Romans Lavender Tandem Tour of Provence and Luberon

† 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

Romans, Lavender Tandem Tour
Tandems only tour:

Join us for an exploration of the natural and roman sites of Provence and go deeper into the Luberon region.  Smith and Claude have been riding tandems for 30 years and have made many tandeming trips to France, where Claude is from and where they currently live.  You will start and finish in Cavaillon with 14 days of cycling in three host towns. We will stay 3 nights in Cavaillon, 5 nights in Arles, and 7 nights in Apt.

We will enjoy local wines (the famous Cote du Rhone, reds and roses) and other specialties. We will visit the spectacular Pont du Gard and spend a few days in Arles, with its roman Arena, antique baths and museums. A loop ride will allow you to explore Les Baux and Carrières de Lumières. Arles is the area where Van Gogh got a lot of inspiration for his painting. You can make a small detour to view his famous bridge.

From Arles we ride to Apt where we will discover an ancient dolmen and a Roman bridge near Bonnieux, and ride a scenic bike path into Apt. From Apt we will discover a wilder side of the Luberon.  Goat cheese lovers will relish the visit to Bannon, and the fruit preserves in Apt.  We will explore the Small Colorado region, then if you wish, you can tackle Mont Ventoux (or not for those who prefer flatter options). 

Luggage service will be provided to transport one suitcase or duffle bag less than 30 lbs. per rider from point to point. 

In case of emergency a vehicle will be available. That said, we expect our tour participants to be self-sufficient.

If there is space available after September 1, 2022, we will open registration to singles.

COVID Requirements

All participants must be fully vaccinated and be prepared to present vaccination documentation for viewing by Ride Leader if requested. All participants must comply with France’s vaccination requirements for travelers.

RIDE RATING

RATING: 3B.   There are a total of 3 required riding days (must ride) and 11 days of loop riding. The average daily distance is around 45 miles with 2,500 feet of climbing per day. The 3 required riding days are 37 miles with 1700 feet, 56 miles with 2000 feet and 21 miles, almost all downhill. Of all the loop rides, the longest and hilliest day is 66 miles and 6200 feet of climbing. Easier options will always be available. There are 4 days with loops over 3000 feet of climbing. Most grades are less than 6%.

You can also decide to tackle the Giant of Provence, Mont Ventoux, which will be 81 miles and 7900 feet of climbing.  The last 7km has an average grade of 6.1% with a maximum grade of 14.6%.

The routes are mainly on very quiet roads. There are a few exceptions when entering and leaving towns where there may be busier roads. We personally have ridden over 90% of these routes on other tours that we've lead in the area.

We strongly recommend having front and rear lights for visibility for all your riding, not just for the short tunnels we will go through.

We will provide GPX files (RideWithGPS) that will show the profile for the days. Participants are responsible for printing queue sheets and / or loading their own GPX files.

WEATHER

The weather is typically sunny and warm (average temperatures are from 55 to 85), so plan for sunscreen, but be ready for the occasional rainstorm, and if you decide to climb Mt Ventoux, you will need layers for the descent. 

LODGING & MEALS

We will stay in local 2-star and 3-star hotels.  If you need extra nights, please let us know. 

All breakfasts and light happy hour beverages and snacks are included.  Lunches and dinners are on your own except for group dinners the first and last nights in Cavaillon and one in Apt.  The Ride Leaders will provide suggestions.

LOGISTICS
Nearest Airport is Marseille (airport code MRS).   Airport shuttle buses and trains are available from the Airport to Cavaillon. Our hotel is located near the bus stop and train station.  All tour participants are expected to book their own flights and airport shuttles.

The tour starts on Saturday, June 3, 2023 6:00 PM for the introductory meeting followed by dinner.  The departure day is Sunday, June 18, 2023. Luggage storage will be available at the host hotel for the duration of the tour.

First riding day is Sunday June 4, 2023 and last riding day is Saturday June 17, 2023, from Cavaillon.

We expect tour participants to arrive no later than Saturday June 3rd and build their bikes that day. Luggage needs to be ready for transport on Sunday morning at 8:30 AM. Travel cases not needed during the tour will remain at the hotel in Cavaillon.

Luggage service will be provided to transport one suitcase or duffle bag less than 30 lbs per rider from point to point.  No sag while on the road, we expect our tour participants to be self-sufficient.

Will provide an inventory list for those who would like a detail list of what we carry on our tours.

COST & ADMINISTRATION

The cost of the tour is $2,500.  This does not include the $100 BAC ride registration fee.  Included in the cost are 15 nights lodging, 15 breakfasts, 3 group dinners, daily luggage transfer, storage of bike cases, light happy hour beverages and snacks.  We will buy the museum passes for Arles; all other tour attractions are at the discretion of the riders.

The cost of the trip was calculated on an exchange rate of $1.21= 1 Euro.  Since the costs are in Euros, we may need to adjust the cost of the trip, based on currency fluctuations, in early 2023.

Deposit of $1,500 plus the $100 BAC Ride Registration Fee is due immediately upon acceptance to the ride.  Final payment of $1,000 is due – January 15, 2023.

SINGLES & SOLOS POLICY

Due to the limitation of rooms, solos cannot be accommodated.  This is a tandem only tour – we are assuming double occupancy for all teams.  If you are a non-couple tandem team, please contact the Ride Leader to discuss options

Tandem teams who do not wish to share a room or solos will have to pay an extra $1,000.00 is due with final payment on January 15, 2023.

CANCELLATION POLICY

The BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled because the number of participants registered is less than the minimum established for the tour. 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 canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling 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 canceling 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 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 of the ride or tour. Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you might have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

Before participating in any BAC tour, members should review their medical coverage and assess whether what you have is sufficient. If it isn’t, you should purchase additional travel medical coverage.

BAC maintains a policy that provides coverage for expenses related to medical emergencies and repatriation when members are on tours outside the US and their home country. The policy ceases to be applicable if a member makes a personal deviation (e.g., makes a side trip not related to the planned BAC tour), has limits on expenses covered for family members and only applies for 45 days following departure from home. The policy maintained by BAC does not cover costs associated with self-quarantines that may be government mandated. Members should also ensure that vaccinations are up to date (e.g., COVID, annual influenza, tetanus, etc.). If traveling outside your home country you may wish to consult with a travel physician or nurse to ensure that the appropriate vaccinations are up to date.

SIGN-UP

To register for 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 terms of the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the non-refundable BAC Ride Registration Fee and Tour Deposit by credit card. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.