Recommended Reading: The agony of cheap flights

25 thoughts people have while flying on budget airlines

An entertaining and funny recommended read today about the pitfalls of what we all thought was a really good deal on a cheap flight but turned out to be annoying sixteen steps along the way. I confess after my last "cheap" flight on Frontier to California, I swore, "I am never doing this again."

Read: “A 6am flight will be totally fine,” 25 thoughts people have while flying on budget airlines. By Lonely Planet's Travel News section.

Airlines

Say the words travel, vacation or adventure and I get excited for new possibilities. Say the words flying, airport or airlines and a not so pleasant feeling creeps through my body. Is it fear or is it experience? What ever it is, the game to control the outcome of a bad day in an airport and on an airplane is a balance of preparation, luck and a lot of patience. The act of traveling can be exhausting, so I want the airline to help me out, give a sista a hand; don't make it anymore difficult than my already low expectations.

The Wall Street Journal released their ratings of top airlines in the U.S.A. in January 2016. Of course I was most interested in delayed flights (missed connections) and mishandled baggage (bikes!). Focus on Alaska, Delta, Virgin America. And maybe not Spirit, American or United (which ... I am flying on to California next month for the Tour of California).

Read: The Best and Worst Airlines of 2015
The annual scorecard of the nine biggest U.S. carriers shows surprising progress in air travel. By Scott McCartney of The Wall Street Journal and Middle Seat.

Best and worst airlines, rated.

Update 04/26/16: Today from CBS come this list of The 5 most hated and liked U.S. airlines.


Bikes on planes - an update

A heads up on traveling with bikes on airplanes. A reader recently tipped me off that some airlines are now requiring you to pre-approve your bike to determine if they have space.

Rob Sabel wrote in: "I was checking the KLM website today and found they, and many other airlines, are requiring pre-approval for bikes. I called KLM and was informed we need to request the bikes to be added to our tickets. They could NOT confirm this could be done and we need to call back Monday to make sure our request was approved! WTF!! Just letting you know, you should check your flights to find out if you need to add a bike to your reservation." Thanks for the update Rob.

Today's advice: check with your airline about bike policy, cost, weight limits, loss coverage, and now - possible pre-approval.

In reading over some airline baggage requirements today, I learned that the eccentric Antler Guy, Dore Holte, the aircraft mechanic from Seattle, who runs along side the peloton with the enormous antler helmet on his head, pays as much to fly that set of moose antlers as us commons folk do to fly our bikes. Maybe his ram ears cost less to fly?

Traveling with a bike - cycling tips

Pedal Dancer tips and tricks for bringing or renting a bike on vacation

Last weekend I was honored to be guest speaker at the Denver Bicycle Touring Club's (DBTC) Spring Kick-off Meeting. DBTC is the original bike club in the Denver Metro area. I wasn't quite sure what to speak about, but I know there was much more I could have said. How could I wrap fifteen years of cycling travel experience into fifteen minutes of speaking? I promised I would write out a condensed version of my travel tips. I will do it in two parts, as this is anything but condensed:

• PART I: Traveling with a bike
• PART 2: Travel tips for cyclists

All of these tips are offered from experience, either learning the hard way what not to do, or following the tips of close friends, family, and readers.

PART I: Today I begin with my tips for traveling with your bike.

Making your reservation

Reality in 2015 is the cost of flying with a bike can add greatly to your overall ticket cost. You should expect added costs from $50 to $300 one-way. Please research bike luggage costs before deciding on a flight that is $75 cheaper than a competing airline, only to find out your bike is $150 more, each way. (Learned through Twitter rants).

Start by discovering the airlines that fly to your destination. On their website, read the fine print about luggage allowance for bikes, including weight, loss or damage. Next look at transportation required from the airport to your hotel, tour group or starting city. Make sure all the pieces of the puzzle work, considering day, timing and limitations, and THEN look for the best airfare (calculating in all the extra expected costs).

The steps to booking transportation when traveling with a bike:

1. Bike shipping cost, weight and size allowances, loss and damage for each airline.
2. Research all other transportation costs and choices: taxi, shuttle, van, train, bus, airport transfer.
3. Purchase your airfare after you thoroughly understand Step 1 and 2.

Handy websites:

• Airlinebagfees.com
• Airline Baggage Regulation for Bikes
• Learn how a bag is measured for size
• If you are searching online for information, make sure you check the date: you want 2015 information. United Airlines had a change in cost as recently as February 2015.
• Absolutely before purchasing your airfare read the airlines website in detail.

Try your hardest to use one airline when completing your entire reservation. If you experience problems with connections or lost luggage - you will be dealing with one airline's customer service and baggage claim. Make your reservations directly through that one airline, you will receive better customer service for delays or cancellations than dealing with a second-party ticket agency.

If using miles, call a customer service representative directly to see if she/he can get you a flight to your desired destination using your flight miles. They might find a route you may not have considered on your own or see flights available through their system, which you could not see online. (Learned happily by me).

Consider using smaller airports, large airports often mean big taxes and fees, and more time navigating through long terminals with overworked employees. I will do anything to avoid Charles de Gaul airport with a bike box. From The USA to France, for example, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, and Bordeaux are much easier airports. For those within Europe, you might choose Biarritz, Pau, Lourdes, Grenoble, Nice or many others. Collecting and returning a rental car is also easier from these smaller airports (Learned from local friends). The same holds true for flying within the USA. I would select arriving into Burbank (BUR) or Santa Ana/John Wayne Airport (SNA) over Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Whenever possible, try to fly all the way to your destination. Attempting to make multiple connections with a bike is a hassle and a risk. Picture stairs, turnstiles, no subways, taxi trunks (boots), clearing customs, special luggage deposit and collection locations, loading onto trains, more stairs, larger rental cars, and doing all of this in a hurry. Not to mention the baggage handler who neglected to transfer your bike box to your next flight. Fly as far as you can and hope your bike arrives. At least you will be close to your destination in case you need to change plans (Learned the hard way!)

