Mallorca '06

[Maria David]

I've taken bikes on planes in various guises, and I get the impression that if you don't want your bike to be damaged you either have it in good quality wrapping (a bike case or very well padded bag) or don't wrap it at all - if they see it's an unwrapped bike they treat it with care - if they see it's a wrapped bike they're not that fussed if they throw it about/drop it as they assume it's well protected.

Easyjet say your bike has to be wrapped, and they charge about £20 handling fee. BA don't mind if you don't wrap your bike, though they might give you a transparent cellophane bag to put your bike in. It's free, as long as your baggage doesn't exceed a certain allowance. The excess they charge isn't that much anyway.
Also, FYI Ryanair charge £30 to carry bikes and they make you sign a disclaimer that lets them off being held responsible if your bike is damaged during the transit, so make sure your insurance is up to date !

If you're likely to make a few trips by plane with your bike it's worth getting some kind of carrier. I have a well padded bag that I got from De Ver's cycles (Streatham High Rd). It's got 4 wheels and a handle so you can pull it along if you have to walk across airport concourses or through the streets. The inside of the bag has a stand in which you put your bike frame (It is held in place on the forks.) Then there are two other areas to put your wheels. You just need to turn your handle bars inwards, and possibly remove the pedals. The bag is big enough for you to put in other bits and pieces like cycling kit, track pump, helmet, shoes, tools etc. I find it really handy.

Alternatively, if I don't plan to be away a long time and I'm flying BA (or some other national airline), I just travel light, with a ruck sack - cycle to the airport armed with pipe lagging bubble wrap, scissors and tape, tape up the bike at the airport, deflate tyres, remove pedals, and check in. If ever they say the bike needs to be boxed there is a left luggage place that sells cardboard boxes. You can put your bike straight in (they're pretty big). Then at your destination, you either leave your cardboard box at left luggage, ready to pick up on your journey home, or you travel with your newly boxed bike.
I did this last year and it worked out ok - you just need to allow yourself time to tape up the bike at the airport (if you ride there), and untape the bike/pump up the tyres, refix the pedals, if you plan to ride your bike straight out of the airport at your destination.

I'm not sure what bike hire is like at mallorca, but it does seem to be on the increase in big cycling areas - Italy Bike hotels do it, and they hire out some good quality road bikes too. Last year when I went with them I paid £45 for the week to hire a canondale of a similar spec to my specialized allez comp. You would just need to let them know your measurements in advance.

[David Lombari]

"you could always hire a broad"

Yes Bus, but I think it's safer for me to just ride my bike.

[Gavin]

Dear Chris&Lisa,

I would like to go on this trip.

I would have to see when people are going but would be willing to share a villa for a week if there was enough people to make up the numbers.

All the best

G

[Mike I]

I should be up for this - as long as Mrs I is happy to take on childcare for the week! I might be able to do some time-share swapping and blag a cheap villa if anyone is interested.

Mike

[Ian A4size]

All booked and sorted- just phoned that cake shop nigel and told them to stock up. BTW nigel just make sure you have not got those hutchshitson tyres on -they are only good for 10k at a time .If anyone has not been before its a great time- this year i am determined not to get too @ssholed, too regulary, failed a lot last year tho . We had some graet rides last year and it was good mix of people and abilities, i was last up all the hills as usual but i lead the front at all refreshment stops . We could always watch some of the pro race as well, you can get a lot closer to the "stars" here than you can at Le tour as it is a much more relaxed vibe, plus there is always bingo in the hotel!

[Gavin]

So is everyone staying at the Hotel Pionero then?

[Ian A4size]

Gav- its a pretty good deal there , great breakfast and you can stuff your pockets with stuff for lunch /snacks on the bike, Nigel still needs cake tho

[Jon H]

Good swimming pools too. Nice heated indoor one, and a non-heated outdoor one which is useful if you're into that ice-bath thing.

[Alan M]

I'm all booked going on Sun 5th and returning on Fri 10th. Single room @ Pionero 180 euro and flights £46 plus £30 for the bike. Should be good.

Alan

[Chris&Lisa]

Well ... we are also booked, Thursday 2nd to the Sunday 12th for a week of sun (this time hopefully - if not anyone, for building snowmen on the beach?), riding and very bad alcohol? Not sure if I will get back into the hotel after Mr Munnery got me rat a@#ed and I kinda redecorated at 3am ....

Naughty Mr Munnery (tip - don't sit next to him at meals when the free drinks come out - you have been warned!!)

Yet to book the hotel!!

I am also going to go down the Taxi option for transfers rather than riding down the motorway, bubble wrap flying, or with Palma Pete and his Minibuses and Taxis ...

[Elliot M]

after a bit of holiday juggling looks like i might be along too...

[Ian A4size]

We are booked as well, i am going on the 4th and returning on the 12th, looks like a good crew going out.

[StephenKemsley]

I'm also booked Weds 8th - Sun 12th on the EasyJet flights & Pionero if anyone needs to share a cab.

[Maria David]

Can't make it now - will be far away from Europe for the first 2 months of '06 - enjoy the riding, and the drinking !

[Jon H]

I'll be there 4th to 8th. Keeping it short and hopefully going again mid to late March.