Mallorca Ride Camps:When: 11th – 15th April

15th - 19th April

Where: Port de Pollensa, Mallorca

Priced at just £480

You’ve heard the rumours, so come and experience it for yourself what makes Mallorca (Majorca) THE mecca for cyclists in Spring.

As well as the magnificent scenery, mountains, monasteries, quiet country lanes, and of course a fabulous climate, you’ll enjoy the benefit of having the awesome Sportive HQ team providing you with the usual exceptional support you’d expect from the number one provider of Sportives in the UK. We’ll guide you around this amazing island and show you exactly what it is that makes the North East of the Mallorca such a haven for riders of all abilities.

Limited to just 10 guests per tour, our ride camps are specifically designed to allow you a five day / four night break which means you only need 2 or 3 days “holiday” from work. Great news for you and your employer, and being less than a week, it’s also a lot easier to sell your “training camp” to your significant other.

We’ll be staying in the stunning resort of Port de Pollensa on the North East of Mallorca, situated at the foot of the Tramuntana mountains. Our hotel is just 2 minutes from the beautiful Pollensa beach, and right next door to one of Port de Pollensa famous cycle café’s which is where we’ll meet every morning before heading out on our guided rides.

You’ll be sharing a twin room on a bed and breakfast basis. You’ve absolute flexibility of choosing whether you wish to join us for dinner on any or all of your stay, or whether you decide to do your own thing in one of Port de Pollensa’s many fabulous restaurants, cafes, or bars.

You will have the choice every day of which ride you want to experience. Each of the two groups will have a ride guide/chaperone, and each ride will have a GPX file for you to download. You will not get lost. The groups will be:

1. those that want to ride the standard route

2. those that want to ride a little further/higher

All of the rides are designed so that you can start on one and finish on the other dependent on how your legs are feeling. Our guides have significant experience and can suggest short cuts/waiting points (Cafes!!) for those times if the mind says yes, but the body says no, really no. No one will be left behind.

Off the bike, there are glorious beaches to enjoy, a public indoor swimming pool, opportunities to run, swim, walk. There are so many places to eat tapas, cake, ice-cream. drink tea, coffee and/or other forms of rehydration. Not forgetting the numerous bike shops for those who need some cycle retail therapy.

We’ll never lose sight of the fact that it’s your holiday. If there’s something specific that you want/need we’ll try our hardest to accommodate.

Itinerary Summary:

Day 1 Arrival, transfer, and acclimatisation

Day 2 Formidable Formentor

Day 3 Hills, Mountains, and Sa Calobra

Day 4 Recovery Café run with a twist

Day 5 Head home

What your holiday includes:

- Transfer to and from Palma, Mallorca airport (when reasonable), including

- 4 nights hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis sharing a twin room in Port de Pollensa, Mallorca

- 3 days with guided rides supported by the Sportive HQ team, each with a ride guide to support typically 5 riders. Each day you will have a choice of either the standard or longer distance ride. There will be full GPX files in various formats for each of the rides to download to your device should you choose

- a support vehicle available with basic tools and knowledge, to get you back on the road if you suffer a minor mechanical. For more complex repairs, we’ll relay you back to a bike shop / your hire shop. We’ll carry your spare clothing in your day bag, and we will have water to refill your bottles.- Recommendations for café/bars for refreshment stops, lunch and dinner- Lots of smiles from the Sportive HQ team, and hopefully from yourself.

- Access to a wealth of knowledge about the island of Mallorca and the opportunities available to ride here

What your holiday does not include: - The cost of your fl ight to and from Palma, Mallorca airport (you need to organise your own fl ights)- Provision of a bicycle. We can recommend a number of reputable bike hire outlets in Port de Pollensa and would recommend pre-booking well in advance. If you wish to bring your own bike, we will happily transport your bike (in a suitable bike box) to and from Palma airport but will accept no liability for damage incurred as a result of the transfer- Single room supplement. We will endeavour to accommodate those who wish to have a room to themselves, but this will be on an ad hoc basis for a supplement, at a price to be agreed at the time of the booking. This may not be in the same hotel as other guests but will be as close as we can get.- snacks, drinks, water, lunch, or evening meal, although we are happy to make recommendations on where to eat in the many tapas bars, cafes, and restaurants. You’ll find something that suits your budget. We will have water to top up bottles in the support vehicle. - bike specific nutrition. There are plenty of choices available in the many bike shops around Port de Pollensa - Spare / replacement components including tyres, inner tubes, cables, bottles. While we aim to have these items available in the support van, if you need one or more, we would respectively ask you to pay for a replacement

