GENERAL INFORMATION
What is the Trans-Europa Cycling Expedition?
The Trans-Europa Cycling Expedition will provide a road through European history and culture – museums, UNESCO heritage sites, monumental castles, splendid palaces and historic cities. It is the ultimate European cycling adventure - crossing east to west, from North to South, from Baltic Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.
This great adventure will begin at the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg - Russia’s window onto the west and the site of one of WWII’s most important battles. Eleven weeks later the tour will arrive at the rugged Atlantic coast and the great Portuguese capital of Lisbon. The Trans-Europa will provide a glimpse into Europe’s past…and its future through over 6000 km on the best cycling roads Europe has to offer.
The Trans-Europa Cycling Expedition features 62 riding days (ranging from 60 km to 145 km, with an average of 105 km or 65mi. per day), as well as 18 rest days. On the rest days, you will be free to create your own adventures – whether that means exploring landmark museums and cathedrals, experiencing gourmet dining, or just relaxing and sending e-mails home from the local internet cafes.
Our crew will give you directions, prepare your meals and transport your baggage, setting you free to experience as much of your surroundings as you desire. You will, on every rest day, stay in a hotel. You can also choose to ride the whole Trans-Europa Tour, ride the Amber Route to Venice, or ride a shorter section of the tour and join and/or leave us anywhere along our route.
Who organizes the Trans-Europa Cycling Expedition?
The same adventurous people who created the Tour d’Afrique bicycle expedition/race from Cairo to Cape Town and the Silk Route bicycle expedition from Shanghai to Istanbul, amongst others (
www.tourdafrique.com). We are avid cyclists, outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and adventurers. We are involved in creating these tours, because we think there is nothing else like them in the world right now, and we are very proud of the unique tours we produce.
What is the terrain like in each country?
Through Russia and the Baltic States we do not encounter any serious climbing. The roads for our day and a half in Russia are rough, and there are a few times through the Baltic States where we take gravel roads. Poland and Slovakia include more climbing as we skirt the Fatra mountain range. Again we will experience a few short sections of dirt or gravel roads, but for the most part its paved.
Then we have a few days in Hungary on some good roads and marked cycleroutes, only to return to the mountains in Slovenia as we skirt part of the Alps range. Then we drop into Italy and cycle near the coast on good roads to Venice. From their we touch more of the Alps in Italy and France, and skirt the Pyrenees in Spain. The route has been planned to include a variety of terrain while limiting the number of major mountain passes.
Make sure to have wide enough tires to comfortably ride on the gravel and dirt sections.
What happened to the Amber Route?
The Amber Route is still running - same time, same place. We have simply added additional sections to create the ultimate European cycling expedition and we have called it the Trans-Europa Cycling Expedition. You can now cycle from St. Petersburg all the way to Lisbon.
But if you are still keen to be part of the Amber Route - check it out, it is now listed as a section under the umbrella of the Trans-Europa.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS?
DAILY LOGISTICS
What about baggage?
Our support vehicles will carry everything that you don’t need for the day. While riding, you only have to carry some basic tools, a spare tube, water, and a snack. Everything else we transport for you. We ask that you use some common sense and consideration for the other participants when deciding what to bring on the Tour as space is quite limited on the support vehicles. Additional packing information will be available in the Registration and Information Kit sent to registered riders.
What will I eat?
On biking days, our cook will prepare three meals (except the dinner on evenings before a scheduled rest day). We know how important food is on a trip like this. You will be treated to generous portions; a combination of regional recipes and meals made from local ingredients as well as some of the cook’s specialties. On rest days, every one is free to explore and sample the culinary hot spots along the way! We will provide you with our suggestions ahead of time wherever possible.
Do you supply maps of the daily route?
No but directions will be given each morning, and a list of recommended maps is sent to you in the months before the tour starts. The riders are expected to be independent but every effort will be made to mark the proper route. The Tour is set up in a way that provides reasonable support and safety. This includes a midday check point and the retrieval of all riders one hour before darkness. More information regarding maps will be included in the registration package.
HEALTH & SAFETY
What about health?
Undoubtedly health is a major concern on an expedition of such length. The most likely problems we will encounter will be sunburn, saddle sores, blisters, and diarrhea. Additional health information will be available in the Registration and Information Kit sent to registered riders.
Is it safe to travel through these countries by bicycle?
Yes! As with all travel to unfamiliar territory it is important to respect the local culture and people and to observe the law. Your greatest hazard is the motorized vehicles, as it is for cyclists everywhere, so appropriate safety/visibility gear is essential.
Do I need vaccinations for this trip?
No immunizations are specifically required for any of the countries we are visiting, but a rabies, and tick bourne encephalitis vaccination is recommended. If you have medication for any illnesses or allergic reactions, please bring them along.
Do I need travel medical insurance?
Yes, travel medical insurance is required to participate on this tour. We will need copies of these documents before you are allowed to start the tour. This will ensure smooth processing in case of an emergency. You may also consider getting trip cancellation insurance, in the event that you have to leave the tour unexpectedly, and baggage insurance in the event that your personal items are lost along th way.
PREPARING TO RIDE
Am I capable of doing this?
If you are in good health, love adventure and enjoy cycling, you are capable of completing this journey. We average 105 km per day and you can ride at your own pace. You will be served lunch at the mid-point of each day’s ride, and our crew are always available to assist you if you are having difficulties of any kind. On a day when you don’t feel up to biking, you can also catch a ride on one of our support vehicles.
Will I need visas for the countries we pass through?
Yes! For most nationalities the visa for Russia will need to be arranged before the start of the Tour. For the rest of the expedition you are in the EU and most riders do not require a visa. Some nationalities, like South Africans, do need a visa so please check with the nearest consulate or embassy in your country for specific requirements. Additional information on visa requirements will be available in the Registration and Information Kit sent to registered riders.
How should I prepare physically for this trip?
This is entirely up to you. In the two months prior to the start, we recommend some dedicated training, at least three times a week for a minimum of two hours each time. This could be in the form of cross training or bike rides at a steady pace. The first several days of riding will quickly get you up to speed. Please email us, and we would be happy to give you some more specific training suggestions.
How do I transport my bicycle to the starting point and back home after the tour?
You can generally take your bike along on international flights at no extra cost, as it is considered one of the two pieces of luggage allowed on economy class tickets. Most bike stores will be able to help you package your bike in a cardboard box for the flight. At the end of the tour, cardboard bike boxes will be delivered to our hotel in Lisbon for anyone who requires one (at no charge).
For those leaving the tour before Lisbon, we generally recycle the boxes of the other participants who are joining the tour along the way. Otherwise, we will help you locate one at a local bicycle store.
What kind of bike should use?
We recommend a good solid hybrid bike, traditional touring bike, or front suspension mountain bike. Racing bikes are not recommended. Your registration package will contain more detailed information on this topic.
SECTIONAL RIDERS
TOURISM
