> CLOTHING, WHAT TO BRING, LAUNDRY
> UNFORTUNATE ACCIDENTS AND INSURANCE
> NON CYCLIST
> How do I get to the hotel?
Click here for details.
> Is the transfer from and to the airport included?
A transfer is included in the "all-Inclusive" package from and to the airport in Verona. For all other packages and other airports there is a charge. Request a price based upon the number of people and the number of bike boxes in your group.
> Can I ride the day I arrive?
The bike excursions start every day between 08.00 and 10.00 am (depending on the season and the weather). If you arrive before this time and can be ready to ride, you’ll be able to take part in the day’s excursion. If not, our reception desk can provide you with directions for a few simple routes you can ride on your own. However, if you are renting a bike from us, you’ll receive your bike after our Guides return from their daily excursion, generally mid to late afternoon. Also, the Bike Room stays locked until the guides return, and at that time you’ll be able to access the room to get your bike ready.
> Can I ride the day I am checking out?
Sure. It may even be possible to hold your room open until the group ride returns-just ask us if the room is available. Otherwise, we have a shower and dressing room facility for you to use.
> When I arrive, how will I receive all the relevant information?
The initial information that you need about the hotel and your stay will be provided by our reception desk staff. You will later be briefed on cycling information by either Nicola or Alberto, our bike managers.
> During my stay, can I expect to meet the bike managers?
Yes! Nicola and Alberto are at the hotel every day, and often cycle with you as your guide.
> If I take my own bike, is there someone who can help me assemble and disassemble it?
We have a mechanic at the hotel several days per week, though his schedule is not fixed. If you know that you will need help with your bike, just let us know in advance, so that we can make arrangements with our mechanic. If you are able to assemble your own bike, we have tools in our bike room.
FOOD & DRINKS
> What food do you provide during the bike rides? Do I need to bring my own energy bars/snacks?
We provide you with small sandwiches that fit in a jersey pocket plus bananas. There are usually several stops during the ride where you can also purchase beverages and snacks.
> Where should I fill my water bottles before the ride?
Our bike room has a fresh water dispenser where you can fill your bottles each morning. Often there are water fountains on the route to refill, and stops to buy beverages along the route.
> Is there something to eat at the end of the ride?
A lunch buffet will be waiting for you upon your return, which is available until 17:00. It changes daily, but there is plenty of variety.
> What's for dinner?
You'll have a choice of delicious dishes from our menu, as well as daily specials. We offer meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, typical of the cuisine in our area. If you have any special dietary needs, let us know in advance.
> Are beverages included?
Water is included at meals, any other beverage is at extra charge
> If I am hungry or thirsty, or have to use the bathroom during the ride, what should I do?
During the ride, we stop one or two times at a bar for a break, where you can buy something to drink and eat, and use the bathroom. (You might consider buying your guide a drink or snack as well.) Our guests often have a coffee ( Espresso, Cappucino, Macchiato, etc) and perhaps a brioche. The second stop often includes gelato! Along the route, your guide will point out water fountains, where you can refill your water bottles for free.
> "What happens if I don't have dinners at the restaurant?
Our cycling guests tell us that they like the ease and convenience of having dinner right at the hotel after a long and exhilarating day on the bike or after sightseeing all day. But we understand that sometimes you might like to try a local restaurant for dinner. With advance notice, we will credit you with 20,00 euros per day/dinner/person if you don’t have dinner at the hotel. You can apply this credit towards purchase of any of our cycling clothing by Ale and SMS Santini
> What do I need to bring to ride?
We have everything you need in case your luggage gets lost during the flight, but we do recommend that you carry your own shoes, pedals, and definitely your helmet (we always have a few used spare helmets if you do forget). We provide the saddle, but you are welcome to bring your own, if you prefer.
> Do you have different kinds of pedals?
We have some of the standard types, but we suggest that you bring your own so that the adjustment is consistent with what you use at home.
> Do you have riding shoes?
No, we don't provide or have shoes available. Please bring your riding shoes with you.
> If I don't ride every day, do I pay for the bike rental even when I’m not using it?
The bike rental starts when you receive the bike and ends when you bring it back. We don’t calculate the effective rental days, but the period that the bike is at your disposal.
> What happens if the bike is damaged while it is assigned to me?
