How to Prepare

Preparing for your Tour de France tour can mean several things!   All of them good, so don’t stress.   If you are on a cycling tour – either moderate or challenging, then this is your carrot to be training from now on.   These tours are not races, and clearly there is a difference in levels but everyone needs to ride regularly in preparation.   Here is some info for cyclists:

Challenging tour clients should be cycling 10+ hours per week by the time they come to France.   So, work yourself up to that.   If you can ride hills to train, then your train should definitely include hill climbing.  If you live in a flat land, then try and add some intensity and intervals to your training.   The time in the saddle will make you ready for the challenging rides ahead.

Moderate level tour clients should be cycling 7-8 hours per week by the time they come to France.   Doing more never hurts!   Doing less is not recommended.

All participants should be out on the bike at least 4 times per week.  Weekdays may be shorter rides with longer rides on the weekends.

NUTRITION:  we include some nutritional supplements in our tours, but if you need recovery drinks or a special brand, you should plan to bring your own supplements.

Non cycling spouses, non-cycling tours, and spectator tours:   all participants need to be able to walk a couple of kilometers at a minimum.   Nobody should be sedentary or unable to walk.  Usually parking at VIP services is very good with our passes, but still requires short walks.   Note, non-cycling spouses on our cycling tours should be able to ride a bike at least 1-2 km in order to participate in a D-Day experience.  Our vehicles are not allowed to pass under the finish line banner.

What else is there?   How about practicing some French?    You can’t learn to speak if you don’t already, but learning some phrases is fun and will be helpful.   You can also learn about the towns and regions we are going to visit.  You can learn about the regional specialties for wine and food.  We give you information to read about these in advance.

Bringing your bike:   Do not leave this to the last minute!   If you want to ship your bike to France via Fedex or similar, plan to spend more than 500 euros!   If you want to bring it on the airplane, plan to break it down, carry the box, and pay a fee to the airline!

Renting one of our Look carbon road bikes:   Plan in advance!!   We will sell out early, we always do.

Bringing your cell phone:  do you have an international plan?  A European SIM card?  What are your options?   Ask us, we have recommendations.

We are available for questions always!