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1 Introduction W e are Bruno & Gabi and we ll be taking care of you during your trip to Hawaii. We re excited to introduce you to the island that we call home. For an adventurous cyclist, there is nothing quite like riding a complete circuit of our beautiful island. You get to see far more than a typical tourist as well as experiencing a range of cultures, terrain, and climates. Highlights include: Quiet lanes and cattle farms in the highlands around Waimea The red road of Puna that skirts the coast for 15 miles Volcano National Park the world s most active volcanoes The classic white-sand beaches, palm trees and vibrant sunsets at Waikoloa 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 is what we re all about. Once you are happy with your itinerary, we would be delighted to help with restaurant reservations and to book any non-cycling activities such as scuba diving, kayaking, or snorkeling. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing our favorite places. Bruno & Gabi Giovanoli Hawaii Area Managers US & Canada: Other Page: 1

2 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. LifeCycle Adventures gives you the freedom, flexibility and knowledge to enjoy a more authentic travel experience. US & Canada: Other Page: 2

3 Your Logistics Contact Details Lead Guest(s) Address TBD Dinner/Activity Reservations None. Cell: Other Guests Notes Trip Specification Start Date TBD Duration 6 days / 5 nights Number of Places 2 people room arrangements TBD Average Level Short 20 to 25 miles per day Intermediate 25 to 35 miles per day Challenging 40 to 60 miles per day Start of Trip Pick-up x:xx AM Kona International Airport Next Steps 1. Review itinerary and alert us to 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 accommodation and send you a final itinerary & invoice. 5. If everything is OK, pay a 10% deposit to reserve the trip. 6. Enjoy your trip! End of Trip Drop-off x:xx PM Kona International Airport Bike Rental & Bike Sizes TBD US & Canada: Other Page: 3

4 Itinerary Day 1 Waikoloa to Honoka a I t is a little under 20 miles from Waikoloa to Waimea but don t be fooled by the distance as you are climbing for some 10 of those miles and ascend 3,050 feet. If this sounds daunting, don t worry, there s no rush and we would be pleased to give you a van transfer up the hill. Those that like a bit of a challenge will relish the climb that goes from the ocean up to the highlands; transitioning from the coast to the open cattle ranches of Waimea highlands and scenery reminiscent of Ireland. Waimea is a charming country town surrounded by the Parker Ranch; the largest privatelyowned cattle ranch in the US. Paniolo cowboy culture dominates but this small community also boasts some excellent restaurants as well as golf courses, theaters and craft stores. You complete the day riding down to Honoka a for a further 15 miles mostly downhill along the Old Mamalahoa Hwy. This is one of the most beautiful rides on the island. The descent alternates between thick woodland and open grassland. There is little traffic and sweeping views up to up to Mauna Kea. Honoka a is an old sugar town where sugar production effectively ended in It is now a sleepy town on the tropical side of the island. It is also the gateway town for the Waipi o Valley, and the town sees a steady trickle of tourists that stop in at its historic downtown. Ride Options Short 15 miles / +370 feet (van xfer to Waimea) Intermediate 35 miles / +3,400 feet Challenging 55 miles / +4,400 feet (+ loop to Waipi o) Other Information Sights & Activities Parker Ranch has a store and horseback riding tours. The Anna Ranch Heritage Center is a well preserved ranch home. The WM Keck Observatory Office is worth a visit if you re not planning a trip to the top of Mauna Kea. The Isaacs Gallery is worth a visit for both the art and the building. US & Canada: Other Page: 4

5 Itinerary Day 2 Honoka a to Hilo M ost riders choose to start the day with a relatively easy ride out-and-back to the stunning Waipi o Lookout. From the Lookout, you can hike down into the Waipi o Valley or take a Jeep ride. On the return route, there is a worthwhile 3- mile detour to get to the fascinating vanilla farm of the family-run Hawaiian Vanilla Company. How much of the route you ride from Honoka a to Hilo will depend on your appetite for miles and your tolerance for rain and traffic. While we get you off the highway wherever possible, most of the riding is on the main highway and this stretch of road can be a little busy and rainy. As with all the days, your support vehicle will be nearby should you want to take advantage of a transfer or ride only part of the way. Ride Options Short 20 miles / +1,000 feet (Waipi o loop) Intermediate 35 miles / +2,500 feet (to Laupahoehoe) Challenging 60 miles / +3,800 feet Other Information Sights & Activities Near Honoka a, the farm of the Hawaiian Vanilla Company has a nice store and a fascinating tour Waipi o Lookout US & Canada: Other Page: 5

