Island Hopping in Bohol, Philippines

† 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

Island Hopping in Bohol, Philippines

Cycle around Bohol, one of the Philippines most beautiful islands, famed for its Chocolate Hills, and as the habitat of the endangered tarsier, one of the world’s strangest nocturnal primates. On the Island Hopping the Philippines tour, we will ride 326 miles or 525 kilometers in nine cycling days. We will ride from the long and narrow island of Cebu, to the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol, to volcanic Camiguin, mysterious Siquijor and on to Negros before returning to Cebu. Though close to each other, each of the five islands on the tour have a distinct identity, but they all possess beautiful beaches and clear blue warm seas. We will spend seven nights at beachside resorts to be able to take full advantage of the sea and sand after a day in the saddle. On Bohol, we will visit the Tarsier Sanctuary and ride by terraced rice paddies. On Camiguin, we can refresh in hot and cold soda springs thanks to the many volcanoes which are also responsible for the black sand beaches. After a morning to rest on Alona Beach, we continue to Siquijor Island which is known for its mystic healers who live in the highlands. On the way back to Cebu, we have a quick glimpse of Negros before boarding our sixth boat of the tour. There is a wide variety of riding, from undulating roads, to short steep climbs to awesome descents and of course flat coastal roads. This tour is 90% on tarmac and is for those looking for a moderate to challenging ride. A brochure with a daily itinerary listing the daily activity, mileage and hotel is available from the Ride Leader, and will be placed on Ride Leader Docs.

RIDE RATING: The tour is rated a 2B with an average distance of 37 miles, and an elevation gain of 1900 feet per day. The following days exceed the maximum distance of 35 miles for the B rating: (1) Day 3 at 41 miles; (2) Day 6 at 43 miles; (3) Day 9 at 46 miles and (4) Day 11 at 39 miles. The average elevation gain is 1900 feet per day. Day 10 at 3100 feet exceeds the 2 rating maximum elevation gain of 2500 feet.

LODGING: The lodgings are at the finest resorts of Bohol. Most will have views of water—rivers and oceans.

WEATHER: Daytime temperatures are predicted to be in the 80’s, with humidity of 83%. You should expect rain, so bring a light rain jacket. Ocean temperatures for swimming will also be in the 80’s.

LOGISTICS: You should fly into Mactan International Airport in Cebu City, Philippines (CEB). Spice Roads will pick you at the airport and bring you to the first hotel. BAC enhanced pickup is available whether you arrive just for the tour, or whether you arrive early or leave late, either to see more of Cebu or the Philippines in general. Sag support is not included. There will be 2 vehicles accompanying the tour to move luggage, transport bikes during boat rides between islands, and provide emergency transport.

COSTS AND ADMINISTRATION: Included in the costs of $4100 are 12 nights’ accommodation in double/ twin shared rooms, 12 dinners and breakfasts, and 10 lunches, drinking water and snacks while riding, nightly social hour snacks and drinks (beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks), airport transfer to and from Cebu to the Parklane Hotel, Spice Roads jersey, laundry bag, cue sheet book and GPS tracks. The tour price does not include bike rental, visa fees or fruit juice during meals. 

35 bikes are currently available for rent with sizing of  11” – 21”. The bikes are well-known makes of mountain bikes (Jamis, KHS, and Giant) with lightweight alloy frames, 21-27 speed gearing, disc brakes and front suspension.  The bike fleet is constantly updated with new additions and  old bikes rotated out.  If you bring your own bike, please make sure it is a mountain bike with front suspension and that it is in good mechanical order. Bicycle rentals must be arranged between the tour company and the participants and are not included in the tour costs.

SINGLES AND SOLOS: It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own. The Ride Leader will assist singles by sharing names of other singles who are interested in the ride. However, after receipt of the initial deposit, a single without a roommate will be placed on the ride and given until July 1, 2018 to find a roommate. If they are unable to find a roommate, they will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the $100 BAC fee and credit card processing fee) or pay the $485 single supplement and stay on the ride. If a single pays the supplement, they may continue to seek a roommate, but must plan to participate without a roommate if necessary. Single supplement payments will need to be made by check directly to the Ride Leader.

CANCELLATION POLICY: The BAC ride registration fee and payment processing 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 because of a cancellation. 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 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. In addition to the BAC cancellation policy, if a cancelling participant is not replaced, the following Spice Roads cancellation policy will apply: Number of Days Prior to Start of Tour/Cancellation fee per person--90+days/Administrative Expense Incurred; 60-89 days/30% of $3350; 45-59 days /50%; 15-44 days; /7-14 days/No refund.  BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

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 do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour. 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 sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the non-refundable BAC fee ($100) and tour deposit of $1,600 by credit card. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. The second payment of $1,500 is due May 1, 2018. The final payment of $1000 is due no later than August 1, 2018. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking “the name at the top of this Ride Description.