Cycling in Andalusia - Frequently Asked Questions

HOTEL, LUGGAGE AND BIKE DROP OFFS

Can I book a hotel whilst I reserve my rental bike for the Cycling tour?

Unfortunately we're not a travel agent and therefore were not allowed to make accomodation bookings. Nevertheless we are pleased to help you with any enquiry you might have regarding accomodation. Ronda city’s website (www.turismoderonda.es) has a lot of informative information about accomodation in the Serrania de Ronda.

And what about my luggage whilst I’m riding my rental bike?

We do luggage transfers in the area of Ronda, and up to a 50km radius from Ronda. If you require luggage transfers that are further away, it might get very expensive as we'll need to organise this with a local (taxi) driving service.

As part of our service you can also store your luggage (and bike boxes) with us or we can organise a luggage transfer for you.

Can Cycleronda drop off rental bikes at our hotel?

Yes, if your hotel is within 30 kilometers from Ronda and you require 4 bikes or more, we can drop off the rental bikes for an extra fee of 30 euros per transfer.

AIRPORTS AND PICK UPS

Can I get an Airport Transfer?

Yes you can, but only if you've previously arranged this. We'll meet you at the airport when your flight arrives, and will return you for the connecting flight home in plenty of time. Most flights arrive late morning, but sometimes we may need to wait if there are other cyclists arriving shortly after your flight.

What is the best time to arrive at Malaga Airport?

We are fairly flexible with your expected time of arrival at the Airport, if you need to be picked up. Please be aware that in the high cycling season we are very busy, and sometimes it’s not possible to do pick ups. Prices of pick ups will depend on the day, hour of arrival, and the number of people. Cycleronda can give a previous quote if you require.

Which Airport is the Best and Most Comfortable?

Malaga airport is the closest to Ronda, and is well serviced by most European countries and UK airports. It's also possible to fly into Sevilla or Jerez de la Frontera, but we don’t offer pick ups from these airports.

Note:As Sevilla and Jerez de la Frontera Airports are further away from Ronda, it will be more expensive if you require a taxi etc!

How long does it take to get from the Airport to Ronda?

From Malaga Airport it takes less then 1hr 30mins (and a little more from Sevilla and Jerez de la Frontera airports) to reach Ronda.

COST OF BIKE HIRE

How much does it cost to rent a bike?

At Cycleronda our bike rental prices are a standard price all year round, which means we don't take advantage of our cyclist over the busy cycling season. Bike hire normally starts from 15 euros per day (based on a 3 day rental or more), this also includes up to 3 bike route descriptions!

 

LEVEL OF FITNESS

How fit do I need to be?

Regular aerobic exercise and a moderate level of fitness is required for our cycling routes. Our bike routes do vary in difficulty varying from an easy ride to challenging depending on the type of cyclist you are.

 

CLOTHING, TOOLS AND OTHER ACCESSORIES

What do I need to pack?

If your cycling tour is several days long we suggest you pack at least 2-3 pairs of cycling pants and jerseys/tops. We highly advise when riding in Andalusia you bring: sunglasses, sun cream, after sun moisturiser and a white or light coloured cotton bandanna/scarf (to protect your neck from getting sunburnt). If you burn easily, we also advise wearing long sleeved T-shirts/jerseys and full length cycling gloves for maxium sun protection. If your cycling during the winter months we also recommend that you bring waterproof cycling gear.

If you're going off road mountain biking and prefer not to cycle with panniers, please bring your own Camelback. Also all of our bikes have standard pedals, therefore you'll need to bring your own clippless pedals, and remember don’t forget your shoes! Finally don't forget your helmet if you prefer to use your own! (we provide helmets FREE of charge with our rental bikes). In Spain bike helmets are compulsory, therefore all cyclists are expected to wear one.

Can I use my own bike?

Some clients prefer to use their own bike over a rental bike, especially if they're training for a race or are professional cyclists. Using your own bike on a cycling tour is quite easy to organise, as we take you AND your bike to Ronda. We prefer to be notified well in advance, incase their is a large group booking.

To transport your bike safely you'll need to:

1. organise a bike box or bag (from your local bike shop)
2. deflate the tyres a little
3. lower the saddle
4. turn in the handle bars and pedals
5. use pipe insulation to protect the frame.

Note: the smaller the bike box, the more convenient it is to travel and it makes it easier for pick ups!

Always check with your airline or travel agent first, as their conditions may vary when transporting boxed bikes. In some cases you can send your bike ahead of time, normally there is a fee involved, some may not charge, but there is a risk your bike might be delayed a day if there's limited space.

Do I need to bring spares for my own bike?

Cycleronda has it's own professional workshop where we repair and maintain all of our rental bikes, as well as we also offer a small range of bike parts.

