Notes for Bicycle Adventure Club participants
on domestic and overseas rides
1. GENERAL INFORMATION. The following is a series of notes to acquaint you with the manner in which BAC operates its
rides. BAC is a non-profit club that offers rides to its members; it is not a commercial tour company. The main purpose of the
club is to provide an opportunity to have fun while exploring the world on bikes. Through BAC, there is a possibility for you to
meet interesting people who share your enthusiasm for traveling on a bicycle. The club is made up of volunteers; it functions
through a Board of Directors who meet twice a year to conduct club affairs. For these reasons, our club requires a cooperative
group effort on the part of all members.
2. RIDE DIRECTORS. They are dedicated, generous volunteers who spend considerable time and a certain amount of their
own funds to scout and arrange rides for you. These directors are not professional or paid tour guides, and they do not promise
you a perfect problem-free ride. They offer you an adventure in bike traveling! They arrange overnight accommodations, give route
directions, and allow you to set your own pace on the ride. Directors often use their precious vacation time to direct rides, and
should be allowed to have fun too! Riders are responsible for their own transportation to and from the ride, their own safety,
bicycle, and belongings.
3. RIDE REGISTRATION FEE. The fee required varies according to the amount each director needs to arrange a ride. It is
used for legitimate organizational expenses such as mailings, phone calls, printing of instructions, and obtaining maps. A large
portion may be used as deposits to hold accommodation reservations since many hotels and other suppliers require
prepayments. When each night may be in a different location, additional sums may be due a few weeks before the ride. Part of
the fee may be used for group activities, and to cover luggage van expenses. A portion is paid up front as a contribution to
operate the BAC office. The club requires each director to give a brief accounting, and refund any excess to participants after the
ride.
4. CANCELLATION REFUNDS. Each Ride Director handles cancellations as circumstances demand. They are expected to be
fair to all concerned -- the people who cancel, as well as the people who remain on the ride. Late cancellations may cause
many kinds of problems. Deposits may not be refunded, and other expenditures made on your behalf that are not recoverable
may mean the registration fee, or part of it, is lost to you. Sometimes a director cancels a ride at his/her discretion if there are
not enough participants to make the ride feasible. In this case, your entire fee is refunded, less scouting expenses and
non-refundable expenditures. Every effort is made to see that all rides listed do actually take place, but please understand that
BAC and its directors cannot promise this.
5. DAILY SOCIAL GATHERINGS. These party-like meetings are usually held in the evening before dinner, and are a special
feature of BAC rides. Usually refreshments (munchies and drinks) are available. This is the time when stories of the days'
adventures (and misadventures) are shared, and the next days ride is discussed. They are for fun and information. They also
offer an opportunity for camaraderie unique to BAC. Sometimes local friends join us for these parties and dinner.
6. CONDUCT WHILE BICYCLING. We ask that riders obey all traffic laws, and general bicycling safety rules. Be considerate
while on and off your bike; for instance, park your bike in appropriate places to avoid blocking traffic or entrances to buildings.
You may feel safer riding with another cyclist; use the buddy system to avoid riding alone.
7. GENERAL CONDUCT. BAC is a club of and for adults, and we should behave like well-mannered adults. Our behavior
affects the image of all bicyclists, and BAC members in particular. When we are allowed to take our bikes into bedrooms, we
should be careful to not cause stains or damage because we get a bad reputation if we are careless. Some innkeepers refuse
service to all bicyclists. With your help, BAC members will be welcome everywhere.
8. OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS. Ride Directors usually select moderately priced places of good value. They may be
selected for their specific location, accessibility, bike storage capability, amenities or other factors, not always price.
Sometimes there is only one choice that might be extravagant, or awful -- Ride Directors do their best with what is available.
Single riders are booked into a 2-bed room with another single of the same gender. If a roommate is not available, or if a single
room is preferred, the cost will be proportionately higher. Arrangements are left to the discretion of the Ride Director. Unless
meals are included in the price, you may dine wherever you choose.
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9. LUGGAGE VAN. On almost all overseas rides, and most domestic rides, a vehicle is used to carry luggage and help riders
in trouble. On domestic rides, Directors who do not have a suitable vehicle, may ask if someone in the group has one that can
be used. The owner is reimbursed for expenses, but do not make a profit. On most overseas, and some domestic rides, a
vehicle is rented, and cost is prorated. Rides may have a full-time driver, but if none is available, participants take turns with this
responsibility. Your cooperation makes it fair to everyone, and the ride goes more smoothly.
10. LUGGAGE RECOMMENDATIONS. Each person should bring no more than one suitcase, duffel bag, or one set of
panniers to be carried in the luggage van. You must handle your own luggage at all times. Your bag must have your name on it,
and a name and mailing address inside in case it gets lost.
