Introduction T here are few places on earth that can match the west of Ireland for pure, rugged beauty. There is an extraordinary light here that makes everything appear more vivid: the mossy moorland, the sandstone cliffs, and the cloud-shrouded mountains. Along the coast, Atlantic rollers crash into precipitous cliffs, while deep inlets are home to sheltered fishing harbors and white-sand beaches. Inland, you will find rolling, emerald-green farmland segmented by ancient hedgerows and drystone walls. Complementing the scenery is the warmth of the welcome from a people who seem always to have time to talk and a love of sharing. Sites include bronze-age stone circles, medieval castles and ancient monasteries. The pubs, with their snugs, stouts and live music, complete the picture to create an area that will stimulate the senses and leave you with many happy memories. In crafting your itinerary, our aim is to match your dates, your accommodation preferences, and your riding style as well as incorporate any special requests you may have. I hope you like this itinerary but please tell us how we can change it to make it closer to your ideal trip custom itineraries and personal service are what we are all about. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing one of our favorite places to ride a bike. Tony Blakey Founder U.S. & Canada: 1-888-669-2453 Other +1-415-366-3806 Page: 1
SERVICE ITINERARIES Introduction WHY LIFECYCLE ADVENTURES Our unique blend of custom itineraries and personal service creates the perfect cycling vacation for those who want to explore on their own terms. From the moment you contact us until the end of your trip you will find us responsive, attentive and totally focused on ensuring you have the perfect cycling vacation. Our expert guides live in the areas in which they operate. They have the passion and dedication to deliver superior service and exceptional insight. HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT FROM THE COMPETITION? FEATURE LIFECYCLE ADVENTURES THE COMPETITION GROUP TOURS SELF-GUIDED TOURS Routes Customized Some choice Some choice Dates and Duration Flexible Set Fixed Accommodation A Range Set Some choice Lunches and Dinners We Make Reservations reserve Set On your own Group Size Your Group 12 to 24 Your group Ride Briefings On-Route Support Pre- and Post-Trip Transfers Day 1 in person Daily by phone Van on call Daily in person Van(s) trailing and guide on bike None Limited Yes Sometimes No LifeCycle Adventures gives you the freedom, flexibility and knowledge to enjoy a more authentic travel experience. U.S. & Canada: 1-888-669-2453 Other +1-415-366-3806 Page: 2
Your Logistics Contact Details Lead Guest(s) Dinner/Activity Reservations Email: Cell: Other Guests Notes Trip Specification Start Date Duration 4 days / 3 nights Number of Guests x people room arrangements TBD Typical Route Options Easy 10 to 25 miles per day Intermediate 25 to 40 miles per day Longer 45 to 75 miles per day Start of Trip Downtown Limerick End of Trip Drop-off Downtown Limerick Next Steps 1. Review itinerary and request any changes. 2. Choose your accommodations. 3. We then check availability and confirm the price of the trip. 4. If you want to book, we reserve accommodations and send you a final itinerary and invoice. 5. If everything is OK, pay a 10% deposit to reserve the trip. 6. Enjoy your trip! Bike Rental & Bike Sizes TBD U.S. & Canada: 1-888-669-2453 Other +1-415-366-3806 Page: 3
Itinerary Day 1 Tralee to Dingle Y our trip starts with a van transfer to Tralee. Tralee is the county town for County Kerry and dates back to the 13 th century. On the Intermediate route, you ride out of town on a bike path alongside the River Lee passing windmills and wetlands. You then enjoy a flat section around Tralee Bay with views of the sea to your right and the Slieve Mish Mountains to your left. After the small hamlet of Kilcummin, the road climbs steadily over Conor Pass. This twisting climb, with panoramic views across craggy moorland, is classic Ireland! From the top of Conor Pass, you enjoy five miles of descending to Dingle Bay. Leisure riders will start their ride partway up Conor Pass. Those looking for a Challenge ride will head into the Slieve Mish Mountains for hillier riding along quiet lanes. The Epic ride starts to the east of Tralee and adds 50 miles across rolling countryside before joining the intermediate route in Tralee. You stay overnight in the pretty fishing village of Dingle. The narrow streets and brightlycolored houses of Dingle make this a charming place to wander around. The numerous pubs with live, traditional music are ready when you decide to head indoors. There is even a dolphin Fungie who has lived in the harbor for the past 32 years. Ride Options Leisure 20 miles / 1,400 feet of climbing Intermediate 30 miles / 1,800 feet of climbing Challenge 35 miles / 2,600 feet of climbing Epic 80 miles / 4,700 feet of climbing Highlights Panoramas of Conor Pass Quaint, fishing town of Dingle U.S. & Canada: 1-888-669-2453 Other +1-415-366-3806 Page: 4