Allow extra time for transfers to another plane or train. Bike cases arrive in the over-sized baggage area and sometimes take 30-45 minutes to show up; sometimes well after all the other passengers have collected their suitcases off the belt and are busy kissing sweethearts. You'll be breaking out in a cold sweat, certain your bike has been lost forever, but be patient: allow enough time for your connection and believe that door will open and your bike will appear ready for its next adventure.

I always plan to remain near my final arrival point on the first day, just in case my bike was lost or damaged in transit (Learned the hard way!). Typically the airline is able to find your bike and have it at the same airport for you within 24-hours. But if you eagerly booked a departing TGV for a destination 4-6 hours away immediately upon your arrival to meet a tour that starts at 8:00am the next day, things just got a lot more complicated. I learned to use the first day of arrival to buy supplies or perhaps visit a local bike shop, take a city tour and have a good meal, get some exercise - in the form of a long walk - and shake off jet-lag.



Your luggage

Of course, I am going to mention having clearly identifiable luggage (I have a bright green suitcase and a blue bike case), but first I must talk of the three rules of traveling light:

• Rule #1 - avoid over-weight charges
• Rule #2 - bring as little as possible
• Rule #3 - always put things in the same place inside your bags

You will bring three pieces of luggage with you, if one will be a bike. Two pieces if you have no bike.

1. Carry-on (with small inflight bag)
2. Suitcase (with clothing, bike tools, sandals/shoes, toiletries)
3. Bike Case (with your prized possession)

Carry-on luggage: inside this bag, keep a small lightweight strap bag or nap-sack that can be easily removed and kept at your seat during your flight. Inside this bag you should have everything you need during the flight. This bag should be capable of being quickly removed when you get to your seat, the rest of the heavier, bigger carry-on bag goes in the overhead compartment never to be revisited until you land. 

Inside your larger carry-on bag, should be your rental car papers, paper maps, any instructions needed upon arrival, and primary itinerary with reservation details. You should also carry on your camera, cycling shoes, any medications, laptop, GPS, battery charger for phone and all devices. I like to keep all my cords in one bag. I also carry-on my pedals in a pouch (but not a pedal wrench or tools) and I like to keep track of where my helmet has been, so I carry it as well.

Remember to bring an electrical adapter if you will be changing planes in another country and have a long layover, this way you may charge your devices at the airport (although some airports now have for-a-fee charging stations). Do not pack any essentials in your check-in suitcase, if your bag is delayed for 24 to 72-hours, it can be a real inconvenience. Remember to remove air cartridges from your saddlebag before flying; instead bring a pump. I have seen passengers on the floor opening bike cases at the check-in counter to remove cartridges (of course one is always yelling at the other saying, "I thought you took it out").

Safety and your luggage

Remember bike cases are opened at security, and can be unzipped. Don't pack anything of value in your bike case, or anything that could easily fall out of the case. Carry-on all devices and laptop, camera, or external hard drives. A stolen carry-on bag, that you swore you'd keep safe, can be a real bummer, so never ever put your wallet inside your carry on bag. Wear your carry-on over your shoulder at all times and avoid placing anything in external zippers.

Even if you dislike money belts, you are most vulnerable while using transportation of any sort. Use a money belt for your passport and credit cards and a photocopy of your contacts. As a woman, I prefer using a neck wallet - a small bag around my neck, tucked inside my shirt. Example

I keep a small amount of money easily accessible for small purchases, so I do not have to pull out my money belt/pouch in public. I keep a small pouch for euro coins. Always travel with two credit cards in case one is swallowed by a machine and gone forever (Happened to a reader at a tollway!). I leave a detailed itinerary at home with a family member, plus details of my credit card and airline pins, in case of an emergency (Learned by family and me).

Your bike box

First things first, airlines will or will not accept liability for damage of bicycles, sometimes it depends on the type of encasement you use - you can find airline bike packing requirements in the fine print on their websites. The fee you pay is for shipping, it is most likely not for insurance (although your home or renters insurance might pay for damage to your bike). Your best chance for compensation from the airline in case of damage, is to exactly follow that airline rules for packing a bike AND inspect your bike immediately upon arrival and notify baggage claim in case of damage.

I always bring a copy of my personal bike geometry and fit measurements. In case my bike is ruined - my vacation might not be. I can hope to rent a bike.

What type of case should you use: hard case / plastic bag / cardboard box / soft case / wheel bag? For most people reading this blog (not including pros who have their luggage paid for), I am going to cut to the chase and recommend a soft-sided bike bag (unless such a case does not apply in the above paragraph). I realize I have posted in the past about how to pack hard bike cases (and I have one), but times have changed. There are excellent soft-sided bags that will protect your bike well. My brother has had great success with his Pica Packworks soft-sided bike case, or consider an Evoc Bike Travel Bag.

Soft bags are easier to handle, easier to store inside a rental car and in a hotel or B&B room. The soft bags are lighter to carry and run a lower risk of your bike bag being overweight. I used to sweat my 14 pound bike being loaded into my 34 pound hard bike case. By the time all the packing and straps were added, I came in just under 50 pounds every time, with no room for anything else inside the case.

I advise you to think of the security agents when you pack your bike case. Make their job easy and maybe they will show more care when closing your bag and maintaining its alignment inside your case. I label the bike case well on the outside and place a paper inside the bag with my name and address and intended destination and date.

If you are using a hard case to transport your bike - bring a short strap with a large click buckle. Use this buckle strap to attach your rolling bike box to your rolling luggage, and instantly your weight load is far less having created a four wheel wagon of sorts. This is how I pull my luggage behind me through airports.

Here is my final tip about bike boxes: be inconspicuous. Approach the counter with your act together, have your passport and ticket ready. Make it look like your case in easy to handle and lightweight. Don't offer information, but do answer all questions honestly. Smile, be kind, be patient, don't talk too much. You might just find that you won't be charged for your bike case. It has happened to me plenty of times, most often from Europe returning to the USA. Only once in the USA when the airline employee couldn't find the price on their own website, and the manager decided I was holding up the line (Their mistake, my gain).

