Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some general questions/answers about our tours. For more detailed information please see the "FAQ" page for a specific tour.

What is the average daily mileage?
Tandem Cycle Works tours typically average 50-60 miles per day. This gives you time to explore, see some sights, and still get a good ride in with your new tandem companions. While cycling is the focus of our vacations we think it would be a travesty if you did not see some of the sights and experience a country's culture. Most of our tours attract experienced tandem riders who have a sense of adventure.

How long are the Tours?
International tours are two weeks in length. This gives you ample to time to REALLY relax.

What's included in the price of the trip?
For a two week tour the tour price includes the following:

• All nights accommodations – all rooms with their own ensuite facilities.
• All breakfasts and selected (approximately 5-6) dinners
• Support vehicle with driver/guide throughout the tour
• Tandem mechanic (Patrick)
• Transfers to/from specified airport at start/end of tour
• Daily luggage transfer
• Daily briefing by guide on the route to highlight points of interest, en route attractions, services, and more.
• Pre trip planner
• Maps and Route Guide
• Tandem bike case storage

What's not included:
The tour price does not include the following:

• Airfare to and from the trip
• Tandem Bicycle
• Meals other than those detailed above (Lunches and snacks are not included and some dinners will be "on your own" in bigger communities for you to experience the local culture).
• Drinks / Gratuities

Do I need a tandem with S&S couplings?
We highly recommend coupled (S&S) tandems for international tours. While not impossible to fly with a non-coupled bike be aware that you may experience significant hassles and significant costs for your non-coupled tandem. Please call Tandem Cycle Works for information on our experience in flying with coupled OR non-coupled tandems.

What travel documents do I need?
You will need a passport for international travel. If you don't currently have a passport we recommend that you give yourself plenty of time to receive or renew a passport. We would hate to have you cancel at the last minute just because you don't have your passport!

Sag Support on Our Tours
While we do have vehicle support, this is meant for emergency purposes and lugagge transfers rather than a "pick-up and drop-off" vehicle for any riders during the day. If your preference is to have a sag vehicle that follows over the course of the day and provides this pick-up and drop-off service for each mile then this may not be the tour for you.

Training for a Tour with Us
We have found that those who train for bike tours have a much more enjoyable time than those who do not train. While this is not an endurance event, most of our tours are 2-weeks long and average 50-60 miles per day, often with challenging terrain. We suggest you do plan to devote significant time to riding in the 2-3 months prior to the tour.

What if we have to Cancel our Trip?
Tandem Cycle Works/Iron Donkey highly recommend travel insurance in the event of a medical emergency, lost baggage, or if you need to cancel your trip.  Should you be unable to proceed with your tour for any reason you should inform us immediately.  Our cancellation and refund policy for tours is as follows:

• If you must cancel your trip more than 90 days prior to departure, there is a cancellation fee of 10% of the original trip price.
• If you must cancel your trip between 61 – 90 days prior to departure there is a cancellation fee of 25% of the original trip price.
• If you must cancel your trip between 31 – 60 days prior to departure there is a cancellation fee of 50% of the original trip price
• There is no refund for canceling a trip less than 30 days prior to departure.

Tandem Cycle Works/Iron Donkey cannot make exceptions to these cancellation policies for any reason, including personal emergencies and weather.  Please note that we do not make any refunds for any unused portion of your trip.

In the unlikely event that Tandem Cycle Works/Iron Donkey have to cancel your tour for any reason, we will refund all money paid to us for your tour.

Have more questions?
Please call us at Tandem Cycle Works, 303-715-9690, or e-mail us.

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