FAQ’s – Netherlands

What is included in the trip price?

• 9 nights of hotel accommodation.
• Daily breakfast, 3 exquise beerdinners, 7 lunches, and lots of snacks for each day.
• Two knowledgeable guides, including a local Dutch-speaking guide when possible. (The 2nd guide is available typically only for groups of four or more)
• Daily route planning, including any necessary bicycle repair by guides.
• A multi-speed touring compatible bicycle. (You can get a discount if you bring your own bicycle)
• A safe location for stored luggage you do not want to bring on the bicycles with you.
• 2 rear panniers to carry personal belongings, helmet, and lock. (You can get a discount if you bring your own bags)
• Entrance fees to all brewery visits.
• Train tickets from Amsterdam to Roermond, from Haarlem to Amsterdam during the tour, and boat tickets as we will need to cross a couple rivers during the tour.
• A  welcome package which includes a T-Shirt plus other goodies.
• Email contact with your guides prior to the trip. (you get to ask as many questions as you like directly to the people taking you on the tour)

What is not  included in the trip price?

• Airfare to and from the trip.
• Transportation to the trip meet-up location.
• Lodging before and after the trip.
• Gratuities for Beercycling tour guides.
• Personal items purchased during the trip.
• Alcoholic Beverages.
• 6 of the 9 dinners are not included.
• Note:  Lunch and dinner are not included in our “days off”, which allows you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. Your guides are happy to make recommendations should you so desire.
• There is no “support vehicle” on this tour. Each person is responsible for biking the entire tour. But, should anyone fall ill, obtain physical injury, decide to quit early, etc, other accommodations will be made (Train or Bus) to the necessary location(s). The cost for this extra transportation will be at each rider’s own expense.

What is the weather typically like in Netherlands during our tour?

Summer Tours: During July/August the temperature will typically be warm (70 to 80F / 21 to 27 C) although there is a rain shower or breeze that can appear on occasion. We recommend bringing a water-proof rain jacket and a lightweight jacket, as we will be riding each day rain or shine.

Spring Tours: During April/May the temperature will typically be pleasant (61 to 72F / 16 to 22 C) although there is almost certainty of some rain during the trip. We recommend bringing a water-proof rain jacket and a lightweight jacket, as we will be riding each day rain or shine.

What degree of difficulty is the ride? How many miles/kilometers and hours a day are we on the bikes?

The Dutch landscape is extremely flat which allows for easy pedaling. The hills we will come across are brief and small. Our daily riding mileage varies between 35-44 miles (56 to 76 km) per day. Expect about 4-5 hours a day on the bikes. (not including stops).  This would be considered a beginner / intermediate trip. (Level 2 out of 5) . Our pace along the rides greatly depends on the condition of our group. In general we will be traveling at a leisurely pace. Expect lots of stop for taking photos.

What types of roads / terrain will we be riding on?

The Netherlands has an extensive bicycle route system. A good majority of it is traffic-free and will take us through farms, small villages, and alongside streams. The road conditions will be mostly pavement but also include light (about 5-10% dirt paths). Incities like Nijmegen, Den Bosch or Haarlem traffic can be busy, but the Dutch drivers are used to cyclists and you will mostly ride on cyclepaths.

I’m not a strong cyclist. What do I need to do to prepare for the ride?

Our longest day on the bikes will be 44 miles (70 km). In order to properly train for this trip, you should be able to ride your bike at least this distance. While we strongly encourage everyone to train beyond this point if possible, at a minimum please complete a 44-mile / 70-km ride.

What are the maximum number of riders on this trip?

In order to keep the trip organized and give every rider individual attention, the trip will be limited to 12 people (including guides)

How do I reserve my spot?

Simply navigate to the registration page here and pay your $500 deposit now. We will send you a link to pay the remaining balance, which we must receive no later than 2-weeks before the start of the tour.

What if I change my mind or change my travel plans. Can I get a refund?

We will issue a partial refund if applicable. Our cancellation policies can be found on the bottom of our registration page here.

What kind of lodging arrangements are being made?