Itinerary Day 2 Dingle Loop Day F or many, today s Slea Head loop ride (part of the Wild Atlantic Way) is one of the highlights of their tour. The scenery is stunning: sheltered harbors, sandy beaches, spectacular mountains and classic seascapes with precipitous cliffs. Sights include a prehistoric fort at Dun Beag, ancient, dry-stone beehive huts, and the picturesque village of Ballyferriter. The ride also includes plenty of other interesting stops: a whiskey distillery, a leather workshop, and a Celtic museum. You even have the opportunity to pet sheep and watch sheepdog demonstrations! Intermediate riders climb over the peninsula to return to Dingle across open moorland. Leisure riders will avoid this return climb by turning around at or before Dunquin and riding back to Dingle alongside the coast. There are also regular boat tours across to the abandoned Blasket Islands from Dunquin. Challenge riders will do the Slea Head loop and then add on a loop that includes a ride up Conor Pass, across the Slieve Mish Mountains returning via Inch beach. You again stay overnight in the pretty fishing village of Dingle. Ride Options Leisure Up to 25 miles / 1,400 feet of climbing Intermediate 30 miles / 1,600 feet of climbing Challenge 75 miles / 5,300 feet of climbing Highlights Spectacular Slea Head loop Prehistoric fort and ancient dry-stone beehive huts U.S. & Canada: 1-888-669-2453 Other +1-415-366-3806 Page: 5
Itinerary Day 3 Dingle to Killarney T oday you travel from the small fishing village of Dingle to the vibrant city of Killarney. Strong Intermediate and Challenge riders will ride all the way leaving Dingle on a ridge ride that has sweeping views down to the Atlantic Ocean. After descending to Inch Beach, you enjoy 15 miles of flat cruising alongside Castlemaine Harbour before heading inland to the quaint market town of Milltown. Most riders enjoy lunch here and some have a post-lunch tipple at the local distillery. From Milltown, you ride along quiet lanes crossing rolling farmland peppered with farmhouses. Shortly before reaching the city of Killarney, stop in at Aghadoe for jaw-dropping views of Killarney and Lough Leane. The site also includes ruins of a 13 th -century castle and a Romanesque church well worth a visit. Leisure riders will take a van transfer before joining the ride described above. A good option is to take the van transfer to Milltown where you can enjoy lunch and a visit to the distillery before starting your ride. You stay overnight in bustling Killarney. This bustling resort town was founded in the 18 th Century to welcome visitors to some of the world s most sublime lakeland scenery. The town abuts the tranquil Killarney National Park with its lakefront 15 th -century Ross castle. Ride Options Leisure 15 miles / 900 feet of climbing Intermediate / Challenge 45 miles / 2,300 feet of climbing Highlights Views, castle and monastery at Aghadoe A ridge-ride with stunning views alongside Castlemaine Harbour U.S. & Canada: 1-888-669-2453 Other +1-415-366-3806 Page: 6
Itinerary Day 4 Killarney Loop Day (A) B ikes, boats and buggies (the horse drawn variety) all feature on today s stunning rides that head west of Killarney into the Iveragh Peninsula. Leisure riders start the day riding to the 15 th - century Ross Castle from where you can board a small motorboat (own arrangements) that weaves past multiple islands including Innisfallen with its 7 th -century ruined monastery. The boat docks at Lord Brandon's Cottage a good lunch stop from where you ride up the wild and craggy Gap of Dunloe. At the top of the pass there are stunning views in all directions as you begin a fivemile descent down a steep-sided valley past mountain lakes, over stone bridges and past horse-drawn buggies to Kate Kearney s cottage good for a late lunch or afternoon tea. From here it is an easy run back to Killarney. Iconic Ireland! The intermediate ride is similar to the Leisure ride except that you ride around Lough Leane rather than taking the boat ride. The Challenge ride starts out through the Gap of Dunloe before heading into MacGillycuddy s Reek the mountain range that stretches down the Iveragh Peninsula and includes Ireland s highest peaks. The Epic ride takes on more mountains and mileage around the northern stretches of the Ring of Kerry. You again stay overnight in Killarney on the shores of Lough Leane. Ride Options Leisure 25 miles / 1,200 feet of climbing Intermediate 35 miles / 2,600 feet of climbing Challenge 55 miles / 3,600 feet of climbing Epic 85 miles / 3,900 feet of climbing Highlights The islands of Lough Leane The Gap of Dunloe Ross Castle and Killarney National Park U.S. & Canada: 1-888-669-2453 Other +1-415-366-3806 Page: 7