Once you receive your rental bike, it becomes your responsibility. You will be liable for any damage caused, even unintentionally. Damage estimates will be provided by the original supplier (either the bike shop or the Pinarello factory)
> Are the bikes insured?
Yes. This insurance, already included in the price of the bike rental, will cover you for accidental damage. You will just be responsible to pay the deductible of € 200,00 for the Gan and € 300,00 for the Dogma disk, Nytro and Grevil
> Can I get insurance on the bike?
Garda Bike Hotel now offers ' Complete peace of mind bike coverage'. We have put this coverage in place so that you can relax and enjoy your time riding with us. This insurance, already included in the price of the bike rental, will cover you for accidental damage. You will just be responsible to pay the deductible of € 200,00 for the Gan, and € 300,00 for the Dogma F10 disk, Nytro and Grevil.
All models are brand new and premium quality Italian road bikes and as such, the cost of any damage can add up very quickly.
> Can I take the rental bike out for a ride, on my own?
With the exception of the Pinarello Dogma F10 disk, the Pinarello NYTRO and the Pinrello GREVIL, you can take your rental bike for a ride. But, please be attentive and use due care.
> Can I bring my own bike?
You are more than welcome to bring your own bike. You are responsible for assembling your bike upon arrival and disassembling it upon departure as well as any and all shipping arrangements needed to get your bike to and from the trip. You will store your bike in our lock biked room, which also has video surveillance security. Important Points if you are bringing your own bike:
• We strongly recommend that you do not bring a bike with carbon wheels. We have long descents and constant braking has been known to heat the rims and cause blow-outs. Remember our roads are not closed to traffic, and even the most experienced cyclists need to maintain control on the descents, brake frequently and avoid traffic. From experience, we know that carbon rims are not the right equipment for our routes.
• We strongly encourage you to come with a 12/32 cassette. We do a lot of climbing with some steeper grades and have found that guests will enjoy the rides better with a larger cassette.
• Make your riding experience pleasant and install new tubes and tires on your bike, before you arrive. Because we ride as a group and we all have to stop when someone has a mechanical incident, we encourage everyone to bring their bike in the best condition possible to avoid these types of delays
• Similarly, we strongly recommend that your personal bike be thoroughly checked out and tuned up by a mechanic before you arrive. We maintain our rental bikes on a regular basis from a professional mechanic and we ask that you do the same with the bike you bring to ride. For everyone’s safety and enjoyment of their holiday, we try to keep mechanical incidents to a minimum, done best with preventative maintenance.
> If I like the bike I rent, can I buy it?
Of course! Some bike models are for sale immediately and others at the end of the season. Talk with Nicola about the details.
> Can I ride with you if I'm a beginner or a total novice cyclist?
We are a bike hotel, catering to enthusiastic cyclists and cycling athletes, specializing in guided tours with professional guides. We care a lot about the preparation level of our clients and we have set practical and physical training parameters for cyclists to join our excursions, whether in a group ride, or a private ride with an exclusive guide. These parameters are very important for the safety of all of our clients. We host cyclists from all over the world and sometimes the concept of “cyclist” and a “cyclising excursion” can hold different definitions from one country to another and from place to place and person to person. In order to better understand what we offer to cyclists, please continue to read below.
Our requirements include:
- all excursion participants must be over 18 years old: Participation by minors will be evaluated on a case by case from our bike manager
- all excursion participants must be knowledgeable of and have experience on a road bike. Guests with bike rentals are responsible for proper use of the bike and are liable for damages in case of falls/crashes
- all excursion participants must wear appropriate cycling dress (bibs, bike jersey, helmet and sunglasses)
- all excursion participants have to wear cycling shoes or training shoes.
The terrain around Lake Garda is characterized by curvy roads with a lot of climbs, some short and easy, but others long and hard. There are not many flat roads.
Therefore:
- all excursion participants must be able to ride at least 40-50k.
- all excursion participants must be able to manage climbs of of at least 2 km in length and with 5-6% average grade.
The areas in and around Lake Garda and Verona (especially between June and September) can have a lot of traffic. Our guides avoid the busier roads as much as possible, but on occasion, busier roads are the only option for a portion of the ride.
