iron donkey tours

• Great Britain
• 8 - 10 Days
• 11 - 14 Days
• Self Guided (Open Departure)
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• Guided (Scheduled Departure)

Heart of Wales Self-Guided

Extended Route

Wales is a fantastic place for a cycling holiday in the UK. This bespoke itinerary explores the beautiful and remote centre of Wales including the Brecon Beacons National park, the Wye Valley and the Vale of Usk.

Starting from Abergavenny, the first leg leads west following the Monmouth and Brecon Canal to the historic town of Brecon. Leaving Brecon you follow the valley of the River Wye north via Builth Wells to Rhayader for a two night halt. The loop ride explores the Elan Valley. The next leg takes you south east through remote terrain to Hay-on-Wye for another two night halt. From Hay, the loop ride explores the Golden Valley. The final leg leads south over Gospel Pass in the Vale of Ewyas, passing Llanthony Priory on the way back to Abergavenny.

With this self-guided tour you will get to enjoy some of the best cycle touring that Wales has to offer.

The Monmouth and Brecon Canal

The Brecon Beacons

The reservoirs of the Elan Valley

Feeding time at the red kites centre in Rhayader

The Heart of Wales railway

Offa’s Dyke – the ancient defensive wall between England and Wales

Exploring the fascinating bookshops in Hay-on-Wye

The ascent of (and descent from) Gospel Pass

Llanthony Priory

Greosmont Castle

What's included

7 nights accommodation with breakfast

Pre-trip planner

All routing, maps, cue sheets and gpx tracks

Emergency telephone support

• Meet, greet and bike fitting

Regional Handbook

Bike rental

Luggage Transfers

Evening meals

Core Tour Cost £795

Hybrid bicycle rental £150

Road bicycle rental £215

E-bicycle rental £230

Luggage Transfers £280 (for two people)

Single Supplement £275

Arrive into the pretty town of Abergavenny, settle into your accommodation and get set up on your bikes and taken through the routing

Abergavenny to Brecon- (35 miles)- The day starts out with a relatively steep climb coming out of Abergavenny on very minor roads. You then have then option to visit the National heritage Museum of Mining, an industry the area was once known for. You can then take the option of following the scenic towpath along the canal all the way into Brecon.

Brecon to Rhayader (39 miles)- Again the day starts out with a reasonable climb on scenic, quiet country lanes, passing through tiny hamlets and villages. You then have the choice to take on the aptly named "Devil's Staircase", which is every bit as challenging as the name suggests! The last section of the ride is on cycle lanes and paths, with little or no traffic to speak of,

Rhayader Loop ride (18, 28 or 33 miles)- This is a lovely ride around the scenic reservoirs of the Elan Valley to the west of Rhayader. You can stop to visit Elan Village to learn more about the reservoirs that were created to supply to needs of the heavy industries of the English Midlands. The core circuit is quite short, but you can lengthen it by riding one, two, or all three of the optional extensions. You may like to get back to Rhayader in time to see the feeding time at the Red Kite Feeding Centre.

Rhayader to Hay-on-Wye (37 miles)- This is very much the quintessential rural mid-Wales! Traffic you encounter is far more likely to come in the form of wondering sheep than vehicles. There are some short but steep climbs as you begin to approach the stunning town of Hay-on-Wye

Hay-on-Wye Loop ride (21, 34 or 44 miles)-

The route is a loop to the southeast of Hay-on-Wye. You first ride east on with some great views over the River Wye to the north. At Tyberton you climb to the west before dropping down to Peterchurch in the Golden Valley. From here the core route turns north again to return to Hay. The extension takes you a bit further south to Ewyas Harold and Longtown, before turning north and rejoining the core route at Michaelchurch Escley. You may chose to spend at least part of your day exploring the myriad of bookshops that Hay has become world famous for.

Hay-on-Wye to Abergavenny (22 miles)- The day starts with a great climb over Gospel Pass followed by a descent of the Vale of Ewyas to Llanthony Priory. From here you continue south to Stanton and then turn east to Grosmont to visit Grosmont Castle. South of Grosmont is Skenfrith – and another castle! Monmouth to the south is a busy, bustling town. To visit the main town centre you have to cross the Monnow Bridge. The last stretch from Monmouth to Abergavenny follows the course of the busy A40 on minor roads. If you haven’t had enough of castles, you can visit the impressive Raglan Castle

Accommodation-

The standard accommodations for this region's self-guided itineraries are guesthouses and bed and breakfasts (B&Bs). Generally, these have between 4 and 10 guest rooms and the owners/providers live on the premises. In almost all cases the bathroom facilities are ensuite (self-contained within the room), and the room facilities usually include a television and tea/coffee making facilities. There is a communal reading / television lounge. Small family run hotels are also used in a few locations. The providers are excellent sources of local information.

