FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do we carry our gear? - Each rider receives a gear bag (40-lb limit) that's carried in the baggage van during the day. Riders should carry a large seat bag for storing rain gear and warm clothes. Mesh bags in each vehicle are available to drop off extra clothing throughout the day.
When do we eat? - We prepare a buffet breakfast with hot and cold cereals, bagels, muffins, fruit, juice, and coffee. At 25-35 mile intervals, snacks and drinks are supplied. We provide full lunches near the 70-80 mile mark with a variety of salads, an entrée, fruit, and dessert. Snacks and recovery drinks await at the motel when you arrive. Dinner is not provided, but we stay near multiple dining options.
How fit do I have to be? - Please read the training guidelines, which detail your fitness goals while preparing for PAC Tour. Review our E-Bike policy & recommendations.
Are partial tours available? - Most trips go point to point across the United States. Often, we will offer one week or several days of a tour. Call or email for specific openings or details about your partial tour.
What kind of bike do I need? - Best bike equipment Most ride racing bikes with low gears and reliable wheels. A 34 x 30 low gear is recommended. A triple crankset with lower gears is a good idea. Wheels should have reliable 25- or 28-mm clincher tires suitable for short sections of gravel and rough pavement. Bring a bike that can be serviced with standard bike shop tools. We have many spare bike parts to fit basic Shimano/Campagnolo equipped bicycles.
What is PAC Tour? - PAC Tour (Pacific-Atlantic-Cycling Tour) was started in 1985 by cross-country record holders Susan Notorangelo and Lon Haldeman to offer long-distance cyclists the ultimate cycling vacation. Lon and Susan offer their expertise from over one hundred transcontinental races and tours making PAC Tour run smoothly.
What kind of cyclist rides PAC Tour? - The average age of a PAC Tour rider is 50, though past riders range from 14 to 80. Most have been cycling seriously for at least three years, riding over 5,000 miles yearly. They are looking for adventure, where good cycling is the apex of seeing America on a coast-to-coast bike ride.
What is included in the price of each tour? - Motels, breakfast, lunch, all snack stops, beginning and ending banquets, gear shuttle, technical support, sag service, preparation guidelines, E-newsletter, PAC Tour jersey, T-shirt, large gear bag, and support from the most experienced long-distance cycling staff in the world.
How fast do PAC Tour riders travel? - Depending on the tour... PAC Tour riders average 12-17 mph including rest stops and sightseeing, which means riding down the road at 14-20 mph. Some tours such as Cycling Route 66 and Desert Camp Historic Week are slower paced because stopping and sightseeing are a big part of those tours.
Does everyone ride together? - A staggered start each morning encourages riders to ride at their own pace and regroup at lunch. Generally, people ride with new friends in small groups of 2-3 riders.
What if I have bike trouble? - Two or three vans leapfrog during the day with spare wheels, bikes and equipment. At each motel, an experienced mechanic helps with repairs. All riders should carry a few simple tools, be able to change their own flat tires and adjust their indexed shifting.
Where do we sleep? - Usually a Holiday Inn/Best Western style motel with Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, and/or hot tub. Rooms are double occupancy--two beds with 2 riders per room. Single rooms are available at an additional cost.
How can I sign up? - Contact us for information or register here. Make note of the dates, payment schedules, and cancellation policy. Return the application with your required deposit. More information will be sent to you as you prepare for PAC Tour.
Want to learn more about Lon and Susan? - Lon and Susan have a 5 set DVD collection that covers their successful long-distance racing careers. Order this piece of history today!
Important Notice! PAC Tour was 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.