Q: I am a college student planning to travel in Western Europe in the spring for about two months, primarily by train. Does it provide for people who have a bicycle?
A: Since the Rail Europe system serves 17 countries and each is free to impose its own regulations, there's no simple answer. But if there are two rules to remember, they are: (1) Check ahead to find out whether the train you plan to take can accommodate bicycles, and (2) Check in early.
Here's a sampling of the policies of some Eurail members, with a phone number listed for railroads that can provide details on this side of the Atlantic.
In Britain, whether you can take a bike aboard depends on a train's equipment. Noting that there are 15,000 departures a day, Pat Titley, Britrail director of marketing, said it was best to check locally. Space is available on certain intercity trains, but may be limited on some rural routes, she said. A reservation is required for the bicycle; the fee is $4.50 to $6.
In France, taking a bicycle is discouraged. According to the SNCF, the French National Railroads, bikes must be checked except on some suburban and regional trains. If there isn't enough room in a baggage car or a luggage compartment at the end of a car, your bike could travel on a different train from you and get to your destination a day after you do (assuming a direct train) or two days later (assuming a change of trains).
One option is renting a bike at a rail station. A reservation is required, and the charge is $8.60 to $10.70 a day and less for longer periods. If you do take a bike, the charge is $26.25 if it is dismantled and boxed, and $36 if not boxed.
In Germany, you can take your bike on Interregio (inter-regional) trains. For any other trains, you need to inquire. Reservations for bicycle space, which are essential, can be made only in Germany. The charge is $6. Information: (708) 692-6300, fax (800) 282-7474.
In Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, bicycles are not allowed on express trains. But local trains on the same routes -- say, between Oslo and Bergen -- do accept bicycles. On trains with a luggage section for bicycles, dismantling is not necessary. Charge for a bicycle: $8 to $10. Information: (212) 949-2333.
In Switzerland, bikes need not be taken apart. If you put your bike aboard a Swiss Federal Railway train, it travels with you, according to Oliver Stauffer, manager of customer relations at the Swiss National Tourist Office. It is best to check in one hour ahead, he said. Charge for a bicycle: $9.40.
Q: A sports column some time ago mentioned that the fine racehorse John Henry could be seen at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Can you tell me more?
A: At the Kentucky Horse Park, you can not only see John Henry, who won over $6.5 million, but also get a broad view of the world of horses.
From March 16 to Oct. 31, John Henry and four other celebrated horses are presented in shows at 10:15 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. At the shows, a staff member provides a brief commentary on Bold Forbes, winner of the Kentucky Derby in 1976; Rambling Willie, the richest Standardbred in history when he retired in 1983; Sgt. Pepper Feature, the world champion running quarter horse of 1982; and Imperator, an American saddle bred who retired in 1989 as a four-time world champion.
Film clips at the visitors information center show these horses at their best. John Henry, for example, can be seen winning the Arlington Million at Arlington International Race Course in Chicago in 1981.
Situated on 1,032 acres in Kentucky's bluegrass country, the park is home to 40 breeds of horses and the site of the International Museum of the Horse. Visitors can observe the park's blacksmith at work, ride the park's trails on horseback (a 50-minute ride is $10) or have their children take a pony ride ($3.18). There is a 200-acre campground with 260 sites ($14.50 a night for one to four persons). The schedule of events includes horse shows and polo.
The park is at 4089 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, Ky. 40511; (606) 233-4303. From Nov. 1 to March 15, it is closed on Monday and Tuesday and its activities are reduced, as is the daily entry fee ($6.50, $4.50 for children). During the rest of the year, the park is open daily, except for a few holidays, and charges admission of $8.95, $4.95 for children.
Q: Could you provide me with information about kosher and Sabbath-observant tours of the United States that would be attractive to young women ages 18 to 25 from abroad?
A: For organized tours on a consistent basis there are only two companies that fit that bill.
Kesher Tours, an Israeli-owned company with offices in New York, has been offering tours for Orthodox singles for 18 years to many parts of the world, including the United States and Canada.
All American tours include three kosher meals a day, either prepared by a kosher caterer who travels with the group or at kosher restaurants. There is no travel on the Sabbath, and tour members take part in services at synagogues along the way and visit Jewish sites.
Next year, as this year, the company will offer a 13-day National Parks and West Coast tour ($2,293 this year, with next year's prices to be announced), a nine-day Las Vegas and West Coast tour ($1,761), and a 10-day tour of Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria Island and the Canadian Rockies ($2,115). Prices include domestic air fares from New York, accommodations and meals.
More information: Kesher Tours, 370 Lexington Ave., New York, N.Y. 10017; (212) 949-9580 or (800) 847-0700.
Go-Kosher Tours, now in its 21st year, offers a variety of land tours in North America as well as cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean.
Among this year's offerings were 10-day and 13-day Best of California tours, which actually started in Reno and went on to Yosemite, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. The 10-day tour cost $1,200 a person in double occupancy, and the 13-day tour $1,570. Tour prices, which do not include air fare, cover accommodations, bus sightseeing trips and freshly prepared kosher breakfast, box lunch and dinner daily. There is no travel on the Sabbath; synagogue services will be attended or the groups will provide their own.
For a brochure, write to Go-Kosher Tours, 1373 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, N.Y. 14209, which sells its tours only through a travel agent.