Breakfast is always included. Most guesthouses do not offer an evening meal.

When you book a tour, your pre-trip planner will have more details about the specific facilities and services provided by the accommodations.

Examples of our guesthouses in this region include;

• Abergavenny Hotel
• Grange Guest House

Getting there-

The most convenient international airports are Cardiff Airport , Bristol Airport and London’s Heathrow Airport. Gatwick Airport is a bit further away and less convenient than Heathrow, but still doable.

From Cardiff Airport you can get to Cardiff Central Station by Cardiff Bus (every hour) or by taxi – journey time is around 25 minutes. Arriva trains run an hourly service from Rhoose Cardiff International Airport Station to Cardiff Central Station – but you have to take a taxi or bus to the Rhoose station.

From Cardiff Central Station there are hourly trains to Abergavenny run by Arriva – journey time around one hour.

From Bristol Airport the Bristol International Flyer is a regular shuttle bus that stops at Bristol Temple Meads Railway Station and terminates at Bristol Bus Station, with a journey time of around 25 minutes.

From Bristol Temple Meads you can take a First Great Western train to Newport and then an Arriva train form Newport to Abergavenny

From London Heathrow Airport, National Express runs a direct bus service to Newport (2 hrs 30 mins). From Newport take an Arriva train to Abergavenny.

Alternatively Railair operates a regular bus shuttle from Heathrow to Reading Station from where you can take a First Great Western train to Newport. From Newport take an Arriva train to Abergavenny.

Otherwise from Heathrow take the Heathrow Express to London Paddington Station (15 mins) and take a First Great Western train from Paddington to Newport. From Newport take an Arriva train to Abergavenny.

From Gatwick Airport , take the Gatwick Express to London Victoria Station (30 mins). Then either take a National Express bus from Victoria Coach Station (5 mins walk from Victoria Rail Station) to Newport, or take a London Bus or the Underground to Paddington Station and take a First Great Western train to Newport. From Newport take an Arriva train to Abergavenny.

On arrival in Abergavenny, it is easiest to take a taxi to your accommodation.

Wales, In common with the rest of the UK, has a temperate climate – meaning that it never really gets very hot or really cold. The best times to visit is during the summer months. May, June, July, August and September are generally the sunniest and driest months. During the winter it can rain quite a bit, but temperatures rarely drop below zero. Places close to the English border and in SE Wales have colder winters and warmer summers.

The UK is well known for the variability of its weather – from day to day, season to season, year to year and place to place. Its position in the mid-latitude westerly wind belt on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean with its relatively warm waters, yet close to the continental influences of mainland Europe, plays a major role in this. Changes in topography and land use over relatively short distances, together with a long coastline and numerous islands, all add to the variety of weather.

In general, places in the east and south of the UK tend to be drier, warmer, sunnier and less windy than those further west and north. Also, these favourable weather conditions usually occur more often in the spring and summer than in autumn and winter.

Fixed Costs

£795 per person sharing, to include;

• 7 nights' accommodation with breakfast
• Pre-Trip Information Booklet and Planner
• On call telephone support
• All mapping, routes and cue sheets with gpx tracks

Optional costs

The standard charge is based on one or two riders. A couple would therefore share the luggage transfer costs. There is then a small additional fee for the third and each additional person. For example:

• Total cost for one or two riders = 280 (140 per person based on two people sharing)
• Total cost for three riders = 280 + 20= 300 (100 per person)
• Total cost for four riders = 280 + 20 + 20 = 320 (80 per person)

Note that the more riders in the group, the less expensive are the luggage transfers per rider

Bicycle Rental-

Cube aim hybrid, genesis equilibrium road bike.

Hilly but beautiful

The scenery was awesome, the people were wonderful and we enjoyed every minute!

We were glad that you had warned us about about the hills in Wales - we had plenty of time to get ourselves into shape for the trip. The scenery was awesome, the people were wonderful and we enjoyed every minute!

What a beautiful area

Hay is the most charming town in the UK we have been to

Where to start. we had a wonderful time in Wales, and couldn't have asked for more. A particular highlight was Hay, which was the most charming town we have been to on our travels in the UK. Some of the routes were tricky, but we managed, and the scenery was worth it!

We felt very well looked after

We felt very looked after. I want to thank you for putting it all together for us. next year we would like to try Scotland. We will be in touch

Are you ready to find your next adventure? Leave us your details to make an enquiry.