Oh wait, I do have one more tip: You might save money if you pay for your luggage (including your bike) in advance online. But if you do this, you loose the opportunity not to pay, but risk paying far more at the counter. Whichever way you choose, just don't start tweeting how outraged you are by high airline bike box costs - you should've done your research!

My brother Mike gave up his old hard case for a Pica Packworks soft-side bike case.

Packing your bike box for travel

I will mention such bike packing tips as using plumbing foam tubing, zip ties and tape, rags around derailleurs and cog sets, marking your saddle height and stem/bar positions with tape before removing, absolutely removing your pedals, putting all screws back exactly where you found them, fastening all items in the box to prevent pieces from rattling around and damaging your frame, bringing every tool it took to take apart your bike with you to put it back together ... but I will leave it to these sources to instruct you on how to pack a bike for traveling:

• GCN: How To Pack A Cardboard Bike Box
• GCN: How To Pack A Bike Bag (Soft)
• Condor: Packing a bike bag (Soft)
• GCN: How to Pack A Bike Box (Hard)
• Pedal Dancer: How to pack a bike box for Travel (Hard)

If you have any questions about packing your bike, make a trip to your local bike shop to arrange a time with a mechanic to teach you how to pack your bike and how to put it back together. I am sure you could ask to pay for a personal instruction session.

It should take about 45-minutes to complete the entire packing process.

Plane travel 

Bring the phone numbers to the baggage claims departments at all airports you will be traveling to. Leave these numbers, along with your itinerary and bike case description with somebody back home. It can be easier to let them deal with local baggage departments then for you to worry about finding a lost bag in a different language in a different time zone (Learned the hard way!). Again do your research ahead of time, be prepared for things to go wrong; when they do not - your vacation is off to a great start.

Bus travel

While in Italy, I find bus travel with a bike case to be easier than train travel: the curbside loading and unloading is much easier. Train stations in Italy often have a lot of stairs (Learned the hard way) and buses often depart from the center of towns. But be aware, not all buses will accept bikes, especially the transport buses between airports. If you are traveling anywhere on a bus with a bike, read the fine details on the bus company website before hand.

Train travel

Bike cases can be hard to load onto trains and also might result in a gruff conductor looking down his nose at your. The cases are sometimes stacked near the doors of the TGVs in France, and might have to be moved as passengers load and unload: requiring diligence and effort. Again read the luggage guide on the train websites prior to all travel. Most trains have both packaging guidelines and placement on the train guidelines that must be followed.

How the pros do it: in a $1200 SciCon hard case bike box:

Planes, trains, buses and automobiles in the USA

Think car rental - plain and simple. Almost anywhere you will want to ride a bike in the United States will be reached by car, from a trail head or a town. Study car models to make sure your gear will fit. I have gone straight to the auto maker's website to look at the inside, or seat configuration, of a particular car model.

In the USA, some car rental agencies rent racks or top luggage/gear containers. If the car rental agency does not rent a rack, you might find a local rack company (such as Yakima or Thule) that will rent you a rack and help you install it on the car (my brother does this for long road trips and finds it easier than storing one at home). You will want to Google rack rental [city name].

Once again, when you arrive into the United States, I would allow one day to make sure all your gear and supplies are in good condition and ready to go. 

What if you want to ship your bike

Okay, it no longer means you will be placing your bike on a ship, but airfare and ground transportation across an ocean isn't all that much faster than a ship, and it costs a lot. A lot. There are more and more emerging businesses that offer to transport your bike for you in-country. This is especially convenient if you plan to attend an event or race and want to fly unencumbered. These companies offer services from packaging, loading, build and transport. See services listed on the particular event website or Google bike shipping, or transport, [city name or event].

Renting a bike

More advances have been made in 2015: with more bike shops, lodges, and tour companies renting high-end bikes to customers. This is great news. Always check the bike frame and especially the gearing. If you will be climbing, you want at least a 28 rear cog and a compact crank, this is minimum gearing for women or for riders who plan to climb day after day. I am not shy - I'll take a 32! Saddles and stems might be adjustable for a better fit, just ask. To best fit a bike - I always bring a copy of my personal bike geometry and fit measurements (another tip is to bring a string marked with your key measurements).

Bring your own pedals, shoes and helmet (and maybe even saddle). Reserve well in advance and ask about cancellation policies. For a safe back up, I would research two places for bike rental in any given area where you plan to ride, just in case something happens to your first reservation - your vacation is not ruined.

Google the city with the words bike rental to begin your search. Also check the map for nearby cities that might rent bikes. Call a bike shop in your destination city and ask if they know who rents bikes in town. Once you find a bike rental shop, be sure they rent the bike you need for the type of riding you want to do.

Traveling without a bike is much easier if you plan to pass through large cities. Using subways or taxis and walking distances over cobbles is much less of a hassle, not to mention elevators, stairs and already small enough hotel rooms.

This is my 10 euro rental bike resting on the Koppenberg in Belgium. I rode this bike up the Kwaremont as well and had a blast! Rent anything if it means getting to ride a bike on vacation.

Bikes included with your bike tour

I think this is a fine idea and chances are - the type of bike the company offers will be the bike best suited for the terrain you will be riding. Again bring your own shoes and helmet, and ask about saddle and frame size. After advice from a reader, I might suggest asking the Tour Company to send you a photo of the saddle you will be using during the tour. If you have any concerns, measure your saddle height, and pack your saddle and tools. (Learned from a reader who had a very painful, but fun, tour).

Storing your case

I happen to know that renting a Renault Scenic will fit two hard bike cases upright in the back, allowing for luggage and two people. This car model will also hold three (uncased) bikes upright and 3 passengers. Bike cases definitely take up room in your car. Most cases will fit along the back seat of a car (without a passenger). Soft-sided cases are much easier to store than hard cases, and cardboard boxes can be disposable.

I had a friend who asked a hotel to keep their two hard case bike boxes in a storage area while they traveled around France. They of course stayed a night upon arrival and another night before departure. Ask the hotel if they are able to store your box, you never know (Learned from a reader who is now a friend).

