Taste of Albania: Mountains, Coastline and Hospitality

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

OVERVIEW
This new BAC ride explores the more recently accessible and intriguing destination of Albania.  This 12 day Albanian cycling adventure loops us through one of Europe's previously closed countries which is now emerging as a “to-be discovered” treasure. Although tourism is still in its infancy, the Albanian people are kind, helpful and welcoming, and many speak English. They are keen for tourists, particularly Americans, to enjoy their country of which seventy percent is mountainous with spectacular landscapes, and the remainder borders the Adriatic and Ionian seas -- the Albanian Riveria. Supporting this tour is the Albanian-based tour operator, Cycle Albania. This BAC tour is an extended version of their UNESCO tour which can be viewed at http://www.cyclealbania.com/unesco-tour.html. Our tour incorporates extra days in Tirana and Himare to better experience the unique Albanian culture.

Albania is still relatively unspoiled from a cycling perspective, and the roads cycled are selected for low traffic volumes.  The roads, which are mostly paved, are at times quite steep. Stunning views promise to distract you from the challenge of the more demanding climbs. For safety, congested areas are bypassed with van transport. Whilst journeying through the natural panoramas, expect to enjoy traditional Albanian hospitality, wonderful cuisine, a colorful blend of eastern and western influences, as one discovers Albania’s rich history and culture. Albania is fast-growing in popularity as a cycling destination. Take the opportunity to visit now. 

RIDE RATING
This ride is rated 3B! based on the 8 mandatory riding days. Although the average daily distance is 37 miles and the average daily climbing is approximately 2500 feet, riding days days differ substantially in distance and elevation gain: Day 3 (25miles-203ft); Day 4 (32 miles-1351ft); Day 5 (45 miles-3841ft); Day 6 (33 miles –2014ft); Day 7 (45miles-984ft); Day 8 (44 miles-2378ft); Day 9 (33miles -3490ft); Day 11 (41miles-5439ft). Please note, days 5 and 11 exceed the 3B rating. Grades during these climbs are 6-10% for short sections. Van support is available for only these sections which exceed the tour rating.  Overall, the roads are mostly good pavement with shoulders, however there may be sections with rougher road pavement in poor condition.    

WEATHER
This region has a Mediterranean climate.  Daily June temperatures average between mid-70’s to 80’s F on the coast, and cooler at higher elevation in the mountains.  Rain is unlikely, although an occasional shower is possible.

LODGING & MEALS
This tour provides a wonderful variety of accommodation along the way, which range from top hotels in prime locations to log cabins on a remote mountain trout farm. A rest day in the town of Himare will allow one to relax front-side on the Albanian Rivera.  Only two solo participants can be accepted on this trip due to limitations in lodging configurations.

This tour provides 11 breakfasts; 8 lunches and 9 group dinners as well as daily BAC social hour with beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. 

LOGISTICS
Rinas International Airport, also known as the Mother Teressa Airport (TIA), is situated approximately 17 km from Tirana city center.  The BAC tour begins June 4th, 2018, at 4pm, at the Hotel Austria, Tirana for the traditional BAC happy hour.  The ride ends on June 15, 2018 after breakfast in Vlore followed by transport (approx. 2.5 hours) back to Tirana.

Our first full day we will remain in the vibrant capital, Tirana.  A guided tour at the National Historical Museum of Albania will set the stage for learning more about this country’s fascinating recent and ancient history.   The following day we are transported out of the city congestion to Lake Ohrid where we cycle along the lakeshore to Pogradee, where one can cross the Macedonia border and visit the monastery of St. Naum.  The next days are spend climbing into the higher plateau with mountainous terrain as we visit the locations of Korce (patchwork of farms and cobblestones), Sotire (tranquil valley high in the mountains), Permet (famous for raki and thermal pools), and Gjorokaster (UNESCO city of 10,000 steps). We descend from the mountains to Sarande, where we ferry to visit the World Heritage site of Butrint.  Next, another day of climbing will bring us to Himare, where we will spend two nights relaxing at the beach setting on the Mediterranean Sea. Finally, our most ambitious climbing day (support van available), we cycle to Vlore where we will celebrate with a final dinner. On June 15th, the tour concludes after breakfast followed by the 2.5 hour transport back to Tirana.

Bike rental arrangements must be made directly with Cycle Albania (armand@cyclealbania.com).  It is recommended to consider renting bicycles as they are most appropriate for the terrain.  Cycle Albania offers hybrid bicycles (Giant Hybrid "Roam 0"; 30 gsp Gears, hydraulic disc brakes, and front suspension) for 150 euros.  Bicycle shops are not widely available throughout Albania.

A maximum of two (2) tandems can be accomodated on this tour.

COST & ADMINISTRATION
In addition to the non-refundable BAC ride registration fee of $100, the estimated tour cost is $1650 (based on 1 Euro = USD$1.12), and a minimum of 16 participants. 

The estimated cost includes: 11 nights lodging with 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 group dinners; daily BAC social hour with beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks; van for luggage & emergency support; storage of bike boxes during the trip; maps, cue sheets and GPX files; museum entrance, ferry fare, gratuities for guides, ride leader expenses; and a substantial contingency cushion. Once you are accepted onto the ride, deposit of $900 is due within 2 weeks. The final payment of $750 is due by January 31, 2018.  The final payment may be adjusted depending on the exchange rate at the end of December 2017. The solo supplement of approximately $185 (165 Euro) must be included in the 2nd payment.  Any funds remaining after the trip will be refunded to participants.

SINGLES & SOLOS POLICY
It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own. However, after receipt of the initial deposit, a single without a roommate will be placed on the ride and given until November 1, 2017  to find a roommate. The Ride Leader will gladly assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride.  If unsuccessful in finding a roommate by the 11/1/17 deadline, a full refund (minus the BAC fee) will be issued. 

CANCELLATION POLICY
The BAC ride registration fee is not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped.  The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations.  If the cancelling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time.  If the cancelling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed.  If a single participant cancels after November 1, 2017 and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the cancelling roommate may also be liable for the single supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

In addition to the BAC Cancellation policy, those who cancel one month prior to the trip departure date may be subject to Cycle Albania's cancellation policy.  However, if a replacement rider is found for the cancelling participant, this will not apply.
CANCELLATION POLICY of Cycle Albania:
31 Days and more before the departure : Free of charge
30 Days to 22 Days before the departure : 25% of the price
21 Days to 15 Days before the departure : 50% of the price
14 Days to 8 Days before the departure : 75% of the price
7 Days to 3 Days before the departure : 90% of the price
Less than 3 Days before the departure : 100% of the price

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY
Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles.  All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour.  We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from Ride Leader. While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and clean-up.  Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you may have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

SIGN-UP
To submit a request to join this ride use the "links" displayed above this Ride Description. When you are accepted, the Ride Leader will move you from the Waitlist to the Pending List. At this time you will receive an email notification to login to the BAC website to sign the release of liability form and pay the non-refundable BAC ride registration fee online.  Once those steps have been completed, the initial deposit of $900 will be due.  To contact the Ride Leader, "click" the name at the top of this Ride Description.