- Holiday insurance. It is essential that you have travel insurance in place and we will ask to see confirmation of cover There are a significant number of doctors and/or hospitals that will not treat you without travel insurance. An E111 document in unlikely to be sufficient. Please also make sure that your travel insurance allows road cycling (most will but will exclude racing. There will be no racing).- Costs involved in anything outside of our control, including but not exclusive to theft, delayed arrivals / departures, missed flights, damage to your / or your hire bike

Please read in full our Terms and Conditions before booking your holiday

Day 1: Arrival, transfer, and acclimatisationWelcome to paradise.

Arrive at Palma, Mallorca airport

Collection and transfer to your hotel in Port de Pollensa (there may be a café stop at the airport while we await guests on other flghts)

Check in to your hotel

Unpack your bike or collect your hire bike from the rental shop

Time dependent we’ll have a short Café Ride to allow you to familiarise yourself with your bike, riding on the wrong/right side of the road on the generally wonderful Mallorcan road surfaces. Typically hire bikes have the brakes the European/wrong way around, with the left being the front break, and the right being the rear brake. with the wonderful Mallorcan road surfaces.

Time to explore the town and relax.

Meet the team over an evening meal and refreshments.

Day 2: Formidable Formentor

The fun really begins.

After breakfast in your hotel, we have an “Out and back:” ride to the Lighthouse at Cap Formentor, which has recently been voted one of the top 10 rides anywhere in Europe.

It’ll be a steady ride out taking in the spectacular views over the bay of Pollensa, through switchbacks, forests, up and down past Platja Formentor beach – a perfect café stop for coffee and cake on the way out, or on the way back, on one of the best beaches in Mallorca.

We’ll climb up from here past the fabulous secluded cove of Cala Figuera, through the tunnel in the hill (bring your rear light with you!), up and over some rolling hills until you reach the lighthouse literally at the end of the island.

Photo opportunities abound at the top - with the right eyes and on a really clear day, you can see all the way over to Barcelona on the mainland. There is a café at the lighthouse for those who need refreshment, but it’s probably the most expensive on the north of the island.

We turn around and go back along the road we’ve just ridden. Time to take in all the views we missed on the way out, and calling at café on Formentor beach before the last climb. At the top of the final climb you have the option of climbing some more up to the Watertower of Albercutx, to give you the opportunity of taking in breathtaking views over both Pollensa and Alcudia bays.

Rolling back down into Port de Pollensa we have the choice of heading over to another wonderful cove for refreshments in Cala St Vincent (5 miles each way) or heading straight back to our hotel to relax and recover – with possibly a stop at the infamous Tolos bar on the way past.

After chilling, we’ll head out for dinner and share stories. Then an early night! We need to be ready for our big day tomorrow!!

Ride Stats:

Standard ride 26 miles / 4,100ft of climbing Long ride (Cala St Vincent) 35 miles / 4,600 ft of climbing

Long ride extra 39 miles / 4,800 ft of climbing (Albercutx and Cala St Vincent)

Strava Routes:

https://www.strava.com/routes/22247622

Day 2 Standard

https://www.strava.com/routes/22247663

Day 2 Long

https://www.strava.com/routes/22247816

Day 2 Long Extra

Day 3: Hills, Mountains, and Sa CalobraThe Grand Day Out.

