Mallorca Spain Cycling/Training Holiday with Wild Rock
When: Trip 1 March 14th-22nd 2009 (March Break)
Trip 2 April 9th-19th 2009 (Easter Break)
Cost:
March Trip (7 nights) $1099CAN or $899US pp based on double
April Trip (9 nights) $1249CAN or $999US pp based on double
What is included?
The price includes all your breakfasts and dinners, airport shuttle in Mallorca (both ways), 1 shuttle ride (you get dropped off by a bus and ride back home), and your hotel.
What is not included?
Transportation to the Toronto airport, lunches and drinks while in Mallorca, Health/Travel/Medical insurance and any surcharges for overweight baggage and/or bike box charges are not included. You can arrange your own flights or let Kathy at Merit Ostrander Travel (705-743.1635) arrange them for you. If you are arranging your own airfare you fly to Palma Mallorca (PMI) and I will need your airline, flight number, arrival and departure times. Send them to scott@wildrock.net so he can arrange your shuttle. Flights range from $1000 to $1500 CAN.
The Riding
Mallorca has long been known as one of Europe’s very popular sunny getaways. Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands, an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea comprising Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. Over the past 20 years Mallorca has become a Mecca for cyclists looking for beautiful weather, idyllic cycling roads, superb coffee, and thousands of fellow cyclists. The estimated 300,000 cyclists a year who visit this cycling paradise have discovered that the bicycle is the ideal transportation to explore this historic island.
Mallorca has a road network of 1,250 kms, 675 of which are local and secondary roads with an average width of 6.50 m. approximately, and 20% of these are in the mountains. Throughout the winter, the leading European teams visit the Island because they appreciate its ideal conditions for training. Professional cyclists who have visited Mallorca have a highly favourable opinion of the Island. Stephen Roche (winner of the Tour de France, the Tour of Italy and the World Championship) came to Mallorca on the advice of the great Miguel Indurain. As Roche says “Mallorca is quite fascinating! It has a great climate and great scenery and it offers unbeatable conditions for both holiday cyclists and professionals.” From February to March, amateur teams spend their well-deserved holidays enjoying their favourite sport on local lanes, traveling through lovely countryside around the small villages in the interior, where they can also find the real cuisine and culture of the Island.
We will base ourselves in the seaside town of Porte D’Alcudia on the North East coast. The riding can be as easy or hard as you wish. The cars are very courteous of bikes as they are very conditioned to bicycles on the roads. We usually break into 2 or 3 groups to keep like-minded and able folks together. The rides can be used for scenic beauty or hard riding. Extra water and snacks can be purchased in the many small villages. Lunches are easily found in the same villages. There is no support or following vehicle.
Triathlon Training
There is a 25m pool within 5 minutes walk of our hotel. All you need is your cap, goggles and suit. The ocean is available but is quite cool so a wetsuit would be necessary. You can run right from the hotel. In the past most folks have focused on the cycling but there is no reason you can’t do a little of everything. There is a 1/2 marathon on March 22nd, 2009 in Palma. If you stay a day or two later this could be a nice addition to your trip. For details http://www.marathonmallorca.com/ini.htm
What if my partner is not an avid rider?
You don’t have to be a hard-core rider in Mallorca. There is a multitude of short, flat easy routes. There are free cruiser bikes at the hotel for exploring the town. For non-cyclists there are 2 very good golf courses within 15 minutes of the hotel (Approx $95.00 for 18 holes). Rental cars or scooters are available at the hotel to explore monasteries, caves, lighthouses, windmills and old cities. There is a walled city built by the James II in 1298 within 15 minutes walk. In general there is plenty to see and do to keep someone busy for a week if they choose not to ride their bikes like mad folk around the island.
What if we have kids/infants?
Nanny services are available at the hotel. Qualified, licensed, English speaking nannies are available for ½ day (morning or afternoon) for $40/day. Full day (9am-5pm) is $70/day per child. Using the nanny service on the odd day is a great way for a couple to enjoy some riding together. Flying with kids under 2 is usually free if they sit on your lap. You must call the airline ahead to register them and they usually give you a bulkhead seat that has more room. If you want nanny service contact scott@wildrock.net with the times, dates and names of children so the nanny(ies) can be pre-arranged.
The Hotel
We stay at Aparthotel Estrella de Mar a Four Star Hotel in the seaside town of Port D’Alcudia. Each room has a bedroom with two beds, a separate living room and full kitchen and bathroom. If you are on a budget and wish to cook your own lunch and dinners you may. You receive 10% off groceries in the small market in the hotel or there is a grocery store within 5 minutes walk. The beach is a 5-minute stroll. The hotel has a locked bike garage for our use.
Weather Averages for Mallorca
Generally it is cool and clear in the morning and warms up in the afternoon. We usually ride in knee warmers and arm warmers in the morning. When the sun hits noon or you are climbing you are right down to a jersey and shorts. For cold days bring long fingered gloves, jacket, skull cap/hat, booties and knee warmers.
March Trip Weather
The Average High Temperature is 65 F with a historical range of 53 F to 131 F. There is a 88% chance of a Warm Day (temperature over 60°F / 16°C).
(97 days out of 110 in historical record)
April Trip Weather
The Average High Temperature is 66 F with a historical range of 57 F to 77 F there is a 96% chance of a Warm Day (temperature over 60°F / 16°C).
(95 days out of 99 in historical record)
Flying with your bike
Lately airlines are charging up to $125 each way per bike. Although most times the charges have been less and usually returning from Mallorca the charge is only $30E (approx $45 CAN). I would count on up to $200CAN in bike handling charges by the various airlines. It may fly for free but best be prepared. Wild Rock rents bike suitcases if you decide on bringing your own bike. This makes packing your bike worry free.
Renting a bike
If traveling with your bike is not desirable I can arrange the rental of a quality carbon bike that will be delivered to the hotel for approx. $170CAN per week. This may be a hassle free way to travel. You just pack your pedals, seat and cycling gear. E-mail scott@wildrock.net the dates you need your bike and the length of the top tube center to center.
For more info or booking contact Scott Murison at Wild Rock 705-745-9133 or scott@wildrock.net