+44 (0) 7780 496969

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IronDonkey Tours

October 14, 2016 By gbd-admin No comments yet

There are two unique and interesting features which makes IronDonkey stand out in the bike tour industry. First of all, they have the most extensive list of trips in the UK that we've seen: Ireland, England, Wales, Scotland (as well as Italy and Spain). The main idea is to find regions in these countries that make for excellent bicycle touring (great scenery, low-traffic roads, good accommodations, varied sites of interest, etc.). Secondly, they are incredibly flexible in adjusting trips to all levels of ability (through optional distance and climbing add-ons). By building a variety of routes in each region, they are able to custom fit the tour for each guest, not force the guest to fit to the tour. They provide guided and self-guided tours, and even divide the self-guided trips into three levels: those with medium level of support, low levels (called an independent tour), or custom group tours based on your preferences. As they say, they offer tours to the whole cycling spectrum – from newcomers right up to seasoned club riders – with route options for all abilities.

Regional Notes:

• Operator Type : Regional Operator
• Website : http://www.irondonkey.com/
• Price Tier : $$
• Country : England, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Spain, Wales

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It is self-guided. Wilma (one of the company staff) was available for phone calls (they needed a tyre fixed in Clifden and she arranged to get it repaired), Howevert she doesn't check in on you or follow up to make sure everything is working as expected. They thought the bikes were a bit heavy, but perfect for the conditions/roads. The routes were well articulated and thought out - mileage accurate. The lodging was perfect (not too simple - not too fancy).

I have sent you a contact for the customer if you have specific questions.

The Great Western Greenway is one popular alternative which is open to everyone, including bike hire at several locations: http://www.greenway.ie

That's bad form indeed, however that was 8 years ago. The person I was in contact about their trip last September (above) did give me the impression that the Customer Service aspect of the trip could have been "tighter".

My husband I are did the Connemara tour last summer for our honeymoon! It was wonderful! We loved having the big things arranged for us (hotels, routes) combined with the freedom to explore on our own. Highly recommend this tour and this company!

Oh for GODS sake - GIVE US A BREAK, we're not all leprechauns here.

Speak for yourself Bryno :o))

You are long enough in TA, Bryno, to know that every time there is a bad post about some of these tour companies, someone comes along who has had one of those life changing, spiritualistic episodes as a result of the company. This person is inevitably someone who has never posted before and is unlikely to post again.

You're right. Donkey tours for sure.

All in all the service was excellent and the price quite reasonable. We are planning another trip to either the Republic or Spain, probably in mid-summer.

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The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

Ride rating system, rescheduled ireland - southwest peninsulas 2023.

• Ride Coordinator
• Tour Company
• Iron Donkey Bicycle Tours
• Starting Location
• Finishing Location
• Estimated Cost †
• Number of Riders
• 23 (min. 16 /max. 23)
• Space Available
• No. of Pending Riders

Ride Rating

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

Ireland's Southwest Peninsulas  - 2023

OVERVIEW:   This ride has  some of the most stunning scenery in Ireland. The Southwest of Ireland is renowned for its archaeological treasures and for the hospitality and warmth of its native population. The area offers an abundance of superb cycling routes.

Centered on the beautiful town of Killarney, the region encompasses five spectacular peninsulas, each with its own unique scenery and attractions.

To the west of Killarney, the beauty of the Ring of Kerry coastline is legendary. To the south, Beara is another wonderfully rugged and beautiful peninsula stretching out into the Atlantic. Sheep’s Head, the smallest and least visited of the peninsulas, has a quiet charm all of its own. Further south Mizen Head at the extremity of the Mizen Peninsula is the most southerly point on the Irish mainland.

North of Iveragh, the Dingle Peninsula has sublime coastal scenery and some of Ireland’s most fascinating antiquities. Offshore islands, the Skelligs and the Blaskets are the best known of the region’s islands.

THE RIDES:   We begin our stay in Killarney and spend the day exploring the rugged and remote Gap of Dunloe and visiting Killarney National Park, Muckross House, and Ross Castle.  

From Killarney we ride east to Gougane Barra, and then south to meet the coast at Bantry.

Using this as a base for two nights we explore remote Sheeps Head, before following the coast north to the Beara Peninsula. The spectacular Healey Pass takes us through the Caha Mountains to Kenmare for another two night stop. The Ring of Kerry occupies the next 3 days, with the option to visit Skellig Michael by boat. The wonderful Dingle Peninsula is then explored, and the trip ends in the colorful town of Tralee.

