What is PAC Tour? - PAC Tour (Pacific-Atlantic-Cycling Tour) was started in 1985 by cross country record holders Susan Notorangelo and Lon Haldeman as a way to offer the long distance cyclist the ultimate cycling vacation. Lon and Susan will offer their experiences from over sixty transcontinental rides to make your PAC Tour as smooth as possible. The support staff is made up of the most professional individuals including many former Race Across AMerica veterans.
What kind of cyclist rides PAC Tour? - The average PAC Tour rider is 40 years old, although past riders ranged from 14 to 70 years old. Most have been cycling seriously for at least three years with over 5,000 miles of cycling per year. They are looking for an adventure where good cycling is the priority while seeing America.
What is included in the price of each tour? - Motels, breakfast, lunch, all snackstops, beginning and ending banquets, gear shuttle, technical support, sag service, preparation guidelines, alumni newsletter, PAC Tour jersey, T-shirt, large gearbag and crew support from the most experienced long distance cycling staff in the world. - (See package details for each tour on application)
How fast do PAC Tour riders travel? - The average PAC Tour day is 13-17 mph including reststops and sightseeing which means riding down the road at 16-20 mph.
Does everyone ride together? - A staggered start each morning encourages riders of all speeds to ride their own pace and regroup at lunch. In the past, riders usually rode with new friends in small groups of 3-4 riders.
What if I have bike trouble? - Two or three vans will leapfrog during the day with spare wheels, bikes and equipment. At each motel a repair area with an experienced mechanic will help with repairs. All riders should carry a few simple tools, be able to change their own flat tires, and adjust their indexed shifting.
How do we carry our gear? - Each rider will receive a roomy gearbag (40-lb.limit) that will be carried in the baggage van during the day. Riders should still carry a large seatbag for storing raingear and warm clothes. Large mesh bags in each vehicle will be available for riders to drop off extra clothing throughout the day.
When do we eat? - Each morning at the motel, a buffet breakfast is prepared with hot and cold cereals, bagels, muffins, fruit, juice and coffee. During the day at 25-35 mile intervals more snacks and drinks are supplied. A grand lunch is provided near the 70-80 mile mark with a variety of salad, soup, pasta, fruit and dessert. More snacks are provided at the motel when you arrive. Suppers are on your own at filling and economical restaurants near the motel.
Where do we sleep? - We stay at the best motel in town (which is sometimes the only motel in town in rural America). The average motel is a Holiday Inn/Best Western style motel sometimes with a swimming pool and/or hot tub. Rooms are double occupancy with two beds, two riders per room. Single private rooms are available on each tour at an additional cost.
How fit do I have to be? - Based on past participants of PAC Tour they suggest you be fit enough to consistently ride 100 miles in six hours including stops, with 3,000 feet of climbing. Several back to back training days of 150 miles each are a good fitness test for PAC Tour. Please read the training guidelines, which detail your fitness goals while preparing for PAC Tour.
Are partial tours available? - Most PAC Tour trips are from point to point across the United States. Occasionally there are openings for one week or several days of a tour. Cost is based on a portion of the total tour plus the cost of additional commemorative items. Call for specific opening or details about your partial tour.
What kind of bike do I need? - Most PAC Tour riders use a racing style bike with low gears and reliable wheels. A low gear of 39 x 26 will be needed by the strongest riders (for example, Rob Kish, Seana Hogan, Lance Armstrong). A triple crankset with even lower gears is a good idea. Wheels should be 32-36 spoke clinchers with 23-25mm Continental tires suitable for short sections of gravel and rough pavement. Don't out-tech yourself. Bring a bike that can be serviced with standard bikeshop tools. We will have many spare bike parts to fit basic Shimano/Campagnolo equipped bicycles.
How can I sign up? - Please contact PAC Tour for an information packet and carefully read the enclosed application form for your tour. You can also fill out an application online. Make note of the dates, payment schedules and cancellation policy. Return the application with your required deposit. More monthly information will be sent to you as you prepare for PAC Tour.
| Important Notice! PAC Tour is rated by BICYCLING Magazine as "the toughest tour in the world". PAC Tour does not follow the flattest, smoothest or easiest route across the country. PAC Tour routes are designed to offer the best cycling routes each day between motels and points of interest. If you are looking for an easy, flat, tail wind tour across America do not sign up for PAC Tour. |