After an early breakfast (we’ve a lot to fit in!) we’ll head out through the quiet country back lanes bypassing Pollensa town where we’ll pick up the delightful “Cami de Campanent” (lane to Campanet). This is the REAL Mallorca. Away from the tourists, we ride through fragrant vineyards and citrus olive groves. Once at Campanet, we’ll turn right and head along more amazingly qiest country lanes to Caimari via Binibona.

Turning right at Caimari we have our first choice – coffee at the foot of the climb, or coffee at the top. Ether way we’re heading up a steady climb of Coll de sa Battalla (also knowm as the Repsol Garage Climb) until we reach the fuel station (in both ways).

Time for a brief respite at the top before heading past the Lluc turn, up to the Viaduct café passing several dramatic viewpoints and orange juice sellers at the side of the road along the way. The Café is the gateway to Coll dels Reis – the beginning /end of the renowned Sa Calobra.

Often called the perfect roadies playground, the world famous Sa Calobra (also known as the Cobra) definitely has a sting in the tail. We’ll climb to the top of Coll del Reis before descending the dramatc cliffside clinging road that is the Cobra. For six miles we’ll head down. Around the Carousel we’ll go before encountering the first of multiple switchbacks. Ever downwards we’ll go until we reach the cafés and restaurants at the bottom of this fairy-tale ride.

And now for the sting in the tail – we turn around and head straight back up again. Up and around all those same switchbacks. You’ll arrive at the Carousel and think you’ve arrived at the top!! How wrong! Keep going as you’re almost conquered the beast. The brown “Coll dels Reiss” sign is waiting for you at the top confirming you’ve conquered the beast. Grab a photo, find your breath, and it’s (almost) downhill all the way back.

We’ll regroup at the viaduct, throw some cola down our necks (other beverages are available!), and we’re going home. Mainly downwards with the odd little kick up. We’ll take the left turn down to the monastery in Lluc which is a beautiful little setting to grab a coffee

and contemplate your achievements so far. Out of Lluc, we’ll head over to the top of Coll de Femenia for another 8 miles of descending to Pollensa (Spotive HQ’s favorite descent). Past Pollensa, we’ll head straight for Port de Pollensa and home, with an obligatory stop at the famed Grand Café 1919 by the marina for a well-deserved ice-cream.

For those that need more metres in your legs, and not for the faint of heart, you’ve the option when we’re back at the viaduct of heading up past Gorg Blau, and keep heading up past Puig Major, through the tunnel and heading down towards Soller. From Soller we head back op and over Coll de Soller (more switchback loveliness), down more switchbacks before turning right to Banyola. Once here we’re heading up and over into the beautiful Orient Valley. From here we’ll head back to Caimari along yet more quiet lanes through Alaro, and Llosetta.

At Caimari, we’ll retrace our steps back to Pollensa, and then the welcome relief of the ever so slightly downhill drag back to Port Pollensa after the ultimate in grand days out.

You’ve certainly earned your dinner today.

Ride Stats:

Standard Ride 65 miles / 7,500 ft climbing Long ride 105 miles / 12,000 ft climbing

Strava Routes

https://www.strava.com/routes/22248173

Day 3 Standard

https://www.strava.com/routes/22248664

Day 3 Long

Day 4: Recovery Café run with a twistVelodrome, Petra, Cafes, and the Coast

Today is all about recovery, whilst exploring the variety of riding that’s available in Mallorca.

After our grand day yesterday, we’ll set out after breakfast with heavy legs along the coast road to Alcudia. We’ll pass through this sprawling tourist town and turn right at Playa de Muro - the town which hosts the start and finish of the Mallorca 312 Sportive on 25th April.

We’ll follow the road alongside the reeds of Albufera Nature Reserve until we reach the busy residential town of Sa Pobla. To avoid any potential traffic issues, we’ll ride around the outskirts and pick up the road south to Muro. From Muro we will continue south on similar quiet country roads to the town of Sineu, home of Mallorca’s outdoor Velodrome. IF it’s open, we can have a few laps, before we head over to the town of Petra home to many amazing cycling cafes.

