Frequently Asked Questions about the Golden Ring of Russia bicycle tour
How long have you been doing the tour? - We organized the first GRR tour in 1996. Then we did this tour annually since 2002.
Where are your participants from? - As we started our web page in English we had most of our participants from US, UK, Canada and Australia. There were some from France, Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Switzerland, Germany. In every tour we usually have people from 4 and more countries including Russian part which makes our tour very interesting. It is amazing but 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 tour.
How many participants are usually in the group?
From 10 to 20 including Russian part and guides.
Do you have references from past participants?
You can contact some of our past participants by email. Require us about that. We do not place their addresses in Internet.
Route
What is the terrain of the route? - The route is mostly flat as most of the Central Russia but there is some rolling terrain. (see photo reports)
What is the pavement of the roads? - All roads are asphalt in Comfort tour and about 10% are gravel roads (some of them are optional) in Adventure tour. Pay attention that Russian asphalt is not always smooth.
What is the traffic? - We try to choose quiet roads and roads which have wide shoulder. Unfortunately there are no cycle paths in Russia.
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.
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 the individual tour for group of 4 and more of support you with a cycling guide.
What is the possible time for the tour during the season? - The best time is July through August. For indoor accommodation May through September is possible.
Payment, Cost
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 bank transfer or with a credit card. The balance you may pay in Moscow.
What is the best way to bring money to Russia? - You may use your credit card and bring cash (US dollars or Euros but do not bring worn-out notes which are not accepted by Russian banks). ATM machines are available in Moscow and some places during the route. You may also use travelers checks but you have to sell them only yourself in Moscow which is sometimes time-consuming (there are some types of travelers checks which are not accepted by Russian banks).
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 Moscow longer. - No problem. We may book accommodation for you either you come earlier or leave later than tour dates.
I want to see St. Petersburg during my visit to Russia. - St. Petersburg is the great tourist center and worth to be there. We can help you to organize a train trip to St. Petersburg on your own or with other participants after the tour. We can buy train tickets in advance and book a hostel for you. An overnight train is the best way to get there. You can leave you stuff in Moscow for the time of your trip or leave Russia from St. Petersburg.
What kind of accommodation do you have in Adventure and Comfort tour - In adventure tour we stay in cheap hotels, hostels, cottages. Sometimes it is possible to stay in a tent. In comfort tour we stay only in good hotels (double rooms with a shower).
Should I have a tent 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. We have a few places in a van. 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).
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? - There are Internet cafes in Yaroslavl, Kostroma and, of course, Moscow
Can I use mobile (cell) phone in Russia? - We advise to bring your phone if you have one. You can use roaming or buy a SIM-card of Russian provider (the cheapest one costs about $5).
If you did not find the answer ask your question