FAQs
WHAT DO WE DO IF IT RAINS?
In the case of bad weather, we will try to complete the day trips anyway. We kindly ask every participant to include rain gear (jacket and trousers) in their day luggage. As a last resort, most day trips can be completed by train. The tour is designed in a way that there is always a cushion of time for potential incidents, for example rain, breakdowns, etc.
IS IT VERY HILLY?
The first couple of days there will be a bit of an up and down and we will have to manage the one or the other ascent; but in the following days the tour is very comfortable and we cycle mostly along rivers.
HOW FAST ARE WE GOING, APPROXIMATELY?
We are not going by a predefined speed, but adapt to respective participants. Based on experience, we usually go as fast as 15 km/h, even with very mixed groups.
HOW OFTEN DO WE TAKE A BREAK?
Usually, we take a break every hour, but always try to adapt to individual needs.
WILL THERE BE SINGING?
We are happy to intone some chorals or other pieces by Bach with the group.
WHAT HAPPENS IN CASE OF A BREAK-DOWN?
In the first instance, we try to fix the break-down ourselves. We kindly ask you to carry the necessary tools with you in your day luggage. In more difficult cases we can rely on our support vehicle and our partners on the ground for help. In the case of a bigger break-down it could be possible that one part of the group continues the tour with one tour guide, while the other guide stays behind.
HOW CAN I PREPARE MYSELF?
We recommend listening to Bach’s music and to be eager to visit all the authentic places of origin. Apart from that, you only need to pack your bike and necessary luggage and off we go!
WHAT IS THERE TO READ IN PREPARATION FOR AND DURING THE TOUR?
There is a huge number of books about J.S. Bach and his life, which are also available in museums along the way. We specially recommend the book, „Exploring the world of J.S. Bach“ by Robert L. Marshall and Traute M. Marshall, published in 2016 (University of Illinois Press). You can read more about the book here.
Also, there is a new translation of “Bach and the Tuning of the World” (Alexander Verlag, 2020) by Jens Johler, available as e-book.
WHERE CAN I PARK MY CAR?
It is possible to park the car in Eisenach/Mühlhausen/Weimar during the course of the tour, please contact us if you plan to do this.
HOW DO I GET BACK TO EISENACH/MÜHLHAUSEN/WEIMAR?
We can organise a transfer from Weimar, Leipzig or Köthen back to Eisenach/Mühlhausen/Weimar, including your luggage and bicycle. You can of course also take the train or travel back home on your own. We don´t offer a transfer at the short tour (Köthener Herbst) from Köthen back to Leipzig since there is good train connection.
HOW ARE THE RENTAL BIKES EQUIPPED?
You can choose a trekking bike or an e-bike. There are several sizes for both. You can also choose between a women´s or men´s bicycle frame; only the smaller e-bikes have a unisex frame. All rental bikes come with a waterproof bag for the daily luggage. You can also select to rent a helmet; we suggest to bring your own helmet if possible.
DO I NEED AN E-BIKE?
We do recommend to use an e-bike to easily master the climbs of the first couple of days and to enjoy the programme of guided tours and museum visits in a more relaxed way.
WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE RENTAL BIKE AT THE END OF THE TOUR?
The rental bike can stay at the last hotel where it will be picked up.
WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN YOUR DAY LUGGAGE?
After you have registered for a tour, we will send you a packing list.
ARE THERE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SWIMMING?
Yes, we pass by rivers and lakes, where we are happy to stop for a swim on a warm day. We will announce this the evening before so that swimwear can be packed into the day luggage.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE LUNCH PACKS?
The lunch packs are prepared for you fresh every day, let us surprise you! Usually, there are 1-2 sandwiches, fruit, cereal bars and a small drink.
DO I NEED SOMETHING ADDITIONAL TO DRINK?
Yes, it is important that everybody has enough to drink, which is why we kindly ask you to each bring your own drinking bottle. It will be possible to refill your bottles with water at the support vehicle during breaks.
COVID-19
Of course we adhere to the applicable hygiene concepts.
- In case the travel has to be cancelled due to the pandemic (e.g. hotels cannot open), we will refund your travel price.
- In case you are not able to travel to us due to the pandemic, we will refund you the travel price if we can cancel all hotels free of charge.
- If a major travel service is cancelled due to the pandemic we will do our best to provide a replacement programme and the discrepancy in the tour price will be refunded.
- In case you get Covid-19, we are not able to refund your travel price. Please consider our recommended travel insurance for this case.
- In case our travel is taking place but you do not want to travel due to security concerns, we are not able to refund the travel price.