tour de mon flying mile

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Tour de Môn

Sun 18th August 2024

From Always Aim High Events

• Date Sun 18th August 2024
• Location Holyhead, Isle of Anglesey
• Races 3 races

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Event summary

Organiser's Description

Mawr - 107 Miles

Canol - 77 Miles

Bach - 46 Miles

What's Included

LIVELY EVENT VILLAGE Music, commentary, shopping, food, secure bag drop and toilets FAMILY FRIENDLY VIBES Family finishes and plenty to see and do ON COURSE SUPPORT Friendly marshals, signage, energy stations and support vehicles UNIQUE FINISHER MEMENTOS! Beautifully designed to reflect our event locations and local history. SPECTACULAR SCENERY The stunning Anglesey coastline and countryside provides an unparalleled Sportive PROFESSIONAL TIMING Chip timing, live tracker and online results

REGISTRATION

You will need attend registration which will take place on Saturday afternoon and before the event on Sunday morning - we will confirm specific times in your Final Instructions, which will be available on the website and via email 10 days prior to the race. Registration is usually located in Holyhead, on Beach Road adjacent to Newry Beach - LL65 1YD.

BIKE BREAKDOWN

You will be expected to carry tubes, all tools and kit necessary for any on-route cycle repairs. It is also advisable to carry a mobile phone. There will be pick up vehicles patrolling the route who may be able to carry out very minor repairs. Come prepared because the roads are much too nice for you not to enjoy them from your bike!

The Tour De Mon Bach is 46 miles of stunning riding around one of the UK’s most beautiful islands. With such a varied route there is always something to keep your mind off your legs - just don’t be fooled that Anglesey is flat! Begin by taking the coast road out of Holyhead and marvel at the coastline and the views. After just 10 miles into your ride you’ll have the chance to do the incredible Flying Mile timed section through RAF Valley and challenge yourself to see just how fast you can go! The next 30 miles takes you through rolling countryside and quaint villages. You will make your way through Bryngwran, Gwalchmai, Bodfordd, Llanfachraeth, and on to Valley before heading home to Holyhead AGE You must be at least 13 years old to take part. Riders under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All riders under the age of 18 must have parental consent to enter the event, if consent is not given you will not be allowed to enter. The parental consent agreement is built into our online entry process. START The Bach ride usually starts between 08:30 - 09:00 though this is subject to change. Riders will not be allowed to leave after the allotted time. The start time will be confirmed in the Final Instructions which are available to view on the website 10 days prior to the race. We encourage slower cyclists to start towards the front of the allotted time slot. Groups of no more than 25 riders will be allowed to start together, groups will be set off at 3 minute intervals. CUT OFF In the interest of rider safety and the safety of our volunteers on the course there will be staged cut off times in place: cyclists must get from the start to the Flying Mile at RAF Valley (11.2 miles) by 11:00, after this time you will not be permitted to access the airfield due to flying operations in progress. chip timing will stop at approximately 18:00. A confirmation of specific timings will be detailed in your Final Instructions which will be available on the website and via email 10 days prior to your race.

