We arrange cycling holidays in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam
All cycling trips are led by one experienced leader who is there to help you with
any riding difficulties you may encounter as well as any first aid issues or mechanical issues. On the majority of days you will also have vehicle support. The vehicle will stay well away from the cycling when possible and will carry
refreshments, spare mechanical parts and luggage as well as passengers if you
fancy taking a break or a rest day at anytime..
Essential biking wear/equipment you should consider bringing with you
Cycle helmet and water bottles are provided and our bikes do have bottle
holders. We do not supply panniers as clients can leave their bags and
belongings on the support van which will never be over 20km from the riders.
We suggest you bring your own: gloves and shorts; stiff soled cycling shoes or
trainers; eye protection; lightweight waterproofs (bikes do not have
mudguards so a second set is often advisable); insect repellent; sunhat; strong
sunscreen.
The Bikes
Our bikes are good quality lightweight Trek 4700 27speed Mountain bikes with
Shimano Deore components, V Brakes and Rock Shock front suspension. We can
offer a range of frame sizes from 13” to 23.5”. We also hire 24spd Challenger Sport Mountain bikes. It is recommended that when confirming a booking you let us know your height so we can arrange the correct size well in advance. Bikes do not have mudguards.
Any bike trip will be led by an experienced bike guide, proficient in maintaining
and repairing the bikes. All tools and spares will be provided. These will be carried by the support vehicle. Please note on rare occasions a replacement bike may be used due to lack of availability. This bike will be as similar to the above spec as is possible.
If you wish to bring your own bike you are welcome to do so. Please advise us that you are doing so and be sure to contact the airline. Selective Asia are not
responsible for; and cannot guarantee, safe passage of your bike on any local
carriers (flights, land and water transfers) or overnight stays during any itinerary.
Cycling and Safety
Safety is our most important consideration on all cycling holidays. It is our policy
that clients must wear a helmet when cycling on any of our itineraries. We can
provide helmets at time of hire (see above). Be aware that cycling can be
dangerous and accidents can happen, you must be responsible for your own
safety whilst riding. It is customary to sign a disclaimer form with a local
operator before riding a hire bike for insurance purposes.
Traffic rules in Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and even Thailand are not strict - it is
advisable to ask your guide about safe riding on the roads in Asia.
First Aid
All cycling guides have received basic first aid training. It is strongly
recommended that each client brings her/his own personal first aid supplies
and a handy penknife. The kit needs to include antiseptic wound wipes,
antiseptic liquid/cream, steristrips, sterile gauze and bandage, antihistamine
cream, blister plasters, oral rehydration sachets, water purifying tablets.
Transport and Support
Depending on the nature of the cycling tour, there will be a private airconditioned bus, minibus or jeep that will support the riding throughout the
tour. The support bus is there for clients who need to rest, to carry the spare
bike parts, and will often contain refreshments such as water, snacks and soft
drinks. The support bus will follow at a discreet distance at all times. During
transfer sections the bikes will be carried in the bus when necessary. When
riding off-road on single track trails support may be by motorbike. Your guide
will carry water and the first aid kit with him/her until the trail joins the main
track where the larger vehicle will be waiting.
Accommodation on Cycling Holidays
In some of the smaller, less touristy regions, standards will become more
basic. All hotels in these instances are tried-and-tested, clean and offer the
highest available standards to be found in the area.
Away from urban influences, two person tents with sewn-in ground sheets and
mosquito nets are sometimes used on treks. At other times you will be staying
in local village home stays. Here the family may supply a simple mattress,
mosquito net, pillow, sheet and blanket or in the case of more remote
locations, bedding will be provided by your guide. The houses are usually on
stilts with a bamboo wooden floor – surprisingly comfortable! The facilities are
clean but very basic.
Insurance
It is essential that you have a suitable travel insurance policy. It must cover
medical care and helicopter emergency evacuation and repatriation.
Responsible Traveller
With our cycling tours we are continually checking our itineraries to try to make sure that they are as socially, economically and environmentally sound as possible. Our intention is to deliver biking holidays that do not contribute to the destruction of Asia’s cultural and natural environment.
Please note: Adventure itineraries may be altered due to local conditions, the
strength and fitness of participants and other unexpected circumstances. We
will do our very best to adhere to the set itinerary, however on occasions
alterations may be made and your guide will communicate these to you. In all
such circumstances, your biking or trekking guide will have the final say.