If you plan to cycle tour from one location to a far distant location, then using a cardboard box (with plenty of plumbing tubing and bubble wrap and tape) is probably your best bet. Again, make sure your airline accepts cardboard boxes. Some people swear by using them. I met a trio of cyclists who arrived in France with their bikes in boxes, ditched the boxes, rented one car, bought a simple bike rack at a local sporting goods store, drove and rode select routes across the country, ditched the rack, found more boxes, returned the car, and flew home.

How the boys from Ireland made their way across the Pyrenees (packing up outside Pyrenees Cycling Lodge in June) with their bike rack and rental car.

Buying what you need

Unless you are going to a very secluded place (or are seven-feet tall like my nephew and looking for a bike frame), most cities have sporting good stores or bike shops where you will be able to buy anything you have forgotten or lost. A trip to a Decathlon store in France is a tradition. I always buy a couple lightweight blankets (dark gray preferred) to cover my bikes while in the car.

Safety of your bike while traveling

Bring a lock, buy two light weight cheap blankets upon arrival. Although I do not ride my nice road bike to a place where I will need to lock it up and leave it, I have heard of bikes being stolen while resting along a cafe patio fence in a larger city (okay it was Grenoble, France and Boulder, Colorado). Even a lightweight lock will slow them down, or maybe they will take a different bike than yours. I do not leave my bike unattended in a large city. If I ride to a mountain top finish of a bike race, bikes are generally safe resting along the hillside. Be very careful leaving your bike inside the car. I always cover the bikes with blankets, and if I am in a big city, I lock them up (inside and out).

Returning back home

I have learned to find a hotel near the airport for the night before any early morning departure. I arrive the night before and check into my hotel, depositing all my bags inside my room. I then drive my rental/lease car to the car return, leaving the car. I then use the free hotel shuttle service back to the hotel. I arrange the hotel shuttle to the airport for early the next morning, informing them that I will have a suitcase and a bike box. Now I have a sense of timing to get to the airport from the hotel the next morning. That evening I enjoy a glass of wine while repacking all of my bags and bike, leaving anything I no longer need for the maids and then get a good nights sleep. This is one of the rare instances I use big chain hotels during my travels, but I have learned it affords me with great peace of mind after a long trip.

Try to find a friend to drive you to and from the airport. Airport Shuttle companies will charge you more to carry a bike, and taxis might not have room. Another good option is to arrange a local individual who owns a large SUV or van and transports people to and from the airport as a self-owned business. I personally have had great success with this type of service and find they often do not charge additional for bike cases. I am not talking Uber.

Wrap up

I hope this post helps give you some ideas of things to think about and be aware of prior to your cycling vacation or event. Bon Voyage! Have a Great Trip!

Previous posts by Pedal Dancer® that apply to this topic:

• Packing Tips for Cyclists
• Travel Lists for Cyclists
• Dressing for the Weather in Cycling

This photo has nothing to do with packing a bike, I just came across it while searching for bike box photos and it made me smile - a wonderful memory of cycling up the Col du Soulor in France on a lazy lamb kind of day.

Happy travels!

If anyone has any great bike travel tips - I will happily share them.

If it's July, it must be France

Let's travel to France!

How can one watch the Tour de France in July and not dream of riding those same roads or traveling through those same small villages seen on TV. The answer is - you can't and shouldn't even try. Just the sight of the road furniture, landscape, stone villages, and sweeping vistas sends me to a place of awe and memory.

Once you have ridden the roads in France you will be a changed cyclist.

Your world will expand, you will be drawn to greater heights and greater distances. You will want to take your bike and travel to new challenges and new experiences. I have seen it happen. I am not talking only about myself, I have seen others catch the bug and accomplish incredible feats or create life changing moments. Whether it is riding the Haute Route, taking a trip with their son or daughter, making their first trip ever to Europe or their tenth trip, the beautiful combination of travel and challenge constantly inspires.

I believe the best part of travel comes from being courageous and flexible enough to be spontaneous. Spontaneity is best based on a solid foundation of knowledge. Courage is just confidence. The memories we most remember will be unexpected, the impact on our lives unknown; and that is the true gift of travel.

France has it all, just waiting for your arrival

I am frequently asked to help others with their travel plans. This is a tremendous joy for me, and an honor. I want them to LOVE it, to feel the passion and inspiration, to want more. I help by offering tips and shortcuts, so that they can concentrate on the experiences. Their questions are solid and when they depart I think of them fondly. In the months of June and July, a few of my mentored travelers launched their journeys. Oh how it makes me yearn to be in France.

From one such fellow email traveler: "Wow! Karen Thank you so much for this information. We are planning on being there for stage 8. Your experience will likely save me much effort and stress. Thank you again!  You should sell such quality information....."

I will try to write up my tips about seeing a stage of the Tour de France as a spectator this month as I sit and watch the race coverage live!

The more you know, the more you will enjoy

I thought I would offer a synopsis of various travel posts I have written over the years. A shortcut to the posts that would be most helpful in planning your trip to France. Even if you go with a guided service (which I fully condone if you have less time to plan and more money to spend), I believe the more you know, the more you will enjoy.

If you are anything like me, pre trip planning is a bit crazed as I attempt to wrap up all work and home projects in one miraculous perfect departure. It's crazy. I don't have it down yet, and I still make mistakes, but then again that is how I have learned so much and can offer advice you will not likely read in guide books or easily find online. My hope is that your trip will cultivate a life-long interest after your journey to France.

Ride somewhere different

Create a simple itinerary

Number one rule for traveling - keep it simple! It's tough to plan a perfect trip on your own, so use the knowledge of bloggers (moi), locals or guides. It is fine to reach out and ask questions to others online. You will have deeper experiences in the process and perhaps make a few new friends for life. But first it is important to know your own priorities and expectations.

I chose three big must-dos for each trip and try to not plan more than three things a day for the length of my trip. I greatly prefer to go to one place for two to four days, and explore or ride out from that one base location.

A sample travel itinerary: Day, Date, TDF stage (optional) and whether attending, travel plans and times, activities, city, hotel & contact information, notes and web links.