Accommodations W e spend much of our time visiting and revisiting accommodations. We then choose the properties with the best facilities and warmest welcome across a range of prices. The Prices section explains how the star rating determines the cost of the trip. We typically book standard rooms with upgrades available on request. Note that our star rating system is based on our opinion on quality as well as the cost of the accommodation. As such, it often aligns with the rating system of the Irish Tourist Board but not always. Dingle Castlewood House Greenmount House This 12-bedroom boutique hotel has appeared on numerous top ten lists for Ireland and deservedly so. The owners, Helen and Brian Heaton, welcome guests personally and with great warmth. The rooms are individually and tastefully decorated with most having views of the sea. Breakfast is a gourmet feast while the location makes for an easy 10- minute walk to the center of town. This family-run hotel is situated on the eastern fringes of the town with breathtaking views across farmland to Dingle Bay. The property itself is modern but has the atmosphere of a traditional country-house hotel. Rooms are spacious and well-equipped. The property is set in private gardens and is an easy 10-minute walk to the center of town. The Lighthouse B&B This family-run B&B is set on the hill just north of the town center. As such it has breathtaking views across the town and out to sea. Bedrooms are simple and comfortable with nice bathrooms though some have sloped ceilings. Communal areas include a lounge and a small patio that is perfect for enjoying the sunset. U.S. & Canada: 1-888-669-2453 Other +1-415-366-3806 Page: 8
Accommodations Killarney Great Southern Killarney Killarney Lodge Ashville House This Killarney icon (formerly The Malton) has been providing luxury accommodation and exceptional service since 1854. The property has recently undergone a two-year refurbishment to restore it to its former position as Killarney s premier hotel. Facilities include a spa, pool and gourmet restaurant. Located in 6 acres of peaceful gardens the hotel is just a short stroll to the bustling downtown. Guesthouse Catherine and Marcus, who run this 16-room guesthouse are wonderfully welcoming and well-informed about the area. Rooms are simple, comfortable and well-appointed. There are nicely-kept communal areas including a lounge and garden. The property is located a few minutes walk from both the town center and Killarney National Park. B&B This well-run B&B is simple, clean and welcoming. While the outside of the building is relatively plain, the interior is tastefully decorated and rooms, though not large, are clean and comfortable. All rooms have basic en suite bathrooms and there is a pleasant residents lounge. It is a five-minute walk to the restaurants and stores in the center of town. U.S. & Canada: 1-888-669-2453 Other +1-415-366-3806 Page: 9
Prices & Services Prices Our prices vary according to the duration of the trip and the standard of lodging you choose. The table below shows you the price per person for two people sharing accommodations. Ins & Outs Package The trip price includes: 3 Days $1,310 $1,440 $1,550 4 Days $1,670 $1,860 $2,030 5 Days $1,930 $2,170 $2,380 6 Days $2,160 $2,460 $2,720 7 Days $2,330 $2,680 $2,990 GPS units, cycling maps, directions and a custom guidebook; one set per couple. Private transfer from downtown Limerick or other location as listed in Your Logistics earlier. Detailed map briefing and bike fitting at the start of your tour. Accommodation for each night of your tour with breakfast the following morning unless breakfast is explicitly excluded in the accommodation description earlier. Prices quoted are per person but assume there two people sharing a room. Guide available via phone 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. On-call roadside assistance 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for mechanical issues. Luggage transported between lodgings. Transfers along all or part of the route to coincide with luggage moves to be arranged at least 24 hours in advance. The trip price does not include: Lunches and dinners. Our guidebooks are full of great recommendations and we would be happy to make reservations for you. An on-bike guide. Activities such as distillery tours, boat tours and spa treatments. However, we would be pleased to make reservations on your behalf. Transfers to sites to which it is not practical to ride. We would be pleased to arrange such transfers for a fee see Optional Extras below. U.S. & Canada: 1-888-669-2453 Other +1-415-366-3806 Page: 10
