| Frequently Asked Questions |
Who benefits from the proceeds from the GREAT GAP
Ride?
The proceeds from this event provide funding to the
Allegheny Trail Alliance and the groups that make up the
Great Allegheny Passage.
How do I sign up for this tour?
You must fill out an On Line Application Form and make a
deposit to reserve a spot. Reservations cannot be made
over the phone, nor can we hold spaces without the
application form and deposit. You can fill out an
application form and put down a deposit by clicking this
link: Sign Up Now!
What is the deposit amount for this tour?
We ask that you put down $250.00. Should you choose to
cancel more than 75 days prior to departure date, all except
$100.00 is refundable. The full deposit is non-refundable
for any cancellation made less than 75 days before
departure.
What is GAP Rides cancellation and transfer policy?
Should you need to cancel your reservation for any reason,
you must notify GAP Rides immediately in writing via US
mail or e-mail: cycling1945@mac.com
Note: See deposit policy above..
GAP Rides cancellation policy is as follows:
Cancellations 60 days or less before a trip: loss of full
trip cost.
No refunds will be given:
For maps, books received by participant;
For a participant's late arrival for a trip
If a participant chooses to leave a trip for any reason
after the trip start date.
Once a trip has started, for food, services or overnight
lodging for which a participant paid but did not use.
GAP Rides reserves the right to cancel or combine trips. If
this results in a revised departure date unacceptable to a
participant, the participant's payments will be refunded. In
addition, the number of participants on a tour may be
adjusted in response to demand or facility availability.
Transfers between tours are allowed within the same
calender year with a transfer fee of $100.00 fro each
participant transfers are not permitted once a tour has
begun.
In order to maintain reasonable trip prices, GAP Rides
does not make exception to the above policy.
NOTE: Avoid purchasing non-refundable travel tickets
before confirming through GAP Rides that your trip is a
definite go 60 days prior to the trip start date.
Does GAP Rides recommend travel insurance?
Our sincere wish is for every trip participant to attend and
complete their chosen trip. In an effort to plan for the
unexpected personal emergencies, health issues,
weather, and transportation problems that may cause you
to cancel your trip, travel insurance is strongly advised.
Please consult your insurance agent about cost and
coverage.
Who goes on a GAP Rides tour?
The average age of our participants is typically around 50,
and we also have folks in their 20's and even some in their
80's. People come from all walks of life- from all over
America and the world- to participate in our tours. For
some participants, this is their first tour, others may have
ridden many over several years. Most people come to see
new things, meet new people, and challenge themselves.
What kind of riding conditions can I expect?
The trail surface is a vehicle free packed limestone and
firm. We select our of trail routes to avoid high traffic and
metropolitan areas, though groups may choose to take
side trips into urban centers. One participant likened our
routes to a stringing together of each area's best day ride.
However, you will sometimes ride in rain, sometimes ride
in brilliant sunshine, and most likely will experience
headwinds and tailwinds during a tour. It may get very hot,
sometimes cold, extremely dry at times, and incredibly
humid all in one tour, especially on our longer rides.
What will my tour leader/staff members be like?
The goal of GAP Tours Tour Leaders/Directors and Staff is
to make your trip the best experience possible. They attend
to the logistics of your tour and ensure that the day runs
smoothly. All are certified in first aid and CPR, and many
are trained bicycle mechanics. Supported tours are
complete with roving mechanics who patrol the route in
order to assist you if you have a problem, as well as staff
members who’ll provide you with snack breaks along the
way.
The staff can’t do absolutely everything for you however.
Their purpose is to facilitate your touring experience. They
will provide leadership and support, but in some ways you
must rely on yourself. On our tours, even a novice will learn
how to read a map and repair a flat tire. We believe this
enhances everyone’s sense of accomplishment,
adventure, and enjoyment.
When is indoor lodging available?
The GREAT GAP Ride is double occupancy B&B
accommodations.
The EFI Tour is a camping tour with indoor lodging
available as an option each night at designated facilities. A
list of lodging facilities will be include with your trip packet
info.
What will the food be like on the EFI Ride?
Catered meals with generous portions will be provided on
the EFI Ride. There will be a hot breakfast and evening
meal. You will make your own lunch from a buffet in the
morning before you leave camp. There will be one rest
stop each day providing snacks and drinks.
Ride?
The proceeds from this event provide funding to the
Allegheny Trail Alliance and the groups that make up the
Great Allegheny Passage.