6 Itinerary Day 3 Hilo to Volcano National Park T he highlight of today s ride is the 15-mile Red Road along the Puna coast. This is one of the most scenic stretches of road in the state of Hawaii. However, being tucked away in the eastern corner of the Island, it is also little visited and you will see very few cars. The road hugs the rugged coastline; sometimes along cliffs, sometimes through dense jungle. Lava fields, coconut groves and beaches add to the variation. How you get to this exceptional road is up to you. We can transfer you there so you arrive refreshed or you can ride from Hilo or something in between. Similarly, once you have ridden the red road we are happy to transfer you to the town of Volcano or you can continue the ride. But be warned, if you choose to ride you will enjoy an additional 40 miles with 4,600 feet of climbing. Ride Options [to Honoka a] Short 30 miles / (with van transfer to Pahoa) Intermediate 40 miles / feet (ride to Kalapana) Challenging 80 miles / feet Other Information Sights & Activities The Red Road US & Canada: Other Page: 6

7 Itinerary Day 4 Volcano National Park Loop Day T oday you visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park one of the must visit sights in Hawaii. The park encompasses two active volcanoes: Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world's most massive subaerial volcano. The park offers dramatic volcanic landscapes as well as glimpses of rare flora and fauna. You broadly have two choices today: Take our van shuttle into the park and enjoy a hiking adventure in the park as well as visiting the Main sights; or, if you want to stick with your bike, you will ride into the park and cruise along the Chain of Craters Road all the way to the ocean. At the end of the ride you can ride back to your accommodation or take a van transfer. After nightfall, you have the option to travel back into the park to see the glow of volcanic activity subject to the conditions at the time. Ride Options [from Honoka a] Short 20 miles / +180 feet Intermediate 30 miles / +600 feet Challenging 50 miles / feet Other Information Sights & Activities Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Chain of Craters Road US & Canada: Other Page: 7

8 Itinerary Day 5 Volcano National Park to Captain Cook T hose looking for an easier day today, will take a van transfer to Pahala from where you ride the stunningly beautiful Kaalaiki Upper Road. The route takes you through sugar-cane fields, past meadows and pastures, and into dense forests. You also get great views of cinder cones and the ocean. After riding along the deserted Kaalaiki Upper Road, you have the opportunity to ride across open grasslands to the southernmost point in the fifty US states: South Point. On most days you see people diving off the cliffs into the ocean. From South Point, most people take a van transfer up to Captain Cook. The route is beautiful but the wind can also be a challenge. If you want to ride more, there are more sheltered loops once you get to Captain Cook. Captain Cook is a small town with a cluster of B&Bs and low-key restaurants and cafes. Anyone aggressive enough to ride the whole of today s route will enjoy 100 miles of riding and climb 6,000 feet. Ride Options [from Honoka a] Short 15 miles / +1,100 feet (van xfer to Pahala and from Naalehu) Intermediate 30 miles / +2,000 feet (van xfer to Pahala and from South Point) Challenging 105 miles / +6,000 feet Other Information Sights & Activities Kaalaiki Upper Road South Point US & Canada: Other Page: 8

