WW 2024 Easter Trip
We are looking forward to our 2024 Easter trip to the Costa Blanca / Costa Daurada region of Spain. The travel dates are currently expected to be 23 – 29 March 2024 (but the trip may be pushed out by 24 hours, depending on final flight availability). We plan to stay at the 4-Star Hotel Sol Costa Daurada, in Salou, Spain. Weather in Salou in late March is generally sunny, dry and mild (up to 19 degrees c), so perfect for cycling.
As a preliminary taster for Salou cycling, the Salou Tourist Board has suggested a few routes (which can be adapted); click HERE. As further details of the trip become available, we will update this post to keep you informed.
Costs:
Total cost is expected to be approximately €1,080, of which a deposit of €306 (incl. Stripe fee) must be paid by each member planning to travel by Friday 20 October (this is the extended deadline). As usual, the final trip cost will vary, largely depending on number of participants, and remains subject to sufficient participation.
Please pay the non-refundable deposit of €306 (this includes Stripe processing fee of €6) by completing the form at the following link:
On this form for you will need to include: (1) Forename(s) and surname of member exactly as set out in passport; (2) Date of birth; (3) Address; (4) Contact number; (5) Contact email; (6) Emergency contact name; (6) Emergency contact number; (7) Year-Group; (8) Passport number; (9) Passport expiry date; (10) Confirmation of your WW membership; (11) Your Cycling Ireland Number and (12) Credit/debit card payment details for €306. You will get your Cycling Ireland by logging into the Cycling Ireland website and checking your personal details.
The extra charge for the single room (to be agreed) may be omitted until we see how many the hotel can accommodate. Anyone requesting a single room should advise Christy McDaid, Club Chairman, (M: 087-2578683) by WhatsApp or text asap.
Flights:
Flight details will be posted here once confirmed. Closer to departure date, your booking reference will be sent to your group leader and will be circulated via WhatsApp. Once you receive the document (which contains all passengers) with check-in details, you can find your name and the booking reference on top of that specific page. For security reasons, we cannot publish check-in details on this website.
Baggage allowance is 1 small cabin bag (max 25x33x20cm and max 7kg) and 1 checked in bag (max 10kg). Bus transport will be arranged in Spain to and from the hotel and airport.
Bicycles & luggage transport on truck to Spain: Bikes will be dropped with luggage to Willow Park School at a time and date to be advised closer to departure. Soft luggage bags preferred as they facilitate safe stacking of bicycles.
Hotel: We will be staying at Hotel Sol Costa Daurada, Avda. Paisos Catalans, 11 Tarragona, Salou. The hotel is a 4-star hotel and located about 0.8km from the beach. Rooms will be allocated by the Club and cannot be altered unless approved by a Club Committee member.
Travel Insurance: Covid insurance cover FAQs addressed here:Insurance Covid-19 FAQs.
Documents: Ensure your passport is in date and that you have a current European Health Insurance Card.
Unaccompanied Minors: Boys under 18 years traveling without a guardian/parent must have both Unaccompanied Minor Consent Form completed and accepted by Club and for boys under 15 must complete Aer Lingus Unaccompanied Young Passenger Form.
Accompanied Minors: Group leaders should bring relevant documentation (i.e. letters of consent, copies of parent’s identification, etc.) for travelling with minors out of the state. Please see this Government website for current details: www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/travel-with-children.
Medical conditions: Please advise Christy McDaid, Club Chairman, of any medical conditions and medication which may be relevant to cycling.
Bike record: Ensure you have completed a Bike Details form.
Clothes: We recommend that you err on the side of cycling gear. Towels, togs, etc. required. No deodorant spray permitted.
WW Membership: Everyone traveling to Spain must be a fully paid-up member of Willow Wheelers and Cycling Ireland. Check out our Membership page for further details.
It is important that all bikes are serviceable and in good working order before being loaded. Check your brake pads and tyres for wear and if worn replace before you travel. We’d strongly recommend, if not done already, everyone should have their bike properly serviced before departure.
Having the right equipment and gear for cycling in Spain is important. Remember we are cycling for up to 5 days and out for several hours each day.
Key packing lists:
Mandatory Gear for your Bike.
- Minimum 2 spare tubes
- Bottle cage(s) fitted to bike
- Water bottle(s)
- Saddle bag or frame bag for holding gear
- Pump
Mandatory Cycling Gear
- Cycling helmet (make sure it fits you properly)
- Cycling gloves
- Cycling shoes or suitable runners
- Light rain jacket (just in case)
- Light base layers x 2-3
- Cycling jerseys x 2-3
- Cycling Shorts x 2-3 (We strongly recommend proper padded cycling shorts)
- Cycling/sports socks x5
- Sunblock
- Money (for lunch stops & snacks)
Optional Items
- Sunglasses (preferably cycling glasses)
- Energy bars
- Cycling jersey(s) long sleeve
- Arm warmers (handy for wet/cold mornings)
- Chain link (specific to your gearing groupset)
Resources to consider:
https://www.cyclingsalou.com/en/road-bicycle
https://www.wikiloc.com/cycling-trails/salou-priorat-salou-16700696
