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Frequently asked questions about SOS-Ecuador
Q.
When is the trip?
A.
Depart from London Heathrow airport on the 17th June 2009, back June
28th.
Q.
How long do we tour for?
A.13
days. This includes nine days on the road.
Q.
Can I bring a pillion?
A.
Yes.
Q.
How much does it cost?
A.
We are asking each rider to raise £3450 (£2950 pillion)
This is a significant sum of money but not only will you be making a
huge difference to the orphans you will get to experience an amazing
bike adventure completely free. We will help you along the way and if
you raise more then its more money direct to the charity.
Q.
Is SOS-Adventures part of SOS Children's Villages?
A.
No we are a seperate entity but on every trip we organise we raise money
for the charity. We concentrate on setting up great bike adventures
and the charity then uses the money we raise to help the children in
their villages.
Q.
How much does the charity get?
A. Once all the costs of the trip are
paid we donate half of the remainder to the charity and put the other
half to work running SOS-Adventures. Accounts are available at the end
of the trip to give all riders an exact breakdown.
Q.
What does this adventure include?
A.
We will fly you from Heathrow airport to Quito, in Ecuador, and back.
All accommodation will be covered for the duration of the trip. All
breakfasts and evening meals are provided. We will provide a motorcycle
for you to cover the route on. We have a paramedic team and mechanical
assistance to follow the group throughout the tour. A support vehicle
will also follow in case any rider wants to "sit out" for
any of the days. There is an airport tax on the way back of $32 which
we would expect you to pay.
Q.
What is the weather like?
A.
Ecuador is on The Equator. The country has three distinct weather systems
all active at the same time. On the Pacific coast it will be hot and
sunny when we are there. The temperature gets up to 35 degrees centigrade.
In the Andes mountains it will be a lot cooler. Here we are at anything
up to 10,000 feet above sea level. You will experience a bit of breathlessness
You can get sun or rain here. Normally the temp will not get below 10
degrees centigrade and can easily be a lot warmer. In the Amazon basin
it is always hot and humid.
Q.
What is the accommodation like?
A.
We have very good accommodation for every night. Mainly four star hotels.
We will be staying in a lodge on the beach which is more remote and
will be the only night where we sleep more than two per room.
Q.
Can I extend my stay?
A.
Yes. You need to tell us when booking and we will arrange a different
date for your return.
Q.
What bikes will we be riding?
A.
We will use motocross and enduro bikes, 250cc and above.
Q.
What are the roads like then?
A.
The route is on tarmac of varying quality and we will explore several
tracks but nowhere the support vehicles are out of range. We have the
option to ride a semi dry river bed. This means crossing shallow water
and is rough and bumpy. As this is a few days into the tour most riders
find it managealbe even without off road experience. The trip is aimed
at adventurous road riders.
Q.
Do I need a license?
A.
Yes. A full UK or European bike license is required. Please bring the
paper part as well as this is sometimes asked for.
Q.
Do I need a helmet?
A.
Yes. It is the law in Ecuador.
Q.
What bike gear should I bring?
A.
For the bike we recommend protective clothing with armour. We will be
riding in hot coastal environments, cold high altitude mountains and
in the Amazon basin. This means hot and cold. Often in the same day.
Light layers that can be taken on and off with insert able or attachable
armour are better than leathers. Kevlar lined clothes with motocross
armour offers good flexibility We recommend Draggin Jeans. Also proper
off road boots that support the ankle and protect the calves and shins.
You will also need waterproofs as it can rain. These are just recommendations.
The point is the better protected you are the safer you are.
Q.
Do I need luggage for the bike?
A.
No. We will transport all your baggage along the route. A small backpack
for personal items for the day is all you need.
Q.
What other clothing should I bring?
A.
Bring your swimming gear as there will be beaches and swimming pools
along the way. Also some summer clothes and some warm clothing too.
As the climate varies so much, something for every season. One smart
set of clothes and then t shirts and jeans is not a bad start. Please
bear in mind though that space is not unlimited when we transport your
bags along the route.
Q.
Do I need a jab?
A.
Yes. Please consult your GP to get the best medical advice. Ecuador
borders regions where there is malaria and hepatitis. In very rural
areas cholera and typhoid are also known to pose some risk. Please ask
your doctor to tell you what blood group you are as well.
Q.
Can I drink the water?
A.
Some you can and some you can't so a policy of bottled water only is
good. It is available everywhere.
Q.
What is the food like?
A.
Good. They eat a lot of meat and the portions are big. You don't see
many skinny Ecuadorians. Vegetarians are catered for too but not to
the same extent as the UK. If you are eating veg or salad make sure
it is cooked or peeled. Where food has been rinsed there is no guarantee
of clean water so be sensible. Whenever you see a lot of people eating
in a cafe or restaurant it usually means the food is good and clean
as locals shun bad eateries.
Q.
Do they speak English?
A.
In the cities some people will, especially in hotels. Spanish is the
main language. All of the organisers can communicate in Spanish so you
shouldn't be left unable to ask for what you want.
Q.
Do I need a visa?
A.
No. You can visit for up to 90 days from the UK without a visa.
Q.
What is the currency?
A.
US dollars. There are lots of banks and cash points but it is useful
to bring a bit of cash as we will be on the road during banking hours.
Q.
Will my mobile phone work there?
A.
No. European phones don't work as the frequency used is different. We
even failed with a Nokia tri-band. You can buy a phone for about $40
otherwise we suggest you make use of the hotels. There are obviously
phone boxes as well.
Q.
How do I book?
A.
Send us an e mail or call and we will give you all the information you
need to make your adventure a reality!
To begin your motorbike travel adventure...
email ........................ ..... . click here
call uk...... ... ....... .. .. 08452 99 77 99
call outside uk.. .....+44 8452 99 77 99