Ride Director Comments

Wait list available. This ride is rated at 3B! although it is really borderline between a 2B and 3B. See below for more details.

Ride Description

Overview

Come join us in Spain for a tour of the Costa Blanca where you will be greeted by scenic white sand beaches and the delightful smell of orange trees in bloom. Beginning our journey in Valencia, we will spend 13 nights and 12 riding days traveling down the coast to four different locations. We will be  touring this renowned cycling landscape where professional racing cyclists come to train. Multiple overnight stays will include Alzira, Denia, Calpe, and Alicante. Along the way there will be scenic and historically significant sites to explore as well as opportunities for days off the bike. Starting in Valencia, we will head south down the coast , through the iconic orange groves and on portions of the Camino Del Cid to spend two nights in Alzira. From there we will visit castles in Xativa and Montesa. Our next stop, passing through Gandia and Oliva, will be Denia for four nights with rides westward into the “Sierras of the Costa Blanca” and towns such as Pego, Castell de Castells, and Xabia, with more opportunities to visit castles and ruins as well as an option to climb the infamous Coll de Rates. From Denia we ride on to Calpe, passing through Moraira where we will spend 3 nights with options to ride to Benissa, Guadalest, Fuentes de Algar, Callosa d'en Sarria, Teulada, and Xalo. Our final 3 night stay location is Alicante. On the route to Alicante we will pass though Altea and the colorful town of Villajoyosa. From Alicante, we will take a day off the bike with a train ride and a walking tour in Murcia. On the final riding day, there will be opportunities for riding to Santa Pola, Elche and more. From there, we will say goodbye to our friends and new acquaintances as the tour ends and we depart.

Health and Safety

Vaccinations for Covid are recommended but not required. Participants are expected to come to the tour in good health and ready to ride. Should someone's health become compromised and the group’s health and safety placed in jeopardy, a plan will be developed by the ride leader(s) and communicated to all individuals. The expectation is for the group to work together to mitigate any spread of infection or illness as a means to ensure the tour can continue as planned.

Ride Rating

This trip is rated a 3B with an average of 45 miles and about 2,500 ft of elevation per day. The Costa Blanca is known for iconic climbs, with most being long but not steep (most climbs do not exceed 10% with average grades of 4-5%). There will be shorter sections with steeper grades though. We will have multiple fixed locations with shorter and longer options. Also, riders will have the option to ride or take a day of leisure, although we encourage everyone to enjoy the opportunity to see the surrounding areas by bike. Some of the daily routes (with the exception of transit days, the longest of those being 49 miles) can be shortened to a 1A or 2A rating or lengthened with options for more climbing. The optional ride to Coll de Rates is 54 miles with over 4,000 feet of climb. Most roadways are paved, with a few short gravel sections. There are not many bike paths and some areas will have heavy traffic, especially on some of the coastal roads.

Itinerary and Highlights

Sat 5/10: Arrive in Valencia.

Sun 5/11: Ride from Valencia to Alzira (2 route options), where we stay for two nights. Mandatory ride day.

Mon 5/12: Ride from to Alzira to see Xativa castle, with an optional loop to Montesa Castle.

Tue 5/13: Ride to Denia via Gandia and Oliva along the coast. Mandatory ride day.

Wed 5/14 to Fri 5/16: Rides from Denia to Pego, Castel Forno, Vall d’Ebo, Castell de Castells/Coll de Rates, and over Montgo to Xabia and back.

Sat 5/17: After going up over the back side of Montgo, we head down the coast through Moraira to Calpe. Mandatory ride day.

Sun 5/18 to Mon 5/19: Rides from Calpe to Guadalest, Fuentes del Algar, Callosa d’en Sarrià, Teulada, Benissa, and Xalo.

Tue 5/20: Ride to Alicante, via Altea, Benidorm, and Villajoyosa. Mandatory ride day.

