This week is based on the El Comtat holidays we have been running for 10 years. Once out of Cocentaina the roads we use will see very little traffic and are generally in very good condition. There are few flat roads, we will be either climbing or descending most of the time. Distances will be between 40 and 80kms. Most of the climbs are well graded, but there are a few steep sections. There are long climbs, but of course that means long descents too with spectacular views. There are nevertheless plenty of opportunities to stop for a coffee and for lunch, with numerous bars along the way.
We will be staying in a comfortable, cycling friendly guest house in Cocentaina, registered with the Valencian Tourist Office, with all amenities nearby.
Price:-
£470 (Single supplement, £50)
Included:-
7 nights’ accommodation with breakfast and evening meals.
Transfers from and to Alicante airport.
Maps, route sheets, 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 £50. Balance of £420 (£470 for single occupancy) by 2nd December 2023, 10 weeks before the start date.
Cancellations:-
Should you need to cancel your booking you must notify us in writing.
Cancellation charges:- Written notice received: Before 2nd. December 2023, Deposit (£50)
Between 2nd December 2023 and 13th January 2024, 50% of tour price
After 13th January 2024, 100% of tour price.
General Information:-
Terrain and roads. Most of the roads are good quality tarmac. Traffic will be light outside towns, at times almost non-existent. This is a hilly ride, there are no flat sections. Some of the climbs are very long, and some have short steep sections. There are many technical descents, and you should satisfy yourself that you have the skills to deal with these.
Accommodation and meals:-
Accommodation will be in a comfortable guest house. Price is based on two people sharing a room. All breakfasts and evening meals are included. There are numerous bars and restaurants throughout the area where lunch and coffees can be purchased. There are several supermarkets in Cocentaina should you wish to buy provisions.
Travel and transfers:-
Transfers will be arranged as soon as we know numbers and arrival/departure times. Your flight should be scheduled to arrive at Alicante by 16:00 at the latest on the Saturday. If your inward flight is delayed, we will endeavour to collect you when we can, but you may have to wait at the airport.
Weather and clothing:-
It could be warm at this time of year, but could be cool or even quite cold. If you carry clothing suitable for a typical British spring, that should suffice. 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 maps, route sheets and GPS files however. 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 is 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 will be most suitable for this holiday although could be done on a light tourer or hybrid.
Health and insurance:-
As well as an EHIC (or new GHIC) card, you must have travel 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 six months to run after the last day of your holiday, excluding extensions, i.e. no more than 9 and a half years 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, which includes Spain. 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, or scanned to record your entry and exit dates.