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Cascade-Affiliated International Tours
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Lake and Volcano District of Chile and Argentina |
| Dates: |
November 6 - 17, 2011 -
3/7/11 update: sold out
December 3 - 14, 2011 -
5/3/11 update: 3 registered, 17 spaces open. Tour needs 6 to run. |
| Pace & Distance: |
30-60 miles per day. This trip is designed for people who lead active lives and are comfortable cycling up to 6 hours per day. |
| Group size: |
6 minimum, 20 maximum |
| Cost: |
US$2,650 – $3,030, depending on exchange rates. See pricing details. |
| Itinerary: |
Trip begins in Pucón, Chile, and ends in Puerto Montt. It includes road cycling, hiking and hot springs. All lodging will be in three- and four-star hotels and luxury lodges as indicated, and the support vehicles will be modern, air-conditioned vans.
View detailed itinerary.
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| Tour company: |
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Discover the Lake and Volcano District of Argentina and Chile as you cycle the back roads with one of Chile’s finest tour operators, EcoTours Chile. In 2008, we sent sixty happy Cascade members on three separate tours to southern Chile. New for 2011, Ecotours has put together a trip that will take riders through breathtaking scenery in Argentina as well, with your choice of either a November or December departure date.
During the tour, you’ll explore this fascinating and beautiful region, whose landscape is dominated by clear-water lakes and live volcanoes. Joined by friendly locals, you will pedal alongside green rolling meadows and through national parks, visit remote villages and relax in natural hot springs. Your guide, Ernesto, is a national treasure: a gentleman who will not only show you the best (and safest) bicycling routes but will also educate you about local history, culture and geography as you ride.
This is a tour for nature lovers. During the 12 days of the tour, you will visit six protected wilderness areas, observe endemic birds, learn about Chile’s active volcanoes, and hike through Argentina’s native temperate rain forest. The tour is perfect for those interested in exploring a pristine setting off the saddle – in addition to road cycling, you’ll enjoy boating across Pirihueico Lake and hiking in national parks.
The thermal waters of this area are some of the best in the world; due to the volcanic activity, you can find hot springs and thermal spas almost everywhere you go. The cuisine is another highlight of the tour, with ingredients that have Argentina and Chile famous worldwide: wine, delicious produce, fresh seafood and Argentinean barbecue.
Named for the twelve major lakes and dozens of smaller ones that dot the landscape, this area has been frequently compared to Switzerland. Our tour starts in Pucón, the capital of adventure tourism in Chile. We’ll ride the famous seven-lake route (the same route that Ernesto Chè Guevara once rode on his motorbike), pedal alongside Lake Nahuel Huapi and visit the city of Bariloche. Then we’ll cycle across the Andes in a spectacular ride from Argentina to Chile and, finally, head to the Osorno volcano and Petrohue Falls. We’ll stay at charming three- and four-star hotels and inns and enjoy hot springs three times during the tour.
This well-supported cycling program has been designed especially for Cascade Bicycle Club members. You must be a Cascade Bicycle Club member to participate in any Cascade Bicycle Club Affiliated Tour - join today!
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LAKE AND VOLCANO DISTRICT OF CHILE AND ARGENTINA
Detailed Itinerary
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 Upon your arrival, our staff will meet you at Temuco Airport and drive you 90 minutes to the city of Pucón – the capital of adventure tourism in Chile – where we’ll check in at your hotel and have a rest. That evening we will check and fit your bicycles, have an orientation and briefing session, and enjoy an introductory dinner with your guides and fellow riders. Accommodation at Apart Hotel Del Volcan in Pucón
Meals: D
Lodging:
Apart Hotel Del Volcan
Fresia 430, Pucón, Chile
Phone: 56 - 45 - 442055
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DAY TWO
Pucón – Lake Caburgua – Huife Hot Springs / Loop Ride
CYCLING:
52 km / 32 miles (+ an optional 22 miles)
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 We’ll cycle from our hotel to the village of Caburgua where we’ll eat a snack at the beach of Lake Caburgua. The road today is a constant false-flat with a few short climbs – just enough to get your legs going. Before you start cycling, the staff will provide a snack for you to bring with you. Throughout today’s ride our guide will help us identify several species of birds and trees as we cycle next to beautiful farms and enjoy views of the Villarrica volcano. With a little good luck, we will see smoke coming out of the active Villarrica volcano. After cycling the rolling road to Huife, we will visit the Hot Spring Resort and enjoy a soothing soak in a hot mineral bath. Later we’ll take a short ride in the vans back to our hotel in Pucón; you'll also have the option to ride back, if you prefer.
