Types of tour guidance
Information to get you rolling
More info ?
138 | Cycling World
Types of tour guidance
Boat Bike Tours has three types of tours : independent , semi-guided and fully-guided . On their website ( see info insert ) you can have a look to see what type suits you best :
Independent Perfect for more experienced cyclists . With a detailed map of the area and a suggested route for close-range explorations , you decide where you head and how fast you ride .
Semi-guided You ’ ll get a daily briefing from the tour leader , but you cycle on your own - with a map and route description , of course . The leader can be contacted in case of emergencies , problems or questions .
Fully-guided A little nervous about cycling on your own in a different country ? No big deal ! Just follow the leader . Together with the rest of the group , you ’ ll visit interesting and fun sites on the way .
Guided cycling with Boat Bike Tours means that group sizes for cycling are limited to 18 ( for smaller barges ) or 22 people ( larger ships ). If there are more cyclists on board , a second tour leader will guide the other group . In this case , there would be a choice between a shorter / longer distance or quicker / slower speed cycling tour ( depending on the tour programme ).
Information to get you rolling
On all tours , you will receive a detailed cycling map , an itinerary and route notes . Boat Bike Tours updates this information regularly , but in case of temporary traffic diversions or closed bridges and attractions , the tour leader or a crewmember will update you during your trip . They can also suggest GPS routes and apps that help keep you on the right track .
Various levels
Boat Bike Tours divided their routes into five levels of difficulty , where 1 is easy and 5 is challenging . Nearly all of their trips are suitable for a wide range of cyclists , from experienced recreational cyclists to complete beginners and cyclists with a basic level of fitness . But how have these levels been set ? Here are some examples :
• In the Netherlands it ’ s very flat , but the sometimes strong headwinds can be tiring , so this would be grade 1 or 2 .
• Most of the tours in Belgium , Germany , northern France and Bordeaux require the same level of exertion : grade 1 or 2 .
• The French Champagne region and some parts of southern Europe , such as Spain , Italy , and Croatia can be level 3 or higher .
• Some of the daily tours go through hillier countryside and have steeper climbs . Also the higher temperatures can increase difficulty , making it a level 4 or more .
They actually don ’ t have a level 5 tour . It ’ s just to show the difference with the other levels . The difficulty of each trip is indicated by a number and a hill colored with the grade .
More info ?
Take a look on www . boatbiketours . com and check out all possibilities .
Do you feel like you ’ re up for an adventure ? Welcome aboard and step on that bike !