Gilbert Gutowski

Gilbert Gutowski
Former Pro Cyclist and Guide
Brisbane, Australia

Guiding Experience

4 Years with Bikestyle Tours. Riding in 2 wheels from 3 years old, competing for over 25 years and counting

Bikestyle Trips

7

Non-guiding Background

Born in Melbourne, moved to France when I was young before returning to Aus and growing up in Cairns North Qld with a French/Polish and Mauritian Family background. Currently working within the bicycle industry involved in the distribution of some of the worlds largest and well known bicycle brands.

Languages

English, French

Favourite Location

Auvergne, France

PROFILE

Growing up in Melbourne, Gilbert discovered the French newspaper clippings of his father’s cycling exploits. A passion began. Gilbert started racing BMX and track before taking more seriously to the road bike after completing his university studies in 2003. Pursuing a dream for racing in Europe for a team in his family’s region of Auvergne. His team included now, 4-time Tour de France rider Florian Vachon (Fortuneo-Samic) and one of France’s most exciting riders – Julian Alaphilippe (Quick-Step Floors).

Gilbert returned to Australia in 2007, continuing to race for UCI Continental Teams. Gilbert works in many parts of the cycling industry, including retail and as a tour guide. He loves sharing his enthusiasm and passion for all things cycling.

Spectators

Dedicated to the race fan, a spectators ONLY trip
  • Custom itinerary for spectators, experience the greatest cycling races in the world, up close
  • Primary focus is seeing the race, but we incorporate small side itineraries for you to experience food and culture in picturesque villages and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
  • During the trip we also create the opportunity to share your experience with some of our cycling guests, by way of meeting up at viewing areas during the trip

There may be some walking involved for all guests. We make every effort to get you close to the starts, finishes, climbs and feed-zones. However, the immediate vicinity is difficult to access with road closures. Please have comfortable shoes and you need to have a very basic level of fitness.

This trip is dedicated to non-cyclists

Search for our experienced cyclists trips here.

This trip is tailored for non-cyclists, the race fan

The majority of our trips cater for cyclists and non-cyclists, offering a diversity between riding, seeing the race and experiencing the food and culture of the destinations we visit.

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Experienced Cyclist

This is a cyclists only trip
  • Primary focus is riding your bike

Most of our trips also cater for non-riders (as well as cyclists), and we have some spectator only trips. Please search for our spectator only trips here.

This trip is dedicated to experienced cyclists
  • Most rides are more than 100km and may have over 2,000m (6,000ft) of vertical ascent
  • There are some epic days of more than 3,000m of vertical ascent
  • We find that these trips have more than enough riding, even for the most experienced cyclists
  • Climbing is at your own pace
  • Between climbs, we'll often ride as a group averaging more than 30km/hr (20mi/hr) along the flat

Your guides may adjust the intensity of your ride to ensure you have more than enough riding. Remember, we often follow the climbing routes so vertical metres is often a better measure than the miles in the saddle.

This trip is tailored for experienced cyclists who ride more than often, nearly every day
  • Other trips cater for different riding abilities
  • These trips are intended for guests to ride (rather than take the van) through alpine areas, often completing two significant climbs a day
  • Each day has near 2,000m (6,000ft) of climbing, sometimes more
  • We'll often ride as a group averaging more than 30km/hr (20mi/hr) along the flat
  • Climbing is always at your own pace
  • We expect that guests have trained well to prepare for their riding holiday, including group riding and hilly rides

We often incorporate an easier day in the itinerary to serve as recovery for the bigger days during the back end of the tour.

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Cyclists and Non-Cyclists

Popular with non-cycling partners, and spectators welcome
  • Primary focus is seeing the race
  • On some days we'll visit beautiful areas, such as a picturesque village or a UNESCO World Heritage area for you to experience food and culture
  • Other days we'll meet up with our riders are various points as we ride along stunning routes, and you'll be able to capture wonderful photographs of the scenery

You'll be able to discuss options each day with your van driver and trip leader, as some guests like to incorporate some longer walks and others prefer more time in the villages

Experienced cyclists are welcome
  • Many rides are more than 100km and may have over 2,000m (6,000ft) of vertical ascent
  • With all of our trips, there are opportunities to extend our longest ride option to include another nearby climb or take an alternative route to achieve a double summit on some climbs.
  • We find that our longer trips have more than enough riding, even for the most experienced cyclists.