When planning my itinerary, I consider drive times, hotel check-out and check-in times. If I really want to do a particular climb, I add in one additional "weather" day. I usually look up several options in one location and decide while I am there, what I will do on the day depending on weather, mood, unplanned events, and energy level. If you are not enjoying where you are at or what you are doing - change it! It is a vacation.

I have a strong preference not to travel too far away from my arrival city on the day of my arrival. Staying nearby for one night lessens the panic if a bike is lost or damaged in transport. You will have time to make corrections before meeting your tour group, friends, or planned big activity. You can use the time to adjust to a new time-zone, be a tourist locally, or find any needed supplies. I also like to stay close to my departure airport the night before I return home.

I try hard to pack with thought, and as light as possible. To make travel preparation easier, I now have a travel drawer at home where I keep all those small must take traveling items. I prepare all my finances (credit cards), phone, cords and chargers, GPS and bike maintenance weeks in advance. I leave contact lists and itineraries at home with airline codes and a credit card, just in case plans need to be changed. I am smart about safety and learn about tollroads, parking, driving, shopping and restaurant etiquette.

A collection of my old posts for encouragement, all by Pedal Dancer:

Getting Ready for Travel

Packing Tips for Cyclists
Travel Lists for Cyclists

My brother Michael and I. So many roads to ride and mountains to climb.

Traveling in France

Understanding road signs in France
Understanding Autoroutes and Toll Booths in Franc
Getting around in France with ease Tips for Traveling in France - Part I
More tips on traveling to France with a bike Tips for Traveling in France - Part II
Also see my guide page: Recommendations and Resources

Being a Tourist in France

Most Popular Tourist Sites in France
How to order a coffee in France
Recommended Reading: Wines of the 2013 Tour de France<
Travel to Provence, France  (best villages in Provence)
The Baguette
Lunch Time in France
Also see my guide page: FRANCE TRAVEL

Cycling In France

My Top Twenty Climbs in France
So You Want to Ride in Europe? 
The Valleys of the Pyrenees in Pictures a visual trip from west to east
The Valleys of the Pyrenees Where are the best bike rides in France?
Recommended Reading: All About Col Signs
The Climbs of the 2014 Tour de France
Best Sportives and Gran Fondos

For the individual mountain climbs in France, please see the climbs and rides listed on this page: FRANCE CYCLING

Recommended Bike Tour Guide Companies in France: Take a Tour - bike tour companies in France

Chances are even if you join a guided tour, you will have travel days on your own before or after you meet up with your group.

Where are you?: Learn this map well, it is very important to understand regions when making reservations in France.

The regions of France

Dream big! And then go get it done.

Epic mountains!

Best coffee spots!

Delicious food!

Great cycling roads!

Quaint towns!

Grand vistas!

Did I mention the wine?

All photos in the post by Karen or Mike & Suz for Pedal Dancer

So You Want to Ride in Europe?

Article for Team Evergreen Newsletter

I wrote an article for Team Evergreen Cycling newsletter about planning a bike trip to Europe. Monica Kurtz, who manages the team's newsletter, had contacted me about writing for the newsletter. When I read the results of a recent Team Evergreen survey showing that second on a list of interests was riding in Europe, I volunteered to write about that topic. The project is like trying to condense my entire blog into one article, so I decided to write a four-part series.

Part I: So You Want to Ride in Europe?
http://teamevergreen.org/so-you-want-to-ride-in-europe-2/

Here is the article:

Cycling in Europe is a dream that can become reality.

Have you dreamed of traveling to Europe to ride a bike? Cycling over mountain peaks and up steep climbs featured in cycling magazines or on television during the Grand Tours. Hearing greetings and calls of encouragement in five different languages from fellow cyclists who have gathered from far and wide to converge on the most spectacular roads imaginable. Feeling the awe of majestic scenery and the rush of sweeping descents

This is what riding a bike in Europe is all about.

I write a cycling travel blog called Pedal Dancer and in this piece I offer tips and encouragement for you to complete what will become a very possible thrilling, worthwhile bike trip to Europe.

I first traveled to Europe thirty-two years ago. I also lived abroad in SE Asia for five years. For twenty-five years I have been enamored with adventure travel, ever since my first such trip down the Mahakam River in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. For the past thirteen-years my passion has focused on cycling trips to France, Italy and Belgium, but mostly France. I have been to the Tour de France six times.

I have learned a lot over the years, and like any well-seasoned traveler, much has been learned through mistakes. More has been learned through hours and hours of studying maps and scouring the Internet, most has been learned by simply getting out and doing it. If cycling in Europe has been a dream of yours as well, I am here to offer the encouraging words of you can do it.

Let’s begin by considering the six questions you should ask yourself before embarking on your cycling dream vacation:

1. What has always captured your interest about riding in a foreign country?
2. What are the Top 3 things you really want to do on your bike trip?
3. Who will you be traveling with?
4. Will you plan your trip yourself or will you join an organized tour?
5. What do you know that you truly dislike about travel?
6. What is your budget?

These are key planning questions that will quickly help you determine the type of trip that best suits you. Below I will delve deeper into each of these topics to offer guidance. Today’s piece is Part I of a IV part series about making that trip to Europe a reality:

Part I – So You Want to Ride in Europe

Part II – Recommended Rides in Europe

Part III – Planning your trip (itinerary, transportation, bikes and tips)

Part IV – Selecting a Cycling Tour Company

What has always captured your interest about riding in a foreign country?

Be honest with yourself – do you want to ride 110-miles a day and bag every peak on the continent? Or do you want to include time for food and culture or other sports?

Tip: What can you picture yourself doing on this trip? Conquering an epic ride, sitting at a cafe table having a beer after a good ride, trying to learn some French before your trip so you can order dinner for the table, or perhaps you have envisioned yourself standing in the mass of fans along the road at the Tour de France. Just as we set annual cycling goals – knowing your personal travel goals before your trip is very important.

What are the Top 3 things you really want to do on your bike trip?

