FAQs

Please find a list below of some of the most common questions we field from our guests. If you have a question that isn't answered here please feel free to contact us at info@irondonkey.com

1.Do I have to carry my own luggage?

• On guided Tours luggage transfer is included in the tour cost
• On Self-Guided and group tours you can choose to either carry your own luggage (we can rent pannier bags) or have luggage transfers as part of your tour package. Most people choose to include luggage transfers in their tour package.

2. What bicycles will I be using?

We select quality bike options which are chosen as suitable for the rigours of extended cycle tours. Normally you can choose from a menu of options – Road Bike, Touring Bike, Hybrid Bike, E Bike and Tandem Bike. We select brands that provide what we consider the right gearing for the nature of the tour. All bikes are serviced in advance of a tour and various size options are available. You can also bring your own bicycle at your own cost

3. What will the weather be like?

Weather varies by country and time of the year, but it is best to check the weather forecast in your destination before you leave. Allow for some sunshine, some rain and some wind in your general packing. We choose the tours and the timing to offer the best chances of favourable cycling weather but as you know life is full of surprises. With Guided Tours we can offer transfer support if the weather is really bad but for Self-Guided Tours you have to make alternative arrangements yourselves on the ground. This involves getting your good selves and your bike to the next destination by means other than cycling. This is very rare, and you can contact us for advice.

4. What Type of accommodation can we expect?

We try and choose bike friendly suitable accommodation of at least 3 * designation offering at the minimum bed and breakfast facilities. Some people go for an upgrade option. Also, where possible, we either have evening facilities on site or in a nearby location. We have chosen a selection of accommodation that we think offers the standards and facilities that you would desire after a day’s cycling. Occasionally, for a variety of reasons, we have to get alternative accommodation. In this case we try to match our original choice.

5. What about Insurance?

Iron Donkey Bicycle Touring accepts no liability for illness/injury suffered by you or loss/damage to your property during the holiday save that caused by willful neglect or default of the company. We very strongly recommend that you have sufficient insurance cover for medical expenses, personal liability, baggage and personal effects, money, trip cancellation and delayed departure. Travel insurance should be arranged at the time of booking. Please read our Terms and Conditions section thoroughly before you book

6. What about WI-FI?

Recognising its importance in today’s world for travellers we always seek to provide accommodation with Wi-Fi availability.

7. Where do we eat?

Good food is part of a cycling holiday experience and we endeavour to ensure that you are not disappointed in any way. A good breakfast is essential to start the day and we select accommodations that deliver this local treat.

On guided tours we select for group dinners restaurants that offer a fine selection of local and international cuisine and for self-guided travellers we recommend restaurants that best show off local cuisine at a range of prices. We also recommend suitable coffee and lunch stops on the route in towns or villages that offer a range of options

8. Dietary Requirements

Let us know what your dietary requirements are, and we will ensure that these are available.

10. Can a non-cycling partner join a tour?

Yes, in the case of a guided tour, they can ride with our support team. In the case self-guided tours it is possible that they can be accommodated and transferred to the next destination with the luggage transfer provider.

11. Are Children welcome?

Yes. Families with children are very welcome, but bear in mind that everyone must be comfortable with the distances and climbing involved. We would not recommend children that have done very limited cycling. If you are unsure of whether you kids will manage, ask us before booking. We can arrange kids’ bikes or, in some regions, a “tag-along” to attach to an adult’s bike. If you are traveling with kids, we ask that you and they pay particular attention to cycling safety.

12. Am I fit enough to do a tour?

The tours are not designed to be a race but to allow you to enjoy the sights, make stops and take rest. We do provide additional add on loops for people who want to stretch themselves further. We grade our tours in terms of difficulty based on mileage and climbing required . If your underlying health is good and are reasonably bike fit you should have no problems but we do strongly recommend you build up your cycling strength before you come.

13. What are the payment arrangements?

We ask you to pay a deposit of 10% when you confirm the booking and the balance 6 weeks before the tour start date. You can pay by Credit card through Paypal or by direct bank transfer. Tours are priced in the currency of the country where the tour takes place. See our T&C’s for cancellation policy

14. What sort of clothing should I wear?

It’s important to be comfortable when you are cycling, so we recommend wearing padded shorts of some description, but you don’t have to look a ‘sports’ cyclist.

Also wear thin, lightweight tops in layers which you can take off if you feel too warm. Bring a good pair of gloves as these will give you extra grip.

We hope your tour is warm and dry, but there is the chance it may rain, so you are advised to bring wet weather gear that can be carried with you.

In terms of footwear, hard-soled training shoes are best. If you are a more seasoned cyclist, then bring your own cycling shoes and pedals and we will fit them to the bike.

We advise that you bring your own helmet if possible, but we will be able to lend you one if needs be. In certain countries this is the law but we would recommend you wear it whenever you are riding – as well as a good sun cream!

15. When do we get more details about the tour?

When you book and pay your deposit we send you a Trip planner with full details about the country and region which includes history, currency, weather, places of interest, how to get there, eating out, plugs/adaptor information and what to bring with you. We also provide full accommodation details and contact numbers at this stage

16. What are the different types of tour?

• Self-Guided – Flexible start date, with Meet and Greet, Bike fitting, taken through routes, optional luggage transfer and off you go. Sometimes you are on your own sometimes some others are starting at the same time but we are always available to help, advise and offer emergency support.
• Guided – Fixed start dates, Support vehicle and guide with you all the way. Eat together in a group most nights at a group dinner. Usually guided groups split up for the days cycling dependent on speed, mileage, interests etc but sometimes they stay together as a group. On the road refreshments are provided and ongoing mechanical support. The groups can range from 6-20 and are made up of singles, couples and family groups or just bunches of friends who enjoy company and meeting others who enjoy cycling.
• Indepentent groups or bespoke tours - Can be arranged on both a self guided or guided basis where a larger group of friends or cycling club want to participate in a Bespoke tour designed and organised by us.

17. Do I need passport or Visa

You will need a passport with at least 6 months remaining. You need to check on visa requirements, depending on where you are travelling from.

18. The possible implications of Covid 19

Nobody could have predicted its impact of this pandemic, and I guess we can only guess how it will all pan out. We have to be positive and cycling holidays would seem to be of benefit to people in the aftermath of the strange world we have all had to endure in that they offer fresh air, social distancing and physical exercise. But we will have to be flexible, vigilent and adaptable. To this end we will either reschedule or refund less a small administrative charge where Covid 19 necessitates a tour to be cancelled and we will apply all Covid 19 safeguards.