We will be staying each  night at a hotel (typical 3 stars) in close proximity to the beer destinations. Hotels will feature basic amenities such as showers, laundry, telephone (additional charges will apply for phone usage), WiFi (some hotels may charge extra for this depending on their policies) and bicycle parking. We will be two to a room. (Unless you have requested a private room on our registration page). Riders are to adhere to all hotel rules and regulations.

If I select a “shared room”, who will I be sharing with?

If you are traveling with another person, we will place you together in a room. (there are 2 people and 2 beds per room). If you are traveling by yourself (or with an odd number of people) then we will do our best to match you up with another rider on our tour. You will ALWAYS have the option to select a different roommate if you desire for any reason.

What ages are allowed to attend?

18 and over.

What about drinking and driving? Isn’t it illegal to ride a bicycle intoxicated?

Yes, it is illegal to ride a bike intoxicated. And because the local beer can include a lot more alcohol then an average beer, the follow items are put in place for this tour:

• When possible, our beer / brewery / biercafe visits will be at the end of the day, and within walking distance to the hotels.
• There are several days where the brewery visit is mid-day. Riders will be expected to use moderation when drinking beers during the daily rides. There will be several occasions where we will stop for lunch and have a beer, however, this does not mean we will accept or tolerate over-drinking when additional riding is necessary.
• On most occasions our riders tend  to share beers with each other. This helps everyone a sample a larger variety of beers, limit their intake, and also save money. We encourage this method when possible.
• All riders are required to sign a waiver at the beginning of the tour removing us from liability if over drinking cases any damage of any kind. This is non-negotiable.
• The good news is that Belgian / Dutch beer, while higher in alcohol, also used exceptional quality ingredients. Riders do not typically have problems with dehydration / hangovers / fatigue, assuming they follow the moderation principle.
• Due to each rider’s size / weight / body type, we cannot easily put a hard limit on the amount of drinks one consumes before becoming intoxicated. Since we’re all adults every one will need to make these decisions on their own. (Although our guides won’t hesitate to let you know if  we think you’ve had too much)

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes, you are more than welcome to bring your own bike (and get a discount) with the following conditions:

• In must be in good enough shape to support you and your equipment on a 10-day tour.
• It must have a rear-rack that can hold panniers, which you we can loan you for a price, or you can bring your own for an additional discount.
• You also bring your own helmet and lock.
• You bring your own spare tubes, pump, and patch repair kit.
• Beercycling will not be liable for damages made to your personal bike on the trip, although we will help when possible with mechanical issues or questions.

Meeting the above conditions also means you qualify for the lower rate on our registration page.

What kind of bikes will we ride?

The bikes we use can vary due to availability, but all will include a solid build quality, support for bags / rear rack, and multi-gears suitable for our riding terrain. They will have 21 gears. More specific information can be provided upon request closer to our departure date. As mentioned, we will be traveling at most times at a leisurely pace, depending on the group. The bikes WILL NOT have clip in pedals. No special footwear is required for these bikes. However, if you prefer to bring your own pedals this would be fine.

What if there is an accident or injury?

For minor accidents and illnesses, our guides carry first aid kits and should be able to help out with basic cuts, scraps, upset stomaches, headaches, etc. In addition, at least one guide on each trip is CPR certified in the event it is necessary. For any major accidents or illnesses we will consult local hospitals / emergency services.

What languages do they speak in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands speaks Dutch but English is widely spoken everywhere as well. In order to get you in the Dutch mode ahead of time, we’ve included a few fun phrases for you to try out:

What are the average prices for beer / food / etc in Netherlands?

• Glass of beer = 2.5 Euro for a typical lager. 3 to 4 Euros for craft ales.
• Dinner = Expect about 20 to 30 Euros for a good-sized quality meal.
• Amsterdam is about 30% more expensive across the board for everything.
• Tipping is not obligatory as this is service is included in VAT (Value Added Tax) at all restaurants.

What kind of food will be served?

Breakfasts will mostly consist of a typical “continental style” which will vary, but you can expect: Bread / Jams, Cereal, Milk, Juice, Coffee, Fruit, Pastries, etc. If you prefer to make/buy breakfast elsewhere you are  more than welcome to.