The evening will be at your leisure, dinner is not included. We highly recommend for you to explore this nice town with its many shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. Ask our guides for insight into local dining and shopping.
Meals: B, L
Lodging:
Apart Hotel Del Volcan
Fresia 430, Pucón, Chile
Phone: 56 - 45 - 442055
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DAY THREE
Pucón – Puesco – Pucón / Loop Ride
CYCLING:
100 km / 62 miles
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 We’ll cycle from your hotel in Pucón to Curarrehue, a small village at the Argentina border, where we can visit a cultural center and learn about the Mapuche, the area’s indigenous people. The road here is generally flat with a few rolling hills – just enough to get your legs going. After we arrive in Curarrehue we will climb a 15 km section on new asphalt (the international road to Argentina), then turn around and enjoy the same 15 km of downhill riding. While cycling, we'll enjoy views of three volcanoes, Villarrica, Quetrupillan and Lanín, and return to the hotel in Pucón for another evening at leisure.
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DAY FOUR
Licanray – Panguipulli – Choshuenco / The Chilean seven-lake route
CYCLING:
94.7 km / 58.8 miles
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| Today we will ride the shores of two beautiful lakes, Calafquén and Panguipulli, and will cycle three-quarters of the way around Villarrica, a majestic, snow-capped volcano. We’ll ride through the lake-side town of Licanray on roads bordered by green prairies and native forests. The first 21-mile section passes through green meadows with native forests and the Calafquén Lake on the left, on a smooth, quiet road with little vehicle traffic. If the weather is clear, we will be able to see five volcanoes from one vantage point. After a fun descent toward the town and Lake of Panguipulli – or “land of lions” – we will have a picnic lunch by the beach. From there we will ride another 37 miles alongside Lake Panguipulli until the end of the paved road near Choshuenco village. From this point we will drive half an hour to the Natural Reserve Huilo Huilo, where we’ll eat dinner and stay overnight at the incredible Baobab Hotel & Spa.
Meals: B, L, D
Lodging
Baobab Hotel & Spa (in the Huilo Huilo Nature Reserve)
Km 55 Camino Internacional Panguipulli, Neltume, Chile
Phone: 56 - 63 - 1970122
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DAY FIVE
Lake crossing Huilo-Huilo – hiking Lanin National Park (Argentina) – San Martín de Los Andes
CYCLING + HIKING
74 km / 47 miles
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 Today we leave Chile and head for Argentina. After breakfast, we’ll board a ferry boat from Puerto Fuy that will take us across the Lake Pirehueico. We’ll travel for an hour and a half before arriving at Puerto Pirehueico. From this point, we'll drive 15 minutes to the Chile/Argentina border and go through customs. Once in Argentina, we’ll have lunch at Hosteria Huahum and enjoy a two-hour hike on trail near Lake Lacar in Lanin National Park. Once the hike ends we’ll drive an hour and a half along Lacar Lake until we get to the charming village of San Martín de Los Andes. After checking in at Hotel Del Viejo Esquiador 3 you’ll have the evening at leisure.
We recommend that you explore this town, with its many shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. Ask our guides if you would like information on shopping and dining.
Meals: B, L
Lodging:
Hotel Del Viejo Esquiador in San Martin de Los Andes
Avda San Martin 1242, SMA, Argentina
Phone: 29 - 72 - 427690
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DAY SIX
San Martín de Los Andes – Villa La Angostura / The seven-lakes route
CYCLING
54 km / 33.5 miles
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 Today, we'll ride a section of the "seven lakes" route, a well known scenic road in Argentina that was once traveled by a young man named Ernesto “Che” Guevara.
