Health and Safety Overview and Risk Disclosure
Note: The Alps2Ocean Cycle Trail has some grade 3 sections (based on the NZCT grading system). This ride can not be likened to a rail trail.
Grade 3 is as follows: suitable for regular experienced cyclists with a good level of fitness and over 12 years old; children should be accompanied by an adult.
A mountain bike is recommended for off-road sections. E-mountain bikes are suitable provided they are ridden appropriately, have sufficient battery capacity, and the rider is capable of completing the trail in the event of a battery/power failure.
For on-road trails/sections on gravel roads, bikes with knobbly tyres are recommended. Road racing tyres are generally not suitable.
Off-road trails can be narrow and may include hills, steep drop-offs and small river crossings. Trail surfaces are mainly firm but may include muddy or loose sections, and obstacles such as rocks or tree roots.
On-road trails/sections may have moderate traffic levels (up to 1000 vehicles a day), and include hill climbs and gravel sections.
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:
Your cycling experience, fitness, ability to fix punctures, and first aid knowledge are important. Additionally, we reserve the right to refuse e-bike rentals to those without experience. Prior experience is highly recommended. They are much heavier than regular bikes - on average 24kg with the battery in. People under the age of 16 can not rent e-bikes. There have been incidents where people went too fast on gravel roads and crashed, causing serious injuries. The weight of the bike has also made it hard for riders to mount and dismount, leading to falls. High speeds have caused collisions between e-bikers and regular cyclists.
If clients have any health issues that could affect a bike trip, we suggest they get a medical check-up to make sure they're fit to ride. If they have no health problems, they must say they're fit to ride on the enquiry form. We have Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) available for hire. We can refuse to rent bikes to anyone who seems unfit or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
No night time riding
No alcohol and/or drug use immediately prior or during the hire period.
Helmets must be worn at all times - this is the New Zealand law.
Clothing requirements: a suggested gear and accessory list is on the website. You are not limited to the suggested items.
Pre trip bike and helmet fitting
adjust bike to fit rider's height.
helmet; correct size and adjusted to fit
demonstration of how gears and brake systems work
pre trip briefing to include question and answer opportunities
Clients who cannot remove, fix, and reinstall a wheel (especially the rear one) must contact us. Clients who can fix a flat tire will get the tools to do it. All tours will have a puncture repair kit. It's not best for inexperienced clients to try fixing a puncture. You'll get the equipment, but try to find someone on the trail who can help you. If not done correctly, it's a safety issue and can cause more problems and possible injury. We prefer to assist 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, is provided and must be 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. For minor injuries that may need medical attention but are not life-threatening, phone BeSpoke Bike Tours Ltd. The group should endeavour to get the injured person(s) to the nearest vehicle access point. 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: dial 111
Medical Centres: Fairlie, Twizel, Kurow
Hospitals in Timaru and Oamaru.
Report an incident on the A2O Cycle Trail