To help you decide whether a cycling retreat is for you, we’ve answered our most frequently asked questions about our retreats to help put your mind at ease.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does a typical day on retreat look like?
We want you to enjoy the landscape, people and culture as much as we do and strive to make your Soulfit Adventure a once in a life time experience. Now, we all know from life there are never typical days but what I can say is that each day on a Soulfit Adventure is planned to be filled with as much as possible for you to enjoy. That could mean enjoying fresh fruit plucked from roadside stalls, filling waters bottles from fresh mountain streams, lovely views and awe inspiring vistas, lung filling fresh air and exercise (that means “some climbs”!), wine tastings, a good laugh, being shown the curious, the quirky and the fascinating about each place visited. When it comes to post riding time, there are massages and restorative yoga to indulge to soothe tired bodies, pools to freshen up in, home cook food and wine to enjoy and a luxurious, welcoming place to lay your head at the end of the day.
What will the group be like?
As with any group holiday everyone is different, so it’s impossible to tell, but an ‘average’ group consists of roughly half couples and half solo travellers. There's usually a real mix of ages, from people in their 30s to their 60s and typically my retreats are 70% female and 30% male.
Do I have to participate in all of the cycling and take every yoga class?
This is your week so you're encouraged to take the time you need - whether that means practicing every yoga class offered and all cycling for the week, or it means needing to rest one day instead. All activities are completely voluntary.
How fit do I need to be?
Cycling is a physically demanding activity and can be challenging. Typically, we ride between 60-80 kilometres (sometimes longer) each day with with "up to" 1000 meters elevation gain. We are not a training camp and are focused on you enjoying a stimulating yet relaxed time. For private group bookings, we can create a bespoke cycling itinerary to ensure you get the best out of your time with us, at the level you expect.
What if I'm not a regular cyclist, is this retreat still for me?
The cycling whilst on retreat is moderate to challenging. However as noted above, cycling is a physically demanding activity and the cycling on retreat is designed to challenge you and move you out of your comfort zone. To ensure that you make the most of your time with us, if you are not a regular cyclist, you will need to be comfortable and competent riding a high end road bike on back to back days and we encourage you to implement a training program at a minimum 3 months out from the start of your escape if you are not a regular cyclist. If you would like some assistance in the lead in to your trip with training please contact us.
For those that would like a some extra assistance, road e-Bikes are available on request and are subject to availability.
What are the meals like on retreat?
Enjoying the local food is a highlight of any Soulfit Adventure. You will burn more calories on retreat than you usually do and that means you can indulge and reward yourself along the way.
Breakfast being the most important meal of the day, especially if you are spending a day in the saddle, includes but is not limited to a selection of fresh fruits and stunning fresh produce of the area to enjoy along with porridge/oatmeal. Fresh seeds, nuts, dried fruits, to locally made fresh bread, local honey and jams. If porridge is not your thing, then eggs, avocado and protein options like fresh meats and cheese are also available.
Communal eating to me is a very important part of your retreat and dinner time becomes the ultimate bonding experience reliving the days ride whilst enjoying home cooked cuisine and local wines. Dinners are 3 courses and include locally inspired dishes with locally sourced produce to make sure we have the best in flavour and nutrients from in season produce, all cooked by our in- house cook. All you need to do is open the wine from the honesty bar.
All dietary needs catered for.
What is included in the price?
Typically we include everything from day one until the end of the tour. That will include most meals as per the itinerary - sometimes we give you the freedom to go your own for dinner, for example on the rest days - all transportation costs and entrance fees to anywhere included in the itineraries. You only pay for the optional excursions and activities not included in the itineraries.
Are there any extra charges?
You pay the price advertised and that's it. The only other things you need to pay for are air-tickets, visas, travel insurance, meals and activities, tips/gratuities not listed in the itineraries and expenses of a personal nature.
Can I bring a friend/partner who doesn't want to participate in the cycling?
Absolutely! Non-cycling participants are always welcome. As previously mentioned, all activities are voluntary and I choose the locations of my retreats based on their proximity to places of historical and cultural significance, with easy access to cafes, shops, galleries, museums etc., and there is plenty to see and do in the surrounding areas to keep non-riders happy. A small discount is available for non-cycling participants.
Do I have to be an experienced yogi and what type of yoga classes are offered?
Flexibility is not a requirement on any Soulfit Adventure and the yoga is suitable for all levels, from beginners to more advanced practitioners. Typically, we practice a sports focused restorative or yin yoga class with breath work and meditation every afternoon to restore and calm the bodies parasympathetic nervous system and soothe tired muscles.
What if I am a single traveler?
Many of our guests come alone and we will match you with a same sex single traveler. All the rooms are spacious with separate beds and private bathrooms. It's up to you if you prefer a single room (for an additional fee), but it's not required if signing up alone as we will pair you with another same sex guest.
How do I sign up?
Sign up by using the "I want to be part of the adventure. Sign me up today" link on any of the retreat page of your choice . You will then fill out a booking form, and then make payment. We then will send you an official confirmation and welcome email with a release of liability document to be signed, as well as any pertinent travel information you may need. Alternatively, you can email us via the Contact page and we will email you through all the relevant documentation.