Diverse Directions
Self-Guided Cycling Tours in France

Tour Package Components for Standard Tour Support

Standard tour packages purchased from Diverse Directions -- whether Circuit Tours or Hub & Spoke Tours -- include the following items:


Tour Documentation

  1. Route Instructions (Cue Sheets) and Route Map:

  • Spiral-bound booklet that fits into the map-holder of your handlebar bag; includes detailed, easy-to-follow directions.

  • Large Scale map with your route highlighted.

  1. Pre-Trip Preparation Guide. Provides in-depth coverage of a variety of topics including:

  • Tips for preparing physically, mentally & spiritually for your tour.

  • Tips for packing, including a packing checklist.

  • Information regarding French language and culture.

  • On the road cycling tips and safety guidelines.

  • Details regarding transportation via train from your gateway city to your tour's starting point.

  1. Quick Reference Guide. This handy booklet fits in your handlebar bag for ease of access while on the road, providing information at a glance on the following topics:

  • All Diverse Directions support services

  • Emergency instructions

  • Security and safety guidelines

  • Instructions for changing a flat tire

  • Rail tips

  • Pre-ride checklist and pre-ride stretches

  • Essential French Vocabulary

  1. Sights Overview: Brief descriptions of notable sights along your route, complete with hours of operation (where applicable.)

Bicycle Rental

Your choice of Hybrid / Touring Bike, Racer, or Mountain Bike*. Most models are TREK. Otherwise, bikes are lightweight, well-known, European brand-names (e.g. Giant, LaPierre, GT.) All bikes include: 

  • 21 / 24 speeds (Shimano components)

  • choice of pedals (regular, cages or clips) **

  • handlebar bag with map carrier,

  • odometer

  • lock,

  • water bottle cage (water bottles not included),

  • rear rack (not available on racers)

  • air pump, tire irons, and a spare tube.

  • helmets are generally available upon request.

Tandem bikes are available for our Provence and Dordogne / Southwestern France tours.

 

* Only mountain bikes are available for our Mediterranean tours.

 

** For those choosing to ride with clips, we recommend bringing your own pedals for installation on your rental bike.

 

Hotel Arrangements

Unlike most tour companies, Diverse Directions does not limit your options to a single category of accommodation. You may choose any combination of hotel categories, leaving you free to splurge some nights, while economizing on others. For this reason, Diverse Directions does not bundle the cost of accommodations into the tour's price, as do most tour companies, Instead, you pay each hotel as you would had you booked your accommodations independently. See Hotels for additional details.

After you have ranked the hotel options for each of your overnight destinations in order of preference, Diverse Directions reserves your accommodations and provides you with copies of your hotel confirmations. If special rates or offers are available for the time of your stay, we will take advantage of these on your behalf

 

Baggage Transfer

Diverse Directions will transport one piece of luggage and one carry-on bag per person from / to the hotels at which you have confirmed reservations. Additional items may be transported for an additional cost.

 

English-Speaking Support Staff

Enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that help is just a phone call away. Should you experience a mechanical breakdown, you simply call your English-speaking, local Support Team Manager at Diverse Directions for assistance. Note: Flat tires are not covered under the support program.

In the event of a mechanical failure in which your bicycle can no longer be ridden, it will be replaced by your local Support Team.

In addition, your Support Team will reconfirm your hotel reservations the morning of your expected arrival.