What to Take on a Cycling Holiday or Training Camp

What will I need to bring?

We suggest the following:

  • If bringing your own bike – a seat post pack/saddle bag (with spare inner tubes, tyre levers etc)
  • If you‘re hiring a bike – your pedals, shoes and spare cleats
  • Your own re-usable water bottle(s)
  • A small front and rear bike light
  • Creams – Sun cream/chamois cream
  • Your helmet – you won’t be allowed to ride without one!
  • Windproof/waterproof jacket/ lightweight fleece jacket/gilet
  • Lightweight waterproof jacket/ rain jacket
  • A good quality base layer
  • Cycling jerseys (short sleeve and a long sleeve)
  • Cycling shorts and/or tights
  • Arm warmers/ leg warmers/ neck tube (Buff)
  • Sunglasses/ cycling glasses
  • Cycling mitts and long fingered gloves
  • Socks – the whiter the better 😊
  • Specialist nutrition if you need it
  • Bike Lock
  • Did we mention TRAVEL INSURANCE?

We recommend you bring layers of clothing you can add to and take off during the day. During the winter the sun is low in the sky and it can get quite cold on the long and sometimes shady descents.

Your Bike

For those of you who are bringing your own bike to the Costa Blanca it is essential that it is in good working order and has been thoroughly checked over. If you are not a competent bike mechanic, we recommend that you take your bike to your local bike shop for a service before you travel.

The demanding nature of some of the rides means some adjustments and repairs out on the route are almost inevitable. We will be carrying basic tools to action roadside repairs, however if you are bringing your own bike we recommend that you carry the following spare parts:

  • Spare brake pads (2 pairs)
  • Spare derailleur hanger, specific to the make/model of your bike
  • Chain joining pins/links
  • 2 spare tubes and/or tubeless tyre plugs
  • For tubeless tyres ensure that your sealant is topped up and check your tyres for wear

We will have full use of one of the storage units throughout our stay which you can see in the video HERE.

HOWEVER, your bike is your responsibility. We or the owners of Hotel Cap Negret do not take any responsibility for loss or theft so we suggest that you bring a bike lock with you.

You’ll see from the video that there is a lockable door so the unit will be secure when we are not there, however we advise that you lock your bike to the walls of the unit when you are not riding it.

If you have any doubts about the suitability of your bike or the equipment you need please feel free to give me a call.

There is a very comprehensive bike tool station at the Hotel which can be used for basic repairs. However, it’s use is not intended for in depth servicing so please ensure that your bike is roadworthy and safe.

Please note that you will be able to buy generic spares locally in Altea, however availability of specific parts for your bike cannot be guaranteed which is why we recommend you bring the bike specific spares listed above.

We will have a support vehicle but this will not be with us at all times on every ride.

And don’t forget, there are shops and supermarkets nearby so if you do forget anything then you can easily ride into town to buy something.