9 Itinerary Day 6 Captain Cook to Kailua-Kona or Waikoloa I t is just a short ride up the lush coast to Kona. Most of the riding is through the coffee belt and there are several opportunities to visit farms large and small. On Wednesdays or Fridays, chocoholics might want to make a short detour to the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory for one of their earlymorning tours. You then descend down into Kona with fine views down to the tropical coast. Those wanting to ride a little further might take in a loop to the Place of Refuge before heading north to Kona. This loop includes an interesting Painted Church. Kona is where the action is on the Big Island. Once a sleepy fishing village, this is now the island s main tourist town. As you d expect, there is no shortage of restaurants and tour agencies. But despite the bustle, Kona retains a seaside charm with a decent snorkeling beach. You can even try your hand at outrigger canoeing. In the evening, enjoy a pleasant after-dinner stroll along Ali i Drive. NOTE: Those staying in in Waikoloa, you continue north (riding or with a van transfer) on the Queen Ka ahumanu Highway. You will see many triathletes along this stretch of road as it is a popular training run for the Ironman. This is your last day and will include a transfer to either the airport or your final destination as detailed in the Logistics section above. Ride Options Short 15 miles / +500 feet (to Kona) Intermediate 30 miles; +2,400 (first loop to Place of Refuge then north to Kona) Challenging 60 miles / +3,400 feet (first loop to Place of Refuge then north to Waikoloa) Other Information Sights & Activities Pu uhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge) is a little south of Captain Cook and one of the best historic Hawaiian sites on the island. The nearby Painted Church is also a charming, unexpected gem. Coffee plantation tours and chocolate factory tour Snorkeling and kayaking. US & Canada: Other Page: 9

10 Accommodation W e spend much of our time visiting and revisiting accommodation. We then choose the properties with the best facilities and warmest welcome across a range of prices. Our accommodations fall into four categories. The Prices section, below, explains how this category determines the cost of the trip. We typically book standard rooms with upgrades available on request. All accommodations are subject to availability. Honoka a Waipi o Wayside Inn Stay as the guest of Jacqueline Horne in this small B&B set above the Hamakua coast. Built in 1932 for a plantation superintendent, the Inn retains a real sense of history and the bedrooms feature hand-made Hawaiian quilts, antique furniture and original artwork. NOTE: The property is 2½ miles outside of Honoka a so we will arrange to drive you to dinner. Hilo Hilo Hawaiian The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel by Castle resorts is a modern hotel that sits on Hilo Bay in parkland just outside of Hilo. The hotel is modern with spacious rooms. The hotel is convenient, clean and comfortable rather than charming though the location right on the Bay is nice. NOTE: The property is 1½ from the center of Hilo but there are dining options nearby. Alternatively, the walk to town is pleasant. We are also pleased to drive you to dinner by arrangement. Volcano Hale Ohia Cottages A cluster of cottages set on an historic estate centered on a Queen-Anne-style mansion built in the 1930s. Rooms are simple but charming and most have fireplaces. The property is well located, just a short walk to the center of the village. Continental breakfast is provided in room the night before. US & Canada: Other Page: 10

11 Accommodation Captain Cook Ka awa Loa Plantation This charming guesthouse-retreat is also a start-up coffee farm. The 5-acre estate is nestled in tropical surroundings at 1,200 feet just below the town of Captain Cook. Ownermanagers Greg and Michael are gracious hosts and make a great breakfast. The building is a classic Hawaiian plantation home. NOTE: It is 1½ miles uphill to the center of Captain Cook. NOTE: It is not practical to walk from the accommodations in Captain Cook to a restaurant. Unless you plan to self-cater, we will arrange a transfer to dinner. US & Canada: Other Page: 11

12 Prices & Services Prices Our prices vary according to the duration of the trip and the number of people in your group. The table below shows you the price per person for two people sharing accommodation. Ins & Outs Package 2-Person 4-Person 6-Person 8-Person 6 Days $2,780 $2,480 $2,180 $1,970 The trip price includes: Bike fitting at the start of your tour. Daily map briefings. Single supplement: 6-day: $850 Accommodation for each night of your tour and breakfast the following morning unless explicitly excluded in the accommodation description above. Guide and van available from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and for dinner transfers where specified for accommodation. Luggage transported between lodgings. Transfers along all or part of the route as needed. Detailed maps and directions or GPS units. The trip price does not include: Lunches and dinners are not included. Your guide has great recommendations and would be happy to make reservations for you. An on-bike guide though this option is available for an extra charge. Activities such as helicopter rides, mountain bike excursions, and spa treatments are not included but we would be pleased to make reservations on your behalf. US & Canada: Other Page: 12

