All Roads Lead to Rome
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Can I join for part of the Tour?
Yes, you can join for the full 6 days or the final 3 days. Both of these options can be chosen with hotel accommodation, or without if you already have a place to stay in Rome.
What other alumni are coming?
We will try to keep our “Rider Profiles” page on our website updated with who is participating. We expect to have riders from many TDA editions as well as representing most of our other Tours.
Can I bring a family member, wife/husband, or friend?
Absolutely. They’ll be very welcome. The essence of the Tour is to see Rome by bike and that is something everyone can enjoy.
What is a typical day like?
We will have breakfast at the hotel (if you have chosen the option to stay with us at the hotel) around 8:00am or so each morning. After that we’ll walk over to the bicycle rental company who is organizing the daily rides. There everyone will get on their bike that is being provided for us, and we will start riding under the direction of our local guide.
Each day will have a different route and different sites to see in Rome and it’s vicinity. On 2 days we will actually take a short train ride out of the city to begin our ride, allowing us to see a greater area of Rome.
On those days we will also take the train back into the city when we are done. Train fares are included in the entry fee. On each ride we will stop for a simple lunch in either a pizzeria or café or on some days we will stop in a park or plaza and enjoy a packed lunch that will be supplied for everyone.
The actual riding per/day averages about 30-40km, and time on the bike is usually around 4 hours. However with all the stops, for site seeing and eating the Tours last on average around 6 hours. More details can be seen on our Route page of the website which describes each day.
Depending on the size of the group we will likely split into groups of 12-15 riders for the cycling tours, though of course the dinners will be all together.
On 3 of the nights we will share a dinner together. 2 of the nights are in Rome at local Trattorias and one is outside of Rome. The meals will be plentiful Italian comfort food, expect some amazing pastas, vegetable and olive oil dishes, fresh fish or meat dishes, and of course there will be lots of wine available to drink for anyone who wishes to purchase this.
What bicycle equipment is being provided?
We will be using hybrid type city bikes. They will have 27 gears and a variety of sizes are available. These are comfortable bikes and not “speed machines”. Great for the city.
A helmet is also included, however if you wish you could certainly bring your own. The bikes also have a water bottle cage so you can bring your own water bottle as well.
The bikes will come with standard flat pedals, not clip type pedals. As we will not be cycling long distances and will be making lots of stops and walking around at times this is the most practical type of pedal. If you really want to bring your clip-less pedals and bike shoes for these you can, however you’d have to bring a pedal wrench to take them on and off before and after each ride as the bikes will sometimes be used by other groups on some days.
What about baggage?
You can bring as much baggage as you can fit in the hotel room in Rome.
On the bike you will not need much. Casual and comfortable cycling clothing including a rain jacket in case of inclement weather. Also good to bring a bit of spending money in case that gelato is just too tempting.
What will the weather be like?
October is one of the most beautiful months in Rome. Don’t expect it to be hot, but we can hope for temperatures anywhere from 15-25 degrees Celsius. Of course there is the possibility of rain.
The Tours will run if we are looking at light rain or sporadic rain throughout the day. If there were an extreme downpour that made cycling in the city un-safe then we would have to postpone a few hours or cancel a Tour. This is an unlikely but possible scenario and we will either enjoy a walking tour or make other arrangements in this case.
What staff will be there?
TDA will have 3 staff at the event, including the company founder Henry Gold. We will be there to assist in the overall running of the event, but will not be leading the actual Tours.
Our local partner in Rome is Top Bike Rental. They are experts in touring Rome by bike and their guides will be leading us around the city each day. They will also be choose the restaurants where we will dine together on 3 of the nights.
Will I have time to see the sights of Rome that are not included on the Tours, such as the Vatican etc…?
Yes, some days will wrap up by 12:00-1:00pm. This should allow you time to explore other areas of Rome. In fact our local tour operator is able to arrange guided Tours of the Vatican and Roman Forum, by foot, for those who are interested.
