CANCELLED Madagascar, An African Adventure

This Ride has been Cancelled

† 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

Madagascar is a large Island Nation located off the Southeast coast of Africa. Sometimes referred to as the "8th Continent", Madagascar is one of the very few places on earth where plants and animals have evolved in isolation, with a variety of exotic flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world! The exotic species of wildlife include Lemurs, Mongooses, Fossas, & Chameleons. Apart from this natural treasure, the 4th largest island in the world is also rich in culture, with charming ethnic groups who settled on this island paradise more than 2 millenia ago.

This bike (and hike) tour lets you appreciate the friendly Malagasy people along with their proud traditions before venturing away from civilization into the wilderness to marvel at biodiversity that cannot be matched anywhere on the planet. Spot unique plants and animals, and explore stunning landscapes with sharp cliffs and bizarre rock formations resulting from volcanic activities and wind. Hike through the prairies and hills of Madagascar's massifs to discover a whole new world this country has hidden from the rest of the planet - truly an experience unlike any other.

This ride begins with Happy/Social Hour in Antananarivo on Monday, August 2nd, 2021 at the Le Combava Hotel, and ends with a flight from Tolira back to Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo, on Monday, August 16th, 2021.

The journey starts in Antananarivo with our first overnight at the Le Combava Hotel where we will have our introductory meeting and Happy/Social Hour, followed by our first group dinner. Day 2 we transfer to Antsirabe for a warm-up ride. On day 3 (34 miles) we explore the crater lakes of Andraikiba and Tritriva. We climb through terraced rice paddies to Lake Tritriva and explore the calderas. Day 4 (59 miles) our longest day, we cycle on a pleasant paved hilly road to Ambositra which is home to the Zafimaniry, an ethnic people who live in the forested mountains and are famous for their wood carvings, which are listed as one of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritages. On day 5 we will transfer a short distance to the village of Camp Robin, where we ride into the lush rainforest reserve of Ranomafana National Park. Day 6 will be a hike in the park through a rainforest to see the Golden Bamboo Lemurs and over a hundred species of birds. On Day 7 we return to the bikes to explore Madagascar's only tea plantation at Sahambavy (33 miles). On Day 8 (35 miles) we will visit the wine region of Ambalavao and Fianarantsoa, the capital of the Betsillo ethnic group. On Day 9 we ride to Anja Park, a grassland dotted with bizarre granite mountains. On Day 10 we hike again, at the edge of the Andringitra Massif, an area famed for the ring tailed lemur and a  hiking paradise. On Day 11 our ride takes us to the base of the L'lsalo Massif where we stay overnight and will enjoy spectacular views at sunset (47 miles). Day 12 is our last hiking day exploring the L'lsalo Massif with its canyons and wildlife. On Day 13 we bike (20 miles) again to ride through the national park before our transfer to Toliara where we have a rest day on Day 14 to soak up the sun and beach. Day 15 we are transferred to the Toliara airport for our internal flight  back to Ivato Airport in Antananarivo (TNR).

We will be supported by an English-speaking cycle tour leader. A support van will transport luggage and provide emergency assistance to riders who are injured or become ill. The traditional Happy Hour meeting will be held each night to go over cue sheets and discuss the next day's ride or hike. 

For a more detailed daily itinerary, please contact the ride leader.

RIDE RATING

We cycle 316 miles and climb 15,426 ft. in 8 days. One day exceeds the 3B rating for distance: Day 4 with 59 miles. The cycling route is a mixture of paved and unpaved surfaces-off road section from well worn to rough. Because of this, mountain bikes are REQUIRED for this trip. We recommend that riders make arrangements with Spice Roads to rent a mountain bike if they do not wish to bring their own. Mountain Bikes will be available for rent from Spice Roads for $260.