Over the course of a day's journey, this route connects Lakes Lacar, Machónico, Falkner, Villarino, Escondido, Correntoso and Espejo. We’ll start riding from our hotel in San Martín de Los Andes, cycling alongside Lake Lacar on a fun, rolling route. We'll travel through the Andean Patagonian forest, composed of various nothofagus species and cypress trees. We'll cover half of the 70-mile "seven lakes" route on the bikes, climbing a rolling 33.5 mile section alongside four of the seven lakes. Once we reach the end of the paved road at Lake Villarino, we’ll drive on gravel roads over the rest of the route across Nahuel Huapi National Park before arriving at Villa La Angostura.
In the evening, we’ll enjoy an Argentinean barbecue at a local restaurant.
Meals: B, L, D
Lodging:
Hostería ACA
Avda. Arrayanes 8 -8407- Villa La Angostura
Phone: 29 - 44 - 488413
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DAY SEVEN
Villa La Angostura – Lake Gutierrez – Bariloche / Nahuel Huapi Lake ride
CYCLING
96 km / 60 miles
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 We'll start riding from the hotel in Villa La Angostura toward the city of San Carlos de Bariloche and continue alongside Lake Nahuel Huapi for the day. The road is generally flat with some rolling sections, and is 60 miles in total. This ride covers half of the famous Circuito Grande, which circumscribes the lake. We’ll continue toward El Bolsón, riding on the outskirts of the city of Bariloche. Finally we’ll arrive to Lake Gutierrez, where we end the ride with a magnificent view of the area. You'll have the choice to either jump in the van or ride downhill to Hostería Del Lago 3 located next to Lake Nahuel Huapi.
Meals: B, L, D
Lodging:
Hostería Del Lago 3
AV. Bustillo KM 7800, Bariloche, Argentina
Phone: 29 - 44 - 527950
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DAY EIGHT
Bariloche – Circuito Chico – Cerro Catedral / Loop Ride
CYCLING
47 km / 29 miles
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| Prepare yourself for an amazing day. We’ll be riding the world-famous Circuito Chico, cycling alongside Lake Nahuel Huapi to the famous Llao-Llao Hotel, then across Nahuel Huapi National Park with its many small lakes and breathtaking lookout points. Once we complete the 15.5-mile circuit, we’ll pedal another 6.21 miles on a busy road, then head toward Cerro Catedral on a 7.5-mile climb. At the base of this famous ski resort, you'll have an amazing view of the city and the surrounding lakes. We'll then return to the hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure. We recommend that you explore the city of Bariloche, which is a great place for shopping and dinning.
Meals: B, L
Lodging:
Hostería Del Lago 3
AV. Bustillo KM 7800, Bariloche, Argentina
Phone: 29 - 44 - 527950
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DAY NINE
Villa La Angostura (ARG) – Puyehue (Chile) / The Andres Crossing ride
CYCLING:
87 km / 54 miles
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 We'll start the day by driving one hour from Bariloche to Villa La Angostura. The cycling today will consist of a rolling, 25-mile climb, followed by a thrilling, 29-mile descent into Chile. The first of the small hills we'll climb starts in downtown Villa La Angostura’s and continues for 14 miles; we'll then begin a ten-mile rolling climb across the hills of the Andes Mountain Range. The 14-mile route to Argentinean Customs will be on a smooth, winding road, after which we'll ride for 10 miles before reaching the border of Chile at an altitude of 4,255 ft. From this place, called Hito Samoré, you'll be able to see the heart of the Andes. We will then descend 14 miles to Chilean customs and ride the final 14 miles to the fantastic Hotel & SPA Termas de Puyehue.
Meals: B, L, D
Lodging:
Hotel & SPA Termas de Puyehue
Ruta 215 km. 76 Puyehue, Osorno, Chile
Phone: 56 - 64 - 331400
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DAY TEN
Termas de Puyehue – Entre Lagos – Osorno / Puyehue Lake ride
CYCLING
70 km / 43.5 miles
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| We will ride through rolling hills and beautiful beaches along Lake Puyehue, always on the lookout for wildlife and views of 4 volcanoes (Osorno, Puntiagudo, Casablanca and Puyehue). With the lake on one side, green pastures and fields on the other, and the snow-capped Andes in the distance, this will be another picturesque day on our bicycles. The cycling today consists of small hills and long, flat stretches. Upon arrival to Osorno, we’ll drive for an hour to Puerto Varas, where we'll stay overnight in a hotel.
