La Vuelta, Lighthouse Cycling Tour of Puerto Rico, a 3 day 375 mile group bike ride around the island.

What the Riders had to Say:

The climate was unbelievably fantastic, the scenery spectacular, but by far and away the best thing this ride had to offer was the wonderful hospitality and talent of the riders from Puerto Rico.

Lori Cherry, 2008

Fresno, California

FAQs: All the Answers In One Place

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FAQ Categories: General Info |

Where can my family meet me along the tour?

Is this a tour or a race?

Does everyone really ride together?

What if I can’t make it?

Do I have to stay in one of the hotels mentioned on the VUELTA website?

Can my family/friends ride a part of the VUELTA with me?

How fast does Group A “really” ride?

I am coming from outside of Puerto Rico and will be bringing my bike in a box. Can someone help me get it set up?

How do I train for this event?

Where can my family meet me along the tour?

We hope that you bring your family and friends to enjoy Puerto Rico as you ride the VUELTA! Your guests should plan to meet you in the destination city at the conclusion of each day. Alternate route sheets will be available for guests to travel to each location ahead of the peloton. If your guests choose to follow the peloton the entire day, they must ride behind the last SAG/EMS vehicles. Driving a vehicle behind participants is strongly discouraged.

Is this a tour or a race?

The VUELTA is a non-competitive, recreational tour of the island of Puerto Rico. There are no timing devices used and no prizes awarded for finishing in a certain amount of time. When cyclists finish the VUELTA, they will receive a finisher’s medal. It’s that simple!

Does everyone really ride together?

Yes. The 2010 VUELTA will offer 3 different Pace Groups to accommodate different anticipated speeds, but the groups really do stay together. Since the Puerto Rico Police Department will be holding back traffic at major intersections, riding together ensures that everyone gets where they have to go at the same time. Riding together also allows cyclists to enjoy the slipstream created by the peloton…after 100+ miles, you might enjoy a little “draft”!

What if I can’t make it?

The VUELTA is considered a “challenging” tour. We suggest that cyclists make every effort to train appropriately and arrive in Puerto Rico ready to ride 375 miles in 3 days. However, unforeseen events can and will arise. If you find yourself unable to keep up with your chosen pace group, go ahead and drop back to the one that better suits your ability on any given day. If you find that you are unable to stay with even the Lanterne Rouge riders in the very back of the pack, consider hopping into one of the SAG vehicles and calling it a day.

Do I have to stay in one of the hotels mentioned on the VUELTA website?

While you do not have to stay at one of the hotels mentioned on the website, you will find that it is certainly in your best interest to do so. Luggage pick-up and drop-off will only take place at the hotels that have been designated through the VUELTA. Also, the VUELTA Group Discount only applies to hotels that are mentioned on this site.

Can my family/friends ride a part of the VUELTA with me?

No. Family members and friends are welcome to join you at all of the parties, celebrations, dinners, hiking, kayaking, and even for the yoga class. Due to safety/liability issues, only registered cyclists may ride the VUELTA.

How fast does Group A “really” ride?

We are honored, year after year, by the extremely high caliber of athletes who participate in the VUELTA. It is not uncommon to find several professional cyclists and triathletes at the head of the peloton. The pace of Group A will most likely exceed 20 mph average speed and be most appropriate for very strong riders. Hammerheads, this group is for you!

I am coming from outside of Puerto Rico and will be bringing my bike in a box. Can someone help me get it set up?

Please see the Sponsors page for a list of local bike shops that will be happy to assist you. Should you need more detailed bike fitting services, contact Axel Santiago axel@ciclistacompleto.com to make an apointment.

How do I train for this event?

Most veteran riders of the VUELTA say that if you are able to ride 100 miles (including re-fueling stops) in about 7 hours, you should be fine for the VUELTA. Remember that riding 100 miles alone or in a small group is much different than being pulled along by the draft of the peloton! Those riding in Group C, at 15 mph average, will feel as though they are only riding with the effort required to ride at 12-13mph. It is important, however, that riders have a strong base of cycling ability and are comfortable with some significant climbing. There are many excellent resources for endurance cycling training. We suggest that you take a look at the following websites or books for more detailed information:

www.ultracycling.com

http://www.cptips.com/mileage.htm

The Complete Book of Long Distance Cycling

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-Long-Distance-Cycling-Confidence/dp/1579541992