Therefore:
- all excursion participants must be able to ride in traffic, adjacent to cars or other vehicles
- all excursion participants must be comfortable riding through roundabouts, stopping at every stop sign and crossing intersections in traffic.
Cyclists meeting these minimum requisites are welcome join our group tours ( in the CLASSIC group ) or with a private guide ( Dolce Vita Package ).
If you don’t meet these requirements, but still want to ride, we recommend renting our city bikes to ride to Peschiera centre. Or you can rent a hybrid, mountain or an electric bike, at local partner shop and ride alone on our cycling paths or along the beaches on the lake. . These are relaxing paths, that will take you for short, easy rides that can be done without a guide.
> How should I prepare for riding in Italy?
We have different levels of guided tours each day, so we do our best to offer you a ride that is similar to the level that you ride at home. However, we think that you will get maximum joy out of riding here if you come prepared before arriving. While we have varied terrain in our area, we also have lots of hills. There is no one way to prepare to ride in Italy, but we suggest that you have some base miles and to the extent available in your area, ride some hills!
> Are there any traffic rules that a cyclist should know when riding on Italian roads?
Depending upon where you are used to riding, we may have some different traffic rules, and perhaps a different riding style as well. For instance, many of our roads make use of roundabouts to keep traffic flowing, and cyclists must remain in the flow of traffic with cars in a roundabout. We also ride on some narrow roads, so it is important to keep to the right, and be aware. Our guides know the proper and safe way to ride on our roads, so you should follow their lead. Before the ride, they will review hand signals and any particular things about the route that you should know. In Italy, cyclists are common on the roads, and cars are used to sharing the road with cyclists, but also expect cyclists to ride responsibly and with the flow of traffic. Always pay attention, follow your guides lead and use caution as you would on any public road.
> Can I ride SOLO without a guide, what do you think about the "SOLO package"?
One of the things that make Garda Bike hotel one of the best bike hotels in Italy are our Guided Tours. People from all over the world enjoy the experience and time with our guides, Nicola and Alberto. We highly recommend our special guided tours to all cycling guests, because we think that if you ride unguided you may miss 80% of the beauty that the area around Lake Garda has to offer. If you are not confident in our cycling area the main risks to ride alone are:
- very busy roads
- potentially dangerous main roads
- secondary roads in a very poor state of repair
- very steep, challenging climbs
- some very dangerous descents
- find your self lost in the middle of nowhere.
- THE HOTEL DOES NOT PROVIDE GUEST AND BIKE PICK-UP SERVICE. If you cannot ride the bike back to the hotel, and don’t have other means of transportation, you will have to call a taxi.
> If I have booked a SOLO package can I join some of the daily guided Tours?
Guests who sign up for a SOLO package may be allowed to take part in our guided tours for an additional cost (starting from 50euro per person), subject to availability depending upon the number of cycling guests on any given day. We limit the size of our ride for an exclusive experience and priority is given to guests with the all-inclusive package. Our bike manager will confirm the availability just few days in advance.
>
Do we have to provide a medical certificate for the tours?
No the medical certificate is only for people participating in a Granfondo.
> How long does each ride last?
The bike rides start every day between 08,00 and 10.00 am (depending on season and weather). Depending on the ride you are doing, you will be back between 1,00 and 5,00 pm.
> Are there any activities after the ride?
Our rides can last 4-6 hours and will take a large part of your day. However, after the ride, you have free time, and can engage in any number of activities. You will have this time to yourself to take a swim, go shopping, explore our town, visit a spa, etc. We don’t organize activities after the ride, but there is plenty to do, and we can provide you with suggestions.
> Do you have different levels of tours?
We offer up to 3 levels of riding: Classic, Enthusiastic and Epic:
The "Epic" Group will do the longest version of the ride, and typically at a pace of around 28-35kph, depending upon the terrain.
The "Entusiastic" Group will do a little less mileage, at a slightly slower pace, perhaps around 25-30kph, again dependent upon terrain.
The "Classic" group will do the shortest route and will generally ride in the 20-25kph range.
> Do you have 3 levels of tour every day?
During our peak cycling season (May, June, July, September) when we have many cycling guests, we offer 3 levels of rides. During quieter periods, we may offer 1 or 2 ride options, but will do our best to ensure that each cycling guest rides in an appropriate paced group. On any given day you may join a slower paced group, if you choose.
