VOLCANOES MEXICO BICYCLE TOUR
Manzanillo to Manzanillo.

Hope you can come and join us in the sun for a bicycle tour along some of Mexico’s most traditional towns. We’ll pay a visit to small towns in Jalisco & Colima states where few ‘Gringo’ tourists ever set foot. We’ll start at the beach and then we’ll head into the mountains where you’ll get to experience the real Mexico. This will be our second time riding this route, be part of the adventure.

Getting There & Back

Our tour begins and finishes in the city of Manzanillo (Santiago). We rendezvous with riders the evening of March 10th at our hotel. The airport is 18 miles north of town-- a taxi ride is about $30-35 US. There are Suburban taxis at the airport which can easily accommodate a bike box. Some people may choose to fly in and out of Puerto Vallarta which means a 5 hour bus ride to and from Manzanillo. Guadalajara is another option to fly in and out of with a bit shorter bus ride. If you plan to spend some extra time in Manzanillo, Guadalajara or a nearby beach or village we can help you arrange that. Alaska, American Airlines, America West, Continental Airlines, Aeromexico, Mexicana, West Jet, among others fly to Manzanillo, Guadalajara and PV Airports.

Getting In

A passport is now required for passing through or returning to the U.S. and Canada. A Mexican Tourist Card is also required –these will be handed out on the airplane, hang on to it; you will need it at the time of your return.

The Riding

The roads are paved and for the most part in good shape. There are some stretches of packed gravel road and shuttles will be available. Our van will carry a comprehensive set of tools and a floor pump. A road bike is preferable, although a mountain bike with slicks will do too. Bike rentals options are limited. We might have access to some road or mountain bikes depending on your size and needs. Let us know in advance about renting although we recommend bringing your own. - Airlines may charge from $60 - $100 one-way per bike. All airlines have different policies about carrying bikes, check thier websites.

Riders are expected to ride the distances, but in the event of sore knees or illness, we will make arrangements for a shuttle.
Helmets are mandatory. A safety vest is a GOOD idea. For stretches, there is very little shoulder, but there is very little traffic too and for the most part, Mexican drivers are great. Some traffic is expected getting in and out of Colima and Manzanillo.

Accommodations

We will rest in a variety of hotels all clean and well situated. Rooms are booked on a double occupancy basis; if traveling solo, we’ll try to find you a same sex roommate, if this is not possible; because hotel pricing we’ll collect 50% of the single supplement fee on the final payment; if a roommate is found we’ll refund you the supplement fee. Persons wishing a room to themselves may do so at their own expense (add $385Can). Note: while on the topic of roommates--- Mexican hotels / towns are noisier than Canadian. Everything is made of tile, so reflects noise. Mexicans tend to stay up late, roosters are common and you roommate might snore ---- ear plugs work magic.




Water

Bottled water can be purchased in all towns and is readily available at hotels where we’ll stay at. Our van carries several six gallon jugs to keep a supply of clean fresh water. Bicycle touring in Mexico requires you drink lots of liquids. Your bike should have the capacity to carry a minimum of 2 water bottles.

Meals

We provide 8 meals throughout the course of the tour ( 1 Lunch and 7 Breakfasts).
We provide basic breakfasts so you can get an early start on the day.
There will always be plenty of bananas, peanut butter and honey handy for anyone wanting to pack a snack for the ride. A fruit platter will be available at the end of most rides. People are on their own for beer and wine ---we’ll keep a cooler full and you can simply replace what you drink.

Climate

At this time of year, nights will be cool, average 10C/50F and the afternoons could get up to 35C/95F. It is your holiday so you can start to ride at whatever time of day you like, but early mornings are a good idea to beat the heat. Rain is very unlikely.

Other

  • We require that all cyclists purchase medical insurance valid in Mexico. Travel agents or your bank can arrange this. We buy ours through BCAA.
  • Canadian dollars are very difficult to exchange US dollars are preferable.
  • Bank machines will be available everywhere except in two of the smallest towns.

Cost

$1245 CAD. Per person on double occupancy. Add $385 CAD. single occupancy.
$100 non-refundable deposit reserves a spot. Full payment is due 60 days before the tour starts. (January 10th, 2012). Add $385Can if you prefer single occupancy. We are not required to collect tax on this trip (tour is outside Canada). Please make cheques payable to GABRIOLA ISLAND CYCLE & KAYAK. We are not able to process credit cards. Thank you.
Cancellation fee 31-60 days prior to the start: Full deposit + 20% final payment.
Cancellation fee 1-30 days prior to the start: Full deposit + 40% final payment.

We Provide

  • 10 nights in hotels/double occupancy from March 10th -19th
  • 8 meals (7 breakfasts, 1 lunch)
  • support vehicle
  • snacks at the end of some rides
  • support vehicle
  • bike mechanic
  • Mexican bilingual guides
  • Bike logs/maps

Not Included

  • Airfare to/from Mexico
  • Airport pick-up/drop-off
  • bike (some rentals available from local shops)
  • alcohol (we keep a cooler full, everyone chips in)
  • incidentals during the trip

 

Note: Minimum 10 to run the trip. Please check for availability.

 

Tour Dates

March 10th - 20th, 2012

9 riding days / 10 nights accommodation

COST: $1245 CAD based on double occupancy.

Add $385 CAD for single occupancy.

There is no tax charged on trips outside Canada.

ONE FEMALE SPOT OPEN ONLY!

THANK YOU.


Please check for availability and make sure to send in your deposit to secure your reservation.







Photo Gallery
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Out of El Paraiso, Colima, Mexico.



Volcano Ride, Colima, Mexico.



To Minatitlan, Mexico.



Fresh mangoes.



Ballet Folklorico de la Universidad de Colima



Horses out of Colima, Mexico.