I’ll be surprised if you’ve ever seen as many cyclists converging in one place. The square will be rammed with likeminded individuals celebrating the joy of two wheels. After a P’amboli for lunch, an orange segment or three, and a piece of Almond cake, Apple Cake, or cheesecake we’ll head north, back towards Pollensa. If we’ve been unable to get a table in Petra (yes it really is that busy), we’ll stop in one of the cafes in the square on our way through Santa Magalida.

Past Santa Magalida we’ve a couple of small inclines (in comparison to the efforts of yesterday!) before turning right and heading through another nature reserve to C’an Picafort. We’re heading for the beach and will have our final coffee break of the day on the seafront looking out over the turquoise blue sea and endless golden sandy beach that stretches from here all the way back to Alcudia.

When we’ve finally decided to drag ourselves away, we’ll head off back along the coast, back through Alcudia, along the Pollensa bay road, and back to our hotel.

For those who still have the legs, we have the option once in Petra to continue east through rich farmland, uphill and down dale to the town of Arta, and an amazing church sat atop a hill. Another perfect place to rest and grab refreshments, San Salvador has 360-degree views over the green and fertile land it’s surrounded by.

We head north westwards when we leave Arta and after passing the historic working farm of Son Real, we hit C’an Picafort and follow the same route back as the standard ride (obviously stopping for coffee on the seafront).

Once back, it’s time to repack your bike, or return it to the hire shop.

Ride stats:Standard Ride 56 miles / 1950 ft climbing Long Ride 79 miles / 3800 ft climbing

Strava Routes https://www.strava.com/routes/22247381Day 4 Standard

https://www.strava.com/routes/22247439Day 4 Long

Day 5: Head homeAdios. Bon Voyage. Safe Journey home.

Breakfast, and checkout of the hotel by 11am. Dependent on your flight times, you’ll have either a morning or afternoon transfer back to Palma, Mallorca airport.

If you have an afternoon transfer, you’ll have the morning to yourself to explore the many cycle shops in Port de Pollensa and spend copious amounts of cash on cycling “essentials” (assuming you haven’t already. You’ll also be able to buy the little gift for your significant other.

If you’ve a morning transfer, there’s plenty of opportunities to purchase that little gift one of the many retail outlets at the airport.

It will be today that with much sadness we will have to say goodbye, adios, Au revoir, until next time.

We know that you will have enjoyed your Mallorcan appetizer. We’ve only been able to scratch the surface with the countless opportunities for riding on this, the largest of the Balearic Islands. There is more, oh so much more, which is why we keep coming back.

Terms and Conditions:

The Sportive HQ team want you to enjoy your holiday and will do everything we can to ensure the rides are safe but cycling can be a dangerous pastime so please take time to read our terms and conditions. By booking your Sportive HQ bike camp through payment and completion of a booking form, you confirm you have read and agree to these terms and conditions. In the case of a booking being made by an individual person on behalf of another person or group of persons then the person who is making the booking must have the authority of all the other people to accept these terms and conditions on the group’s behalf.

1. Health & Safetya) I acknowledge that I will be participating in an organised cycle tour with Sportive HQ which will involve strenuous physical activity. I confirm that I am sufficiently fit for, and am not suffering from any health problems which will be exacerbated by such activity. I have been advised by Sportive HQ to seek advice from a qualified medical practitioner if I have any doubts or concerns about my health or fitness.

b) I recognise that cycling on public roads, particularly in mountainous areas, is an activity with a danger of personal injury and even death. I confirm that I am aware of and accept such risk and will be responsible for my own actions and involvement in this activity.

2. Paymenta) You must pay a deposit within 7 days of completing a booking form. This deposit is detailed on the booking form and is usually £100 per person.

b) You must pay the balance or interim payments on the date detailed on your deposit receipt which is usually at least twelve weeks before the start of your holiday. If you book your holiday within twelve weeks of commencement of the holiday you must pay the full cost at the time of booking. If for any reason the final payment is not received by this time you will be deemed to have cancelled your tour and cancellation charges will be applied. Reminders will not necessarily be sent.

Our price policyOnce you have paid your deposit and the booking has been confirmed by email, we guarantee that we will not increase the price of your holiday, except for any surcharge that may be imposed.

