Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't see the answer to your question here feel free to contact us.
1. Why is it called a the Polka Dot Tour?
2. Who can ride a Polka Dot Tour?
3. How fit do I have to be?
4. The average Ride distance is about 75km per day–that sounds too easy.
5. Is the Polka Dot Tour a race like the Tour de France?
6. Do Polka Dot Tour riders see the Tour de France?
7. How can we ride some climbs AND see le Tour de France?
8. On the Polka Dot Tour TdF do we see the Tour de France every day?
9. Which is the best climb on the Polka Dot Tour?
10. What sort of bike do I need for the Polka Dot Tour?
11. Can I hire a bike?
12. What happens if my bike breaks down?
13. What else do we bring for the Polka Dot Tour?
14. Can someone help me unpack/repack my bike?
15. What training should I do?
16. What if I hate riding downhill?
17. What if I don’t want to ride?
18. How do I get to the start of the Polka Dot Tour with my bike?
19. Do I have to be able to speak French?
20. When do I pay?
21. Can my partner who does not ride come on the Polka Dot Tour?
22. Are there Polka Dot Tours in other countries?
23. Your Tour de France tour seems more expensive than some other operators. How come?
1. Why is it called a Polka Dot Tour? top
We wanted a name that was easy to remember. The best rider in the mountains during the Tour de France is given a jersey with red spots - the 'pointe rouge'. We'll never climb mountains like Richard Verenque but anyone who makes the journey knows what it takes to be King (Queen) of the mountains.
2. Who can ride a Polka Dot Tour? top
Our aim is to assist everybody enjoy as many rides as they want. We all see great scenery with a good group of other riders. Men and women, 25 years old and over 65 years young have reached the peaks on the Polka Dot Tour. During the PDT TdF we tailor rides to suit the time available, terrain and our capabilities. To ride all the PDT Classic and Rouleur climbs in the tour takes a combination of experience, low gears, fitness and persistence.
The Polka Dot Tour Classic and Rouleur itinerary includes at least one climb each day. Some days there are three. Careful route planning and support means that on many days riders have the option of selecting how much riding they want to take on. The flexible itinerary means any bike rider with low enough gears can complete some of the climbs.
3. How fit do I have to be? top
This is strenuous exercise so the usual caveat applies: you should consult your physician before undertaking this activity and determine the risk, if any, to your health. A greater level of fitness will ensure that you will enjoy the rides more. Rest assured that we accommodate riders of different ability and you will not be pressured beyond your comfort level.
4. The average Ride distance is about 75km per day (for the Classic and Rouleur)–that sounds pretty easy. top
It does sound easy doesn’t it? There are three factors: at least 20km each day is constantly uphill: 75km x 7 to 13 days is more than most people usually ride; at the same time we drive almost all the way across the south of France. It turns out to be a big challenge; do-able, amazing and unforgettable.
5. Is the Polka Dot Tour a race like the Tour de France? top
No. Each day we ride at our own pace. We usually have a riding guide at the front and another following up. Often a small bunch of riders keep together at the front and clusters of a few people spread out along the route. We assemble from time to time on the road. Café stops and photo stops tend to spread people out too.
6. Do Polka Dot Classic and Rouleur Tour riders see the Tour de France? top
Only* on TV. We schedule Polka Dot Classic & Rouleur Tours so they are not on the same roads as ‘le Tour’. This means we are not delayed by the extensive road closures associated with the passage of ‘le Tour’. However, on days were we are riding and ‘le Tour’ will be on TV, the plan will be to find a café at around 4:00PM so we can watch the stage finish on television. *The PdT Classic July has an option to meet in Paris pre-tour for the last TdF stage.
7. How can we ride some climbs AND see le Tour de France? top
The Polka Dot Tour TdF follows the Tour de France for the last two weeks of the event while it is in the mountains (mostly). We choose our locations to see the tour so we can ride as many famous roads and climbs as possible. The PDT TdF+Classic catches the Pyreneen TdF stages then, after a day or two, in Paris continues on a mountain cycling feast.
8. Do we see the Tour de France very day? top
Because the Tour de France moves at least 200km every day we need to cover the same or greater total distance. Some days during the PDT TdF we use fast trains (TGV) and a car to leapfrog across France so even though we might get a ride in ourselves we might miss the TdF on those 'transit' days. We try to time transits for days when the TdF has a flatter, post mountain stage.