> How many riders are in a group?
Groups are formed dependent upon the number of cycling guests and their fitness level, but usually not more than 10 per group.
> How many guides are assigned to a group?
It depends upon the route and the riding level of the guests. Sometimes there are 2 guides even for a small group.
> What is the "Dolce Vita" package?
"Dolce Vita" is not a "ride level" but is an exclusive package with a private guide and a specific program of "leisurely rides." Dolce Vita riders are typically newer riders, riders with less group riding experience and/or very casual riders (max 4/5 persons).
> What's the “technical” difference between the "Dolce Vita" package and the “Bici Love” package?
With the Bici Love all inclusive package you will ride in a group. This is not a private ride. It’s important to select the right level group to join ( we offer up to 3 levels) so that you are riding with people somewhat equal to your own ability. We try to keep the group together as much as possible during the ride. Your cycling holiday will be more enjoyable when you feel comfortable with the pace and handling skills ( climbing, descending, merging with traffic, etc) of the group you are with. There are usually only 1-2 breaks during the ride… and you’ll be back around mid-afternoon. The focus of the Bici Love package is on cycling, and specifcally, group cycling. The Dolce Vita package offers individuals the chance to ride at a more leisurely pace than the group rides, with a smaller group and a private guide (max 4-5 people). The guide can tailor each day's ride to your preferences for ride length, amount of climbing, etc. Because you are in a smaller, private group, you'll have more flexibility to stop along the way for some sightseeing, picture taking, etc. Most of the rides in this package stop several times, including one lengthier stop for a full lunch in a local restaurant or vineyard during the ride… so you’ll be back later in the afternoon. The focus of the Dolce Vita package is on leisurely cycling to a destination, enjoying the local cuisine and relaxing in the Italian countryside and villages.
> During the rides, does a support van follow us?
A van will follow on the more difficult rides, in excess of 100 km and with significant climbing (ex. Monte Baldo, Tremosine)
> Is lunch included during the ride?
Usually not. On occasion we might do a special ride to a wine cellar or an alpine hut where we can have lunch, and you’ll know this in advance. However, we always provide sandwiches/bananas to take with you, and you'll have one or two stops on the ride to buy food and beverages.
> If my bike breaks down during the ride, how will I get back?
In case of a serious breakdown, we have a service to come and get you (there is a charge if it is your own bike, but free if the bike is one of our rentals). Your guide will arrange for you to be picked up.
> Can we join your groups any day of the week, or the tours start only on specific days?
You can join the group rides any day of the week.
> What is your weekly program like? What are the organized rides like?
Each day a different ride is planned. Some routes will take you over rolling hills, others will have you climbing a bit, and some days you will conquer the mountains in our area. One day we might take a ferry across the lake, another day you will ride through Verona, and another day you may stop at a wine cellar for a tour and tasting. Each day you ride will offer you different terrain, different sights, and a different experience. While we have a general plan for each day, we publish the actual route the night before, in order to give consideration to the weather, special events in the area, and to the needs of our cyclists.
> What happens if it rains? Do I lose a day of riding?
The Bike Manager or the guides may decide to cancel or change a ride because of poor riding conditions caused by the weather. They will base their decision on safety concerns.If there is “light” rain, we may decide to ride, but will change the route to ride along our cycle path to either Borghetto (50km) or to Mantova (90km). There are flat rides, without cars, climbs and descents. Another option is to postpone the ride for later in the day, if it appears that there will be improvement in the weather conditions. If this occurs, we will alter the scheduled route, and modify the length of the ride along with the amount of climbing that was planned. If the weather is really bad, and the forecast does not call for improvement later in the day, the guides or the bike manager will cancel the ride. As an alternate activity, we can provide a transfer service with our van, to a destination selected by the bike manager, after consulting with the majority of cyclists. Departure and Return times will be determined in advance and will be fixed. Public transportation is available for anyone that wants to depart late or leave early.
In the event that we have to cancel a ride, no refunds will be provided for the tour. However, we will provide a credit for the bike rental for the day of the cancelled ride.
> Is there a lot of traffic in your area?
