Sherpa FAQs
Why is my browser not showing a secure page when I enter my credit card information?
How do I find my tent? Do I need to check in?
The Sherpa Camp will be easy to locate, there will be a large number of new Coleman tents lined up in an organized manner, centered around a 9’x16’ shelter. Simply look for me or ask around, I will be located within Tent City each day. I will also number the tents with ID tags on the rain flap. Before the event, I will email everyone what number tent they have. If you don’t get the email, just look for someone under the main shelter area when you arrive for your number.
How should I handle my bag when I first arrive?
The normal Bike Virginia (BVA) check in process will provide tags for your bag. Upon arrival, you may proceed directly to the Sherpa Camp and drop off your bag, then proceed to the BVA registration process. Please make sure you collect the BVA luggage tags and attach to your luggage. I will be using this tag to ensure I track the correct bag to the right tent. I will personally carry your bag from city to city to avoid the daily Easter bag hunt.
What are your rules for my luggage?
BVA imposes certain rules, not to exceed 40lbs, no wheeled luggage, etc. In general, please follow these guidelines for my service as well. BVA has certain rules to help avoid damage since they drop your bags from the back of a truck (wheel damage is likely to occur if dropped from that height). I probably can handle wheeled luggage better than BVA since I handle only about a 100 bags.
BVA also will pile all the bags outside regardless of weather, and encourage you to ensure your bags are waterproof. When I participated in this tour last year, I kept all my belongings in a trash bag, which worked great for another trip I did when I picked up my bag in the middle of a monsoon. My bag was soaked with puddles inside, but my items were bone-dry. Your bag under my service will be mostly out of the weather, transported from an enclosed trailer to a shelter, but if it’s raining, I can’t guarantee 100% dryness as I still have to transport through the weather between the trailer and shelter.
Your bags will also be stacked on top of each other, so as with BVA luggage rules, it’s best to ensure that you have no items that are easily crushed.
My friend also is using your service, can you place me next to him/her?
Absolutely! Just let me know who they are ASAP so I can make the proper arrangements.
What if I have two bags?
I will only carry one bag (up to 40lbs) per customer (two people in a double tent equals two bags for that tent). You should only need one bag since you have no need to carry any camping gear, but if you do have another bag, it will be up to you to provide your bag to the BVA luggage trucks as needed.
Do you provide sleeping bag liners?
No, I do not. I wash each sleeping bag between trips, but the liner, if desired, is up to the Sherpa Customer.
Do you provide wash cloths with towels?
No, I do not. You will need to pack one if you want to use a wash cloth. I do however provide a clean towel each day (as opposed to forcing the customer to use the same towel all week). A box or bag will be provided to collect used towels at the end of each day.
Do the sleeping bags zip together?
Yes they do! (relevant question for couples taking advantage of the double tent).
Do you provide flashlights?
No, I do not. You will need to pack your own.
What do I need to do in the morning when Tent City is being relocated to a new location?
Simply pack your bag and drop it off by the Sherpa truck. Please leave the door unzipped, if it's raining, just unzip the upper half. Once I see a tent in this condition, I will assume the rider has embarked on his/her day’s journey and break down their unit.
Do you provide cell phone charging services?
Yes, I'll provide 12V outlets in the open area of the Sherpa camp (not secure, will be in the open). It is up to the cell phone owner to provide a 12V cord for charging. Please do not plan on plugging in inverters for 110V purposes, if everyone did this, my battery would die in no time.
Will you be set up and providing service for registration day?
Absolutely! I plan on arriving the day before (Thursday) and starting my setup Thursday night, well ahead of your arrival.
If I provide the camping gear, will you still set it up at a lower price?
No. I’ll have enough on my hands with equipment that I’m familiar with, plus I do not wish to take the risk of damaging someone else’s gear during setup, break down and transport.
Can you provide service on the last day of the tour?
No, first there is no Tent City sponsored by BVA, plus I need to clean up my gear for another bike ride that immediately follows BVA. Some people ask since they are driving across country and would like a final night of rest before hitting the road.
I have another question that you didn’t bother considering….
Then please drop me a line! I’m fairly responsive with email, just drop me an email here.