Quick
links to questions:
>> How do I travel
with my bike?
>> Do I have to bring
my own bike?
>> How fit do I need
to be?
>> How far will we
ride each day?
>> Will my bike be
suitable?
>> Can my non cycling
friends come along?
>> Flights
>> What do I get for
my money?
>> Isn’t Madrid
too hot for biking?
>> Do I have to ride
everyday?
>> What support do
you offer?
>> What about insurance?
>> What's the accommodation
like?
How
do I travel with my bike?
Currently airline companies charge £15 each
way to travel with your bike. They only extend your
weight allowance from 20kg to 32kg total, so make
sure you’re careful what else you decide to
pack! (typical extra baggage charge £5 / kilo)
Detailed information about how to pack your bike will
be sent to you in your pre holiday pack. <top>
Do
I have to bring my own bike?
We'd advise that you bring your own bike. However
we do rent bikes which are mid range (£700 -
£1000 bracket). Typically a hard tail with decent
front suspension and cable disc brakes. Availability
is limited so book up early to avoid disappointment.
Rental cost is £10 / day or £70 / week.<top>
How
fit do I need to be?
We run just 3 levels of trip to keep things simple.
Beginners, intermediate and advanced. Basically if
you're worried about not being fit enough then you
should probably book on the beginners week. On the
other hand if you're worrying that it might be too
slow or easy then book on the advanced weeks. Everybody
else should opt for the intermediate. (Call us if
you're unsure)
Click
here for a more detailed approach...
<top>
How
far will we ride each day?
Typically we’ll cover between 30-40 kilometres
per day. But on the specific beginners weeks we ride
much less - about 15k. We also run more hard core
weeks where we’ll ride much more. <top>
Will
my bike be suitable?
If you have wooden wheels like these boys in Rwanda
then probably not! You don't need to have full suspension,
but we do recommend that you have at least front suspension.
We also recommend that you bring a bike with either
cable or hydraulic disc brakes. A combination of the
suspension and good brakes will not only save you
a lot of fatigue but will also give you much more
control of the bike.
We
do ask that your bike is in good working order. If
you don't know much about mechanics then please make
sure that you get it serviced as close as possible
to the holiday. This is very important because we
don't want you to miss the first day of riding by
having to go to the local bike shop for repairs! <top>
Can
I bring somebody that doesn't ride?
Yes,
but please be aware of limitations. There is no public
transport in this area so apart from hiking or sunbathing
you will require transport. We will do our best to
accommodate but supporting the biking group will be
our priority.<top>
Flights
Flights to Madrid are available from a number of airlines
including the budget airlines. Check the companies
below:
Easyjet
BMI Baby
Ryan Air
Jet2
British Airways
Flights4less
Lastcallflights
holidaysbyphone
Flightsbyphone <top>
What
do I get for my money?
Collection and return to Madrid airport
All breakfast and lunches
Accommodation
7 days of guided mountain biking
Energy bars and bananas for the ride
Support vehicle <top>
Isn’t
Madrid too hot for biking?
Its true Madrid does get unbearably hot. Luckily for
us though we’re based in the mountains nearby.
We’re surrounded all year round by plenty rain
fall and green plants which makes the temperature
much more enjoyable. In fact the people from Madrid
come to the mountains during the summer to escape
the heat. We have the luxury of being able to choose
the temperature we want. If its too hot we go higher
for cool and breezy weather, or if its too cold we
head down towards the plains. Either way the sun always
shines! <top>
Do
I have to ride everyday?
Simply put, no. Its up to you. Sure the biking is
the main focus of the week but there are loads of
other things to do like hiking, climbing, horse riding,
canoeing, swimming, bird watching, or just soaking
up the sun. The support van will be on hand so we
can always take you to the local attractions. <top>
What
support do you offer?
A van that can carry you and your bike will be close
to hand. We also keep plenty of water in the van.
We do have basic tools for repairing your bike but
please do not rely on them. We do ask that you carry
just a minimum spare inner tube with tyre levers,
couple of allen keys, some water, suncream and any
snacks to keep you fuelled up. <top>
What
about insurance?
Its
an absolute must that you get your own insurance.
Please read our safety guidelines.<click
here> We don't sell insurance, but we can recommend
these companies for competitive prices:
Sports
Cover Direct
STA Travel
<top>
What's
the accommodation like?
We
use a selection of local villas, depending on the
group size and individual requirements. Facilities
will always include twin or double rooms, laundry
facilities, secure bike storage, tv, etc. Communal
living and dining rooms, and a BBQ area.
click here for more...
<top>