Question 1

Why travel with Blokhaus?

Accepted Answer

There are a multitude of cycling tour companies out there, and some are very good.  We believe that we differentiate ourselves in a variety of ways. 
Firstly, we are a group of lifelong friends and cyclists with racing history and industry experience.  WE are incredibly passionate about our sport, and about enjoying life.  We approach our tours as trips with friends, as the camaraderie amongst travel companions is paramount in the enjoyment of your experience.  We want to hear about your cycling adventures and accomplishments, swap stories and learn for each other during our time together.
Every guest, unless otherwise arranged, has a single occupancy room.  That means that you do not have to share accommodations with someone you just met.  If you are traveling with a buddy or life partner and want to share a room, then we will adjust your cost accordingly.
We treat our evening meals like a dinner party with friends.  No buffet style meals (though prixe fixe menus may occur in specific restaurants).  We are hosting you, and will pick up the bill!  We will not limit what you order (within reason), and want to treat you as we want to be treated. 
We will provide you with the services afforded to a professional team:  SAG vehicles, soigneur (massage services can be arranged), mechanical services, bottle hand-ups, wheels to draft from, and certainly encouragement or a polite push if desired.
We try to bring at least one guide who has been a professional racer at the World Tour or Continental level.
We have a professional fitter, Jerry Gerlich, on tour with us.  Jerry will provide assessment of your riding position, and you can (and should) arrange for a fit at the end of our trip.  He is a bastion of knowledge concerning bike fit, efficiency, and training methods.  Many cyclists do not understand the value of a professional fit, but it will dramatically improve your cycling abilities, and help to insure longevity with cycling!
We thank you in advance for considering Blokhaus, and aim to make your travel with us memorable!

Question 2

How do I book a trip?

Accepted Answer

A trip may be booked by calling us at 323-896-0400.  We would like to speak to you directly to describe our tour in more detail, and to answer any specific questions that you may have, such as travel logistics, your cycling experience, goals for your cycling vacation, training advice, and how our professional fitting is done.  If a reservation is made 90 days or more prior to departure, then a deposit of $1200.00 is required to reserve your booking.  If your reservation is made within 90 days, then the full amount is due upon booking.

Question 3

Can we make a group booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  Please call us, so that we may discuss booking for a group, or taking any trip Private.

Question 4

How many guests are typically on a tour?

Accepted Answer

We usually have between 8-12 guests per trip.  We limit most trips to 14 guests, but group bookings could be an exception.  We typically have staff of 3 or more guides, mechanic, and soigneur services per trip.

Question 5

Can you help with travel arrangements?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  We can on a limited basis.  We can recommend airlines, certain flights/routes, and hotel bookings for pre/post rip accommodations.  We can also refer you to a travel agent for more thorough assistance with your travel planning.  Please contact us about any airport or hotel transfers that you may require.

Question 6

Where do we meet upon arrival?  Do you include transfers?

Accepted Answer

Because our clients arrive at various times and locations, we choose a common group meeting point to begin trips.  We select our meeting points based on trip logistics, and, of course, customer convenience.  We can help arrange any additional transfers that you may request.  We will advise you of our recommended methods for airport transfers for each specific trip.

Question 7

Do I need Travel Protection?

Accepted Answer

We strongly recommend that you purchase Travel insurance to protect your trip from the unexpected while traveling or cycling.  You may contact us for referrals, and we can discuss the basic coverage of these policies.  The price of these plans is determined by trip cost.  Please note that most policies are nonrefundable after a period of time after purchase.

Question 8

What if I need to cancel or change a trip?

Accepted Answer

We understand that circumstances can change, and travel plans may become altered.  For this and other reasons, we recommend Travel Insurance.  If you must cancel our trip, our cancellation policies are as follows:
Cancellation 120+ days prior:  50% refund of deposit, but will be applied to future travel with us.
90-120 days prior:  deposit is nonrefundable, but will be applied to future travel with us.
Within 90 days:  Trip cost will be applied to future travel with us.

Question 9

What is Single/Double Occupancy?

Accepted Answer

Single occupancy means that you have your own room while traveling with us. Double occupancy means that you would share a room with another traveler.  ALL OF OUR TOURS ARE SINGLE OCCUPANCY, unless otherwise stated or requested.  Double occupancy may affect your trip price, in your favor, so please inquire with us.