ATTRACTIONS:   Lakes of Killarney, Muckross House, Macgillacuddy’s Reeks, Gap of Dunloe, Kate Kearney’s Cottage, Moll’s Gap, Meeting of the Waters, Gougane Barra, Bantry House,  Garinish Island, Beara Peninsula, Ring of Kerry, Derrynane House, Skellig Michael, Gallarus Oratory, Slea Head, Dunbeg Fort, Valentia Island, Kenmare’s musical pubs......  

RIDE RATING:  The average daily required riding distance is 38 miles with an average daily elevation gain of 2479 feet, putting it slightly under the threshold for level 2. Two required riding days exceed the 2500' climbing limit for a level 2 ride (2663 and 3017 feet). In addition, one day's route is 50.3 miles with a climbing level of 2976 feet, but an easier alternative is available.

WEATHER:  May  is usually mild in Southwest Ireland with an average daily low of 45 degrees F, and an average daily high of 60 degrees F.  Average rainfall for the month of May is 2.3 inches.  This  IS  Ireland however, and you should be prepared for cooler temperatures and rain at any time.

LODGING & MEALS:   The ride cost covers 13 nights accommodations, Killarney (2), Gougane Barra, Bantry (2), Kenmare (2), Waterville (2), Killorglin, Dingle (2) and Tralee. All lodging is in three and four star hotels. 

Meals:  13 breakfasts and 7 dinners are included in the tour cost.

LOGISTICS:   Most people will fly into Dublin, although Shannon is a possibility (Ask the ride leader if you plan to travel via Shannon).  If you have the time, Dublin is a fantastic destination, and deserving of a few sightseeing days by itself.  Airport transport between Dublin and Killarney can be arranged for an additional fee if there is a demand. The tour officially begins in Killarney on Sunday, May 14 at the Riverside Hotel with an introductory get-together at 6:30 PM and dinner at 7:30 PM.  The tour officially ends on Saturday, May 27 after breakfast in Tralee. Airport transport between Tralee and Dublin can also be arranged for an additional fee if there is a demand. The cost of the shuttles will be determined by the number of passengers.  There are also several public transportation options for travel between Tralee and Dublin.   NOTE:  Transportation from Tralee to Dublin may take up to 5 hours.  Please allow plenty of time when making your plane reservations home.  

COST & ADMINISTRATION:   Included in the $3640 tour costs are 13 nights accommodation, all breakfasts, seven dinners, electronic cue sheets, maps, GPS files, luggage transfer, van pickup for emergency only  (no sag) , and   bike box transfer and storage. Tips for driver/guides and group meals are included in tour costs. The price is calculated on an approximate exchange rate of $1.30 to the Euro. Some fluctuation may occur between now and May 2023, requiring a price adjustment.  Bikes and Garmin GPS units are available for rent from Iron Donkey and arrangements must be made directly with them. E-Bikes and tandems are allowed on a case by case basis - contact ride leader prior to signing up for the ride. Entrance fees to tourist sites and any special side trips are not included.  Nightly happy hour/business meetings will be held in or near the hotel pubs.   NOTE: due to hotel restrictions  in Ireland  traditional  BAC cocktail hours  are not included, however we have budgeted one drink per  person  per Happy Hour  to be  in the tour cost.   Any  other  food or  additional  drinks  must be purchased by  the participants.

SINGLES POLICY:   It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own.  However, after receipt of the initial deposit, a single without a roommate will be placed on the ride and given until September 1, 2022 to find a roommate. If they are unable to find a roommate, they will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the $100 BAC fee and payment processing fee) or pay the $900 single supplement and stay on the ride.  If a single pays the supplement, they may continue to seek a roommate, but must plan to participate without a roommate if necessary.  Single supplement payments will need to be made by check directly to the Ride Leader.  The Ride Leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride. 

CANCELLATION POLICY:   The $100 BAC ride registration fee and payment processing fee are not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled due to participation below stated minimum requirements.  Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped.  The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations.  If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time.  If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed.  If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the cancelling roommate may also be liable for the single supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour.  BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

In addition to the BAC Cancellation policy, those who cancel may be subject to Iron Donkey's cancellation policy: If the participant cancels, then the following penalties will apply. (all amounts are subject to adjustment based upon the exchange rate in effect at the time).

Between 90 days and 30 days before departure there is a penalty of €537.50 or $698.75 (unless replacement(s) found).

Between 30 days before departure and departure there is a penalty of €2150 or $2795 (unless replacement(s) found).

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY:   Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support.  Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles.  Note that the van is for luggage transport and not a “Sag Wagon”. All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour.  We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from Ride Leader.  While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and clean-up.  Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour.  Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you may have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

SIGN-UP:  To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the non-refundable BAC fee ($100) and tour deposit of $1500 by credit card. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. Final payment of $2140 is due no later than February 1, 2023. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.