The Tour De Mon Canol is 77 miles of stunning riding around one of the UK’s most beautiful islands. With such a varied route there is always something to keep your mind off your legs, don't be fooled that Anglesey is flat! Take the coast road out of Holyhead and enjoy the coastline and the views out to sea. After just 10 miles into your ride you’ll have the chance to do the incredible Flying Mile timed section through RAF Valley and challenge yourself to see juts how fast you can go. After this you ride through rolling countryside and quaint villages on quiet country lanes. Make your way through Bryngwran, Gwalchmai, Bodfordd, Llanerchymedd, Moelfre and on to Amlwch and then cut inland slightly before heading back through Valley and back home to Holyhead. AGE You must be at least 13 years old to take part. Riders under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All riders under the age of 18 must have parental consent to enter the event, if consent is not given you will not be allowed to enter. The parental consent agreement is built into our online entry process. START The Canol ride usually starts between 08:00 - 08:30 though this is subject to change. Riders will not be allowed to leave after the allotted time. The start time will be confirmed in the Final Instructions which are available to view on the website 10 days prior to the race. We encourage slower cyclists to start towards the front of the allotted time slot. Groups of no more than 25 riders will be allowed to start together, groups will be set off at 3 minute intervals. CUT OFF In the interest of rider safety and the safety of our volunteers on the course there will be staged cut off times in place: cyclists must get from the start to the Flying Mile at RAF Valley (11.2 miles) by 11:00, after this time you will not be permitted to access the airfield due to flying operations in progress. cyclists must arrive at the junction at the centre of Bodffordd, where the Canol and Bach split (approx. 23.3 miles) before 11:00. After this time cyclists are directed onto the Tour Bach route. chip timing will stop at approximately 18:00. A confirmation of specific timings will be detailed in your Final Instructions which will be available on the website and via email 10 days prior to your race.

With such a varied route there is always something to keep your mind off your legs - don’t be fooled that Anglesey is flat! Take the coast road out of Holyhead, taking in the coastline and the views out to sea. 10 miles into your ride, and warmed up, you’ll have the chance to do the incredible Flying Mile timed section through RAF Valley to see just how fast you can go! from Valley, wind your way through the rolling countryside along the coastline and past the famous Newborough Forest. Take in the sights of the famous Menai Suspension Bridge and travel on towards the picturesque village of Beaumaris. On quiet country lanes, which allow you to take in the beauty of your ride, make your way through Pentraeth, Brynteg, Moelfre and on to Amlwch in the North before cutting inland slightly and heading back through Valley and home to Holyhead. AGE You must be at least 13 years old to take part. Riders under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All riders under the age of 18 must have parental consent to enter the event, if consent is not given you will not be allowed to enter. The parental consent agreement is built into our online entry process. START The Mawr ride usually starts between 07:00 - 07:45 though this is subject to change. Riders will not be allowed to leave after the allotted time. The start time will be confirmed in the Final Instructions which are available to view on the website 10 days prior to the race. We encourage slower cyclists to start towards the front of the allotted time slot. Groups of no more than 25 riders will be allowed to start together, groups will be set off at 3 minute intervals. CUT OFF In the interest of rider safety and the safety of our volunteers on the course there will be staged cut off times in place: cyclists must get from the start to the Flying Mile at RAF Valley (11.2 miles) by 11:00, after this time you will not be permitted to access the airfield due to flying operations in progress. cyclists must arrive at the junction to Llanfaelog (approx. 17 miles), before 09:30. After this time cyclists are directed onto the Tour Canol and Bach routes. chip timing will stop at approximately 18:00. A confirmation of specific timings will be detailed in your Final Instructions which will be available on the website and via email 10 days prior to your race.

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Newry Beach, Holyhead, United Kingdom

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Tour de Mon Sportive – Wales Cycling

August 21, 2022.

Welcome to the awesome Tour de Môn – the cycle sportive which takes you around the beautiful island of Anglesey.

The Tour de Môn will take you to the most stunning and iconic locations on the wonderful island of Anglesey. Boasting possibly the most beautiful coastline in the whole of the UK this is an event that brings people back time and time again, both locals and visitors. Over 1000 riders join us each year and the event has become a calendar highlight for cyclists and local people who support the riders as they pass by with warm Welsh encouragement.

Experience some of the most picturesque countryside and coastal roads and pit yourself against the clock on the ‘Flying Mile’ held at RAF Valley giving you the unique opportunity of cycling uninterrupted on the runway. Unparallelled views of Snowdonia from this location make it a real treat.

From clubs, to families and charity riders this is a friendly ride with riders of all ages and abilities coming together to take on the challenge.

Tour Mawr 107 miles £39.99

Tour Canol 77 Miles £37.99

Tour Bach 46 miles £35.99

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Anglesey Tour de Mon . . . Ups, Downs and a well deserved Bacon & Egg Barm!