Wed 5/21: A day off the bike. Head by train to visit Murcia for a walking tour.

Thu 5/22: Ride to Santa Pola, Elche and more.

Fri 5/23: Depart the tour after breakfast.

Cue sheets, maps, GPS files:

GPS files for all routes will be provided and the use of a navigation device is not just highly recommended but required. It would be difficult if not impossible to follow many of the routes with printed route sheets (which will only be provided upon request) due to the spotty signage and numerous turns. Note: It is up to the rider to know how to use his or her GPS device before the trip begins. We will provide some basic maps in case of navigation device failure.

Weather:

Spain in May is one of the last months before the tourists ascend in hoards and that still allows you to be able to enjoy warm, sunny but not too hot and humid weather. May is generally mild with temps typically ranging from 54-72 degrees with an average of 68 degrees. Rainfall is minimal, less than ¼-inch. There is a 60% chance of a perfect sunny day and a 40% chance seeing some clouds, with possible afternoon showers here and there. The best climate in Spain and the most sunshine is found on the Costa Blanca, with 320 sunny days a year and an average of 349 hours of sunshine per month!

Lodging & Meals:

For the first night in Valencia, we will stay at the 4-star AC Marriot Valencia, which is a short cab, rideshare, or train/bus ride from the main train station and city center. From there we head to a modern, adult-only 4-star resort outside Alzira, La Galiana Golf & Resort. In Denia we will stay on the waterfront, a short walk from downtown at the 4-star Hotel Daniya Denia. In Calpe, we will be at the beachfront, 4-star Gran Hotel Sol y Mar, which caters to cycling teams with a certified cycling center in the hotel. In Alicante, we will be a block from the Explanada Promenade at the 5-star Hospes Amerigo Hotel. All hotels except the first one in Valencia have swimming pools and spas.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/vlcva-ac-hotel-valencia/

https://lagalianagolfresort.com/en/

https://daniyadenia.com/en/

https://granhotelsolymar.com/

https://www.hospes.com/en/amerigo/

Six organized group dinners and a happy hour on at least 8 evenings will be provided. Breakfast will be provided at each hotel. As the Costa Blanca is where paella originated, there will be no shortage of local gastronomic delights to explore! We use the Preferences in your Profile to try and accommodate your special medical and dietary needs, so make sure those are updated and you indicate if there is any type of food you will NOT eat. Very few hotels allow a group to order off the menu and some insist on serving only one main dish, with accommodations only for vegetarians and allergies.  Vegan meals are difficult to obtain.

Logistics:

The tour starts in Valencia before dinner on Saturday May 10, 2025 and ends in Alicante after breakfast on May 23, 2025. Overnights, in order, are Alzira (2 nights), Denia (4 nights), Calpe (3 nights), and Alicante (3 nights). Participants can either fly into Madrid or Barcelona and take the train to Valencia (approximately 2 and 3 hours, respectively) or fly into Valencia. At the end of the tour, participants can fly out of Alicante, take a train to Madrid or Barcelona (approximately 3 and 5 hours, respectively), or find transportation to another airport in Spain.

As with most BAC tours, this tour is for independent experienced cyclists. We do not stay together as a group on the road and do not have a “guide” with us at all times. We will have a van driver whose primary role will be to transport luggage (including bike boxes) and supplies. While it will be available to assist with any emergencies, it will not serve as a SAG vehicle, and participants are expected to complete all mandatory rides. BAC rides are designed for serious cyclists who are able to ride independently. There is one section of the ride that is served by a Metro/tram system and if you choose to take the train instead of riding, be aware that there are limits on the number of bicycles on each train.

