Cycling trip

A cycling trip is an active way to explore and experience more than any other kind of travel.

If you have decided to go on a trip, start by choosing one. Pay attention to the dates, daily itinerary, and difficulty level. Difficulty levels are described as accurately as possible here.

https://velomens.lv/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Piedzivojumu-grutibas-pakapes.pdf

Once you’ve chosen your cycling holiday, register for it using the www.velomens.lv store option. For each trip, you have the option to pay in installments or the full amount at once, as well as pay via invoice or bank card.

Once payment is received, you will receive an email confirmation that you have successfully reserved a spot for the trip.

After that, I recommend purchasing travel insurance, regardless of how far the trip start date is. Make sure the insurance includes a trip cancellation option, as you never know if you (or a family member) might fall ill or encounter another serious reason for being unable to go.

Swedbank travel insurance is convenient with reasonable coverage and, if needed, quick payouts—I say this from personal experience, as I’ve had to use it several times.

Usually, a month before the trip, the full payment for the adventure must be made (this is mentioned in the trip description). At this time, you’ll also receive an email reminder about the trip.

Two weeks before the trip, your bike should be in good condition, and you should have clarity about preparing it for the flight. Everything about packing options is detailed in this article:

https://velomens.lv/2019/11/02/velosipeda-iepakosana-lidojumam/

It’s also the right time to gather everything you’ll need to pack in your bag.

A week before the trip, you’ll receive detailed information about the trip and reminders via email. You’ll also receive GPX route files for each day. Additionally, a WhatsApp group for travelers will be created for quicker communication.

The day before the trip – your bike should be prepared and packed, your bag packed, and you should be ready for the trip. Never leave anything to the last minute, as experience shows it often causes serious issues at the start of the journey.

The start of the trip – arrive at the agreed time at Riga Airport (or another agreed meeting point). Once the group has gathered, we proceed to check in for the flight and hand over our luggage. All you need is your passport or ID.

Daily life during the trip

Everyone wakes up when they want, but keep in mind the agreed breakfast or departure time from the previous day.

Breakfast is usually at the accommodation or a nearby breakfast spot.

Departure at 09:00–10:00.

During the cycling day, we cover the planned distance and visit sightseeing spots. Of course, stops at shops and lunch breaks are always included.

If you can follow the route, you are welcome to ride faster or slower than the group, but typically, we ride together during trips (yes, in the mountains, we may spread out based on individual abilities).

The day’s ride usually ends by 17:00. We never plan to ride during the dark hours of the day, although unforeseen circumstances (technical issues) have occasionally caused delays.

After storing the bike safely indoors and settling into the hotel, we agree on a time to head out for dinner for those who wish to join.

The evening can be considered free time for everyone to do what they enjoy, but from experience, most people usually join the group for dinner at a recommended spot.

And so the days go by until the trip ends and it’s time to head home.

In cycling camps, the daily routine differs slightly, but the group agrees on everything and discusses it during the trip.

During the trip, every evening, the trip leader uploads the day’s photos to https://photos.google.com/, so all travelers can view and use them as they wish.

Questions

What is included in the trip price?

This is detailed in each trip description. However, I want to emphasize that transport (flight), transfers, accommodations, and other essentials are always included. Most often, participants only need to pay for food and dining themselves.

What if technical issues arise during the trip?

Inform the leader, who will definitely assist in finding a solution. If the bike cannot be repaired on-site, other options will be considered (no one is ever left behind on the road).

Why are trips almost always conducted with road or gravel bikes?

Trips are mostly organized on paved roads with very few gravel sections. It’s easier to ride on such roads with road or gravel bikes. Additionally, these bikes usually weigh only 7-10 kg, making them much easier to ride than heavier mountain or touring bikes.

What if it rains during the trip?

We cannot influence the weather, so there’s no point in worrying about it, but it’s important to be prepared. Unfortunately, in the last decade, weather patterns have become more extreme, with significant deviations from the norm, including unusually hot days as well as rainy and cool ones. If it’s extremely hot, we’ll start earlier when it’s cooler. If it rains, we’ll wait and ride once the rain stops (if it truly stops).

What if I’m the slowest in the group?

There’s no need to worry about that, as there will always be someone fastest and someone slowest in the group. Travelers are different, with their own desires and goals for the trip. The main thing is to understand your capabilities and how much you can manage to ride.

Will I make friends during the trip?

Possibly. Group trips often attract travelers who sign up individually and don’t know each other beforehand. The average age of riders is 40+, but almost every group includes someone under 30. Almost all cyclists are great people, making it easy to find common ground.

Wishing you success in choosing your trip and unforgettable adventures during the journey itself!

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