TIME: 7am LOCATION: Holyhead seafront CONDITIONS: 20mph+ south westerly blowing a fine drizzle into your face….

That Ladies and Gentlemen was what greeted Wild Bikes members Mike H and Nige W on the start line of the Mawr route at this years Tour de Mon.

Ahead lay 6,000ft of ascent and 107 miles of riding around Anglesey taking in Trearddur Bay (twice), Mona Airfield for the Flying Mile, Niwbwrch (Newborough), Llanfair PG, a quick visit to the mainland via the original Menai Bridge, Beaumaris, Llandonna, Moelfre, Parys (or Copper) Mountain, Amlwch, Bull Bay and Cemeas before heading inland to Llanddeusant and the final feed station at Melin Llynnon from where it is 17miles to home via Valley Crossroads, Trearddur and the coast road to Holyhead.

A few miles out from Mona, Mike picked up a thorn branch in his front tyre. This proved to be a remarkably airtight seal and we reached Mona and completed the Flying Mile (more in a moment) without incident. A closer inspection of the tyre at the Mona feed station led to debate as to whether the thorn could be left in place…… the sage nod from the gentleman with all the “scrambled egg” on his shoulders when it was decided to replace the tube showed this was the right decision. Fighter jet or Surly bike, no equipment was going to leave his base if not road (or air) worthy.

The organiser’s had taken pity on the riders and rejigged the Flying Mile so the timed run was with the wind on our backs. Hands on the tops, just chatting  (no point in killing yourself with 80 odd miles still to go!) and with Garmins showing 25mph+ Mike and I were timed at 2min56sec and 2min57 sec respectively. It was a rude shock to turn back into the wind and almost come to a dead stop……..

On departing Mona it was next stop Beaumaris. Crossing the Menai Bridge another Wild Bikes shirt was spotted. And at the Bulkeley Hotel (a posh feed station this one) Ashtin appeared. He also seemed to be bringing better weather with him as the wind gradually reduced throughout the rest of the day and the sun made the odd appearance.

Rain capes and leg/knee warmers removed, it was three Wild Bikers that left Beaumaris to tackle the second half of the route. This very rapidly became two as Ashtin disappeared into the distance with consummate ease when we hit the first incline. Club riders hey…….

Having got over the steep gradients around Llandonna and enjoyed some of the descents towards Moelfre it was time to top up the bottles and take on more Barra Brith at Moelfre Library before heading out for probably the most difficult section of the ride, from Moelfre to Llanddeusant. I am not convinced there is a piece of flat road in Anglesey; if the rolling nature thus far could be classed as “U” or “PG” in places it was now full on “R18”. It’s not the two “draggy” climbs of City Dulas or Parys Mountain but the country lanes. They are unrelenting in their “ups and downs”. Being a big chap, speed is my friend in this terrain and Mike who is quite happy to climb anything must have been fed up to hear my shouts from behind at the top of each rise, “use the speed” – once in front I was able to use the free speed on many of the descents to crest or nearly crest the following rise……..a lot easier on the legs!!

Before we knew it, we were at the final feed stop and heading back to Holyhead. The final sting in the tail is the coast road from Trearrdur to Holyhead; another R18 rated piece of rolling road especially on tired legs.

In a gentle breeze and weak sunshine, we crossed the line 8hrs19mins08secs after leaving it. Commemorative medals donned, we celebrated with a Bacon & Egg barm!

This was my third Tour de Mon; it’s a great ride, well organised and in a beautiful part of the world.

Words supplied my Nige W. 

Tour De Mon - The Anglesey Sportive 2022

Cycle sportive , holyhead – sunday, 21 aug 2022.

Event Summary

Event overview.

The Tour de Mon will take you to the most beautiful and iconic locations on this wonderful island of Anglesey.  Boasting possibly the most beautiful coastline in the whole of the UK, Anglesey is one of Britains best kept secrets, we want to share this with you.