Your guides may adjust the intensity of your ride to ensure you have more than enough riding. Remember, we often find follow the climbing routes. Like the Grand Tours, we find the higher intensity, short stages can be just as challenging as a long day in the saddle.

This trip is tailored for cyclists who ride often, but are unable to ride every day at home
  • Our most popular trips cater for different riding abilities
  • You're able to select an option each day of the itinerary that suits how you feel (or how well you have prepared)
  • Our easiest rides involve riding in a group at an average speed of more than 20km/hr (15mi/hr) on the flat
  • Climbing is always at your own pace
  • We expect that guests have trained to prepare for their riding holiday, including some group riding and hilly rides

You may like to have some days off the bike or easier days and save your legs for the day that you conquer a bucket list climb

Acknowledgement Waiver and Release

I agree to comply with all road rules and regulations, and all lawful instructions and directions of Bikestyle Tours Pty Ltd, its directors, officers, employees, contractors, and volunteers (collectively the Organiser) during the Bikestyle organised tours (the Event). If I fail to comply with the road rules and regulations, and instructions and/or directions of the Organiser, I will not be permitted to ride or continue to ride.

I acknowledge that cycling can be an inherently dangerous activity. I recognise that there are risks and hazards specifically associated with this activity, including the possibility or injury and death and loss and damage both to myself and my possessions. I therefore release the Organiser of any liability resulting from injury, death, loss or damage during the Event.

I understand and acknowledge the dangers associated with the consumption of alcohol or any mind-altering substance before or during any cycling activity. I accept full responsibility for injury, loss or damage arising from consumption of alcohol or any mind-altering substance.

If I suffer any injury or illness, I agree that the Organiser may provide evacuation, first aid and/or medical treatment at my expense and my acceptance of these terms and conditions constitutes my consent to such evacuation, first aid and/or medical treatment.

I acknowledge that I have sole responsibility for my personal possessions and sporting equipment during the Event. I acknowledge that if the Organiser performs any repairs or work on my bicycle or other equipment the Organiser does not warrant that work nor offer any guarantee of any kind in respect of that work.

For myself, my executors, administrators, heirs, next-of-kin, successors and assigns, I hereby:

(a) waive and release all claims I may have against the Organiser or any one or more of their executors, administrators, heirs, next-of-kin, successors and assigns including any or all claims for injury, loss or damages caused by negligence of any of the above arising out of my participation in the Event, together with any costs including legal fees that may be incurred as a result of such claim whether valid or not; and

(b) indemnify and hold harmless the releasees and each of them against any such claim that I or any one or more of my executors, administrators, heirs, next-of-kin, successors and assigns may have or assert and against any costs including legal fees with respect thereof

(c) acknowledge that if I were to assert a claim such claim would be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the laws of Queensland, Australia.

I acknowledge that I have read this assumption of risk. I fully understand its terms and that I have given up substantial rights by agreeing to it. I accept this document freely and voluntarily without any inducement made to me and intend my signature to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law.

Bike Rental Terms and Conditions

Bikestyle Tours (Bikestyle) rents bicycles (Rental Bike) to its clients (Client) on the following terms:

Travel Insurance

It is the responsibility of Clients to hold their own travel insurance policy to cover personal medical care in case of an accident, loss due to cancellation, and any third party liability that may arise from the use of the Rental Bikes by Clients. QBE travel insurance now offers coverage for bike hire by selecting the “specified items” option when purchasing your policy or at any time prior to departure after the policy is issued.

Status of Rental Bicycle

Bikestyle confirms that an experienced bike mechanic, prior to renting, reviews each Rental Bike. Each Rental Bike is prepared for rental and supplied to Clients in properly operating status, and is ready to ride.

For the duration of the hire, Bikestyle will maintain the Rental Bike in a properly operating status.

Obligations of Clients

It is the Clients responsibility to:

  • operate the Rental Bike in a manner appropriate to prevailing road and weather conditions;
  • wear a helmet and other protective clothing;
  • know the relevant rules of the road and practice safe cycling; and
  • know how to operate a multi-speed bike.