Each traveler should state their personal Top 3 things they would love to do on their vacation. No one is allowed to say, “I’m good with whatever,” that is being a non-participant. No one should – or would truly – put down a couple thousand dollars and want whatever. Everyone has expectations and these should be voiced. Once you have a list – know that it is easy to make sure that everyone’s Top 3 are met. Much of travel is about expectations, and also flexibility. It is good to understand that the whole is often better than its parts, so don’t stress out about every detail.

Tip: I plot out each Top 3 on the master itinerary and then begin to fill in the gaps. It is a nice way to tend to every participant’s needs, and your own.

Tip: If you plan to attend a big bike race while in Europe (Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, Paris-Roubaix, etc.), then two to three days of being a fan at these big events is enough. I wouldn’t recommend trying to see stage after stage. Make time for your own bike rides, your own spontaneity, your own Top 3.

Tip:Keep it simple. For years I wanted to be one of those fans I saw huddled along the barriers in the rain at the Tour of Flanders. My dream wasn’t to cycle, my dream was to be with those people. So that is what I did – I was on the sideline on the Oude Kwaremont. Everything else during that trip to Belgium (riding, beer tasting, Paris-Roubaix) was icing on the cake because I accomplished my one simple goal.

Tip: Be creative with your Top 3; consider a scenic drive, a hike or city walk, a museum, music, local market, wine tour, recommended restaurant, cultural festival – you know all those silly things Rick Steves lists in his travel guides. These activities make a vacation feel well rounded as a tourist and promise good memories.

Tip: A great activity to include in your itinerary (or center your trip around) is participation in one of the many cyclosportives (cyclo sportif or gran fondo) citizen rides. These very challenging timed event rides are more like races for the thousands, and very popular in Europe.

Who will you be traveling with?

Pick your travel companions carefully. People have drastically different expectations of what Europe means to them. The people on the trip determine your priorities, car rental size, hotel flexibility and quality, level of physical activity and most importantly – mood.

Tip: A non-cyclist who enjoys exploring small towns or taking hikes while you are out riding a bike can be a tremendous asset for shuttling riders and collecting snacks from local markets.

Tip: Independent, flexible, adventurous travelers who tend to see the glass as half full will come in very handy when plans suddenly go awry or change.

Tip: Have a communal wallet or credit card for all expenses. Fund the account before you go and settle afterwards.

Tip: Be sure to share emergency contact lists among group members.

Tip: You will definitely need to train to ride well in Europe, but any level of cycling can be found in Europe. Don’t be intimidated. If you don’t want to take on the 15-17% sections, destination lunch rides can be just as pleasurable. The numerous cycling tour companies cater to all levels of ability and have support vehicles.

Will you plan your trip yourself or will you join an organized group?

When it comes to planning you have three options: 1) Do-it-yourself, 2) Share the duties within the group, 3) Join an organized tour group.

Let me warn you that Option #1 offers the most control but demands hours of planning. When I say hours I mean 60-140 hours, depending on how complex your itinerary is and how much you will need to learn about an area.

Option #2 involves an approach of splitting up duties between the travelers in your group. My brother has a group of friends who have traveled together through various countries. They split up the trip by days. This can also be done by region or by type of activity (sport, hotel, restaurant, car rental, etc.). The planning load is divided, but this approach takes excellent communication between members to make sure the puzzle pieces fit together.

Option #3 requires that you give up almost all control because you must meet the tour group’s arrival and departure times and towns.

The tour guides tell you what you are doing and when. This option is great for those who have no time or interest in planning. Tour operators are pro at what they do and have learned from their own past mistakes, continually improving upon the product. You benefit from their wisdom, plus the people who run these tour companies are near saints. If you want to witness good people skills – they got it in boatloads. The down side of Option #3 is that it will cost you big bucks. By big bucks we are talking $450-$1300 a day.

Tip: I read itineraries by the Bike Tour Companies for ideas in timing (how much is too much) and recommended rides, even hotel suggestions or the cities where they prefer to stay or visit. Tour Companies are a valuable shortcut in planning.

Tip: I compile all my dates, reservation info and links onto an excel spreadsheet, building the itinerary day by day. Parts of this file can then be compiled and left at home for loved ones with contact information and travel plans.

Tip: Option #1 and Option #3 above can be combined. You could enjoy a few days on your own, join a tour group, and then travel more on your own. I did this on a cycling tour to Tuscany, Italy, and was able to enjoy Florence and Sienna before and after my guided bike tour.

Tip: Out and back trips are a great way to keep hotel reservations simple. You can travel with your bike inside the car (keep it covered well with a blanket; roof racks are scarce in Europe) and start your bike rides from different locations returning to the same hotel or bed & breakfast.

Tip: The decision to bring your own bike or rent a bicycle will greatly influence your travel flexibility and even the airport you select, so this should be one of your initial decisions in the planning phase.

What do you know that you truly dislike about travel?

Vacation is a time to be enjoyed regardless of travel goals, so don’t force yourself into something you know sets your twizzle twirling. Am I right? If you like business class – fly business, even if your friends only have miles enough for coach class. If you hate traveling by train, then fly all the way to your destination. If you hate the congestion of big cities – stay in the green countryside even if you won’t find any Michelangelo sculptures nearby. If you need time alone to regenerate – let everyone know you need to walk alone to get a morning croissant.

Tip: Packing light is super important when traveling abroad, but be sure not to skimp on cycling jackets or leg/arm warmers and gloves. Nothing will spoil a dream ride faster than being unprepared for cold weather. It’s better to bring one of everything rather than four of the same. I have some packing lists and packing tips available at PedalDancer.com under the France Cycling page.

Tip: Read about customs, road signs, and travel details prior to your trip. Learn at least basic greetings in the language of the country you will be visiting.

Tip: Sort out your communications at least two-weeks prior to traveling: international phone, GPS device, adapters and cords, and a PIN credit card if possible. I have some informative travel posts available at PedalDancer.com under the France Travel page.

What is your budget?

Traveling to Europe is expensive. Sorry. The days of the dollar have passed. You can expect about $250-$400/day solo, less if traveling with one companion, even less if traveling with a group – but as your group grows so too does the wine or beer consumption, so add some more back in. The longer you stay the lower your cost per day because airfare costs are spread out, but hotel, food, car, and gas costs continue to add up. A 9-to-14-day cycling trip is just right.