Prices & Services Bike Rental As many of our guests bring their own bikes, we quote separately for bike rental. We rent three styles of bikes. As with many aspects of our trips, choose which best suits you. Bike Per Day Per Week Hybrid Bike $25 $125 Road Bike $40 $240 Premium Road Bike $65 $390 E-Bike $55 $330 Hybrid Road Bike E-Bike Hybrids bikes are a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike. They have a relaxed riding position and are great for beginners and intermediate riders. A typical model is the Trek 7.3 FX with Shimano components and high-pressure road tires for better cycling efficiency than your typical hybrid. Our road bikes are a racing style bike with drop handlebars. The road bikes are faster bikes than the hybrids with less upright riding position and will be enjoyed by intermediate and experienced riders. A typical model is the Trek Domane 2.3 with aluminum frame, carbon forks, and Shimano 105 components. Our E-Bikes are designed to give you a little extra assistance when climbing hills. The ride position is very similar to our hybrids. We typically rent Scott E Sub equipped with a 250W E-drive Bosch motor. If one rider in a couple is stronger than the other, an E-Bike can be a great choice for the less-strong rider. U.S. & Canada: 1-888-669-2453 Other +1-415-366-3806 Page: 11
Prices & Services Optional Extras Transfers from Other Start or End Points Typically, we collect guests from their hotel in downtown Limerick. We are also pleased to collect you from other locations such as Shannon Airport, Downtown Cork or Cork Airport. Please ask about the cost of these, alternative, logistics. U.S. & Canada: 1-888-669-2453 Other +1-415-366-3806 Page: 12
Other Information Climate The climate in the southwest of Ireland is influenced by its proximity of the Atlantic Ocean and the prevailing winds that blow onshore from the southwest. These conditions result in a climate that is mild, changeable and moist. The best time to visit is from mid-may to early-september. The sunniest months are May and June, with an average of five to seven hours of sunshine per day. July and August are the warmest months, but it is rarely hot. While the wettest months are December and January, rainfall is common throughout the year. However, the Atlantic weather fronts pass quickly, and it is common for a day to include both sunshine and rain. Whenever you choose to travel, you should pack waterproofs and warm clothing. The charts below show the monthly average temperatures (in Fahrenheit) and rainfall (in inches) for Killarney, a town at the center of our tours. AVERAGE TEMPERATURES ( F) Average Highs 63 66 66 63 59 58 48 48 37 37 51 39 55 41 45 50 53 53 50 47 Average Lows 52 41 50 40 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC AVERAGE RAINFALL (INCHES) 6.1 5.3 5.6 6.3 4.5 4.3 4.3 2.7 3.1 2.7 2.8 3.6 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec U.S. & Canada: 1-888-669-2453 Other +1-415-366-3806 Page: 13
Other Information Where to Stay Before the Trip Guests typically stay in Limerick before and/or after their trip. If you would like us to make reservations, just let us know. If you are making your own arrangements, we have had good feedback from guests for the following hotels and B&Bs: Limerick Hotels No. 1 Pery Square http://oneperysquare.com/ Limerick Strand Hotel https://www.strandhotellimerick.ie The George Limerick https:// www.georgelimerick.com Arrival & Departure Information You will be met at the time and place listed in Your Logistics earlier. If you would like to change this, please let us know. There are two good options for getting to Limerick: There are direct flights to Shannon Airport from many European airports as well as a few US airports including Boston, New York, and Newark. The easiest way to get to Limerick from the airport is by taxi, which takes around 20 minutes and should cost 35.00. There is also a bus service every 30 minutes that costs 10.00 pp and takes around 30 minutes. There are more flights to Dublin airport including from most major European cities and some North American cities, including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toronto, and Washington. Taxis from the airport to the center of Dublin cost 25.00 to 30.00 and take around 30 minutes. Express buses cost 10.00 pp and take about the same time. There are direct buses from Dublin Airport to Limerick that take between 2:40 and 3:40 hours. There are also hourly trains from the center of Dublin to Limerick that take just over 2 hours and cost 15.00 to 30.00 pp. U.S. & Canada: 1-888-669-2453 Other +1-415-366-3806 Page: 14