Meals: B, L
Lodging:
Hotel & Spa Patagonico
Address: Klener 349, Puerto Varas, Chile
Phone: 56 - 65 - 201000
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DAY ELEVEN
Puerto Varas – Ensenada – Petrohue Falls
CYCLING
79 km / 49 miles (+ an optional 49 miles)
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 This trip of a lifetime is coming to an end. In the morning, we start riding from the hotel, alongside Lake Llanquihue, where a unique landscape is waiting for us: the Osorno Volcano, whose perfect cone reaches the shore of the lake. We’ll pass through the middle of this astounding landscape as we travel to the village of Ensenada. We will then pedal from Puerto Varas to Petrohue, attacking 48 miles in one of the most beautiful routes of the tour. You'll have the option of challenging yourself by climbing Osorno Volcano, one of the steepest climbs in South America, an extra 7.3 miles and 3750 feet of elevation gain.
Upon completing the ride, we’ll head back with the vans to the charming German-style city of Puerto Varas, our last destination, where we'll relax and enjoy a farewell dinner at a seafood restaurant.
Meals: B, L, D
Lodging:
Hotel & Spa Patagonico
Address: Klener 349, Puerto Varas, Chile
Phone: 56 - 65 - 201000
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DAY TWELVE
Puerto Varas – Angelmo Market – Airport in Puerto Montt (PMC)
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| Sadly, it’s time to say good-bye to the beautiful Lake & Volcano District of Chile. After breakfast, we’ll ride in vans to Puerto Montt City and visit the Market of Angelmó, which is the perfect place for wonderful souvenirs, handicrafts and woolen clothing. Later, we’ll head to the airport to catch flights back to Santiago.
Meals: B
Note: Book flights not before 2 p.m.
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THE FINE PRINT
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Pricing:
The following are estimated* tour costs per rider, in US dollars (all prices on a twin share basis):
- 6-9 cyclists: $3,030 USD
- 10-11 cyclists: $2,870 USD
- 12-15 cyclists: $2,760 USD
- 16-10 cyclists: $2,650 USD
Single room supplement: $700*
Bike hire: $270
If you bring your own bike (which is advisable), make sure you pack it well in a cardboard box that we can dismantle for transportation during the tour (NO extra large hard cases please!).
Visa
No advance Visa application is needed for entry into Chile. United States and Canadian citizens entering Chile for tourism purposes will be charged a $130 cash-only processing fee payable on arrival. Make sure you have US currency in hand to pay please. The cost of this special tourist visa is based upon the current cost of a USA visa for Chilean nationals.
Trip Inclusions
- Professional on-road cycling guide
- Friendly and attentive drivers
- Private van-style transportation
- Extra support vehicle (pick-up truck)
- Basic cycle parts (cable housing, tubes, tires and spokes)
- Meals as per itinerary (11 breakfast, 7 picnic lunch, 2 lunch, 6 dinner)
- Entrance fee at Huife Hot Springs, and all activities according to the itinerary.
Trip Exclusions
- International and local flights
- Accident insurance (you MUST have your own insurance)
- Other cycle parts and components (derailleur, crankset, fork, etc.)
- Laundry
- Entrance fees at National Parks and some optional off-bike activities
- All meals not listed in itinerary above
- Beverages & cocktails at dinner
- Bike rental (available for an additional fee)
Cancellation Policy
If for any reason it is necessary to cancel a reservation, the following will apply: Cancellations more than 90 days before trip departure, loss of 50% of deposit. Cancellations between 45 and 90 days before trip departure, loss of full deposit. Cancellations within six weeks of departure will result in forfeiture of full payment.
There will be no refunds once a tour has commenced. We strongly recommend you take out travel, accident, medical, baggage and cancellation insurance. We advise against discounted airfares that carry restrictions.
Sign up
To sign up, please download a registration form (PDF) and email it to: ccosignani@ecotours.cl.
Add-on tours
If you are interested in enhancing your experience in Chile with an additional tour in Patagonia, Easter Island, Atacama or wine country, contact ccosignani@ecotours.cl.