SurchargesWe reserve the right to impose a surcharge up to 30 days prior to commencement of the tour if our costs increase due to unfavourable changes in exchange rates, increases in transportation costs, including the cost of fuel, or if government action should require us to do so. Even in this case, we will absorb an amount equivalent to 2% of the holiday price. Only amounts in excess of this 2% will be payable by you. Should a surcharge exceed 10% of the holiday price you will be entitled to cancel your holiday and receive a refund of all monies paid. Should you decide to cancel

because of this you must exercise your right to do this as soon as possible from the issue date of the revised invoice.

CancellationCancellations will only be accepted in writing from the person who booked the holiday.

Should you be prevented from travelling on the holiday booked by circumstances which do not permit a claim on a normal insurance cancellation policy, you may transfer your booking to another person provided that person meets all the requirements relating to the holiday and your request is received by us at least ten weeks prior to departure. Both the person taking over and the person leaving the booking will be responsible for paying any additional costs arising from the transfer.

If Sportive HQ cancels or changes your bookingProvided all monies have been paid we will not cancel your tour unless we are forced to do so:

Due to unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control which could not be avoided even with all due care having been exercised, or what is usually known as ‘force majeure’ orBecause the minimum number of bookings needed to operate the holiday has not been reached. In this case, participants will be notified of the cancellation no later than eight weeks prior to the tour commencement date. If the holiday is cancelled we will, if possible, offer an alternative but if this is not acceptable all monies paid to us will be refunded without interest. We will NOT pay any compensation or be liable to reimburse you for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking such as visas, vaccinations, non-refundable connecting flights, travel insurance, etc.

Circumstances may require some changes to be made at any time to the particulars of any holiday (e.g. itineraries, overnight locations, meals or routes). Any such changes will be communicated to you as soon as possible and will be held to be of a minor nature. We will not materially change the value of the holiday, and the original theme will be retained.

3. Insurancea) I acknowledge that I have been advised by Sportive HQ to take out insurance against the costs of medical treatment, evacuation, loss of earnings and/or cost of care in the event that I suffer injury or illness during the tour and while travelling; against loss of or damage to my property (including my bicycle); against liability I might incur to third parties; and against costs I might incur in the event of cancellation or curtailment of the holiday or my participation in it. I confirm that I will arrange adequate insurance against such risks. Sportive HQ can accept no

responsibility for any costs that may be incurred due to insufficient insurance cover. The following cover should be a minimum level:-

o Cancellation or curtailment – £3000 o Medical emergency, repatriation and associated expenses – £2 million o Personal Accident – £15,000 o Missed departure – £500 (Europe) £1000 (outside Europe)o Departure delay – £60 (abandonment – £3000)o Baggage and personal effects – £2000 o Personal money – £500 o Personal liability (third party cover) – £2 million o Legal expenses – £25,000

b) When taking out a policy you are advised to check that such policy provides cover in the country/area where your chosen bike camp is to take place.

c) You should also ensure that cover is provided whilst cycling on or off-road and that your cycle will be repatriated following a medical emergency.

d) Some insurance companies require helmets to be worn when cover is provided.

e) Also, check whether the policy covers damage to your cycle. Most policies do not provide this cover, and thus extra cover may be needed through a separate policy.

f) Non-UK residents should also ensure that any travel policy commences on the day they leave their normal residence. It is unlikely that participants not resident in the UK will be able to obtain cover once they arrive in the UK.

5. Generala) I hereby agree that, except in respect of death or personal injury caused by the negligence of Sportive HQ, neither Sportive HQ nor its employees or agents will have any liability (whether in contract or in tort, including negligence) for any loss, damage, injury or death which I may suffer in connection with this holiday nor for any failure by me to take out adequate insurance.

b) I agree that the contract between Sportive HQ and myself will be governed by English law and that any matter or dispute in connection with this contract will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

c) Photographs, likenesses or images of participants secured or taken on any of our holidays may be used by the company without remuneration in all media for bona fide promotional or marketing purposes.