Terms & Conditions Payment A payment of 10% of the total price is required to secure a reservation. Payment of the balance is due 60 days prior to the start of the trip. Booking Form Once your deposit is paid, we will send you a booking form requesting details such as bike rental requirements, dietary restrictions, and an emergency contact. The booking form includes a Cycle Tour Accident Waiver and Release of Liability. A copy of this form can be found at http://www.lifecycleadventures.com/waiver/. Guests who fail to provide a signed waiver prior to the start of a trip will not be allowed to take part in the trip and the cancellation policy will apply. Cancellation Policy We give a full refund less a $150 administration fee for any trip cancelled over 90 days before the start of the trip. After this date, refunds are made according to the following schedule: From 61 to 90 days: 90% of the full trip price is refunded unless you choose to rebook a trip with a start date within 18 months of the original start date in which case your current payments will be applied to the new trip less an administration fee of $150. From 15 to 60 days of the start of the trip your choice of EITHER a 50% refund OR 75% of the trip price applied towards a future trip with LifeCycle Adventures. The latter option only applies when the cancelled trip has been paid for in full and the future trip starts within 18 months of the original start date. Within 15 days of travel: sorry, no refund. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance to cover you in the event of having to cancel your trip. Unless other arrangements are mutually agreed upon, the failure of a participant to be present at the start of the trip at the time and location specified in this itinerary will be treated as a cancellation and the cancellation policy will apply. Leaving your trip early for any reason will be treated as a cancellation and no refund will be given. Travel Insurance In signing the Cycle Tour Accident Waiver and Release of Liability form you certify that you either have insurance to cover you in the event of needing medical treatment and to cover any losses associated with participation in the trip or you are prepared to cover these costs yourself. We recommend checking with your current insurance providers to understand your coverage. Should you choose to purchase travel insurance, the following sites aim to compare travel insurance policies and might be helpful: www.squaremouth.com and www.insuremytrip.com. U.S. & Canada: 1-888-669-2453 Other +1-415-366-3806 Page: 15
Terms & Conditions Itinerary Changes We reserve the right to make route, accommodation, date, and bike model changes as caused by circumstances beyond our control or unforeseen circumstances. If such changes become necessary, we will make like-for-like substitutions to help ensure quality is maintained. In the event that we cancel a trip for any reason other than Force Majeure, you will be given a full refund that will constitute full settlement. We will not reimburse you for any personal expenses such as airline tickets, hotels or other travel expenses. We shall not be liable for any refunds or compensation in the event we cancel your booking due to reasons of Force Majeure. Examples of "Force Majeure" include Acts of God (including fire, flood, earthquake, storm, hurricane or other natural disaster), epidemics, health risks and pandemics, government orders or actions, civil disturbances, war or threat of war, acts of foreign enemies, or terrorist activities. U.S. & Canada: 1-888-669-2453 Other +1-415-366-3806 Page: 16
Contact Details Go Ahead, Make My Day! Don t leave me hanging; let me know what you think of this itinerary I prepared for you. To make it easy, here are some choices! A. I loved it, but the timing s not quite right. B. Some minor tweaks and we ll be ready to go. C. It s perfect, how do I book? D. Richard Branson just called to invite me to his private island for a month all expenses paid. So, maybe next year! Just let me know how I can help! Stacey Royce Head of Sales and Co-Owner LifeCycle Adventures LIFECYCLE ADVENTURES www.lifecycleadventures.com stacey@lifecycleadventures.com U.S. & Canada: 1-888-669-2453 Other Countries: +1-415-366-3806 U.S. & Canada: 1-888-669-2453 Other +1-415-366-3806 Page: 17