Frequently Asked Questions about the Golden Ring of Russia bicycle tour
How long have you been doing the guided tours? - We organized the first Golden Ring of Russia bike tour in 1996. Then we have been doing this tour annually since 2002 and Moscow - St. Petersburg since 2009. See our photo reports.
Where are your participants from? - From all over the world. In every tour we usually have people from 4 and more countries including Russian part which makes our tour very interesting. Some people took part in more than one tour. If you like, we’ll put you in contact with some of our past riders who have a similar cycling background as yourself and you can talk to them directly and openly about our tours.
How many participants are usually in the group?
Usually from 10 to 20 including Russian part and guides.
Do you have references from past participants?
See our testimonial page. You can contact some of our past participants by email. Require us about that.
Route
What is the terrain of your routes? - Our route are mostly in the Central Russia, which is mostly flat but there is some rolling terrain. (see photo reports)
What is the surface of the roads? - All roads are asphalt in comfort tours and about 10% are gravel roads (some of them are optional) in adventure tours. Pay attention that Russian asphalt is not always smooth. We do not recommend tires less than 32 mm wide. (bicycles for the tour)
What is the traffic? - We try to choose quiet roads and roads with wide shoulder.
Itinerary
What is your pace? Should we all be in a pack?- We usually cycle 15 - 20 km per hour in average (10 - 12 ml/h). But you can keep your own pace. We gather all group in turn points where our support car waits you.
What will happen if I am tired? - The support car is always ready to give you a lift. If you are a beginner you'd better choose Golden Ring of Russia tour rather than Moscow - St. Petersburg or Karelia.
What if my bike is broken? - Our guides will help you does not matter if a bike is yours or rented.
Time
Unfortunately your schedule does not suit me. - Please, let us know your possible time - may be we will organize additional tours. We also can organize an individual group tour or support you with a cycling guide. Subscribe our tour newsletter
Payment
When and how should I pay for the tour? - You should pay a deposit after our confirmation (usually in February - March) within 1 month by a credit card or bank transfer. The balance you may pay the same way 1 month before tour starts or upon arrival.
What is the best way to bring money to Russia? - You may use your credit card (ATM machines are available in big cities) and bring cash (preferably US dollars or Euros but do not bring worn-out notes which are not accepted by Russian banks). You may also use travelers checks but you have to sell them only yourself in Moscow which is time-consuming (there are some types of travelers checks which are not accepted by Russian banks). We do not recommend to use them.
What if you do not have minimum of participants for the tour? - For the time we accept a deposit we have already decided about the tour.
I want to stay in Russia longer. - No problem. We may book accommodation for you either you come earlier or leave later than tour dates.
I would prefer Golden Ring of Russia tour but want to see St. Petersburg during my visit to Russia. - The Golden Ring of Russia is maybe a better choice for the first tour. You should know that there are fast trains (4 hours) and night trains (8 hours with comfortable sleeping compartments) between Moscow and St. Petersburg. We can help you to organize a train trip to St. Petersburg on your own after the tour. We may buy train tickets in advance and book a hotel for you.
I am not sure which tour to choose. - You should know that Moscow - St. Petersburg is more difficult because of daily mileage and has less museum program than Golden Ring of Russia.
What kind of accommodation do you have in Adventure and Comfort tour - In adventure tour we stay in less expensive hotels, hostels, cabins with double rooms or dorms. In comfort tour we stay only in higher quality hotels (only double or single accommodation with WC and shower in the room).
Should I bring a tent or other camping gears in the Adventure tour? - No, but if you prefer to stay in tent it is possible in some places.
Can I take children with me? - According to Russian Traffic Code only people 14 and older are allowed on the roads by bicycle. Children under 14's should be attached to an adult's bike (for example). We always have a support car and we think it would be a great experience for them if they are able to cycle up to 70 km (40 ml) per days. All children under 18's must be accompanied in the tour by a parent or guardian.
Can my "Non-riding" spouse or friend come with me? - Yes. You should describe it in your application form.
What type of bike is better for the tour? - Your can ride any type. We recommend road bikes or hybrids with 28" wheels (32 - 40 mm wide). They are available for rent.
Can I use tandem or recumbent bicycle for the tour? - Yes.
Can I rent a bike for the tour? - Yes. We have mostly hybrids for rent.
Can I use Internet during the tour? - In comfort tour Wi-Fi is available in many hotels.
Can I use mobile (cell) phone in Russia? - We advise to bring your phone if you have one. (It is 900/1800 MHz GSM frequency in Russia like in Europe, Asia, Australia.) Roaming is expensive but if your phone is unlocked you may buy Russian provider’s SIM card (the cheapest one costs about $5).
If you did not find the answer ask your question