How do I sign up for this tour?
You must fill out an On Line Application Form and make a
deposit to reserve a spot. Reservations cannot be made
over the phone, nor can we hold spaces without the
application form and deposit. You can fill out an
application form and put down a deposit by clicking this
link: Sign Up Now!
What is the deposit amount for this tour?
We ask that you put down $250.00. Should you choose to
cancel more than 75 days prior to departure date, all except
$100.00 is refundable. The full deposit is non-refundable
for any cancellation made less than 75 days before
departure.
What is GAP Rides cancellation and transfer policy?
Should you need to cancel your reservation for any reason,
you must notify GAP Rides immediately in writing via US
mail or e-mail: cycling1945@mac.com
Note: See deposit policy above..
GAP Rides cancellation policy is as follows:
Cancellations 60 days or less before a trip: loss of full
trip cost.
No refunds will be given:
For maps, books received by participant;
For a participant's late arrival for a trip
If a participant chooses to leave a trip for any reason
after the trip start date.
Once a trip has started, for food, services or overnight
lodging for which a participant paid but did not use.
GAP Rides reserves the right to cancel or combine trips. If
this results in a revised departure date unacceptable to a
participant, the participant's payments will be refunded. In
addition, the number of participants on a tour may be
adjusted in response to demand or facility availability.
Transfers between tours are allowed within the same
calender year with a transfer fee of $100.00 fro each
participant transfers are not permitted once a tour has
begun.
In order to maintain reasonable trip prices, GAP Rides
does not make exception to the above policy.
NOTE: Avoid purchasing non-refundable travel tickets
before confirming through GAP Rides that your trip is a
definite go 60 days prior to the trip start date.
Does GAP Rides recommend travel insurance?
Our sincere wish is for every trip participant to attend and
complete their chosen trip. In an effort to plan for the
unexpected personal emergencies, health issues,
weather, and transportation problems that may cause you
to cancel your trip, travel insurance is strongly advised.
Please consult your insurance agent about cost and
coverage.
Who goes on a GAP Rides tour?
The average age of our participants is typically around 50,
and we also have folks in their 20's and even some in their
80's. People come from all walks of life- from all over
America and the world- to participate in our tours. For
some participants, this is their first tour, others may have
ridden many over several years. Most people come to see
new things, meet new people, and challenge themselves.
What kind of riding conditions can I expect?
The trail surface is a vehicle free packed limestone and
firm. We select our of trail routes to avoid high traffic and
metropolitan areas, though groups may choose to take
side trips into urban centers. One participant likened our
routes to a stringing together of each area's best day ride.
However, you will sometimes ride in rain, sometimes ride
in brilliant sunshine, and most likely will experience
headwinds and tailwinds during a tour. It may get very hot,
sometimes cold, extremely dry at times, and incredibly
humid all in one tour, especially on our longer rides.
What will my tour leader/staff members be like?
The goal of GAP Tours Tour Leaders/Directors and Staff is
to make your trip the best experience possible. They attend
to the logistics of your tour and ensure that the day runs
smoothly. All are certified in first aid and CPR, and many
are trained bicycle mechanics. Supported tours are
complete with roving mechanics who patrol the route in
order to assist you if you have a problem, as well as staff
members who’ll provide you with snack breaks along the
way.
The staff can’t do absolutely everything for you however.
Their purpose is to facilitate your touring experience. They
will provide leadership and support, but in some ways you
must rely on yourself. On our tours, even a novice will learn
how to read a map and repair a flat tire. We believe this
enhances everyone’s sense of accomplishment,
adventure, and enjoyment.
When is indoor lodging available?
The GREAT GAP Ride is double occupancy B&B
accommodations.
The EFI Tour is a camping tour with indoor lodging
available as an option each night at designated facilities. A
list of lodging facilities will be include with your trip packet
info.
What will the food be like on the EFI Ride?
Catered meals with generous portions will be provided on
the EFI Ride. There will be a hot breakfast and evening
meal. You will make your own lunch from a buffet in the
morning before you leave camp. There will be one rest
stop each day providing snacks and drinks.
What will the food be like on the Signature GREAT GAP
Ride?
We fully realize the importance of food on your Signature
adventure of the Great Allegheny Passage.
A full hot breakfast will be provided each morning before
we hit the trail.
