1. When does my vacation begin?
Your vacation will begin when you check-in to your respective hotel on July 19. We will have a "Welcome Meeting / Dinner" that evening to go over your vacation and answer any questions that you may have.

AAA Travel Assistance: To reserve airline tickets, rental car, train tickets, or additional 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. 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, please bring a compact or a triple with a 27 - 31 gear on the rear depending your fitness. This trip entails some serious climbing up such heavyweights as the Col du Tourmalet, Col d'Aspin, Col d'Aubisque, Luz Ardiden, and Hautacam. For these mythical climbs, you will definitely want all the gearing you can get. To quote Bill Strickland , the 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.

3. How many meals are included?
All breakfasts and 4 group dinners.

4. How do I prepare for a vacation to the world's greatest cycling event?
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. There are so many to choose from nowadays, both local and national, that you shouldn't have any problem. If you need some guidance, please contact us and we'd be more than happy to steer you in the right direction. For this vacation, you should be able to ride 3-5 hours per day over rolling and mountainous terrain.

5. Will I be able to find my energy drinks and gels in France?
It is highly recommended that you please bring your own drink powders and energy bars with you. The reason for this is that the selection in France is very limited and usually consists of brands that American's are not familiar with. Thus, to help save time and avoid spending hours trying to find what works for you, we suggest that you bring it from home. Your stomach will thank you!

6. What kind of weather should we expect?
Normally, July days are full of sunshine with temperatures that range from the mid-70's - low 90's. In addition, it always rains during Le Tour, particularly in the mountains. 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.

7. What documents do I need to have with me when I arrive into France?
When you arrive into France, 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 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 .

8. How do I transport my bike on my flight?
We recommend the Thule 699 Round Trip Case. If you sign up for one of our vacations, please call us at 402.345.7445 for special discounted pricing. If you would like to ship your bike over to France in advance, please contact us for special shipping information. Thanks!

9. 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 more detailed list in our Pre-Tour Info Packet that will be sent out to you when we receive your final payment.