?
As regards gearing, we 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 Ireland are steep and the roads can be rough. To quote Bill Strickland, the Executive Editor in Chief 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.

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 and energy bars with you. The reason for this is that everyone has different tastes, sensitivities, and responses to various sports drinks and bars. Thus, you should bring what works best for you. Thanks!

5. What kind of weather should we expect in Ireland in September?
Since Ireland is located in the north Atlantic, the weather can change very quickly. Normally, September days are full of sunshine with temperatures that range from the mid-60's - low 70's. In addition, there is always the chance for rain. 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 late summer chill.

6. What is included in the price of the vacation?

• All accommodations and breakfast in Velo Echappe' 4-star and 5-star approved hotels.
• All transfers.
• All breakfasts and 3 group dinners as outlined on the itinerary. In addition, daily lunches are provided on this trip
• All gratuities, taxes, and fees for all hotels, meals, and porter services.
• Daily cycling on selected routes detailing the best roads of each region.
• 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 guides 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.
  

7. What is not included in the price of my vacation?
Airfare to and from Ireland, lodging before and after the vacation, lunches we don't cover, any gratuities for Velo Echappe' staff, and any incidentals.

8. What documents do I need to have with me when I arrive into Ireland for the tour?
When you arrive into Ireland, you will need to have a valid U.S. Passport. 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 at home 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 .

9. How do I transport my bike on my flight?
We recommend the Bike Pro Pedal Pack Deluxe or Commuter 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 or Thule Hard Case. If you would like to ship your bike over to Ireland 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.