We will generally stop at a nice restaurant for lunch. We
have a catered trailside lunch planned on one day.
A gourmet dinner with a trip related program will be
provided each evening at our overnight location.
Snacks will be provided at rest stops twice each day. It
is suggested each rider bring along a snack to enjoy at
the location of their choice.
Please let us know of any special dietary needs you
may have.
WARNING! The quality of meals may lead to weight
gain!
When can I buy an airplane ticket? When is the trip a
guaranteed “go?”
When GAP Tours determines whether a tour is a
guaranteed “GO” 60 days before the start of the tour. We
do not recommend buying non-refundable airplane
tickets until a tour is officially a “go."
If you can’t wait to purchase your plane ticket, please
contact the Tours office or send us an email at
cycling1945@mac.com
We can probably tell you if it is safe to buy a plane ticket
or if you should wait until the official “GO/NO GO” date.
What are my chances of getting on a fully booked
tour?
That really depends. Our rate of attrition on tours tends
to be around 20%, so if you sign up for a “full” tour early
on, your chances are relatively good. We’ll put you on
the waiting list, and we won’t charge you anything. Then,
if a spot opens up, we’ll contact you, and, if you’re still
available, you can take the available space. If you’ve
already made other plans, you’re under no obligation.
What is a fully-supported tour?
We will transport all personal and group gear by van for
you each day. After breakfast you can ride at your own
pace and enjoy a rest stop about half way to the lunch
time trail side catered meal. There will be another rest
stop mid afternoon before we reach our destination for
the day. Your gear will be delivered to your B&B and
waiting for you when you arrive. Any minor maintenance
to your bike can be taken care of by our tour mechanic
after dinner each night. In a nutshell, you can enjoy the
ride and we'll take care of the details!
Am I physically prepared to go on a cycling tour?
The GREAT GAP Ride is a beginner level tour.
The van is available at rest stops for anyone who feels
they've had enough riding for that day. The route is a
gently sloping rail trail and nearly level in many places.
On our trips, every rider is allowed to ride at his/her own
pace, so you'll generally have all day to complete the
distance. Slower riders (or those planning on lots of
photo ops!) can plan to leave earlier in the morning,
while those expecting to zip through the miles may
linger over coffee. Typically, folks who ride at a similar
pace end up as riding buddies, sharing each day's ride.
How can I get in shape to go on a GAP Tours self-
contained tour?
Start Early
Four months before the start of your tour you should be
riding a bike: whether it is inside on a trainer, on the
road or on a mountain bike. If you have had a long lay off
from riding, work on riding at least three days a week,
even if it is only for 30 minutes at a time.
Build Gradually
Check out our tours to find out what the longest day of
your trip will be. Over the course of the next four months
include a longer ride once or twice a week. Build your
long ride mileage so that it is eventually 5-10 miles
longer than the longest day you will ride in your tour. You
should be built up to that mileage two weeks before
your tour.
Spice It Up
Our tours often contain many different kinds of terrain.
Training on short steep hills, flat windy roads and long
sustained climbs will help you prepare for anything you
might encounter on a GAP Tours event. Don’t be afraid
to tackle the biggest hill or windiest valley then turn
around and do it again, in reverse.
Consistency Matters
Try to ride as often as you can. You may be surprised,
but riding for 45 minutes a day six days a week will
leave you in better shape than one six hour ride a week.
You may not have your legs used to long rides, but you
will be accustomed to getting on a bike every day, and
that’s what touring is all about.
Other Options
Don’t fret if you can’t get on a bike for some time;
staying active is key to a fun tour. Hiking, elliptical
machines, swimming, stair climbing, cross-country
skiing, and running can all help you maintain your
fitness while away from the bike. While biking is always
the best choice, these alternatives are much better than
resting on your laurels, waiting for the chance to get on
the road again.
What type of bike should I use on your off-pavement
tours?
We recommend a mountain bike with 26-inch wheels,
front suspension, and knobby tires. It is possible to use
a hybrid bike (700c wheels) or even a cyclocross bike in
certain areas, but a mountain bike is the most versatile
choice. For more detailed information about equipment
selection, check out the article titled "Choosing a Bike
for the Great Divide."
On trips that include rail-trails and/or bike trails, we
recommend at least a 700x32 tire with an aggressive
tread.
Ride?
We fully realize the importance of food on your Signature
adventure of the Great Allegheny Passage.