Do I need Travel Medical Insurance?
Yes, you should have insurance for the duration of the time you are away from home, and be sure that your policy covers bicycling.
Am I capable of doing this?
Yes, you can join for the full 6 days or the final 3 days. Both of these options can be chosen with hotel accommodation, or without if you already have a place to stay in Rome.
We will try to keep our “Rider Profiles” page on our website updated with who is participating. We expect to have riders from many TDA editions as well as representing most of our other Tours.
Absolutely. They’ll be very welcome. The essence of the Tour is to see Rome by bike and that is something everyone can enjoy.
We will have breakfast at the hotel (if you have chosen the option to stay with us at the hotel) around 8:00am or so each morning. After that we’ll walk over to the bicycle rental company who is organizing the daily rides. There everyone will get on their bike that is being provided for us, and we will start riding under the direction of our local guide.
Each day will have a different route and different sites to see in Rome and it’s vicinity. On 2 days we will actually take a short train ride out of the city to begin our ride, allowing us to see a greater area of Rome.
On those days we will also take the train back into the city when we are done. Train fares are included in the entry fee. On each ride we will stop for a simple lunch in either a pizzeria or café or on some days we will stop in a park or plaza and enjoy a packed lunch that will be supplied for everyone.
The actual riding per/day averages about 30-40km, and time on the bike is usually around 4 hours. However with all the stops, for site seeing and eating the Tours last on average around 6 hours. More details can be seen on our Route page of the website which describes each day.
Depending on the size of the group we will likely split into groups of 12-15 riders for the cycling tours, though of course the dinners will be all together.
On 3 of the nights we will share a dinner together. 2 of the nights are in Rome at local Trattorias and one is outside of Rome. The meals will be plentiful Italian comfort food, expect some amazing pastas, vegetable and olive oil dishes, fresh fish or meat dishes, and of course there will be lots of wine available to drink for anyone who wishes to purchase this.
We will be using hybrid type city bikes. They will have 27 gears and a variety of sizes are available. These are comfortable bikes and not “speed machines”. Great for the city.
A helmet is also included, however if you wish you could certainly bring your own. The bikes also have a water bottle cage so you can bring your own water bottle as well.
The bikes will come with standard flat pedals, not clip type pedals. As we will not be cycling long distances and will be making lots of stops and walking around at times this is the most practical type of pedal. If you really want to bring your clip-less pedals and bike shoes for these you can, however you’d have to bring a pedal wrench to take them on and off before and after each ride as the bikes will sometimes be used by other groups on some days.
You can bring as much baggage as you can fit in the hotel room in Rome.
On the bike you will not need much. Casual and comfortable cycling clothing including a rain jacket in case of inclement weather. Also good to bring a bit of spending money in case that gelato is just too tempting.
October is one of the most beautiful months in Rome. Don’t expect it to be hot, but we can hope for temperatures anywhere from 15-25 degrees Celsius. Of course there is the possibility of rain.
The Tours will run if we are looking at light rain or sporadic rain throughout the day. If there were an extreme downpour that made cycling in the city un-safe then we would have to postpone a few hours or cancel a Tour. This is an unlikely but possible scenario and we will either enjoy a walking tour or make other arrangements in this case.
TDA will have 3 staff at the event, including the company founder Henry Gold. We will be there to assist in the overall running of the event, but will not be leading the actual Tours.
Our local partner in Rome is Top Bike Rental. They are experts in touring Rome by bike and their guides will be leading us around the city each day. They will also be choose the restaurants where we will dine together on 3 of the nights.
Yes, some days will wrap up by 12:00-1:00pm. This should allow you time to explore other areas of Rome. In fact our local tour operator is able to arrange guided Tours of the Vatican and Roman Forum, by foot, for those who are interested.
Yes, you should have insurance for the duration of the time you are away from home, and be sure that your policy covers bicycling.