Theft of and Damage to Rental Bikes

Except as otherwise specifically provided for in this clause, the Client agrees to be solely responsible for the safe care, custody and operation of the Rental Bike and will indemnify and hold harmless (“Indemnity”) Bikestyle for:

Any damage to and the costs associated with repairing the Rental Bike fair wear and tear excepted (including but not limited to all labour, replacement parts, repainting and any other work necessary to restore the Rental Bike to as new condition) during the Rental Period, whether or not caused by the Client, to the maximum of the market value of the Rental Bike as reasonably determined by Bikestyle;

In the event of theft, the Rental Bike being un-repairable, or the anticipated costs associated with repair exceeding the market value (as reasonably determined by Bikestyle), the market value of the Rental Bike as reasonably determined by Bikestyle.

The Indemnity will not apply where:

  • The Rental Bike has been stored in accordance with instructions provided to Clients by Bikestyle, whether that be at overnight accommodation, in bike trailers provided by Bikestyle.

Waiver

Clients acknowledge and agree that Bikestyle maintains no control over the operation of the Rental Bikes by Clients. Bikestyle assumes no responsibility for and cannot be held liable for any personal injury, property damage, third party liability or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of;

  • any wrongful, negligent or accidental acts or omissions on the part of the Client or the Client’s agents;
  • any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment or instrumentality owned, operated or otherwise used by the Client; or
  • any wrongful or negligent acts or omissions on the part of any other party not under the control, direct or otherwise, of Bikestyle.

Clients hereby release Bikestyle and its agents and employees from and against any and all liability arising during the rental period. Clients acknowledge that they are aware of the risks involved with cycling including but not limited to physical exertion, forces of nature, accidents, travel via any mode of transport, adequacy of medical facilities, or negligence (other than willful or fraudulent) on the part of employees, agents or others of Bikestyle.

Clients agree to be responsible for their own welfare and accept any and all risk associated with the activities they undertake. Clients agree that the terms herein are binding on them, their family members, heirs, successors, assigns, dependents and/or minors accompanying them, and their legal representatives.

Clients acknowledge and agree that Bikestyle and its agents have the right to refuse participation by any person judged incapable of activities, and for not executing this document or other required documentation. Any dispute arising out of these matters whatsoever shall be resolved in binding arbitration/adjudication under the laws of the country of Australia. Any part of this document found to be void or unenforceable shall not negate the enforcement of the remainder.

Cancellation terms

The rental may be canceled up to 14 days prior to the rental period with 10% administrative fee, 90% refundable. Within 14 days of the start of the rental, the full balance is not refundable if canceled. Cancellations outside of 60 days are 100% refundable if prepaid.

Equipment Supplied

each rental bike is rented with a flat tire kit (1 spare tube, patch kit, tire levers, frame pump), 2 water bottle cages and a saddle bag. Clients are required to furnish their own pedals as Rental Bikes are NOT rented with pedals. Clients may supply items such as saddles, computers, water bottles and tools kits for fitting to the Rental Bikes.  Bikestyle is not responsible for any loss of or damage to client supplied equipment howsoever occasioned.

Helmets

Helmets are not included.

Clients agree to wear helmets at all times when riding Rental Bikes.

Reservation Conditions

DEPOSIT

$1000 Australian dollars (unless otherwise shown).
A reservation is not considered to be finalised until a deposit for the trip is received.

FINAL PAYMENT

Due 90 days prior to trip departure date.

CANCELLATION POLICY

If for some reason you have to cancel the trip the following deductions will apply.

  • From payment of deposit to 120 days prior to trip departure date: 50% loss of deposit
  • Between 90 and 120 days prior to trip departure date: 100% loss of deposit
  • Less than 90 days prior to trip departure date: 100% loss of trip payment.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is a company policy of Bikestyle Tours Pty Ltd that all clients travelling with us have adequate travel insurance covering accident, personal injury, loss of luggage and cancellation. Purchase your International Travel Insurance here.

LIABILITY

Bikestyle Tours Pty Ltd are not liable for personal injury, death, damage to property or other loss whether arising from accident, cancellations, delays or any other matter beyond our control. Participants should insure against all such possibilities.

ALTERATIONS

Bikestyle Tours Pty Ltd reserve the right at any time to substitute alternative accommodation or to make any other alteration to the tours which become necessary due to circumstances beyond their control and undertake to inform participants as soon as possible.

TOUR PARTICIPANT

Bikestyle Tours Pty Ltd reserve the right to decline, accept or retain any participant as a member of any tour party if his or her conduct is disruptive and affecting the enjoyment of other participants. Bikestyle Tours Pty Ltd shall be under no liability for any extra cost incurred by such participant as a result of their doing.

It is also a condition that participants wear an approved bicycle helmet at all times while cycling.

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