Weather notes
In 2008, the three Cascade-affiliated Chile tours, all of which departed during the same time of year, had outstanding weather conditions for cycling. However, we suggest visiting the web for current conditions in Chile and doing your own research on this topic. To that end, the following websites will be useful:
Generally the weather in this area is very similar to Northern California, specially the coast side. Late October and November (spring time in the southern hemisphere) present milder temperatures with some scattered rain. During December you can start feeling the beginning of the summer with temperatures around 50°F / 81°F. In January and February temperatures range between 60°F / 95°F. Remember that you are visiting the Lake & Volcano district, so always expect some rain!In Chile there are no insects or animals that represent a threat to human beings.
Packing tips
We advise you to bring clothing for warm and cold weather. Remember to bring a helmet and cap, brightly colored cycling jerseys, arm and leg warmers, base layers, windbreaker, booties, gloves, two pairs of sneakers, a waterproof jacket and rain pants, sunglasses, bathing suit and sandals. Don’t forget your camera!
Other Important Information:
International Tours FAQ Please read the Cascade-Affiliated Tours FAQ (PDF) for important additional information on participating on any International bicycle tour. Topics include renting a bike versus bringing your own, insurance, spare parts, recommending gratuities and many more.
Airline Information
We highly recommend getting the Chile Airpass ticket with Lan Airlines, which includes the international flight from USA to Santiago (Chile) and the domestic flights Santiago(SCL)-Temuco(ZCO) and Puerto Montt (PMC)-Santiago(SCL). This Airpass is definitely less expensive than buying the flights separately and what's more important it is very flexible if there are some unexpected last minute changes. Lan Airlines Airpass can be purchased at any IATA travel agent.
Flight Plan
Cascade Bicycle Club recommends Elizabeth Holmes Travel for booking airfare. Contact Sarah Ferris Scott at 206-547-8361 or visit www.elizabthholmes.com. If you plan to redeem frequent flier mileage make sure to book your flight early, as seats are limited. It is also a good idea to try and arrive one day early, in case of missed flights and to help to any jet lag.
Itinerary
12 days & 11 nights. Tour starts a Saturday in Temuco's airport and finishes in Puerto Montt's airport. See detailed itinerary for further information.
Altitude sickness
There is nothing to be worrying about altitude sickness. We will never get higher than 6,200 feet (second day ride).
Currency issues
In Chile, the local currency is called peso.
The exchange rate as of Nov. 1, 2010 is $1 USD = $495 Chilean Pesos (CLP).
Travel checks are not convenient because only few places accept them and the exchange rate is 10% lower than dollar bills. Most credit cards are accepted at shops, restaurants and hotels. The most common cards are Master Card, Visa and Dinners Club. American Express is less commonly accepted that the others. There is no need to bring a large amount of cash; there are ATMs almost everywhere we go on the tour. The maximum amount of money that you can withdraw per day is equivalent to USD $400 ($200 CLP).
Gratuity
In Chile the gratuity for hospitality services is normally 10% of the bill. In Chile, people usually tip in restaurants and hotels and for local guide services. You shouldn't tip taxi drivers, baggage carriers or bar tenders, as they do not expect any tips. At the end of your tour, a gratuity for a job well done is highly appreciated. Please visit the Cascade-Affiliated Tours FAQ (PDF) for helpful guideines on this matter.
Food
Food in Chile is great and healthy. Likewise, it is one of the highlights of this tour. Great wine, fresh and flavorsome produce, seafood and all kinds of meat (beef, pork, chicken, lamb and wild boar) will be part of the daily menus. We are prepared to cater vegetarian and gluten free food, however if you are vegan you may have to be flexible because in Chile we have very limited vegan options.
Insurance
Any policy you purchase should, at the very least, cover trip cancellation, loss of baggage, accident/life coverage, travel delays, and non-refundable airline tickets. Carriers for travel insurance include Travel Guard and Travelex. You may also consider insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation. Search the web to find the best deal that suits your needs- read the fine print
Safety
Chile is by far one of the safest countries in South America in terms of public health and crime. We are proud to affirm that our police is one of the least corrupt in the world; they are always friendly and helpful.