HIKING

On Day 6 we do an easy 3.7 mile hike through the rainforest with lots of stopping for lemur viewing. On Day 10 our hike starts out flat but is a more strenuous hike to the top of Chameleon Peak, then downhill for lunch and another 2 miles on flat ground (4-6 hours, approximately 8.7 miles). Day 12 is similar to Day 10 with more ups and downs but lots of stops to visit swimming holes and canyons (4-6 hours, approximately 9 miles). Shorter hikes can be arranged.

WEATHER

August is in the middle of Madagascar's cool and dry season. The tour starts in Antananarivo at 4185 feet elevation, where the August average temperatures are a high of 68 and a low of 52, with average rainfall of 0.4 inches for the month. The bicycling ends at sea level in Toliara, where the August average temperatures are a high of 80 and a low of 58, with average rainfall of 0.2 inches for the month.

LODGING

Accommodations for 14 nights will be in hotels, bungalows and B&B's. Lodgings range from basic 3 star bungalows in national parks to 4-5 star hotels and B&B's. We stay overnight in Antananarivo, Antsirabe (2 nights), Ambositra, Ranomafana National Park (2 nights), Sahambavy, Ambalavao, Andringitra (2 nights) Ranohira/L'lsalo Massif (2 nights), and Toliara (2 nights).

LOGISTICS

Ivato International Airport (TNR) is the airport closest to Antananarivo, where we start and end our ride. The airport is about 10 miles from Relais des Plateauxe Hotel and can be reached by taxi. Spice Roads will arrange shuttle service for those arriving August 2nd for an extra charge of $25. On Monday, August 16, we will be transferred to the airport in Toliara for our air transfer back to (TNR) Ivato International Airport. Flight times for the included internal flight from Toliara to TNR will be announced at a later date. The tour ends with this flight to Ivato International Airport (TNR). 

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

Visitors from many countries including USA, Canada and UK require visas to visit Madagascar; however, all can apply for a free visa on arrival. This will cover trips up to 30 days; however, for a longer stay, you should apply for a visa in advance at a local embassy. Passports must have at least 6 months of validity. 

COST & ADMINISTRATION

Cost is per person, double occupancy. The price includes 14 nights lodging, 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners, electronic cue sheets & GPS tracks, $100 tip for the guides, and one internal flight to TNR airport from Toliara at the end of the tour. The price also includes 14 BAC Happy Hours with refreshments; the drinks allocation at each Happy Hour is 1/2 bottle wine or 2 bottles of beer, 2 premium fruit juice or 1 cocktail per person. The price does not include the nonrefundable $100 BAC ride registration fee, the cost of optional activities, or alcoholic drinks at the included meals. For riders who choose to rent a mountain bike from Spice Roads, the cost is $260 for two weeks, payable directly to Spice Roads and is in addition to the $3650 estimated ride cost.  Price also includes 2 English-speaking cycling guides, air conditioned support vehicles, and snacks and soft drinks during cycling. A deposit of $500 is due at the time of registration, with two additional payments. A payment of $1500 is due by April 1st, 2021, and a final payment of $1650 is due by June 1st, 2021.

SINGLES & SOLO POLICY

If space allows, a limited number of solo rooms may be available. 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 February 1, 2021 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 $620 single supplement and stay on the ride. The single supplement is payable directly to BAC by check with the ride name noted on the check. The BAC office address is:  P.O. Box 23998, San Diego, CA 92193. If a single pays the supplement, they may continue to seek a roommate but must plan to participate without a roommate if necessary. The Ride Leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride.

CANCELLATION POLICY

The BAC ride registration and payment processing fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled due to a failure to reach the required minimum number established in the budget. 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 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.

For cancellations that go unfilled and without a replacement, the Spice Roads policy applies and is as follows: 

Number of days prior to the start, cancellation fee per person:

90+   days Administration expenses incurred*

45-89 days $1005

15-44 days $2345

0-14 days $3350

*Bank fees and any tour costs incurred by the company as a result of the cancellation.

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 the Ride Leader. While on the ride support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and cleanup. Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion or 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 e-mail 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 $500 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 the Ride Description.