We have carefully planned our routes, which are meant to be ridden with a local guide. Our guides will take you on secondary and lesser known, lightly traveled roads to avoid traffic and busy areas. However, traffic may be encountered on our roads leading in and out of the hotel, on the way to our route. As you would at home, pay attention, use caution and follow all safety rules when riding on roads with traffic.
CLOTHING, WHAT TO BRING, LAUNDRY
> Do you rent cycling shoes & helmets?
For hygenic reasons, we don't rent helmets & shoes; just in case of emergency we have some "used" shoes & helmets, but in few sizes selections.
> Do you rent cycling computer?
We don't rent cycling computer. Each guest should bring their own device (garmin, polar etc...)
> What do I need to pack?
During our rides we will likely be riding in some higher elevations. It is a good idea to bring
- Arm warmers
- Leg warmers
- Rain jacket
- Wind vest
- Gloves (short finger or lightweight)
If you are also going to the Stelvio or to the Dolomites as part of your trip, you should also bring
- Winter jacket
- Winter gloves
If your suitcase is already full, you can buy our official “Garda Bike Hotel” clothing when you get here :)
> Is it possible to buy technical clothing from you?
Yes- we have everything you need! Our kit is made by Ale, and offers the finest technical material and fit, for both men and women.
> How does the laundry service work?
Laundry service for your bike clothes is included for free. When you arrive, you will receive a laundry net; at the end of the bike ride, leave the net with your used bike clothes, by 7:00 pm, in the box in the reception area, and you will receive your clothes the following morning, clean and smelling fresh!
> How can I do laundry for my regular (non-bike) clothing?
We have an internal laundry service for a fee or there are laundromats in the city.
> What is your cancellation policy?
For cancellations made more than 31 days from the arrival date, deposits will not be refunded, but we will issue a voucher in the same amount, valid for 24 months, for a new stay at the Garda Bike Hotel. For cancellations not made by this cutoff date, the deposit will not be refunded, and no voucher for future use will be issued. We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
> What is the difference between the hotel (Enjoy Garda Hotel) and the apartments (Hatelier Garda Home)?
Our modern apartments are comparable in quality and style to our hotel rooms, but serve as small efficiency units, which include a small kitchen and living area, along with a bedroom and full bath. Each apartment also has a small outdoor patio. Apartment guests use all the amenities of the hotel (restaurant, pool, jacuzzi, fitness room, etc) but the apartments are a short walk (150 meters or less than 1/10th of a mile) to the hotel. You just need to be a bit more organised when on a cycling holiday to take what you need down with you to save running back and forth!
> Can I ride SOLO without a guide, what do you think about the "SOLO package"?
One of the things that make Garda Bike hotel one of the best bike hotels in Italy are our Guided Tours. People from all over the world enjoy the experience and time with our guides, Nicola and Alberto. We highly recommend our special guided tours to all cycling guests, because we think that if you ride unguided you may miss 80% of the beauty that the area around Lake Garda has to offer. If you are not confident in our cycling area the main risks to ride alone are:
- very busy roads
- potentially dangerous main roads
- secondary roads in a very poor state of repair
- very steep, challenging climbs
- some very dangerous descents
- find your self lost in the middle of nowhere.
> What is the "Dolce Vita" package?
"Dolce Vita" is not a "ride level" but is an exclusive package with a private guide and a specific program of "leisurely rides." Dolce Vita riders are typically newer riders, riders with less group riding experience and/or very casual riders (max 4/5 persons).
> What's the “technical” difference between the "Dolce Vita" package and the “Bici Love” package?
With the Bici Love all inclusive package you will ride in a group. This is not a private ride. It’s important to select the right level group to join ( we offer up to 3 levels) so that you are riding with people somewhat equal to your own ability. We try to keep the group together as much as possible during the ride. Your cycling holiday will be more enjoyable when you feel comfortable with the pace and handling skills ( climbing, descending, merging with traffic, etc) of the group you are with. There are usually only 1-2 breaks during the ride… and you’ll be back around mid-afternoon. The focus of the Bici Love package is on cycling, and specifcally, group cycling. The Dolce Vita package offers individuals the chance to ride at a more leisurely pace than the group rides, with a smaller group and a private guide (max 4-5 people). The guide can tailor each day's ride to your preferences for ride length, amount of climbing, etc. Because you are in a smaller, private group, you'll have more flexibility to stop along the way for some sightseeing, picture taking, etc. Most of the rides in this package stop several times, including one lengthier stop for a full lunch in a local restaurant or vineyard during the ride… so you’ll be back later in the afternoon. The focus of the Dolce Vita package is on leisurely cycling to a destination, enjoying the local cuisine and relaxing in the Italian countryside and villages.