Road Safety
Besides your own on-road safety gear (helmet, rearview mirrors, bright colored jerseys and gloves) we provide a support vehicle that drives at the rear of the group with a road-sign that alert other drivers the presence of bike riders on the road. Drivers in Chile are used to bicycles on the road, so they shouldn't bother you while riding. All our staff communicates by radio at all times.
 Bike hire
If you rent one of our bikes, feel free to bring your own pedals, seat and seat post (27.2 mm). Also remember that you MUST bring your own helmet and two water bottles.
Bike rentals are available for USD $270. We rent TREK 1.5, 18-speed 2009 road bikes with the listed specifications
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Bike hire: TREK 1.5 2009 Road Bike
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Frameset
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| Sizes |
50, 52, 54, 56, 58cm |
| Frame |
Alpha Black Aluminum |
| Fork |
Bontrager Race, carbon; SpeedTrap compatible |
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Wheels
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| Wheels |
Bontrager SSR |
| Tires |
Bontrager Select, 700x25c |
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Drivetrain
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| Shifters |
Shimano Sora STI, 9 speed |
| Front Derailleur |
Shimano Sora |
| Rear Derailleur |
Shimano Tiagra GS |
| Crank |
FSA Vero 50/34 |
| Cassette |
SRAM PG950 11-26, 9 speed |
| Pedals |
Nylon body w/alloy cage |
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Components
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| Saddle |
Bontrager Race Basic |
| Seat Post |
Bontrager Carbon, Infinite Angle Adjustability |
| Handlebars |
Bontrager SSR VR Bend OS, 31.8mm |
| Stem |
Bontrager Race Lite OS, 7 degree, 31.8mm |
| Headset |
Aheadset w/semi-cartridge bearings, integrated, sealed, alloy |
| Brakeset |
Alloy dual pivot w/Shimano Sora STI levers |
Bicycle choice
If you bring your own bike, make sure it has tires of 700c x 25 or 700c x 23 at least. Although the road surfaces are normally in fine shape, one never knows what condition they will be in after the winter. Pack your bike well in a bike bag or cardboard box that we can easily dismantle for its transportation during the tour. Standard size bike hard-cases are welcomed, nevertheless if they are extremely oversized they might have to be shipped to Puerto Varas (last city in the tour) at your own cost (USD $60 approx).
Bike Friday
If your bike is like one of the Bike Friday models, please make sure you bring enough bike parts (especially: tires, tubes and spokes), as in Argentina and Chile there are no places where you can purchase any part for that kind of bike.
Non-standard wheels
If your wheels size is different than 700, you MUST bring your own parts (tires, tubes and spokes). Likewise, if your wheels have any special features make sure you bring your own special spokes.
Riding wait policy: 90 minutes
In order to ensure that the timing and logistics of the rides and tour go more smoothly, please be informed that from the time that it takes for the first rider to complete a ride, the transportation vehicles will wait a maximum of 90 minutes for the remaining cyclists to finish riding. After this point, the riders yet to reach the finish line will have to get into the vans and be transported in the vehicles to reunite with the group.
Rider Testimonials on an EcoTours Chile experience
We wish to again thank you and your crew for a trip that was way beyond our expectations. The country we saw was rugged and beautiful, the people and accommodations were amazing. We have never been on a bicycle trip that was so well supported, nor stayed or eaten in such unusual and wonderful places. We would certainly recommend this trip to anyone who bicycles with a sense of adventure.
Thanks again,
Bill and Carol Billesbach
USA
I want to thank Ecotours and all their guides for an amazing bicycle tour. The combination of cycling surrounded by beautiful landscapes, enjoying delicious food and finishing every day recovering in hot mineral springs was an awesome experience!
Thanks a lot,
Matt & Lee
USA
EcoTours Contact Information
ccosignani@ecotours.cl
Telephone 011 – 562 – 7618292 (Please note: 3 hours ahead of PST)
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Worried you might not be in good enough shape to tackle this tour? Join Cascade Ride Leaders in the Cascade Training series. We'll be leading rides every weekend geared to getting YOU ready for this summer's big CBC rides. Visit the Activities Calendar for more information and ride listings.
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