Fun in the Sun.

Bag a discount for Mallorca in April

The inaugural club trip to Denia, on the Costa Blanca, seems to have been a huge success. While no trip reports have been forthcoming, your editor has it on good authority that there clear blue skies, warm sun, smooth tarmac, quiet roads, respectful drivers, lying by the pool in the afternoon, evening drinks at the marina, as much food as you can shake a stick at, partying all night (maybe not that last one! Or else my source didn’t get those type of invitations.)

As we face a few months of more challenging weather, maybe now is the perfect time to lift the spirits by thinking ahead to the club Mallorca expedition. Details from trip organiser Sarah Liveing below.

For those that may have missed the small print at the end - the hotel is offering 10% for bookings made before 31 December, and 5% for those booked before 31 January.

Mallorca 2025

Every year for several years, Marlow Riders have had a nominated week to cycle together in Mallorca.  It is a shared cycling trip to which all members are invited to join in.  The club selects the week of the trip and is able to help with questions about going. Anyone going on the trip needs to book all flights, accommodation and bike hire themselves (alternatively you can take your own bike if you have a bike box).  

This year because Easter falls on 20th April, we have brought the week forward (after polling you all on WhatsApp and email). It will be from 5th to 12th April. 

During the week rides are organised as groups riding together on a defined route, but there are no specific ride leaders.  It generally all gets worked out in the bar or during dinner at the hotel the night before, or on the Marllorca WhatsApp group. The trip is aimed at Marlow Riders and their guests.  It's a great way to get to know other club members.  If demand is there, there will be an information evening in March or April to help with any questions.

INFORMATION ENCLOSED:
 

• Dates
   

• The hotel
   

• Prices and booking options
   

• Cycling in Mallorca 
   

• Bikes & bike hire
   

• Transfers
   

DATES:
 

5th to 12th April 2025
 

Please feel free to extend or shorten this trip, these are suggested dates

(Just a note about coming back on 28th April. The annual 312 cycling event runs on 27th April so if you're taking your own bike, many of the 312 cyclists will be returning with their bikes too on 28th April. As well to be aware of that).

THE HOTEL:
 

Hoposa Uyal Hotel in Puerta Pollensa has been our base for 12 years. It is a superbly located 4-star hotel on the beachfront in the North East of the island. This will be the club's 13th visit and the staff know us well and the facilities are great. The hotel offers rooms on a bed and breakfast or half board basis. It is entirely your choice which one you go for.  Rooms are generally twin bedded and most have balconies or a small garden.  All the rooms were refurbished earlier this year. 

The buffet style evening meal (and pre drinks) is a great place to organise rides for the following day, meet new members and generally relax and unwind. 

BOOKING:
 

See the end of this email for current room rates. 

There are two ways to book:

Option 1 – book direct with the Hotel Uyal via sales@hoposa.es and mark your email FAO Bruna/Marlow Riders to benefit from the discount. Please quote the following:

• Name/s of occupants

• Dates from/to

• Room type (see below)

• Half board or B and B option

• Credit card number & expiry date

You can then book your flights with BA or EasyJet. 

Option 2 – book via normal internet options such as Booking.com or BA holidays.

CYCLING IN MALLORCA:
 

For those who've been before, you may have routes saved from previous years. If you haven't uploaded them to Ride with GPS it would be helpful to do so. We have a Mallorca WhatsApp group which helps when organising rides across all ability groups. There's a variety of rides on the island. Some are flattish, some undulating, some moderate and more challenging climbs as you head into the Tramuntana mountain range. 

BIKES AND BIKE HIRE:
 

It is possible to hire bikes in Mallorca and the standard of hire bikes is very high. Should you wish to bring your own bike please check with your airline re any extra costs and you'll need a bike box or bag. The hotel provides padlocks to use in their secure lock up garage. 

It is advisable to book your bike ASAP

• Pinarello Experience – rated 9.3/10 by those who used them www.pinarelloexperience.com  Bookings must be made online but if you need to check sizing etc call +34971864354
   

• Max Huerzeler – rated 9.3/10 www.huerzeler.com/en/mietraeder
   

• Pollensa Cycling – rated 8.5/10 www.pollensacycling.com (in past years they did not have triple chain set bikes available unlike Rentmarch and Pro Cycle Hire +34971866119 – 10% discount if you use the code Marlow10 on the website.

• Mallorca Bike Hire – rated 8.5/10 www.mallorcabikehire.com +34682122790
   

• ProCycle Hire – rated 8.6 www.procyclehire.com+34971866857
   

• Rentmarch – rated 7.8/10 www.rentmarch.com+34971864784
   

• 2 Go Cycling – rated 6.8/10 (they wouldn't allow the use of your own saddle) www.2GoCycling.com+34971864059
   

If you Google bike hire in Mallorca there are lots in Puerta Pollensa but from experience, these are the best. All will have a good selection. Most have double chainsets and there are a few with triple chainsets. 

Straight Handlebar Bikes – these are not always shown on the web sites but they do have them so best to email or call. 

E-bikes – some of the hire shops have e-bike availability, please check their websites

Allow yourself some time to collect your bike. The queues can be long. 

Please give detailed measurements when booking. 

Bring your own saddle and pedals too. 

WHEN YOU HAVE BOOKED YOUR HOLIDAY, PLEASE EMAIL Sarah Liveing at sarahliveing@icloud.comWITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

• Your name plus who are you sharing with

• Dates

• Airport, date & flight times for departures and returns. I will compile a list nearer the time which is STRICTLY for club members use ONLY and should not be handed to anyone outside the trip (GDPR etc). You may find this useful for organising airport drop offs and pickups at both ends. 

• Mobile number

Information about current hotel rates copied below.

Any questions, please feel free to email me. 

Best wishes

Sarah Liveing