With the euro, it will feel like you are adding about 20% to the cost of everything. Although car rental is reasonable and bus travel is not outrageous, gasoline and trains are expensive, as well as air travel. The closer you are to big cities or Switzerland – the higher your costs. You can find a variety of hotels at the same prices as in the U.S. but the quality varies much more. Camping is also an option and inexpensive gear is available for purchase from large sporting chains. Remember most international luggage is limited to 50lbs per bag.

Tip: Miles! You can use your flight miles and credit cards points for air travel, hotels, car rental and more.

Tip: Always consider the cost to include your bike case as luggage when booking airfare because luggage costs are not included (and range from $75-$300 one way). Bags and bike cases can really raise the overall price of your transportation (although you may be able to write off the travel cost later depending on your credit card perks).

Tip: Save on restaurants. I often eat a simple breakfast or eat at the hotel/B&B/chambre d’hote, if included. I snack for lunch (on the bike), or enjoy a nice 3-course lunch (cheaper than dinner) at a restaurant on non-ride days. For dinner I will picnic with a nice bottle of wine, buying supplies from a local market. I usually only have one or two nice dinners out and several simple salad and pizza nights.

Tip: I try to pick moderately priced hotels run by local mom & pop sorts – they offer a good feel and often give excellent hospitality and local tips, plus they may have bike storage space. The exception to this rule is booking a hotel room upon arrival, or prior to departure, near airports. In this instance always go with a big chain for a better location. If I book a hotel room at any point during the trip – I always look for clean, simple and modern. Trust me on this one, you can’t smell those elaborate upholstered hotel rooms while booking online, plus those hotels are not the places where bike riders belong. I do like to splurge on a nice hotel for a night or two in special locations.

Tip: Gites or apartments are good options if you plan to stay in one location for a week or so. You will save on food costs and feel like a local.

Tip: Look for cycling lodges or hotels that offer half-board. Half board means that breakfast and dinner will be included with your hotel room rate for an additional amount per person. They are often good deals with good food.

Many more specific details touched upon in this piece will be offered in the next three parts of this series:

Part II – Recommended Rides in Europe
Part III – Planning your trip (itinerary, transportation, bikes and tips)
Part IV – Selecting a Cycling Tour Company

Stay tuned for more travel tips on how to plan your cycling adventure to Europe and where the most popular rides are located.

All photos by Karen Rakestraw Pedal Dancer®, or Mike Rakestraw.
Thanks to Monica Kurtz for editing this article and selecting which photographs to include.

Updates: A Climb, Credit Cards, Helmets, and TDF

It is Sunday afternoon and time for some updates

Today we talk about two updates on previously written posts and another nice Colorado bike ride.

First - I did a short climb today up Chicago Creek Rd (Colorado State Hwy 103) to Echo Lake Lodge and took exactly zero photos to share. I realized this while descending at rapid speeds, but since that was going pretty well I saw no point in stopping. At the top I had met a number of interesting cyclists who apparently were a distraction from photography, including one guy who was planning on doing La Marmotte in France (108m, 16.990 ft) in two weeks and was spending his day climbing up and down and up and down the same roads near Mt Evans.

Basically I climbed the road to Mt Evans (the highest paved road in the United States) from the Idaho Springs side.  In this neck of the woods (literally inside the Arapaho National Forest) all roads lead to Echo Lake Lodge where water refills await and an endless stream of cyclists flow in and out. Those who have good timing, or good weather, continue another 15 miles (24km) to a parking lot just short of the 14,265 ft (4,348 m) summit of Mt Evans.

As I climbed I kept thinking, I cannot believe my nephew won Cat 4 at age 21 in the Mt Evans hillclimb a few years ago - it is a tough road to race. Weather was looming today when I reached Echo Lake Lodge. From the sight of the shaking cyclists who had just descended from the peak of Mt Evans, I made the correct decision to turn around and glide back downhill 13.75 miles to the town of Idaho Springs. I returned home, showered, and went to yoga class in Denver under the sound of thunder and raindrops.

The Bob Cook Memorial/Mt Evans Hill Climb (Event Race Flyer) is July 20, 2013

I rode the entire ride today and never took a photo, not one, oops, but I do have a post I wrote in 2010 to share with you, same road, with photos!: Colorado High. This one image below may best describe my climb today. Ride: Idaho Springs to Echo Lake, 13.75miles one-way, 3028.22 ft elevation gain, max elevation 10,663ft. 

Oooh pinks and reds and oranges look much nicer than they feel

Mt Evans is west of Denver, and the closest to Denver of Colorado's 54 fourteeners.

Second - an update to Protect your noggin, the post I wrote about the scary state of safety when it comes to bicycle helmets and the long wait for a MIPS helmet for road cyclists. The news is that Scott has a MIPS helmet for sale in bike shops, but not all shops, so you may have to special order one. Although the helmet is available now, it is pricey at $220. As demand rises perhaps protecting our brains from concussions will not be such an expensive deal. The prevalence of head injury and its association with cycling is a scary reality to me since I can quickly name off 5 people I know who have affects of brain trauma. From Bruce Barcott, read and use the Store Locator: http://www.brucebarcott.com/2013/05/here-are-the-mips-helmets.html.

Third - an update to Chip and PIN Credit Cards, another post about traveling and the annoyance of old fashioned American credit cards that restrict our flow of currency while being tourists in Europe. More American Banks have come out with Chip and Signature Cards. Two now offer true Chip and Pin cards, a higher security method of using plastic. Good news is that you can at least get a Chip and Signature card for zero annual fees and zero transaction fees. From The Points Guy, read: http://thepointsguy.com/2013/05/us-credit-cards-with-smart-chips/. If you must have one, the only two Chip and Pin cards are from Commerce Bank Visa Signature Card, and Andrews Federal Credit Union GlobeTrek Visa.