Question 10

Should I tip the staff?

Accepted Answer

Gratuities for staff members are very much appreciated, but are discretionary.  Industry standard tipping rates are approximately 10% of your tour price.  Tips will be divided evenly amongst staff, unless otherwise arranged, and local currencies are preferred.

Question 11

What level of cycling ability and fitness do I need for a tour?

Accepted Answer

We encourage cyclists of all levels to come on a tour with us!  That being said, our tours focus on the most epic climbs in the world, and they can be very arduous.  As a cyclist, you should be very comfortable riding with clipless pedals, riding in groups and drafting, and descending on mountainous roads.  Our tours are aimed at cyclists who have some history with the sport:  racers, sportives, local club riders.  Fitness is always a concern for any of us, and we all can fall out of form at times.  We can recommend training plans for you and also offer fitting advice before during, and after your tour.  No guest will be left behind on a ride, regroups are diplomatically agreed upon, and our support staff and vehicles are always close if necessary.

Question 12

Should I bring my own bike?

Accepted Answer

We highly encourage guests to bring their own bike, especially if your bike size is custom or at either end of the sizing spectrum.  If you have scheduled a professional fitting after your tour, then fitting you to your personal bike is certainly recommended.
We can provide pro level road bikes with electronic shifting and disc brakes.  Please contact us to discuss this option and to reserve your size.

Question 13

How should I prepare my bicycle for the trip?

Accepted Answer

A week or two before you will travel, you should have your bike tuned up at your local shop.  We recommend that you install new tubes and tires, and replace any worn parts, brake pads, disc rotors, cables, chain, cassette, that may be worn.  Ride your tuned up bike to make certain that all adjustments are correct and the bike works as you expect it should.  We can do minor repairs during the tour, but your equipment should be in proper working order upon your arrival.

Question 14

How do I pack and transport my bicycle for travel?

Accepted Answer

A bike is relatively easy to pack, and requires limited disassembly:  removal of pedals, wheels, seatpost, and stem.  We highly recommend that you use a travel case which are available in hard or soft cases.  Thule, EVOC, Scion, Buxum Box are all very good brands. 
When packing your bike, be cautious of not misplacing smaller parts such as bolts, skewers and springs, shims, seat clamps, etc.  Pack loose parts in zip lock bags, and store them so they will not move around during travel, get lost, or damage your bike.  Use dropout spacers to insure against damage to the fork or rear triangle-tape them in place (your bike shop may have these for you).  Cover frame tubes with foam padding.  You can (and may need to depending on your case) remove the rear derailleur.  You should protect or remove your disc brake rotors to prevent bending.  If you have hydraulic disc brakes, make sure that you do not compress the levers after the wheel is removed.  This can cause the pads to press together, and compromise the fluid in the cabling.  An empty water bottle can be wedged between the lever and drop to help prevent this.  There are many tutorial videos online to assist you with packing and traveling with you bike.  All case manufacturers have such videos to help you.
You may find a bike shop, or service from which you can rent a case. If you do not want to rent or purchase a case, you can have your local bike shop pack your bike for you.  They usually can provide a cardboard bike box, but you should inquire early enough to have them save one for you.  Fees to pack bikes can vary, so please inquire from you bike shop directly.  Cardboard bike boxes can sometimes be no match for baggage handlers, so consider this and make certain that it is packed very well.
You can also ship your bike to our destination via BikeFlights.  This service is very reliable, but costs can vary, and shipping times can be a week or more.  This may limit your training time before the tour, so consider that aspect before choosing this method.
Almost every airline charges for you to travel with your bike.  The cost can be approximately $150 USD each way.  Please contact your specific airline to learn pricing, weight restrictions, and other policies that may affect traveling with your bike.
Place identifying luggage tags inside and outside your bike case/box.  If you use locks, realize that airport security can/will remove them if they deem it necessary to inspect your luggage.  Use TSA approved locks. 
Bring any tools you need for reassembly.  WE will reassemble your bike for you, but specific tools should be brought in case we do not have it.  Charge any batteries (electronic shifting systems, power meters, etc.), and bring extra batteries.
Pack you helmet, shoes, pedals, and kit in your luggage—if you bike is lost in transit, then we will still be able to get you riding!

Cycling the World's Most Epic Climbs

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