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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
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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...
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