Atwell Cycling Retreats FAQ's:
To view each topic, please select the topic you desire or simply scroll down:- How do I register for a retreat?
- What kind of support during the ride should I expect?
- What type of bikes are supplied or what if I want to bring my own?
- What do I do for transportation to/from the retreat?
- Booking the flight/Rental Car/ Hotel/Trip Extension?
- What about food during the ride and meals?
- What level of service and activity can I expect?
- What are the accommodations like?
- What is the payment policy?
- What is the refund policy?
- Do I need to tip?
- What is the trip cancellation policy?
- Do I need travel insurance/health insurance?
- What about security of personal items?
- How many personal bags can I bring?
- What about the weather?
- What are the riders responsibility to other riders?
- What if I am travelling alone?
How do I Register for a Retreat?
Two easy ways:- Please fill in the convenient registration form and you will be contacted either by email or phone (your choice) within 12 hours or at a time that is convenient for you.
- Please call 1855 567 2771
- Payment types: We happily accept Visa and Mastercard as well as Certified Cheques and Money Orders.
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What Kind of Support During the Ride Should I Expect?
Your chariot awaits: We recommend that each rider take advantage of the van support when needed, whether it be to rest for a few moments or for days. The driver is always happy to have the company and welcome you aboard for any reason. Our vans are new, spacious, and can securely carry all luggage, bikes and passengers.Transportation To/From The Retreat and Tours:
The Atwell Cycling Retreats shuttle will pick you up at the airport and take you to the starting location.
If you wish to arrive at the starting location on your own please let us know and we will help in making the appropriate transfers. Atwell Cycling will be happy to provide driving directions to the start of each trip. You may leave your car at this location and the Atwell Cycling Shuttle or appropriate transfer will return you to your vehicle at the end of your cycling retreat.
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What Type of Bikes Are Supplied or What If I Want to Bring My Own?
What Type of Bikes Are Supplied?
On all trips we are very proud to have selected Stevens Bikes as are our supplier, these bikes will be provided at no additional cost. This brand of bike is the number one bike in Germany, Europe's largest bike market. Atwell Cycling supplies the Stevens Stelvio -"This reliable Stevens convinces in any situation and has the makings of a versatile companion for beginners and the ambitious alike." And for the more sporty rider, we supply Stevens Vantage full carbon, which provides stellar comfort during long tours and fast races. We also have hybrid bikes for those looking for that extra focus on comfort while riding. Our guides will perform fundamental adjustments to ensure proper fit on all bikes.What If I Want to Bring My Own Bike(Bike Shipping)
You are welcome to bring your own bike or use one of ours or both. To ship your bike yourself, you can use one of many bike shipping agents available. For US riders, here is one company to use: Company at www.Shipbikes.com, 310 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60302 USA,1877 323- 4083. When booking your trip please let our agent know that you are shipping your own bike, when your bike arrives at the specified location, we will take care of set up as per your instructions.Back to top
What do I do for Transportation to/from the retreat?
All tours and retreats do come with complimentary pick up and drop off from the airport. At the time of your registration we will sort out the times and location.Back to top
What about food during the ride and meals?
The right food at the right time. A big part of fueling the system for optimal performance, however you define this unique “optimal”, is ensuring that right foods are served at the right time. We work with sport nutritionists who are also cyclist to ensure that each meal has the right combination of foods for that days ride. You can expect that hearty meals that fully comply with a Ride Smart lifestyle. All retreats will come with most if not all meals provided. At the time of your registration this will be covered.Food for Week-long and Extended Weekend Retreats:
All breakfast, lunch and dinners are included. Each night we will provide a variety of options for that meal, usually a meat, fish and vegetarian option will be available. Based on seasonality and location. Sometimes we try unique foods or bring our own chef. Please let us know in advance if you have a special dietary request. Included in the meal are your appetizer, soups, salads, desserts and all beverages provided by Atwell Cycling Retreats. For this we will select a great pairing of food and wine during the meal. We also will host a reception with wine, beer and appy’s.Food at our Atwell Cycling Retreat House(s):
At each location you can expect a Ride Smart Breakfast prepared by our trained guides and our cycling nutritionist. Riding fuel en route each day will be there for you to chose from. Lunch will be either on the road as a picnic for the van supported trips and for the individuals who choose to be on their own they can prepare lunch in advance from our variety of Ride Smart foods.Back to top
What level of Service and Activity Should I Expect?
Each day you can expect that there will be an organized riding portion of the day and a choice of activities; it is your option to take part in all or part of these. A fully supported van will be there when you need it for any reason. Please note that the level of service provided to each client will remain at the same high level. Please talk to your guides or our customer service representative so that we are aware of your individual fitness needs.Back to top
What Are The Accommodations Like?