The area has always been incredibly popular with local cycling enthusiasts. In partnership with  Anglesey Council  we will take you on a cycle tour never to be forgotten.  The Anglesey roads are amazing for riding, but don't be deceived by this 'flat' isle, the Tour de Mon will be a challenge whatever your level of fitness.

There are four ride options, which means there's a challenge for everyone. Provisional distances will be:

Tour Mawr - 106 miles

Tour Canol - 77 miles

Tour Bach - 46 miles

Tour de Teulu

The Tour de Teulu is a beautiful family ride suitable for children who are accompanied by parents or adult friends.  The Tour de Teulu will start and finish at the main event space so that you will be inspired by the big event atmosphere.

Event Details

Sun, 21st Aug 2022

Cycle Sportive (Non-Competitive)

Newry Beach, Newry Beach, Holyhead, Gwynedd, LL65 1YA View map

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About the Event

Info for riders.

Boasting possibly the most beautiful coastline in the whole of the UK this cycle sportive takes you around the beautiful island of Anglesey. Over 1000 riders join us each year and the event has become a calendar highlight for cyclists and local people who support the riders as they pass by with warm Welsh encouragement.

Experience some of the most picturesque countryside and coastal roads and pit yourself against the clock on the 'Flying Mile' held at RAF Valley runway giving you the unique opportunity of cycling uninterrupted on a closed road section like no other!

From clubs, to families and charity riders this is a friendly ride with riders of all ages and abilities coming together to take on the challenge.

Disclaimer: This event listing has been supplied by a registered event organiser. The views and statements expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of British Cycling or its associated federations. British Cycling does not warrant the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of those views or statements and does not accept any legal liability whatsoever arising from any reliance on the views, statements and subject matter of the event listing. This content may include hyperlinks to other web sites that are not owned or controlled by British Cycling. British Cycling has no control over, and assumes no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third party websites. All content of communications between event organisers and entrants should adhere to our acceptable usage policy https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/acceptableuse . If you believe any content to be inappropriate please report it to [email protected]

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Thousands cycle the beautiful island of Anglesey as the Tour de Môn storms into its third year!

Sunday 23rd August saw over 1,600 cyclists saddle up to tackle one of the 3 rides on offer at the Tour de Mon cycle sportive. The Mawr (103 miles), Canol (75 miles) and Bach (40 miles).

One of the main highlights of the mega popular sportive is the Flying Mile. The Flying Mile is the only competitive section of the Tour de Mon and gives the cyclists the chance to race against the clock and their fellow riders for a perfectly straight mile on the runway at RAF Valley.

The fastest male over the Flying Mile was Gerallt Roberts who recorded an outstanding time of 01:59, while the quickest female rider to complete the section was Steph Duits who achieved an equally impressive time of 02:12. Both cyclists received a bespoke prize and Roberts was presented with the Christopher Wright Memorial Award.

The Tour de Môn saw the start of the Ride Anglesey festival kick off in spectacular fashion. Ride Anglesey is a two-week festival of cycling events leading up to the Tour of Britain Grand Depart. Two highlights of the festival will be the free Taith de Teulu family ride in Amlwch and the Ride the Tour sportive. Click here to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the fantastic events coming up.

Always Aim High Events Director, event organiser and Anglesey resident, Nigel Kendrick was delighted with the success of the event:

“It’s been an unbelievable day, it’s been brilliant! The response we’ve had from cyclists and supporters has been incredible. It was also great to see so many children take part in the family cycle and children races.

It really is a fantastic way to start the Ride Anglesey festival. We’d like to thank NDA, Magnox, Cavendish Fluor Partnership and Anglesey County Council for their support. The Festival really gathers momentum now with loads of different cycling activities taking place over the next couple of weeks”

Kendrick added:

“As an Anglesey resident it’s great to see so many people coming from afar and seeing how fantastic this island is. The majority of these people have stayed in local accommodation, eaten at nearby restaurants and spent their money in other Anglesey businesses, which has an absolutely huge positive impact on the local economy.”

