Hello, and a newbie question

[Stockton]

Hi everybody,
Just joined ACA as I'm interested in getting back into touring after a layoff of 20 years or so.  I've been hacking around on a mountain bike for the last 10 years or so but haven't toured since cassette Walkmans were a hot item.  Right now I have a shiny new Cannondale T2 sitting in the shed, just waiting for the snow to clear.

I also have a sort of silly question, that I haven't seen answered anywhere else.  I just received the ACA Tour brochure in the mail and spent a happy hour or so, browsing through it and daydreaming about the tours I'd like to take.  I notice the support levels fall into three categories, self-contained, full support and van support.  The first one is self-explanatory but...what's the difference between the other two?  To me, they sound like the same thing.  Can someone explain this to me?

Thanks in advance.

[johnsondasw]

What I've figured out is that full support is just that--they haul all the gear and do all the food.  I've done this, and it's great.  Van supportseems to mean they haul the gear but they mention "shared cooking", so there's some culinary participation.  I'm sue if you ask them, you can get exact definitions.

[JHamelman]

Hi,

Here is what it says on our website about "supported" tours:

http://www.adventurecycling.org/tours/tourdescription.cfm?id=999902&menu=ev&t=ev10

The supported trips can vary in the kind of support offered based on a variety of factors. Usually these are spelled out in the route description. You may need to read the tour description online to get the best picture since the printed book has limited space. And, of course, if you have questions, be sure to give the Tours department a call or drop them an email.

.Jennifer.

[Stockton]

Thanks guys!

[AAprotocol]

Hi,

Here is what it says on our website about "supported" tours:

http://www.adventurecycling.org/tours/tourdescription.cfm?id=999902&menu=ev&t=ev10

The supported trips can vary in the kind of support offered based on a variety of factors. Usually these are spelled out in the route description. You may need to read the tour description online to get the best picture since the printed book has limited space. And, of course, if you have questions, be sure to give the Tours department a call or drop them an email.

.Jennifer.

Thanks for links...

[singletrackrod]

Here's what to expect on an Adventure Cycling Van-Supported tour:

VAN SUPPORT
The availability of a vehicle and two co-leaders will bring a level of support, flexibility, and dining quality to this trip that is far above what is possible on our classic, self-contained tours. However, Adventure Cycling’s van-supported tours do not include the full array of services provided on our fully-supported, catered events. For example, and in keeping with our established practices for long-distance bicycle travel, participants on this
camping tour will share in the daily cooking and clean-up duties and will be fairly self-sufficient in their daily travels.
Each participant must also bring their own dining set (plate, bowl, cup, and eating utensils). The van’s primary purpose will be to: (a) carry luggage, (b) assist each day’s assigned cooks with the daily grocery shopping, and (c) provide several unavoidable shuttle rides along the route. The van will also: (d) provide water stops in areas where services are not reasonably available on or near the route, and (e) transport individual riders in emergency situations. Please note, however, that the van will not serve as a “sag wagon,” except in emergency
situations. Thus, you must come to this tour prepared to ride the entire route.

Rod