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Bicycle Adventure Club PO BOX 23998 San Diego, CA 92193 Telephone (858) 715-9510 [email protected]

Tandem Events

An intangible benefit of being a tandem couple is not only the relationship of captain to stoker, but also the connection you share with other tandem riders. In the late 60s, Honda Motorcycles launched a very successful advertising campaign — “You meet the nicest people on a Honda.” The same can be said of tandem cyclists! Tandeming is by its very nature more social than riding a single bike. You have someone riding along with you every time you take your tandem bike for a spin.

The social aspect of tandem riding is extended when you ride with a group of other tandems. We tend to be some of the most sociable, welcoming, and friendly people you will meet. This makes for very special cycling experiences. At Tandem Cycle Works, we consider ourselves tandem matchmakers, encouraging couples to meet and ride with other tandem teams. This is where the real fun of tandem riding begins!

Rides in Colorado

We often ride with the Colorado Tandem Club and join other local tandem riders for fun rides in the Denver metro area. Join us!

Tandem Tours

Patrick Gibbons and Lynn Dexter of Tandem Bicycle Tours have been leading tandem tours to international destinations for the past several years. Destinations have included Ireland, Spain, Italy, France, New Zealand, and more. Contact Tandem Bicycle Tours if you would like more information about upcoming tours.

Iron Donkey Bicycle Touring

For many of tours Tandem Bicycle Tours partners with Tony Boyd of Iron Donkey Bicycle Touring . While we know tandems, Tony knows bike touring and his customized itineraries can’t be beat! Having experience with this touring company, we can assure you that you will be well cared for with Iron Donkey.

The Brian & Kirk Saunders Trophy

On May 29,1997 twin brothers, Brian and Kirk Saunders successfully became the first people to ride their tandem bike to the summit of Mount Evans. Well known to locals, the grueling ride tops out at 14,264 feet on a climb that is 28 miles long with approximately 2100m vertical ascent. If you’ve been up it you know it is a true feat of endurance!

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biking in Tuscany

My friend and I are interested in taking a bike tour of Tuscany. We are looking at two tour companies: Iron Donkey and BikeTours.com. They provide rental bikes, a self guided itinerary, hotel accommodations, some meals, and luggage transfers. Has anyone used either or both of these companies? Are the rental bikes in good condition? How are the accommodations? Are there any "surprise fees"? Would you take another trip with them? Thank you.

The only bike I'd want in Tuscany would be a Ducati. The countryside is just hilly enough to be very demanding physically.

Does the bicycle tour company haul you to the top of the hills so you can coast down? (They do that on Maui.)

Seriously: One of the tours would be the only way to go. They handle your backpack/luggage and take care of all the details. I don't know of these companies specifically. You could ask them what brand and model bicycles they use prior to signing with them.

Distegard what non-cyclist have to say. Friends including tandem couples have enjoyed riding in Tuscany.

I don't have personal experience with either but for what its worth: http://www.biketour-reviews.com/Bike-Reviews.htm

BikeToursDirect is a clearing-house for nearly 75 bicycle tour operators in Europe and around the world. They offer nearly 300 routes in 60 countries. We are big fans of this type of travel, especially since tours with regional companies are often 50-70 percent less than those offered by larger U.S. operators, and many offer the opportunity to ride with multi-national groups.

There are two companies we're tried and liked. One is www.backroads.com/trips/BTTQ/tuscany-siena-italy-biking-tour which lets you choose the kind of accommodations you want (we chose premium but you can select casual for a cheaper trip) and includes accommodations and meals in the cost so you don't have to plan or worry about anything. You can see some of one of their trips at www.backroads.com/videos/popups/tuscany-biking-popup.html

The other is BikeTours.com which offers many goodies including choices of bikes, a meal, tour of a medieval castle and sample of the wine and olive oil made there, and more. tuscany.biketours.com/tours-times-details.php and tuscany.biketours.com/tuscany-bike-tour.php

I really liked the food offered a lot. Bikes at both companies were in great condition and they take a lot of care with that. Both companies start and end in Florence.

A consideration in renting bikes is to bring your own saddle and pedals.

We did the Backroads Tuscany Casual Inn tour last May. It was amazing. I had never done a bike tour before, so was a bit concerned, but they handled everything (including hauling me up a 5k hill via the van) from the bikes, food, lodging and routes. We had a choice of routes each day, so could do as much or little biking as we wanted. The hotels were beautiful, so we were happy we had not put out the extra $$ for the premium hotel.

We loved it so much we are doing the Croatia trip this May!

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