Along the ride the guides will carry snacks that can be shared by the entire group. These will include candy, energy bars, fruit, extra water, etc. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own snacks or buy them along the way as well.

Lunches will consist of either picnic lunches, or dining at bicycle-friendly cafes. For the picnic lunches we will have spreads of meat, cheeses, breads, fruit, chips, among others. There will always be a vegetarian option each day. Again, if you prefer to buy or carry your own lunch every day you are more than welcome to. If you have any special dietary restrictions please  make a  note of this on your registration form. We will do our best to accommodate your requests.

Everyone is on their own for dinner each night except for the three included dinners. In general we will go as a group to a beer cafe / restaurant each night, but this is optional. Typical Dutch cuisine is delicious and can include anything from pasta, sandwhiches, salads, soups, and our favorites: Mussels and Fries. We will enjoy 3 exquise beerdinners in the breweries of Nijmegen (De Hemel), Bodgraven (De Molen) and Haarlem (Jopen Church), that are included in the tour. Drinks on these dinners are not included, the restaurant will recommend us the best beer/food combination, serving the beer in small tasting-glassses for a limited price.

What do I need to pack for the tour?

Since each person will need to carry their own gear and clothes for the entire trip, we recommend packing light. The bags on the bikes are fairly large and should accommodate all necessary baggage. If you run out of room in your bags we can either help you mount another bag on the top of your rear rack, or place some equipment on one of the guides bikes if available. Please keep in mind that you will have use of a storage room at the hotel on Day #1 that you can use and pick up after the tour is over. Laundry facilities will also be available in the big cities (Bruges and Ghent are midway), so we recommend packing about 4 days worth of clothing. A typical packlist for this trip is as follows:

• Lightweight shirts = 3 or 4
• Underwear = 3 or 4 pairs
• Socks = 3 or 4 pairs
• Pants = 1 pair
• Shorts = 1 pair
• Waterproof lightweight rain shell
• Lightweight jacket
• 1 pair of shoes for on the bike (cycling shoes or running/gym shoes is fine)
• 1 pair of shoes for off the bike (hiking sandals or flip flops, or just skip this and use your on-bike shoes)
• Glasses
• Gloves (for cycling, should be lightweight)
• Water bottles = 1 or 2 (or bring a camelpack which can double for extra storage)
• Camera + batteries + charger
• Personal documents (passport, credit cards)
• Hygiene products (toothpaste/brush, floss, deodorant, etc)
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Chapstick
• Deck of cards
• Paper / Pen for journaling
• We do not recommend carrying a laptop computer due to space constraints. Several hotels will have computers you can use, or if you have a “Smart Phone” you can connect it to WiFi in order to get internet access. Some past riders have brought small “netbooks” which squeeze in nicely with luggage.

Are we able to make any changes to the trip itinerary during the tour?

Once we all get a chance to know each other, and discuss our own goals for the trip, we do have the option to make adjustment that suite the entire group. For example, if it is clear we have a few people who prefer a slower pace, and a few people who prefer a faster pace, we can split off into two groups. (since we may have two guides). There will be several occasions where we have an option to “take the short / direct route” or take the “longer / scenic route”. These decisions will be made as necessary along the trip with the consent from the entire group.

What kind of ID / documentation / visas / vaccinations will I need?

Depending on the country you are traveling from, please consult your embassy for visa information prior to arrival. In general, one does not need a visa to enter/exit the Netherlands. Please remember to bring a passport to show identification when necessary along the trip. In general, no special vaccinations are necessary for travel to the Netherlands.

Do I need travel insurance?

It is not required, but it is recommended. This can be used for lost luggage, medical expenses, etc. Each person is on their own for this, we do not offer an insurance policy.

What if Beercycling needs to cancel the trip?

In the very unlikely event that we need to cancel a trip each person will be issued a 100% refund. We cannot, unfortunately, provide a refund for your other expenses like airfare. In all cases Beercycling has backup tour guides waiting should something happen to your primary guide.

Am I required to tip my guides?

Absolutely not, we believe tipping is necessary only if you think the guides performed to your standards and deserve one. (but we’re willing to bet you’ll be so impressed you’ll offer to buy them a new house or two)