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 $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.
OVERVIEW
This is the BAC classic fixed-based cycling trip in the scenic Tuscan countryside, based at a beautiful hotel located right on the Mediterranean coast. This popular trip is being offered again this year with new leaders, Jim and Shelee Brenneman.
Our riding routes are in the “Costa Degli Etruschi” (Etruscan Coast) region of Tuscany. Rich in history, known for its vineyards and wineries, and a producer of premium olive oil, this is a favorite area for cyclists. Our daily routes will take us past the many wineries on La Strada Del Vino (Wine Road) during the exciting harvest season, and through picturesque hilltop towns of Bolgheri, Castagneto Carducci, Sassetta, Suvereto and Montescudaio, to name just a few. We will visit, tour, and have lunch at a local olive grove during one of our rides. The Roman-era Aurelia Highway runs through nearby Donoratico. We will ride past pre-Roman Etruscan archaeological sites as well. The annual G.P. Costa degli Etruschi pro bike race each February shares some of the roads that we will be riding.
You may walk, ride, or take a short bus ride from our hotel to numerous shops in Donoratico including quaint coffee and pastry bars, banks (ATMs), a book shop, clothing stores, grocery stores, a well-equipped bicycle shop and a supermarket. The local bus service stops close to the front of our hotel. Within walking distance of our hotel are nice shops and places to get a bite to eat, a gelato, or an Italian Espresso.
BAC RIDE RATING: 2B
WEATHER
The weather is typical Mediterranean. September weather in Donoratico and surrounding areas ranges from highs in the mid 60's to mid-70's. Low temperatures range from the mid 50's to mid-60's. Average wind speed is 5 MPH, and average rainfall is less than 1 inch.
LODGING AND MEALS
LOGISTICS
The trip begins and ends at the Hotel I Ginepri in Marina di Castagneto Carducci near Donoratico, Italy, which is in the Tuscan region along the Mediterranean Coast.
The local train station, Donoratico-Castagneto Carducci, is located about 3 miles from the Hotel.
Airport Pickup and Drop Off
Local Travel
If you wish to arrive early or decide to stay in Italy after the trip there are several intriguing sightseeing possibilities that you might want to investigate. The possibilities include Pisa, Florence, San Gimignano, Siena, Volterra, Lucca, and Livorno. The drive (or train) to Rome is approximately 3 1/2 hours.
Another popular destination is Cinque Terre, five seaside villages within a UNESCO National Park directly on the Italian Riviera in the Liguria region of Italy, very close to the city of La Spezia which is easily reached by train from Donoratico-Castagneto Carducci. If you wish to take a day trip during your stay, taking the train to Florence, Pisa, or Lucca is a possibility, as well as Elba Island via ferry. The Donoratico train station is a short distance (2 miles) from the hotel. Local bus service is available from our hotel. Note that we will have a day off in the middle of our stay which offers the option of a short, day trip in the area or you can also simply take a bike ride on a route of your own design. Car rental is also available.
Bikes/Bike Rental Option
You may bring your own bike with you or you can avoid the worry about your bike altogether by renting. We can suggest a bike rental agency we have used for several years that includes, as a part of their service, delivery and pick up of the bikes directly at our hotel. Arrangements and payments for bike rental must be made directly with the rental company. When renting, many of our trippers bring along their own saddles and pedals. Additionally, there is a local bike shop in Donoratico for shopping, repairs or adjustments.
Whether you rent or bring your own bike, the safety and mechanical integrity of the bike is each individual rider’s responsibility.
COST AND ADMINSTRATION
Included in the estimated price of $1,630 per person, double occupancy, based on an exchange rate of 1 Euro to 1.25 US Dollars:
Note: The non-refundable BAC Ride Registration Fee of $100 is not included in the $1,700 cost of the ride. Depending on currency exchange rate fluctuations, there may be an adjustment in the amount of the final payment.
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 2 weeks from the date of signup to find a roommate. If they are unable to find a roommate, they will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the BAC fee and payment processing fee) or pay the $500 solo supplement and stay on the ride. The Ride Leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride. The number of Solos (a single person in a room) is limited due to room availability. The single supplement fee for Solos is $500. Solo supplement payments need to be sent to the BAC office. Checks should be made out to “BAC” with a notation of the tour name included on the check. They should be mailed to: Bicycle Adventure Club, PO Box 23998, San Diego, CA 92193.
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 as a result of cancellations. If the cancelling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the cancelling participant cannot 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 solo supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.
RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY
Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that success of BAC tours depends 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 requests you may have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.
SIGNUP
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 ($100) and the initial tour deposit of $1,000 by credit card. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. Final payment of $630 will be due on April 1, 2020. To contact the Ride Leader, "click" the name at the top of this Ride Description.
If you have questions about the ride, please contact the Ride Leader listed above.
Ciao and Happy Cycling!
Shelee and Jim Brenneman
Bicycle Adventure Club
PO BOX 23998 San Diego, CA 92193
Telephone (858) 715-9510 office@bicycleadventureclub.org