> If I travel with a companion, and only my roommate has to cancel, what happens to my reservation?
In this case, we will modify your reservation, changing the room rate accordingly. If the cancellation is made more than 31 days from your arrival date, you can apply your roommate's deposit to your reservation.
> What about information, discounts and special rates for group and private trips?
The sky is the limit with our group and private trip options! Bring along your favorite people as you explore your favorite places by bike and leave all the planning to us so you can just sit back, relax and enjoy. Learn more about our group and private trip programs by contacting us via email.
> Do i need travel protection?
We highly recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.
> When is final payment due?
We only need a deposit to confirm your holiday. You can pay the balance once you are here. We accept major credit cards and cash (euros).
> How much should i tip my guides?
If you like, you can thank your guides by tipping! Please tip your guides at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest care and service.
> If I book the SOLO package can I have assistance from GBH staff during the ride?
One of the things that make Garda Bike hotel one of the best bike hotels in Italy are our Guided Tours. People from all over the world enjoy the experience and time with our guides, Nicola and Alberto. We highly recommend our special guided tours to all cycling guests, because we think that if you ride unguided you may miss 80% of the beauty that the area around Lake Garda has to offer.
But if you are a very experienced rider, or you feel that you would not enjoy our guided tours please take careful note of the following:
- We can not be responsible for you or your tour if it is not with one of our guides. In particular, you should be aware that we have some very busy roads, potentially dangerous main roads and secondary roads that in some cases are in a very poor state of repair. We also have some very steep, challenging climbs and some very dangerous descents. Or you may simply find your self lost in the middle of nowhere.
- We can not be responsible if you damage your bike, or have a crash, or any other problems that cause you inconvenience during tours not guided by us.
- If you damage your bike during a Solo tour (even if you rent one of our bikes) you will have to repair the bike and make your way back to the hotel unassisted, we don’t offer pick-up service. (We may be able to arrange something at an extra cost, but this can not be relied on and would be subject to availability). In most cases, you would have to use a Taxi.
- If you have a crash during a Solo bike tour you should contact emergency services (118) for first aid or ambulance, the hotel staff cannot give you first aid help or advice and we don’t offer a pick-up service. (We may be able to arrange something at an extra cost, but this can not be relied on and would be subject to availability).
> What is the weather like on Lake Garda?
The Lake Garda Climate is lovely. Balmy and Mediterranean is how we would describe Lake Garda weather, with beautiful days, and with the north-south breeze gently blowing throughout the day, helping to keep you cool when it gets really hot in mid summer. This wonderful Lake Garda climate is due to the fact that the lake itself acts like a huge solar panel, and the mountains act as an insulator, keeping the heat in. Especially from May to October, the weather is generally warm and pleasant with lots of sun!
Sometimes in July and August particularly, the temperatures can get very high. Lake Garda weather in the winter time is obviously a lot colder. However, the location of the lake up to and in between the mountains means that this area is actually shielded from the worst of the weather and is warmer than other surrounding areas.
Spring and Autumn can experience some spells of higher rainfall but can also be pleasant for those who do not enjoy very hot temperatures.
UNFORTUNATE ACCIDENTS AND INSURANCE
> In case I fall from my bike or I get injured during a tour am I covered by insurance?
Not with Us. You have to provide a personal insurance
> If I do something wrong that causes an accident with another person, am I insured?
During your stay you will become an athlete on a cycling holiday of the Gardasport A.S.D., affiliated with the Centro Sportivo Educativo Nazionale (the biggest Italian amateur sport organization). Your entry is free and provides you with insurance for any damages that you may cause to other people while riding your bike.
NON CYCLISTS
For NON-CYCLIST GUESTS we have a special WEEK PROGRAMM with detailed daily excursions with ferryboat, bus or train rides to the major attractions of the area including Verona, Venezia and Milano. You can find a copy here. (All these activities are not included in the price of the package)