Bikes and Bike Rentals

Bike rentals will be available and we intend to arrange a group discount with a reputable bike shop, but all participants are responsible for and must pay separately for their bike rentals. Rental bikes will be delivered to our first location in Valencia and picked up at the completion of the tour in Alicante. Road bikes are recommended as opposed to hybrids or Bike Friday type bikes as there is challenging terrain. A tire size of at 25 or largers, preferably 28, are recommended due to short paced gravel sections. E-bike availability may be limited and riders need to be able to complete the entire ride on a single charge. The Ride Leaders will send additional information to those participants who are interested in renting bikes. A maximum of 2 tandems can be accommodated by the van. If you plan to bring a tandem, please notify the ride leader when you apply for the ride.  Also, if we have a large number of bike boxes, there may be an additional fee for transportation.

ETIAS Travel Authorization

ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It is a visa waiver for short-term stays in Europe and has been in the works for almost a decade. ETIAS is not a visa but it will be required for some travelers to the EU, including Americans and Canadians. The roll-out date has again been delayed and MAY begin in mid-2025. If it does indeed roll out before May 2025, the tour leadership team will be in contact with participants; it is likely this tour would occur during the expected “trial period” when the system will be optional. More information can be found here:  https://etias.com.

Cost & Administration:

The cost estimate is $3,250 per person double occupancy for 13 hotel nights, 13 breakfasts, at least 8 happy hour with drinks and snacks, at least 6 group dinners, daily route review, luggage transfer, scouted routes, GPS files, and sightseeing information as well as at least 3 special tours/excursions (e.g., tours of castles and other attractions.). Other optional activities and sightseeing, as well as transportation to the start location in Valencia and to the airport,  train station or elsewhere from the final hotel are paid by the participant. The initial deposit is $1,250 with a second payment of $1,000 due September 2, 2024, and the final payment of $1,000 due January 2, 2025. The cost was estimated based on $1.19 per Euro. Depending on future currency exchange rates, there may be an adjustment in the amount of the second or final payment (i.e., up or down).

Singles & Solos Policy:

A limited number of solos will be accepted on this ride. For singles who want a roommate, it is recommended to try to find your own. A single, if placed on the ride without a roommate, will be given until September 1, 2024 to find a roommate. If they are unable to find a roommate, they will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fee) or pay the $925 Solo Supplement and stay on the ride. If a single pays the supplement, they may continue to seek a roommate, but must plan to participate without a roommate if necessary. The Ride Leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride.

Solo supplement payments need to be received by September 1, 2024. BAC is now able to receive solo supplement payments via the Zelle payment transfer system, if it's more convenient and if your bank supports it. Checks can still be sent to the BAC office, made out to “BAC” with a notation of the tour name included on the check, and mailed to: Bicycle Adventure Club, PO Box 23998, San Diego, CA 92193. You can also pay your solo supplement using Zelle as follows:

1) In your bank's website, add Bicycle Adventure Club as a new recipient with the email address treasurer@bicycleadventureclub.org.

2) Initiate a payment.

3) In the message block, enter the name of the ride.

Cancellation Policy:

BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled because the number of participants registered is less than the minimum established for the tour. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed. If a single participant with a roommate cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped, the canceling roommate may also be liable for the solo supplement fee to remain on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

 Ride Participant Responsibility:

Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles. All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from the Ride Leader. While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and cleanup. Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour. Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you might have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

Insurance Statements:

Before participating in any BAC tour, you should assess whether your medical and travel insurance coverage is sufficient. BAC maintains insurance that covers expenses related to accidents, medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected sickness, and repatriation. This coverage applies when touring outside the US and your home country, regardless of your nationality. It will cover you door-to-door for a maximum of 90 days but will expire if you make a side trip not related to the BAC tour for more than 7 days before or after. There is limited coverage for a family member to join a covered person in an emergency. The policy covers the cost of treatment for Covid and other unexpected illnesses, but not quarantine. You should ensure that your vaccinations are up to date. Coverage is subject to a $1000 deductible.

Sign-up:

To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the terms of the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the Tour Deposit and the non-refundable BAC Ride Registration Fee by credit card.. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description. Wait listing is encouraged.