On our week-long or Extended Weekend retreats we strive to work with the ideal local Inn’s, B and B’s, Hotels, etc. Our goal is to ensure that you get the best rest you need that each area has to offer. We do ensure that rooms are not near construction zones, college grad parties, power lines, etc. A restful nights sleep is key and quiet time is a big part of that happening. For our Cyclist Houses we will ensure that we are nestled in the local environment in quiet areas with well paved roads, no big box hotels. Most houses have rooms with private baths, group areas, hot tubs, pools, quiet areas for reflection, secured tool rooms for repairs, full stocked kitchens, internet access, outdoor bbq’s and are staffed by our guides, etc.What is the Payment Policy?
At the time of booking we request a 50% deposit for the trip and we prefer that payment in full be made 30 days prior to the start of your trip. If booking with less than 30 days then we kindly ask for full payment at the time of registration. This way you can have ample time to prepare for your trip without feeling rushed or hurried and we can plan things from our end as well.Last minute bookings:
We understand that sometimes we all need to make last minute plans, lets face it, sometimes spontaneity is fun. Please call us for availability and arrangements, we will do all we can to ensure that you get the retreat you need and want.
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What is The Refund Policy?
If you need to cancel your trip we understand. Simply put, sometimes life gets in the way of living. Here is our cancellation policy:Greater than 30 days prior to the trip: 100% refund, less the $150.00 processing fee
Less than 30 days and greater than 10 days prior to the trip: 50% refund
Less than 10 days prior to the trip: 0%
You may wish to opt for using the balance of your deposit toward a future trip rather than receiving the payment. In this case, please let us know and we will make the necessary arrangements. We also recommend travel insurance, if only for the piece of mind.
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Do I need to tip?
All tips for lodging, bell person, transport and meals will be taken care of by the retreat guides. We tip fairly based on local expectations. If you wish to tip your guide, it is entirely at your discretion. We do suggest 150 - 200 dollars per week per guide.Back to top
What is The Trip Cancellation Policy?
Atwell Cycling Retreats reserves the right to cancel and/or alter trips. There are many reason why a trip would need to be cancelled or alters, which could include but are not limited to: safety of participants due to a dramatic change in weather, unanticipated changes in road conditions such as snow or ice, insufficient number for participants, etc. Please know that we will go out of our way to ensure that we mitigate any of these situations well in advance of all trips, however reality is that sometimes things are out of our control. In this case all participants will receive a full refund. Unfortunately we can not take on the responsibility of the fees for changing your flight or cancelling a hotel. This is why we strongly recommend travel insurance. It is relatively inexpensive and worth the peace of mind it provides.Back to top
Do I Need Travel Insurance/Health Insurance?
We recommend that you get trip cancellation and extended health insurance to cover refund for many unforeseen changes to your plans. You can get Travel and Extended Health Insurance through Travel Gaurd Chartis at www.travelgaurd.ca or at the time of registration we would be happy to help. Your own insurance is the only way to get a refund after the 30 day refund date for week long retreats or 21 day minimum for Arizona or Hawaii House.Back to top
What About Security of My Personal Items?
All participants will have the option of placing their select valuables in a locked bag, similar to a bankers bag. Only you will have the key. The spare key will be put into locked box along with your locked bag in the van. Only the guides have access to the lock box. While this is not as secure as a bank, it is the best to secure valuables.Back to top
How Much Luggage Should I bring?
Please try to limit yourself to one medium sized bag, thanks.Back to top
What about the weather?
All tours are booked at a time to take advantage of that regions ideal weather, but one should be prepared for a variety of conditions, when you register you will be notified of what weather to expect for your tour. The van will be carrying extra wind breakers, arm warmers, etc, just in case.Back to top
What are the riders responsibility to other riders?
Rider Responsibility to other riders:
Cyclist share a passion for healthy living, enjoyment of the cycling and for sharing their passion with others. In general, cyclist are a congenial open minded, fun loving group of life enthusiasts. Atwell Cycling Retreats reserves the right to ask any individual to leave a tour or one of our houses who interferes with the safety and/or the enjoyment of others in the cycling retreat. At this time, a prorated refund will be provided. Transportation back the airport will be at the responsibility of the party asked to leave. Any fee changes for airfare or related food, taxi charges will be the sole responsibility of the party asked to leave. All riders will be asked to sign a waiver and agree to a rider responsibility code.Group Size Limitations: Other than our custom private tours, we limit our retreats to 12 or 13 guests. Each trip will have two retreat guides. By limiting the group size we find that this allows for greater opportunity to mix and mingle with others, take advantage of local premier accommodations, dining experiences and fun activities (music, art festivals, etc.). As well it provides time for individuals and partners to have balanced time for quiet reflection, if desired.
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What if I am travelling alone?
This is great! I have often thought that when I am travelling alone I connect with so many different types of people on a different level, than when I travel with friends or family.If you are travelling alone and are willing to share a room, we will go out of our way to ensure you are put in a room with someone, if we can not find some one for you or you prefer your own time, then you will be asked to pay a $500 - $650 single supplement fee. This will cover our additional costs.
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