Get away from the winter in Britain and experience the Spring weather on the Costa Blanca, along with the many professional teams that base themselves in the Denia area for early season training. We will not be cycling quite as quickly as them though! At this time of year, the almond blossom should be out in all its glory ranging from white through to dark pink, and the orange and citrus harvest will be in full swing.
We will be using quiet lanes wherever possible. The roads we will use vary from quite flat along the coast and to the North, to fairly lumpy inland and to the South. Distances will be from 41 to 84kms. The pace will be leisurely, with plenty of time for stops along the way.
We will be staying in a well-equipped hotel near one of Denia’s beaches. The hotel is well used to cyclists, having many of the teams based there for winter training. Breakfast and dinner are buffet style. For breakfast you can have cereals, cold meats, or a full English. Hot drinks and fruit juices are also included. For dinner there is a wide selection of main courses and desserts. Drinks with meals will be included and there is a selection available to purchase from the bar. There is a large bicycle storage area in the basement.
Price:-
£625 based on a minimum of 8 participants. (Single supplement, £250)
If the minimum number is not reached before the date of the final payment, the tour may be cancelled. If it is, your deposit will be returned.
It is very important that you do not make travel arrangements until it is confirmed that the tour will go ahead. A second week is available for this holiday, 1st to 8th or 8th to 15th March, £50 discount for the 2nd week if both are booked.
Included:-
7 nights’ accommodation with breakfast and evening meal (with drinks).
Transfers from and to Alicante airport.
GPS files.
Not included:-
Lunches, drinks and snacks on the rides.
Flights to and from Alicante airport.
Travel Insurance.
Any other personal expenses.
Single occupancy.
Bike hire (if applicable).
Payment:-
Deposit on booking of £75. Balance of £550 to be paid 10 weeks before the start date (plus single supplement if applicable).
Cancellations:-
Should you need to cancel your booking you must notify us in writing.
Cancellation charges:-
(First week) - Written notice received: Before 21st December 2024: £25 cancellation fee.
After 21st December 2024 and before 1st February 2025, 50% of tour price.
After 1st February 2025, 100% of monies paid.
(Second week) - Written notice received: Before 28th December 2024: £25 cancellation fee.
After 28th December 2024 and before 8th February 2025, 50% of tour price.
After 8th February 2025, 100% of monies paid.
General Information:-
Terrain and roads. Most of the roads are good quality tarmac, although we will be using some lanes where the surface may not be perfect. There is a short section of well compacted gravel. Some of the routes are hilly, some are much flatter. Traffic will be busy in Denia and other towns but quiet in most other areas.
Accommodation and meals:-
Accommodation will be in a modern hotel which is often used by the pro teams when they are training in the area. Meals are buffet style with a wide range to choose from.
Travel and transfers:-
Transfers will be arranged as soon as we know numbers and arrival/departure times. As the hotel check in time is 15:00, very early arrivals may not be able to access their rooms immediately. Hotel check out time is 12:00, so you may need to vacate your room before your transfer time. If your inward flight is delayed, we will endeavour to collect you when we can, but you may have to wait at the airport. For long delays you may have to make your own way to Denia.
Weather and clothing:-
The weather is in the hands of the Gods. It can be warm at this time of year, unlikely to be hot. But it could occasionally be cold and wet. You should ensure that you have adequate clothing to cover all eventualities. We will check the forecast each day and may amend the itinerary accordingly. It is compulsory to wear a hi-viz jacket in poor visibility, and helmets are compulsory in Spain.
Navigation:-
The rides will be accompanied. We will provide GPS files. The group will always meet up at coffee stops, points of interest etc. If you wish to have your own map, the Michelin Zoom Series, number 123, Costa Blanca and 149 Valencia are usually available at W.H.Smiths etc. in the UK.
Bicycle and equipment:-
Ensure that your bicycle is in good condition, especially tyres and brakes. You should carry spares, a pump and a simple tool kit to cope with punctures and minor repairs. A road bike or light mountain bike will be suitable for this holiday. Hire bikes are available and we can provide details of hire shops.
Health and insurance:-
As well as an EHIC (or new GHIC) card, (UK travellers only), you must have travel and health insurance. It is strongly recommended that you take out insurance on booking your holiday, so that if you need to cancel, you may be able to claim the cancellation charges.
Passports:-
N.B. Since Brexit, passport requirements have changed. Please read the following carefully. Your passport must have at least three months to run after the last day of your holiday, excluding extensions, i.e. no more than 9 and a 9 months since issue. Ensure that you apply for a new passport, if necessary, in good time.
Brexit:-
If you are a frequent traveller please be aware that UK citizens are now restricted to 90 days in a rolling 180 period in Schengen Zone countries. Make sure that your visit does not exceed this limit as the penalties can be severe - a fine, deportation or even a ban from entering a Schengen country again! UK passports are now being stamped on the way in and out.
The ETIAS scheme will be up and running in 2025.