9. Which is the best climb on the Polka Dot Tour? top
Warren reckons the winding climb up Col de la Croix de Fer is special and when you catch a glimpse of Mont Blanc in the distance it’s hard to disagree. There is an aura of epic adventure around Alpe-d'Huez and Mt Ventoux. Peter thinks descending from Col de Tourmalet is even better than standing at the top.
10. What sort of bike do I need for the Polka Dot Tour? top
Low gears are the key. It’s hard to imagine the persistently steep gradient on some of the Polka Dot Tour climbs. We recommend everyone’s bike be fitted with a cassette with a large cog (27 tooth) on the back wheel, adding a triple or compact crank-set gives the lowest gearing and can mean riders look forward to the challenge.
Of course a light-weight bike is good too. This could be your chance to buy the new wonder-bike-of-your-dreams. We offer substantial discounts at bikeNOW when you enter a Polka Dot Tour to help with all the new stuff you’ll want.
11. Can I hire a bike? top
We recommend you bring you own bike: it is more comfortable. We also have a small fleet of bikes for hire, and can organise hire bikes from local operator (except during the Tour de France).
12. What happens if my bike breaks down? top
That’s where the cycling guides come in. After years of experience in remote areas, Warren and Peter can usually do roadside repairs to get a malfunctioning bike going again-we are never far away. If a bike part breaks there is always a solution. Replacing parts is an option–we have records of where retail stores are. It is useful, but not essential, if you can fix a puncture or do basic adjustments.
13. What else do we bring for the Polka Dot Tour? top
The trick is to bring everything you need and still make the airline weight limits. Starting in January, we send out a monthly information sheet. It covers lots of preparation details, including what to bring. (and not to bring)
14. Can someone help me unpack/repack my bike? top
Sure… Warren! (Hey Pete, I have editing access too!) We'll be organising a couple of bike packing sessions in Melbourne a week or two before each Tour.
15. What training should I do? top
The key is to get on your bike regularly and build up the time you spend on the bike. Starting in January, we send out a monthly information sheet to registered participants. I covers lots of preparation details, including suggested minimum training.
16. What if I hate riding downhill? top
Incroyable! (unbelievable). Actually, it’s common for people to feel uncertain about riding down mountains. There is no hurry to descend and we offer riding technique suggestions and in some cases can set up riders’ bikes differently to make descending more comfortable and braking easier.
17. What if I don’t want to ride? top
We hope you will ride most days. There is always the option to stay with the support vehicle; it can be a bit boring. For the Polka Dot Tour TdF many locations on the race route are only accessible by bike or on foot.
18. How do I get to the start of the Polka Dot Tour with my bike? top
The Polka Dot Tours start (and finish) near big regional cities that have airports and high speed train (TGV) connections. If you are arriving while we are in town we'll meet you when you arrive.
19. Do I have to be able to speak French?
Non! We’ve found that many French people speak a little (or a lot of) English and that riding a bike, a smile, and a polite greeting are a good start to easy dialog. French people are very friendly and supportive if you have a go, we are there to help too. On the climbs, riders have been know to say "pardon my French" so you will probably learn new phrases in English too.
20. When do I pay? top
We ask for a deposit when you book and final payment about 10 weeks before the Polka Dot Tour. Refunds will be made if you cancel early enough. (see Entry Conditions). We recommend you take out travel insurance. See the Book-In page for more detail: Book-in
21. Can my partner who does not ride come on the Polka Dot Tour? top
Of course, but… the Polka Dot Tour is all about cycling. The support vehicle does not necessarily follow the rider's route so traveling with the support vehicle misses some of the best bits. Contact us to find out more about being on the Polka Dot Tour but not riding. contact
22. Are there Polka Dot Tours in other countries? top
In 2012 the only Polka Dot Tour is in France. We are always interested to hear where you would like to bag a few cycling trophies, drop us a line: contact
23. Your Tour de France tour is more expensive than some other operators. top
The PDT TdF is 14 days; we think a Paris start and finish is convenient for participants. Many operators run shorter 6 day to 11 day tours starting in regional France.