How to Prepare

Preparing for your mountain or road bike tour:

For optimal physical preparation, we recommend that you ride at least several hours per week during the month preceding the tour. During the tour you will be on your bike every day, and we can assure you that an unprepared bottom is a sore one! If you can’t ride your bike, or don’t own one, take a spin class at your local gym a few times a week. Your level of fitness does affect how much you enjoy your tour. Check your specific itinerary for an idea of your average daily mileage and level of strenuousness – then train appropriately.

Preparing for your hiking tour:

To prepare for the tour, we recommend that you hike, jog or run at least several hours per week during the month preceding the tour. Walk/run in the shoes and socks you are bringing on the trip. This will help prevent blisters and sore feet. Your level of fitness does affect how much you enjoy your tour. Check your specific itinerary for an idea of your average daily mileage and level of strenuousness – then train appropriately.

Preparing for your multi-sport tour:

As an adventurous person, feel free to do whatever you can before the trip. We especially recommend focusing on your bike and walking, as many of the other activities aren’t available for practice. You can leave these specialty sports up to us. Except for biking and hiking, no experience is necessary, just enthusiasm and an open mind ready to try some new adventures. Your level of fitness also affects how much you enjoy your tour. Check your specific itinerary for an idea of your average daily mileage and level of strenuousness, then train appropriately.

Preparing for a tour at high elevations:

Many of our summer adventures take place at high elevations. Most people acclimate easily and without incident; however it is best to be prepared and recognize symptoms when they occur. Being well hydrated before the tour begins and a good level of fitness will help. Many of our high elevation tours offer an easy first day to help people acclimate. Ibuprofen and other light pain relievers can help with headaches. The most common side effects are headache, loss of appetite and sleeplessness. Our guides are well trained to recognize altitude symptoms and will offer suggestions on how to manage them.