If you’ve been on an Andy Cook Cycling holiday before you will know the answer is a resounding yes.

The Andy Cook Bike Camp in Mallorca this Autumn is designed as a wind down at the end of the season. It’s more relaxed than our Spring Camp but still provides challenging rides for those who want to stretch themselves over the terrain of Mallorca. There will be several riding groups each day so you can choose the one that suits you.

If it’s your first time with us, it’s simple really, we pride ourselves on being inclusive not exclusive. By providing several group rides each day you will find like minded cyclists to ride with, no matter if you are an experienced roadie or a relative beginner to road cycling. Our camps have always attracted a wide mix of people which makes for not only great bike rides but a friendly sociable atmosphere.

For all Andy Cook Cycling staff, your safety and fun is the focus and we work hard to make sure we deliver for you.

So whatever you want to achieve during the bike camp, if you love riding your bike, then the answer to the question is YES.

Andy Cook and the bike guides will assist and lead you on the rides in different groups according to your individual needs, from relative beginners to seasoned enthusiasts.

The terrain of the island is very varied with significant mountain climbs as well as undulating roads. The routes will include the beautiful mountain roads of the northern coast as well as the more gentle inland countryside. During the longer rides, there will be stops allowing you refreshment while enjoying the beautiful views.

You will have a choice of groups to ride with each day depending on your abilities, fitness levels and personal goals. All groups will be guided by one of our qualified leaders at all times. Remember we want you to enjoy the rides and arrive back safely and ready to go the next day, so the groups are carefully managed to go at the right pace for the riders. Good pace setting is a skill in its own right and our guides have years of experience. If you’ve never ridden in a group before you will have the chance to learn new skills with experienced cyclists around you to help.

All groups will be supported by a back-up vehicle which will meet you at the rest stops to provide mechanical support as well as carrying spare food and clothing for you.

Upon arrival at the resort, there will be a welcome meeting where you will also receive more information and the final programme.

The bike rides start every morning with a short briefing of the course for the day’s ride after which the first group will depart with their guide.

The routes will vary in length each day to offer various routes with different levels of difficulty. There will be long rides but with relatively low intensity and there will still be time for other activities.

Please take a variety of clothing. The weather is usually warm but far from guaranteed, we suggest:

• Short sleeve jerseys,
• Long Sleeve jersey
• Cycling Shorts
• Leg warmers/tights
• Race cape/shower jacket
• Hard shell helmet (This is a legal requirement in some countries including Spain)
• Under vests
• Arm warmers
• Wind proof Gilet (for descents)
• Cotton socks
• Track mitts
• Cap/Hat/warm gloves
• Sun Glasses
• Sun Cream/Block
• 2 large water bottles
• Energy drink

Spares

Although rides are supported you must carry the essentials and know how to use them.

• 2 inner tubes
• multi tool (allen keys etc)
• tyre levers
• puncture repair outfit
• working pump!

Your bike

Our objective for the two weeks is to make sure that you have a great time. Please take time to read through these notes carefully as it will help make your time with us as safe and hassle free as possible.

Prior to Travel

Nothing spoils a holiday of this nature more than a malfunctioning bike. Please spend time making sure that your bike is in excellent working order. New tyres, tubes, brake blocks and cables are obvious improvements that can alleviate problems whilst on the camp. 
Transmission is another area that needs to be in good working order (Chain and sprockets). It is essential that you check the transmission of your bike works correctly after fitting any new equipment, as there are often problems with worn or new teeth running old or new chains.

Our recommendation is to get a quality mechanic at your local shop to fit and check the equipment out, then ensure you go out for a longish ride before packing your bike away for your holiday. 
You will need appropriate gearing. We suggest a minimum of 39 x 25 as a bottom gear but many of our clients use a compact group set or triple chain set (see note below for more help). There is a small bike shop on site at Club Pollentia and Pro Cycle Hire provide high quality hire bikes from their base in Puerto Pollenca.

Note: Compact group sets usually have a 50/34 front chain ring and 12/25 rear sprocket whilst a triple typically provides 52/42/32 front rings and 12/25 rear sprocket. This is all down to your personal needs and preferences but if you have any queries just contact us and we will happily help out.

Packing your Bike

Your bike is the single most important part of your holiday and a damaged one could ruin your holiday, it is essential therefore that you take great care packing it. Here are a few simple guidelines:

• Remove your pedals with a pedal spanner and place in a separate box or turn around and thread on the inside of your cranks
• Using a good quality allen key loosen your handle bar stem and handlebars and turn in towards the frame.
Either remove your seat post and saddle or simply drop down inside your seat tube (Remember to mark the post with your correct height)
• Remove both wheels, quick release skewers and deflate your tyres.
• Place protective plastic or wooden spacers in both the fork dropouts and rear dropouts, these can normally be sourced in your local bike shop, failing this old hubs will do the job perfectly.
• Lag and protect all-important parts of your bike. The pipe insulation that plumbers use is good for this task. If in doubt remove it and package it safely and neatly. If you use zip ties or tape to hold any parts secure for traveling don’t forget to take some spares with you for packing for the return trip.
• Label all of your parts and protective strips so re-packing at the end of your holiday is not such an ordeal.

There are a number of options for carrying your bike. You can use the cardboard boxes that new bikes arrive in, purpose build bike bags which come with differing levels of protective foam and the purpose build travel bike boxes which although they can be expensive, probably offer the best protection for your bike.
 However when you pack your bike please remember to ensure your bike is covered on you own insurance just in case the worst should happen.

Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to get in touch and ask us at booking [at] andycookcycling [dot] com. Our aim is for you to have a great bike camp so if we can offer any advice which will help, we will.

Prices are based per person and include:

• Half board accommodation.
• Palma de Mallorca Airport to Hotel transfer (and return) for you, your luggage and your bike.
• Unlike our Spring Camp we will schedule two incoming and outgoing transfers, morning and afternoon on each Saturday.
• Alternative transfers are available at extra cost. Please contact us for more details – we’re always happy to help.
• Vehicle support whilst on the daily group rides.
• Mechanical support throughout the Bike Camp.
• Guides for all groups during rides.
• The price excludes flights and personal travel insurance.