FAQs | Slipstream Adventures Cycling Holidays

We want you to be 100% sure you understand what’s included, what is expected of you, and what you can expect of us. That’s why we’ve got some answers below to frequently asked questions. If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, just get in touch and we will be happy to help. The contact form is below.

General Information

  • Our holidays include luxury catered accommodation, airport transfers from the airport listed on your booking page (including your bike), daily guided cycling routes, private chef-prepared meals, secure bike storage, laundry facilities, GPX files, expert support, and local insights.

  • Your flights, travel insurance, bike hire (optional), drinks outside meal times, café stops, personal cycling gear, and additional services like massages.

  • We tailor each week specifically to the group’s ability, but generally, our trips are ideal for riders who can comfortably cycle 70–120 km with 1,000–2,500m climbing per day. If you’re unsure, just ask, we always ensure routes match abilities and we adapt on the go.

  • Absolutely! Many of our guests arrive solo. Slipstream weeks are perfect for meeting like-minded cyclists and building new friendships. We take pride in fostering a supportive, welcoming environment.

  • Yes, we specialise in women-only cycling retreats, carefully designed to create a positive, supportive environment. These weeks are among our most popular and cater specifically to female cyclists looking for camaraderie and confidence-building rides.

Booking and Payment

  • Visit our Booking Pageto reserve your spot. You can either pay in full or secure your place with just a 25% deposit using the code DEPOSIT25 at checkout.

  • Yes, we’re happy to reserve your spot for 48 hours without a fee. Contact us to arrange this.

  • We accept all major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and bank transfers.

Travel and Transfers

  • Geneva Airport (GVA) is the closest and most convenient airport, just over an hour’s transfer to Morzine.

  • Yes, transfers to/from the airport listed in the booking page are included. Our transfer partner meets you upon arrival, transports you and your bike safely, and returns you comfortably at the end of the week.

  • Absolutely! We will do our best to arrange parking at the chalet/villa; otherwise, we will help locate a car park for the week

Bikes & Equipment

  • Both options are available. If hiring, we work with an amazing bike shop that will rent you well-serviced bikes. If you bring your own, we’ll transport it to/from the airport at no extra cost.

  • A road bike with gearing suitable for mountain climbs (ideally a compact chainset and 11–32 or 11–34 cassette). Bikes with Di2 electronic shifting and disc brakes are ideal but not essential.

  • Check our comprehensive What to Pack guide. Essentials include helmet, cycling shoes, multiple kits, arm/leg warmers, gloves, sunglasses, windproof jacket, and puncture repair kit (available locally).

  • Yes, all our accommodation has secure bike storage. Bring your own lock if you want additional peace of mind.

  • This is dependent on your leg strength and your riding style. If you watch Chris Froome cycling he has a very high cadence, to achieve this you may want to go for something like a 50-34 on the front, and an 11-34 on the back. This is known as a 1-1 ratio. This keeps your pedals turning at low speeds on steep gradients. A 52-36 front and 11-32 back will usually be adequate if you’ve got the strength to turn a slower cadence.

  • For Morzine, there are some cycling shops however the stock isn’t guaranteed therefore if it’s essential to bring a backup to cover for if you don’t find it here. Note that if you arrive late the shops may not be open before your first ride therefore we recommend you have the equipment to cover your first day.

Accommodation & Facilities

  • You will be staying in a premium chalet with ensuite bedrooms, secure bike storage, laundry facilities, spacious communal areas, and a hot tub for recovery. Accommodation is located centrally, making it easy to explore the area off-bike.

  • Yes, private rooms are available in our Tuscan villa and can be selected directly on the booking page. Choose this option if you’d like a little extra space and privacy during the week.

  • The breakfast will be continental. In the evening guests usually eat out in one of the many great restaurants. We can recommend places we have tried and tasted.

  • You’ll be staying in a beautiful Tuscan villa with ensuite bedrooms, a private pool, gardens, and spacious communal areas for relaxing together. The villa is set among vineyards and rolling hills of Val d’Orcia, giving you an authentic retreat feel. It’s the perfect base to enjoy poolside recovery, great food, and the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside.

  • Yes, single occupancy are available and are an option on the booking page.

  • Due to the remoteness of the villa, we will arrange transportation to/from the villa to the town for your evening out.

  • Yes, we cater to all dietary requirements. Well before your trip we’ll send you a pre-arrival form where you can let us know your needs. Our chef focuses on fresh, seasonal dishes, and many guests enjoy choosing a plant-based menu during the week for both health and mental wellbeing. Whatever your preference, your meals will be filling, tasty and packing the right nutrition to support your riding.

Routes & Riding

  • We carefully craft every route based on the group’s ability, ensuring a rewarding challenge for everyone. Routes blend iconic climbs, quieter roads, breathtaking views, and quality café stops.

  • This is entirely up to your group. You decide the pace and before your arrival, the itinerary will be sent to your group to ensure everyone is happy with the distance and routes each day in order to get the most enjoyment out of your holiday. We are flexible and understand that things may change on the day

  • Yes, GPX files and detailed itinerary profiles are provided to all guests on arrival. Routes may be adjusted throughout the week to suit the group’s dynamics.

  • No problem! Slipstream weeks are about support and inclusivity. We regroup regularly and structure the week to build towards the most challenging rides. It’s important to understand the expected level, but we’ll always encourage you to push yourself with support. If rides feel too tough, we adapt the route into two options so you can choose an easier or harder day. These will both follow a similar route to keep everyone in contact at various points.

  • Summer is usually hot, high 20’s to low 30’s. It’s not uncommon for it to be in the mid 30’s which is very hot to ride in, especially when the tarmac gives off a greater temperature. It is also not unheard of for it to be extremely cold at the top of a 2,000m col. We recommend bringing layers and deciding on the day whether to just carry a gilet, sleeves, or a full coat in your back pocket.

  • Late spring in Tuscany is warm and sunny, with daytime temperatures typically in the mid-20s to low 30s. Riding on the white gravel roads can feel hotter in full sun, so light, breathable kit is a must. Evenings are cooler, perfect for al fresco dinners by the villa. We recommend bringing a gilet or light layers for descents or early starts, but overall expect classic Italian summer weather - warm days made for riding and relaxing by the pool.

  • We always have contingency plans in place. In the case of poor weather, routes may be adjusted, rescheduled, or alternative activities offered.

  • Every ride is built around great stops as well as great rides. We pause mid-morning for a coffee and pastry, then enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local café or bakery. It’s a chance to soak up the atmosphere, refuel properly, and share the ride with the group. If you’d rather bring your own food, that’s always an option too.

Extras & Services

  • Yes, we can arrange massages and additional services upon request. We’ll send out details ahead of your trip.

  • Yes, comprehensive travel insurance covering cycling activities is mandatory for all Slipstream guests.

  • Our guides are trained and prepared to assist. We also have backup assistance on standby for anything too great to fix roadside.

  • Our holidays are about more than just cycling. You will receive a comprehensive Welcome Guide before your holiday which will go into more detail about what activities you can fit into your trip.

Social & Community

  • Definitely. Slipstream holidays foster strong group connections with communal meals, post-ride drinks, and activities such as yoga, hiking, and lake swimming.

  • Yes! Message us via WhatsApp for a quick conversation, call us or connect with us on Instagram @slipstream.adventures to message or for updates, insights, inspiration, and photos from recent trips.

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