11. HINTS ON TAKING LUGGAGE ON A BICYCLE RIDE. When deciding what to bring with you and wear on a BAC ride, no
two people have the same needs or priorities. National and international scheduled airline agreements allow them to accept two
checked pieces, or 70 pounds of luggage, and one carry-on (many airlines are now holding fast to just one carry-on of legal
limits). They may charge for extra pieces and overweight. There's really no problem -- if you take more than that, including your
bicycle, you're carrying too much -- pack smart, and leave excesses at home. Even though a luggage vehicle is usually
provided, you should travel as lightly as you can -- much as you would on a self-contained or back-pack trip. Trains and busses
have separate agreements -- usually whatever you can carry is O.K.
12. DRESS Although you'll be dressed casually and sporty during the day -- whatever feels comfortable while riding -- there will
be times when non-biking clothes will be called for. You will feel more comfortable by complying with local dress customs to
keep you from feeling like a “bike bum”, especially when you “dress” for dinner. (Dinner jackets, dresses, and ties are usually
not required in most places, but ask your Ride Director). Proper rain protection is necessary. Gore-Tex or its equivalent has
proven to be worth the high price because it breathes and is waterproof; being wet can be uncomfortable. Most so-called rain
gear is merely water resistant, meaning that after the first sprinkles, you are wet.
13. LAYERING For all outdoor sports, you should use the layering system: peel off clothes as you heat up, add as you cool
down. A light wool sweater is great, as wool is a natural fiber and breathes (you may need a windbreaker over it). It is a better
insulator than acrylics, and if it gets wet, wool still has the ability to keep you warm; it might look good for evening wear too.
Polypropylene is very popular as it wicks the perspiration away from the body and dries very quickly, but you may need a
windbreaker over it too. Polartec-type of fleece is bulky, but lightweight and warm. Avoid getting too hot or too cold. This is when
you become uncomfortable and fatigue easily, sometimes resulting in sickness (hypothermia, heat stroke). If it is hot, remember
to drink lots of (non-alcoholic) liquids to replace body fluids.
14. PANNIERS As noted above, one suitcase or duffel per person is all you are allowed to take. This may be substituted with a
set of panniers (saddlebags), that have handles and hook together to act as one piece. These may be used on self-contained
rides, or extensions to a ride when a van is not present. The suitcase may have wheels to assist in transporting in airports, and
in hotels where bell service is not used.
15. OTHER PACKS A rear-rack carrier may be taken to transport daily needs, such as lunch, rain and warm clothing, camera,
sunglasses, sunscreen, and other things you readily want. It may also carry tools and spare parts. It can be used as the
carry-on for air transportation. For even lighter traveling, substitute those with a saddle-mounted tool wedge, and a handlebar
bag. The handlebar bag should not be large as it tends to impair steering. It should have a map pocket on top to aid navigation
as you ride. Remember, extra pieces of luggage require more attention. Picture yourself at the end of the day when you get to
the hotel. You will be carrying the suitcase/panniers, rack-pack or handlebar bag/tool kit, plus helmet, gloves, water bottle, etc.
to your room. Keep it as simple as possible. All loose packs should have a carrying strap to help avoid multiple trips. If a hip
pack is used, it should be small. Shoulder packs should not be used as they put the center of gravity too high while riding.
16. BICYCLE AND EQUIPMENT Except in rare occasions, BAC requires that you take your own bike. It should be in top
condition -- have it inspected before you leave home. Ride directors have the authority to dis-allow bikes in poor condition. You
should carry a minimum of tools for tire repair, wheel, pedal, handlebar and stem removal, and seat post adjustment, cable and
spoke replacement, etc. (see equipment list.) If you cannot make these adjustments and repairs, you should learn before
leaving home -- ask your bike shop to teach you. If all else fails, your riding buddy, the Ride Director, or a bike shop in the next
town may do it, but with extra delays. You should include two or more water bottles (camel-backs may substitute), tire pump,
reflectors and lights if appropriate, fenders if rain is possible. For most BAC rides, you need a good, reliable 10- or more-speed
touring bicycle, with low gears of 25 to 27 inches. For some rides, directors may recommend wide tires to meet travel-surface
needs.
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17. PACKING LIST: CLOTHING, EQUIPMENT, ETC.
