This ride is a fixed-base or semi-fixed-base ride, please read the ride description for more details.
† 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 $50 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.
This is a fixed base tour with limited climbing (only one mandatory ride and three optional rides in the 1,500 to 2,500 feet category). Distances cycled can range from as little as 20 miles to a maximum of 100 miles. The tour starts with Happy Hour on Saturday, February 22, 2020 and ends with check-out on Sunday, March 1, 2020. There may be opportunities for individual riders to extend their stays at the same room rates we have negotiated, space permitting.
The Greater Palm Springs area is, for the most part, a bicycle-friendly environment. Being in the desert, the terrain is almost always flat. Climbs are a rare exception. Riders will have 7-8 basic rides on city streets to choose from, along with four ‘destination’ rides to local attractions (including the Living Desert, Thousand Palms Oasis, Joshua Tree National Park and Sunnylands). Certain of our other rides follow the same routes as laid out for the Tour de Palm Springs, held prior to our ride in early February.
RIDE RATING: Most of the rides are either 1A or 1B. The opportunity exists to combine rides, enabling distances covered to range up to 100 miles.
Only one of the four ‘destination’ rides exceeds the 1B rating, this being the ride through Joshua Tree National Park (2B). Here, the climbing occurs at the start of the day and there are breathtaking descents on the way back.
There are two optional rides that exceed the 1B classification, these being the Tour de Palm Springs Long Route (2D) and the ride to the Aerial Tramway (2A). The latter is the only ride with grades in excess of eight per cent.
WEATHER: The average daily high in Palm Springs in February is 75 degrees, with the average daily low being 47 degrees. Rainfall averages only 1.15 inches throughout the month.
Being at a higher elevation, temperatures in Joshua Tree are lower. Average daily highs in February are 64 degrees, so some layering would be recommended. Rainfall averages only a paltry 0.83 inches in February.
LODGING & MEALS: While the option existed to stage this ride from a Budget hotel in an outlying area, we have chosen instead to maximize the ‘Palm Springs Experience’ by securing lodging at one of the premier hotels in downtown Palm Springs (the Hyatt), at group discounted rates. All rooms in the hotel are suites, exceptionally well appointed and spacious, with a separate living room and private balcony. Bikes can be kept in the rooms without extra charge. Hi-Speed internet access is available throughout the hotel.
The hotel boosts a state-of-the-art Fitness Centre, as well as its own heated swimming pool. There are complimentary appetizers served in the lounge every day at 4:00 pm (just before our Happy Hour!).
Close by are a plethora of restaurants and other attractions, including the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Walk of Stars. On Thursday night, the main road in front of the hotel is closed off for VillageFest, a street market that extends for six or more city blocks. This event has been going on for over twenty years.
While Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin are no longer with us, Palm Springs continues to be a mecca for big name entertainers. As events are announced, this information will be relayed to ride participants.
LOGISTICS: Palm Springs can best be reached by either motor vehicle or air. The Palm Springs Airport is currently served by United, Alaska Air, American Airlines, Delta, Jet Blue, Sun Country, Allegiant Air, and, for our Canadian friends, Westjet, Air Canada and Flair. The hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to and from Palm Springs Airport and to other destinations in the Palm Springs area. Those wishing to bring tandems or e-bikes, please contact the Ride Leader prior to submitting a request to be put on the ride.
COST & ADMINISTRATION: Tour cost of $1,995 (US) per person (exclusive of the non-refundable BAC ride registration fee) covers base hotel costs (double occupancy), Welcoming Dinner, eight full Breakfasts, eight Happy Hours, entry fee for the Living Desert, picnic lunch at Thousand Palms Oasis, transportation to the remote start at Joshua Tree, picnic lunch at Joshua Tree, transportation from Joshua Tree and Farewell Dinner.
Cue sheets, maps and GPS files will be furnished.
Tour cost excludes alcohol (except at Happy Hours), entry charges to local attractions, entry charges to Joshua Tree (if you do not already have a National Park pass), hotel parking charges and other incidentals. Note that free parking is available near to the hotel.
For those who wish to rent bikes rather than bringing their own, we can recommend a company in Palm Springs for this purpose. Arrangement must be made directly with the bike rental agency.
An initial deposit of $1150 (excluding the non-refundable BAC registration fees of $50) is required. The second payment of $845 is due October 1, 2019. The cost for a solo supplement is $1,150. This additional supplement must be paid by check to BAC at the time of registration. Checks should be made out to "BAC" with a notation of the tour name included on the check. The check should be mailed to Bicycle Adventure Club, PO Box 23998 San Diego, CA 92193.
SINGLES AND SOLOS POLICY: Except for those singles wishing to pay the solo supplement, all single riders must have a roommate before they can be accepted on the ride. It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own. If a single elects to pay the supplement, they may continue to seek a roommate, but must plan to participate without a roommate if necessary. The Ride Leaders will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride.
CANCELLATON POLICY: The BAC ride registration fee and payment processisng fee is not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled. Refunds for cancellations 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 remaining participants on the tour will not incur any additional cost as the result of a cancellation. If the cancelling participant is replaced before the ride starts, the refund will be made at that time. If the participant is not replaced, any refund will be determined once the ride ends and a final expense report is completed.
BAC encourages members to purchase personal trip cancellation insurance.
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 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 "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 and the initial tour deposit of $1150 by credit card. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. To contact the Ride Leader, "click" the name at the top of this Ride Description.
Bicycle Adventure Club
PO BOX 23998 San Diego, CA 92193
Telephone (858) 715-9510 office@bicycleadventureclub.org