Events Manager Rob Samuel echoed Kendrick’s comments:

“It’s been a great day, seeing so many people here has been incredible. Despite the challenging conditions the feedback has once again been fantastic. Without the amazing team of staff, marshals and volunteers we really couldn’t make this happen, therefore, a massive thanks must go out to all of them. I’d also like to thank our event partners; Anglesey County Council, Magnox, NDA, Cavendish Fluor Partnership, Chain Reaction Cycles, High 5, Pentraeth Group, Full of Beans, Jones o Gymru, Superfeet, Kon-x, Morrisons, The Bulkley Hotel and Tre-ysgawen Hall for their support.”

Full Tour de Mon Bach, Canol and Mawr times can be found via the TDL Event Services site , with further info on the Tour de Mon and all of the Always Aim High Events line-up via www.alwaysaimhighevents.com

If the success of this year’s even has inspired you to take part, then you can register your interest in the 2015 Tour de Mon here .

To register for any Ride Anglesey events click here .

We welcome press releases and other news items that are of interest to our readers. Please send text or word files, and .jpg images for consideration to us at [email protected] .

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• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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Croeso i'n sportif ynys hyfryd

Events / Beicio

Tour de Môn 2024

Gan ymfalchïo o bosibl yr arfordir harddaf yn y DU, mae'r sportif beicio hwn yn mynd â chi o amgylch ynys brydferth Ynys Môn. Mae dros 1000 o feicwyr yn ymuno â ni bob blwyddyn ac mae'r digwyddiad wedi dod yn uchafbwynt calendr i feicwyr a phobl leol sy'n cefnogi'r beicwyr wrth iddynt fynd heibio gydag anogaeth gynnes o Gymru.

Profwch rai o'r ffyrdd cefn gwlad ac arfordirol mwyaf prydferth a gosodwch eich hun yn erbyn y cloc ar y 'Flying Mile' a gynhelir yn Fali RAF gan roi'r cyfle unigryw i chi feicio yn ddi-dor ar y rhedfa.

O glybiau, i deuluoedd a beicwyr elusennol mae hyn yn daith gyfeillgar gyda beicwyr o bob oed a gallu yn dod at ei gilydd i ymgymryd â'r her.

• Choose your distance
• What's included
• Event information

18 Aug 2024

Closing Date: 16.08.2024

Dewis eich pellter.

Tour de Mon 2024

Beic: 46 Milltir

Beic: 77 Milltir

Beic: 106 milltir

What's Included

Pentref Digwyddiad Bywiog

Cerddoriaeth, sylwebaeth, bwyd a diod, siopa a thoiledau

Addas i Bob Aelod o'r Teulu

Taith deuluol a llawer i'w gweld a'i wneud

Cymorth ar y Cwrs

Marsialiaid cyfeillgar, arwyddion, gorsafoedd ynni a cherbydau cymorth

Cofrodd Gorffen Unigryw

Wedi'i ddylunio'n hyfryd i adlewyrchu lleoliadau ein digwyddiadau a hanes lleol.

Amseru Proffesiynol

Amseru 'chip' electronig - gall ffrindiau a theulu olrhain eich cynnydd

Golygfeydd Syfrdanol

Caniatáu i ffrindiau a theulu eich olrhain o amgylch y cwrs

“Excellent event, one of my favourite sportive routes (now!). Thanks to all the marshals that cheered and waved, that was much appreciated.”

Event Information

Travel & accommodation copy, info for locals copy, volunteer copy, ride reports copy.

We are proud that all our events are bilingual. Signs, registration and commentary are available in English and Welsh.

Event Partners

Digwyddiadau Cyfrifol

Gweithio efo cymunedau lleol

Gofalu am ein hamgylchedd

Arferion Cynaliadwy