13 Prices & Services Bike Rental As many of our guests bring their own bikes, we quote separately for bike rental. Bike Per Day Per Week Standard Road Bike $40 $240 Premium Road Bike $65 $390 See the Other Information section below for details of our rental bikes. We rent two styles of bikes. As with many aspects of our trips, choose which best suits you. Standard Road Bike Our standard road bikes are a racing style bike with drop handlebars. A typical bike in this category is the Specialized Roubaix with a carbon frame, carbon forks and Shimano 105 componentry. These are great bikes for the hills of Hawaii and will be enjoyed by both intermediate and more experienced cyclists. Premium Road Bike Our premium road bikes are light and fast racing bikes. A typical bike in this category is the Specialized Tarmac: full carbon with Shimano Ultegra componentry. Experienced riders will appreciate the lightness, stiffness and mechanics of these high-end bikes. Bike Shipping If you are bringing your own bike and would like to ship it ahead of time, we would be pleased to arrange for a local bike shop to receive and assemble it for you and then pack it up and return it at the end of your tour. LifeCycle Adventures will collect it from the store and deliver it to you at the start of the trip and take it back to the shop at the end of the trip. While we can make the booking, you would pay the bike shop directly. A typical charge on the Island for receipt, assembly, packing and delivery to shipper is $155 per bike. We strongly recommend that you take out insurance when shipping your bike. US & Canada: Other Page: 13

14 Prices & Services Optional Extras Transfers from Further Afield Typically, we collect and return guests from their hotel in Waikoloa or Kona. However, we re pleased to collect you from other locations on the island. Any west coast locations (from Captain Cook to Hawi, including Waimea), are included in the price and there is a $100 supplement for pick-ups & drop-offs from/to other island locations. Extra Days in Hawaii We can arrange extra days in Hawaii either before and/or after your bike tour including hotel bookings, activities and tours. Popular excursions include whale watching, and star gazing on Mauna Kea. US & Canada: Other Page: 14

15 Other Information Climate There s no bad time to visit Hawaii! The Big Island enjoys a mild climate year round with temperatures on the coast between 70 F and 80 F. Winter lasts from November through April and is slightly cooler and wetter. However, location is the real predictor of temperature and rainfall. Generally the west coast is hot and dry. It gets wetter the further east you go and cooler the higher you go especially in the evening. Like any tropical island, there can also be windy days. The charts below show the monthly average temperatures (in Fahrenheit) and rainfall (in inches) for the towns of Waikoloa (west), Hawi (northwest), Waimea (central highlands) and Captain Cook (southwest). 90 WAIKOLOA Average High 90 WAIMEA Average Low 70 Average High Average Low Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 30 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec HAWI Average High CAPTAIN COOK Average High Average Low Average Low Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 30 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec WAIKOLOA WAIMEA HAWI 8 CAPTAIN COOK Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec US & Canada: Other Page: 15

16 Other Information Where to Stay Before or After Your Trip Guests who are extending their trips typically stay on the Kona Coast or the Kohala Coast. If you want a pure resort experience with great beaches, head to the Kohala Coast. If you want to be in a town, stay in Kailua-Kona. Kailua-Kona Hotels Kona Beach Hotel Keauhou Beach Resort Keauhou Bay Resort Kona Tiki Hotel Kohala Coast Hotels Four Seasons Resort Waikoloa Beach Marriott Arrival & Departure Information You will be met at the time and place listed in your Trip Specification above. Most people choose to fly in and out of Kona International Airport (KOA). The following table lists the airlines and destinations served by Kona International Airport. Air Canada Alaska Airlines American Airlines Delta Air Lines Hawaiian Airlines Island Air United Airlines US Airways WestJet Chicago Denver Los Angeles Oakland Phoenix Portland, OR San Francisco San Jose Seattle Vancouver US & Canada: Other Page: 16

17 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 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. 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: and US & Canada: Other Page: 17

18 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 ensure quality is maintained. In the history of the company, we have never cancelled a trip. 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. US & Canada: Other Page: 18

19 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 Stacey@lifecycleadventures.com U.S. & Canada: Other Countries: US & Canada: Other Page: 19