2 pair riding shorts
1 pair walking shorts (optional)
1 warmup suit; sweater, leg warmers
2 riding jerseys or T shirts
3 sets of underwear
2 pair cycling socks
handkerchief or bandanna
1 pair cycling shoes (hard soles)
1 pair of nicer shoes, socks
1 cycle helmet; a sunhat is optional
1 windbreaker (unlined)
1 swimsuit (optional)
1 rain outfit, jacket and pants
1 pair cycle gloves
1 pair waterproof overgloves (optional)
1 pair waterproof overshoes (optional)
For men
1 pair dressy pants (cotton or wool)
sport (polo) shirts
1 turtleneck (optional)
1 dressy light jacket or sweater
For Women
1 or 2 dresses (roll up) or
skirt and blouses, pantyhose
1 light jacket or cardigan sweater
1 pair slacks
Valuables (keep in waterproof bags)
passport; photo-copies of all essential papers
credit cards/ATM card /
airline/train/bus tickets
camera, film -- bring lots
prescription medicine; extra reading glasses
toilet articles,
For the Bicycle
bicycle light/flashlight with spare battery, bulb
1 tube repair kit, extra glue
tire removal tool(s)
1 spare tube; 1 spare tire if you have
non-traditional type tires
1 tire pump to fit your valves
small screwdrivers -- blade & Phillips
Allen wrenches to fit your needs
6" crescent wrench; chain breaker
* wrenches; pedal; spoke; freewheel remover
for your bike
6 spokes to fit your rims (3 sizes ?)
extra brake & shifting cables
water bottles; bungies as needed
* locking system (cable, chain, U-lock)
several plastic bags (for food, etc.)
* small bottle of chain lubricant
(* items may be shared with partner)
(** for overseas travel)
THE ABOVE IS A GUIDE ONLY. IN SOME LOCATIONS SPARE PARTS FOR YOUR BICYCLE MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE
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18.
OPTIONAL MISCELLANEOUS TAKE-ALONGS Small travel alarm (optional); nylon cord (6 ft +)
for clothesline, maybe it was used to tie your bike box; small rag; plastic bag of waterless hand cleaner;
soap for laundry; felt-tip markers for highlighting map routes & for addressing bike-box on return; small first
aid kit; sunglasses; sunscreen; lip aid; foreign dictionary/phrase book; pen & notepad; knife (folding,
Swiss-army type); plastic fork & spoon for picnic lunches; bottle opener/corkscrew (may be in knife); needle
and thread may save an embarrassment when bending over looking at plants or ants.
19.
PACKING YOUR BICYCLE:
?? Gather the materials needed; BIKE BOX (usually available free from your bike shop or some
airlines and AMTRAK), or a special BIKE BOX, CASE, OR BAG; keep all the packing
material;
?? ask for a set of fork spacers from bike shop; a roll of packing tape or Duct tape;
?? black felt tip pen for marking your name and destination;
?? heavy cord, light rope, or long-luggage belt for extra strength to box or bag, and to provide a
handle;
?? firmly attach to the bike all water bottles, pump and accessories;
?? reverse the pedals on the crank arm, or put them in a bag &/or tape them to the frame;
?? turn the handlebar parallel to the frame or fork and tape it there (you may have to remove them
from the head tube in some instances);
?? protect, or disconnect rear derailleur and tape it to frame;
?? remove one or both wheels as space requires, and put them in separate spaces and taped in
place. Put spacers between the forks to protect them from being bent; wherever you use tape
it can leave a sticky residue on bare or painted metal protect with paper or thin foam padding;
?? move chain to smallest gear and protect chain rings on bottom with tough padding;
?? fit all this into box or bag with the idea of placing it to avoid movement and rubbing during
shipment, using all the padding (foam or cardboard packs) that's necessary;
?? pack your helmet, handlebar bag, rear rack, and other small gear in the spaces left;
?? tape the box in several places, ESPECIALLY at corners and flaps, and tie or belt it securely;
baggage workers like to have something to grab on to. Mark it “Fragile Bicycle”
20.
FLYING WITH A BIKE Your bike normally flies as a second piece of luggage. On domestic flights
(except LAB-booked ones, and specials) there is an oversize charge for sports equipment, currently
$50-$60 each way. Up until recently there was no extra charge for overseas flights. About 1997 Lufthansa
took the lead in charging DM 100 (about $60) for oversize sports luggage (non-sched's have been charging
for a long time). Subsequently, other airlines (AA, SAS, SWISSAIR, and others), started doing the same.
Each year the list grows. Check with your airline for latest details to avoid embarrassment at check-in
counter. (On a recent flight from Frankfurt on AA, the clerk did not charge for two bikes packed in AA boxes,
figure that out!)
Now let's go have some fun riding!
Club officers appreciate receiving comments and reports of your rides, either individually or collectively.
Remember, the Bicycle Adventure Club exists to serve its members.
Wes Conner, editor; Nov. 1998
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