Health and Safety : The Alps2Ocean Cycle Trail has some grade 3 sections (based on the NZCT grading system). This ride is not a rail trail.

We suggest that when planning your trip, you try not to have any pressing engagements to attend to immediately following your trip. This would allow for any additional days on the trail, if weather events or personal injuries, however unlikely, cause a delay in completing the trip within the scheduled time. There is an expectation that you are fit and able to complete the number of days riding, and kilometres per day that all persons in the group have opted for.

BeSpoke Bike Tours Ltd will ask potential clients to provide important information to ascertain the following:

Their level of cycling experience, current fitness, puncture repair ability, and first aid experience. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO DECLINE E-BIKE HIRE TO THE INEXPERIENCED. E-bikes are not an easy option. They require experience to ride them. They are a lot heavier than a regular push bike. There have been incidents on e-bikes where people are going too fast on gravel roads and have crashed causing serious injury to themselves. There have been incidents where the weight of the bike has made it difficult for the rider to hold upright when mounting and dismounting resulting in falls. Speed has been an issue whereby e-bikers travelling at high speed, have collided with non e-bikers.

Ascertain if clients have any existing health problems. Suggest a medical examination/clearance so that they are deemed fit to ride. If no existing health issues, they must indicate that they consider themselves fit to ride on the application form. BeSpoke Bike Tours Ltd reserve the right to decline potential clients based on inadequate level of fitness or poor health.

~ No night time riding

Helmets must be worn at all times - this is the New Zealand law.

Clothing requirements: a suggested gear and accessory list is provided.

Pre trip bike and helmet fitting

Rider height to be determined so that bike fit is suitable (fit rider to the bike)

helmet; correct size and adjusted to fit

demonstration of how gears and brake systems work

pre trip briefing to include question and answer opportunities

Puncture repair

Clients who declare that they are not competent in removing a wheel, carrying out puncture repair, and reinstalling a wheel (particularly a rear wheel) will have to contact BeSpoke Bike Tours Ltd for help to be sent. Clients who declare that they are competent in all aspects of puncture repair, will be provided with the equipment to do so.

It is not best practice for clients to attempt puncture repair if they are inexperienced. You will be given the equipment but try to find someone on the trail who is competent to help you. If this procedure is not done correctly it is a safety issue and will result in further problems and possible injury. BeSpoke Bike Tours Ltd prefer to come to the aid of these clients.

Emergency Response Plan

Free Independent Travellers (FITs) who have hired bikes are expected to have their own emergency plan in place. Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are available for hire from BeSpoke Bike Tours Ltd, 8 Simpson Lane, Tekapo.

One small first aid kit per group, or individual, to be provided and carried.

Phone numbers for emergency contacts and medical centres are included in the first aid kit. The emergency 111 number is clear to overseas clients.

There is mobile reception along most of the trail. There are a few pockets where there is not. Someone in the group can move forward or back to the nearest point for mobile. If you’re a lone traveller, ask the next available rider for help.

Pre ride briefing must include clarification of the nearest emergency vehicle access pick-up points indicated in the trail brochure. Each group will have at least one brochure.

A tour group, or an individual must notify BeSpoke Bike Tours Ltd immediately, of any incident, to then be responded to as seen fit - below:

The group must decide if they need emergency services urgently. If yes, they must call 111. Otherwise, for minor injuries; firstly phone BeSpoke Bike Tours Ltd. Ascertain if help is needed. If yes, the group must get the injured person(s) to the nearest vehicle access point independently. If not, BeSpoke Bike Tours Ltd will try calling for help to the nearest available possible assistance - this may be a local accommodation provider or a nearby tour operator (with local knowledge). Secondly, BeSpoke Bike Tours Ltd will go to the group.

Tekapo: has a St John’s Ambulance - dial 111

Medical Centres: Twizel, Kurow, and a hospital in Oamaru.