A full hot breakfast will be provided each morning before
we hit the trail.
We will generally stop at a nice restaurant for lunch. We
have a catered trailside lunch planned on one day.
A gourmet dinner with a trip related program will be
provided each evening at our overnight location.
Snacks will be provided at rest stops twice each day. It
is suggested each rider bring along a snack to enjoy at
the location of their choice.
Please let us know of any special dietary needs you
may have.
WARNING! The quality of meals may lead to weight
gain!
When can I buy an airplane ticket? When is the trip a
guaranteed “go?”
When GAP Tours determines whether a tour is a
guaranteed “GO” 60 days before the start of the tour. We
do not recommend buying non-refundable airplane
tickets until a tour is officially a “go."
If you can’t wait to purchase your plane ticket, please
contact the Tours office or send us an email at
cycling1945@mac.com
We can probably tell you if it is safe to buy a plane ticket
or if you should wait until the official “GO/NO GO” date.
What are my chances of getting on a fully booked
tour?
That really depends. Our rate of attrition on tours tends
to be around 20%, so if you sign up for a “full” tour early
on, your chances are relatively good. We’ll put you on
the waiting list, and we won’t charge you anything. Then,
if a spot opens up, we’ll contact you, and, if you’re still
available, you can take the available space. If you’ve
already made other plans, you’re under no obligation.
What is a fully-supported tour?
We will transport all personal and group gear by van for
you each day. After breakfast you can ride at your own
pace and enjoy a rest stop about half way to the lunch
time trail side catered meal. There will be another rest
stop mid afternoon before we reach our destination for
the day. Your gear will be delivered to your B&B and
waiting for you when you arrive. Any minor maintenance
to your bike can be taken care of by our tour mechanic
after dinner each night. In a nutshell, you can enjoy the
ride and we'll take care of the details!
Am I physically prepared to go on a cycling tour?
The GREAT GAP Ride is a beginner level tour.
The van is available at rest stops for anyone who feels
they've had enough riding for that day. The route is a
gently sloping rail trail and nearly level in many places.
On our trips, every rider is allowed to ride at his/her own
pace, so you'll generally have all day to complete the
distance. Slower riders (or those planning on lots of
photo ops!) can plan to leave earlier in the morning,
while those expecting to zip through the miles may
linger over coffee. Typically, folks who ride at a similar
pace end up as riding buddies, sharing each day's ride.
How can I get in shape to go on a GAP Tours self-
contained tour?
Start Early
Four months before the start of your tour you should be
riding a bike: whether it is inside on a trainer, on the
road or on a mountain bike. If you have had a long lay off
from riding, work on riding at least three days a week,
even if it is only for 30 minutes at a time.
Build Gradually
Check out our tours to find out what the longest day of
your trip will be. Over the course of the next four months
include a longer ride once or twice a week. Build your
long ride mileage so that it is eventually 5-10 miles
longer than the longest day you will ride in your tour. You
should be built up to that mileage two weeks before
your tour.
Spice It Up
Our tours often contain many different kinds of terrain.
Training on short steep hills, flat windy roads and long
sustained climbs will help you prepare for anything you
might encounter on a GAP Tours event. Don’t be afraid
to tackle the biggest hill or windiest valley then turn
around and do it again, in reverse.
Consistency Matters
Try to ride as often as you can. You may be surprised,
but riding for 45 minutes a day six days a week will
leave you in better shape than one six hour ride a week.
You may not have your legs used to long rides, but you
will be accustomed to getting on a bike every day, and
that’s what touring is all about.
Other Options
Don’t fret if you can’t get on a bike for some time;
staying active is key to a fun tour. Hiking, elliptical
machines, swimming, stair climbing, cross-country
skiing, and running can all help you maintain your
fitness while away from the bike. While biking is always
the best choice, these alternatives are much better than
resting on your laurels, waiting for the chance to get on
the road again.
What type of bike should I use on your off-pavement
tours?
We recommend a mountain bike with 26-inch wheels,
front suspension, and knobby tires. It is possible to use
a hybrid bike (700c wheels) or even a cyclocross bike in
certain areas, but a mountain bike is the most versatile
choice. For more detailed information about equipment
selection, check out the article titled "Choosing a Bike
for the Great Divide."
On trips that include rail-trails and/or bike trails, we
recommend at least a 700x32 tire with an aggressive
tread.
GAP Rides
FAQ
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