FAQ
This section is under development, but please feel free to contact us with questions you would like to see!
1) Do I need to be an experienced cyclist to apply?
Nope! While the physical aspect of these tours is not to be underestimated (no fun if its not a challenge right?!), the vast majority of our riders could be described as novice cyclists, and the first few days of the tours start at a more gradual pace. You are expected to train before the tour to get in riding shape and ensure you are very comfortable on your bicycle to prevent injury, and we will help make sure you have the correct resources.
2) How much do your tours cost and what does it cover?
Fees vary between tours (between $1100 and $1500 this year), and can be found on the ride information page here. These fees cover the hard costs of running the tour, and allow us to direct the vast majority of your fundraising dollars to projects that really need them.
The trip fee covers all food, accommodation, liability insurance, shared group gear and support. You will probably want a small amount of money each day to buy special snacks, drinks, or to supplement your diet if you’re a really big eater!
3) How hard is it to fundraise?
Each tour establishes a minimum fundraising goal, but riders are encouraged to set their own goals. You will be amazed at how supportive people are when you tell them what you’re doing, and we’ll provide you with oodles of fundraising ideas and tips, as well as contacts with past participants for advice and support. While fundraising often seems intimidating before you start, we have never had a participant not meet the minimum requirements and we’ll work with you to make sure you get there.
4) Where does the fundraised money go?
Fundraising is separate from the trip fee, and managed through the Global AFC Opportunity Fund – participants help manage the fund post-tour to support education, microfinance and youth empowerment initiatives at home and in the developing world.
5) How old do I have to be?
Participants must be over 18 years of age.
6) Where do we stay and what do we eat?
One of the best parts of the tours! We rely on community hosts along the route to provide us with free places to stay, and we’ve stayed in schools, churches, hotels, army barracks, office buildings, campsites, fields, houses and just about anywhere else you can imagine. Our hosts are vital links to the communities we stay in and regularly mentioned as a highlight of the trip for participants!
The group buys communal groceries and rotates cooking duties among groups. Meals are usually fairly simple but tasty and nutritious. Vegetarian diets aren’t a problem, though any major dietary restrictions may require other arrangements.
7) Do we have time/days off?
Approximately every 5-6 days we have a non-riding day, which may be completely free or may involve group events, meetings, or planning important to building a strong team. While you will be part of a daily chore group and expected to take part in group activities, we recognize that sometimes you just need a bit of space and strive to provide for this as well – in addition, you have plenty of time throughout the day to ride at your own pace, explore, and to do what you wish most evenings.
8 ) Who plans the group discussions, organizational visits and learning activities?
Some great contacts have been made by past groups, and some activities have proven well worth doing year after year, but much of what happens on your tour, will be decided by you and your teammates and developed from your ideas, knowledge and interests. There will be a mix of formal activities and informal discussions, organizational visits, workshops and presentations – you’ll be challenged to think, that much we can promise!
9) Can I speak with someone who has done a tour?
Absolutely! We have nearly 100 tour alumni, and any number of them would love to tell you all about the realities of life on the road. Just drop us an email at admin@globalafc.org and we’ll connect you.
10) How much should I expect to spend on my bike and gear?
This depends very much on you. It is possible to spend a lot of money on a bike and gear, but you do not need the fanciest new bike, or expensive equipment if these costs are a barrier to you. Riders complete the tour on everything from borrowed mountain bikes (make sure you get it inspected!) to $2000 touring bicycles, and we can help you sort out what is the right combination for you, and it is usually possible to work out a significant discount from retail prices.
11) What safety measures do you take?
Safety is the absolute first priority on our tours, and something we take very seriously. The following is a quick overview and doesn’t cover all our practices – you will receive a much more in depth safety briefing prior to your tour:
- Training and strict expectations about safe cycling practices
- Emergency cell phones
- Bicycle maintenance training and inspections
- Mandatory helmets at ALL times on a bicycle, and no personal listening devices
- Daily rider “pods”, that commit to sticking together throughout the day
- BRIGHT riding jerseys
- First aid kits, allergy and medical information, and emergency contacts kept with the team
- Support vehicle if needed
12) Who leads the tours?
2-3 voluntary ride leaders per tour receive extra training, take on much of the pre-planning, and have the final say in tour decisions on the road. They are not professional guides, nor are they your parents, rather participants like yourself who have taken on extra responsibility and deserve your support and respect. All riders are expected to act as leaders and to help create the best experience possible – ride leaders are there to ensure the tour is a safe, fun and rewarding experience for all of you! Contact us if you’re interested in the extra challenge.
13) Are their non-riding roles related to the tours for people?
Absolutely!
- Our two summer tours are both in need of on the road tour coordinators/drivers each year. This is an expenses paid volunteer position, suitable to someone with a safe driving record and the desire to play an integral role in the team’s success. Support drivers tend to earn the unlimited affection of the team, and face a very challenging role to help keep the tour coordinated.
- Act as a regional coordinator, double checking routes and accommodation arrangements, helping with recruitment, and arranging with discussions and learning opportunities.