Fourth - the 100th Tour de France (not to be mistaken with the 100th year of the Tour de France, which was in 2003) begins NEXT weekend. Are you ready?  I can't wait to watch and write about the Tour as it travels through some wonderful cities and countryside, many of which we have visited over the years. The Tour de France to me means travel memories combined with the unknown of bike racing. Especially a bike race which extends over three weeks. Ignore the pre-race predictions, no one truly knows who will win the 2013 Tour de France.

I dug out my old La Randonnee du Centenaire jersey from 2003 when I participated in the citizen ride through the streets of Paris before the final stage of the 100th year of the Tour de France.

La Randonnee du Centenaire jersey

My brother Mike brought me back from France this programme officiel Tour de France 100 guide in French! It will be my challenge to read the pages during the not as exciting stages labeled en ligne (flat stages).

Too bad Bradley Wiggins, featured on the cover above, will not be back, nor will Bernie Eisel, Thor Hushovd, Chris Horner, Tyler Farrar, Dave Zabriski and a shocking number of the recently crowned National Champions from today's races around the globe. But Ted King made the cut, so did Jens Voigt. And we'll get to see Mark Cavendish sprint against Peter Sagan, Greipel, and Matt Goss.

Next Saturday - the Tour de France begins on the Island of Corsica.

Chip and PIN Credit Cards

Travel Tip for Americans traveling to Europe

If you are planning on traveling to Europe for a cycling vacation or as a tourist, come prepared for the changes in currency transfer. As Americans, protected by our two shores, we may not have realized how far behind the times our country has fallen. More secure and much easier ways of transferring funds between accounts have been in place for some time in western Europe. It is time we get on board.

You will need a chip and PIN credit card

If not now, soon. The time has come, after living in the dark ages for years, Americans can finally obtain a credit card with chip and Signature (PIN) technology. These credit cards are more secure and often do not charge international transactions fees when used abroad. If you plan to travel, apply for an EMV card, you might have to pay an annual fee (mine is $95/yr), but it insures you will not get stuck when least convenient. Here is a list of Chip and PIN credit cards available to Americans. Your bank may also offer a card, call to ask, they should replace yoru current card for no cost. If you travel frequently the card is worth having.

That little chip is good as gold

The day I received a replacement of my British Airways Visa card for one with a chip on it was a happy day indeed. I felt like I had received a travel badge of honor - I am a tourist in the know. I will no longer be rejected! Rejection is hard to take, but without that dandy microchip on my smart credit card I get refused by restaurateurs, retail shops, gas stations, and ATMS - key items to any tourist.

*Update July 2012*: After spending 18 days in France, I can report that my American based chip card worked well in restaurants, markets, shops, E.Leclerc gas stations (with CB card signs), autoroute gas stations, Tollbooths with the CB card signs (only). It did NOT work at standard tollbooths (I kept coins ready), parking meter pay stations, and unattended gas stations (without the blue CB card logo), and some small retailers. It was however very convenient to have, since most credit card machines are not swipe machines but insert your card machines.

Have confidence when facing down a machine

When I see one of these hand held credit card swipers, I have the confidence to know my card will be accepted. Those awkward moments of handing a salesperson or waiter my archaic card and having them flip it over and over with the expression of - what era is this card from? and my matching expression of - I am sorry... I come from America, are over. Now I can proudly purchase away, and eat up a storm, and know I will be able to pay. 

slide it in the bottom

slide it down the side

My transportation flow should be much smoother as well ... through the peage tollbooths, in and out of parking lots, filling up at gas stations (without searching for one with a live attendant), buying train tickets (without wasting many minutes standing in line at the attendant ticket booth). I will have travel freedom. Read more about chip and PIN smart cards in an informative article by msn money: New credit cards make travel harder.

All I need is the chip card and (very rarely) a 4-digit code (PIN).  *Most of the US based chip cards still require a signature (chip and signature cards).

ATMs

We used to have to look for the Cirrus symbol on the machine to know our bank ATM card would work but be warned that increasing numbers of machines (now a significant inconvenience) will reject your standard ATM card for cash. Bring a credit card along with you (and it's PIN) as a back up to get cash. If you do not have a chip and Signature (PIN) card, be certain to bring your ATM card and a couple credit cards, it might be less convenient but you can work most situations out and find a way to pay.

Money Transfers

Checkbooks are as out of date as 8-track cassettes. Bills are paid by providing a IBAN number to approve direct transfer of money from one account to another. Don't be surprised if a hotel deposit is requested by money transfer, this is actually an old term applied to a very efficient system. You might need to go into your bank and fill out the paperwork for approving a wire-transfer over the phone, otherwise you will need to go into your bank to complete the transaction. The downside is the cost: typically a $45 fee, no matter what the actual transfer amount is. There are some web based transfer sites, but I have not used these and cannot recommend one.

When I recently transferred funds to purchase my VIP ticket for the 2012 Tour of Flanders, I felt the extra fee was absorbed into the incredible experience. However if a €60 bed and breakfast in France is asking for a down-payment, the added transfer fee may make no sense and nearly double your hotel rate. Paypal International transfers might make more sense, check if Paypal is an option for your needs.

How it works, our American banks will need this information from the person you intend to pay:

• Account holder name:
• Account number:
• IBAN:
• Bank identifier code (BIC / swift):

The IBAN number is a very long (27 digit) code which contains the account number within. Our banks must have the Bank identifier code (BIC/swift) which identifies the bank branch and is needed to send out the transfer.

Paypal

You might also come across Paypal, an efficient method of collecting and making payment online used by many businesses in the United State and around the world. Paypal is a quick guarantee that funds will be transferred and guaranteed within a couple days. If you don't have a Paypal account already, it is time you created one for yourself. 

Good luck, I hope these travel tips make your journey more enjoyable, so you can get out and ride your bike carefree. For more Pedal Dancer travel tips - visit the France Travel page: FRANCE TRAVEL

Update 06/23/13: Read http://thepointsguy.com/2013/05/us-credit-cards-with-smart-chips/ 
A list of Pin and Signature credit cards, with 2 Chip and Pin cards now available : Updates: A Climb, Credit Cards, Helmets, and TDF .