We strongly recommend that you have your own bike serviced before you begin one of our cycling tours; as we don’t do services in our workshop, just emergency repairs if required! Remember to pack a rear derailleur hanger if your wanting to ride your own mountain bike.For all major repairs or servicing Cyleronda has preferential servicing at one of the two bike shops in Ronda.

 

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do I need travel and health insurance?

Yes, you're required to have medical and personal accident cover for our cycling tours. Make sure your insurance policy also covers sports activities abroad and accident cover incase you have to be sent home.

We also require your insurance policy numbers and emergency contact details before your arrival.

For UK cliental we recommend that you bring your EHIC card, as this will help reduce the costs of medical services for treatment in the EEA (European Economic Area). Just remember without travel insurance, you can't book a cycling tour with Cycleronda, and the EHIC alone is not sufficient cover.

BIKE SPECIFICATIONS

Can you tell me the specs of your rental bikes?

Yes, we can as Cycleronda is proud to offer top quality GT and TREK rental bikes. Below you'll find the specifications for all of our rental bikes.

Mountain Bike Specifications

Brand: GT Avalanche 2.0 Disc.
Note: size XXL (23¨) is from TREK, 3500
Gears: 27 gears with Shimano Alivio and/or Deore
Brakes: Tektro disc brakes
Suspension: Rock Shox front suspension with lock function
Wheels: double butted rims and special puncture free tyres of Schwalbe
Lights: on requirement we can supply battery lights
Weight: approx. 12kg
Available (frame) sizes: XXS (kids, 24¨ Wheels), XS (13¨), S (16¨), M (18¨), L (19¨), XL (21¨), XXL (22.5¨)

How can I find my good frame size?

Your height (meters):	Frame size:
<1.45m	kids bike, 24" wheels
1.45m till 1.50m	13 inch (33cm)
1.51m till 1.60m	16 inch (41cm)
1.61m till 1.70m	18 inch (46cm)
1.71m till 1.84m	19 inch (49cm)
1.85m till 1.93m	21 inch (53cm)
>1.94m	22.5 inch (57cm)

Road Bike Specifications

Brand: GT (2Series) / TREK (2.1)
Frame: Alpha Black Aluminum (H2 Geometry)
Colour: Team Silver and Blue
Fork: Race, Carbon Fibre
Gears: TREK: Shimano 30/39/50 with Shimano 105 (10-spd) cassette 11-28, or
GT: Compact 34/50 with Shimano Tiagra/105 (9/10-spd) cassette 11-26T
Brakes: Tektro
Wheels: Double butted Bontrager rims.
Weight: approx. 9kg
Available (frame) sizes: XS (50cm), S (52cm), M (56cm), L (58cm), XL (60cm), XXL (62cm)

How can I find my good frame size?

Your height (meters):	Frame size:
1.50m till 1.60m	XS (50 cm)
1.61m till 1.71m	S (52 cm)
1.71m till 1.76m	S (54 cm)
1.76m till 1.86m	M (56 cm)
1.86m till 1.91m	L (58 cm)
1.91m till 1.96m	XL (60 cm)
1.96m till 2.03m	XXL (62 cm)

Hybrid Bike Specifications

Brand: TREK (either T400 or 7300 model)
Gears: 24 gears with Shimano Alivio and/or Deore
Brakes: Tektro V-brakes
Suspension: front suspension with lock function
Wheels: double butted rims and special puncture free tyres of Schwalbe
Lights: on requirement we can supply battery lights
Weight: approx. 14kg.
Available (frame) sizes:
Ladies: 45, 51, 55cm
Gents: 45, 51, 55, 58, 65 cm

How can I find my good frame size?

Ladies model		Gents model
Your height (meters):	Frame size:	Your length (meters):	Frame size:
-	-	1.50m till 1.64m	45cm
1.48m till 1.57m	45cm	1.65m till 1.75m	50cm
1.58m till 1.69m	51cm	1.76m till 1.85m	55cm
1.70m till 1.81m	55cm	1.86m till 1.93m	58cm
>1.81m	Gents model!	>1.93m	65cm

Electric Bike Specifications

Brand: TREK (T500 E-bike)
Gears: 24 gears with Shimano Deore
Levels of electric assistance: 4 positive and 4 negative (recharge functions)
Battery Capacity: up to about 80km
Brakes: Tektro V-brakes
Suspension: front suspension with lock function
Wheels: double butted rims and special puncture free tyres of Schwalbe
Lights: incorporated lights in front fork
Weight: approx. 28kg
Available (frame) sizes:
Ladies: 45, 50, 55cm
Gents: 55, 60cm

How can I find my good frame size?

Ladies model		Gents model
Your height (meters):	Frame size:	Your length (meters):	Frame size:
1.48m till 1.57m	45cm	1.70m till 1.81m	55cm
1.58m till 1.69m	51cm	1.82m till 1.95m	60cm
1.70m till 1.81m	55cm
>1.81m	Gents model!