travel is the quickest and can be the cheapest and most flexible way of getting to and from Spain. Flying direct is best in that bikes are more likely to arrive – and to arrive intact. Most airlines will carry a bike, but most have a policy of levying an additional fee, require advance booking and the signing of a waiver, and insist that it is packed in a bike bag or a box. Check at the time of booking what the conditions are as well as what is acceptable in terms of the bag or box. Often a telephone booking is required. A number of airlines will not guarantee that you will travel on the same flight as your bike. In addition a number of airports add their own requirements for the carriage of bikes. The situation is fluid so it is worth checking with the airports concerned or have a look at the various forums on cycling websites such as www.ctc.org.uk or www.bikeradar.com. If you have any doubts print off a copy of the airline’s instructions and also email the airport for their rules. Storage of bags or boxes in Spain can be a problem as only Madrid and Barcelona airports have left-luggage (consigna) facilities. Car hire depots and hotels used for first/last night stays are often helpful.
All bikes need to be prepared for a journey by air. Allow plenty of time for this at both ends. Packing is particular to each type of bike bag or box, but the following guidance should help particularly those using a bag. Remove the wheels and place in their pockets. Remove the pedals and re-insert them on the inside of the cranks; position the cranks so that one pedal is inside the frame triangle and the other protrudes below the chainring. This will protect the chainring teeth. Turn the handlebars through 90° to reduce width and lower them. Rotating the handlebars will give protection to brake levers and gear changers. Lower the seat. If possible remove the rear derailleur and tape it inside the rear pannier rack. Some carriers expect you to deflate the tyres. Secure pumps and other accessories. Packing tape can be very useful.
If camping, there are a number of items which must not be carried on an aircraft, all of which can be easily obtained in Spain. Complete lists are available from the airline. Aiport staff will check to see if you are carrying something forbidden. The list includes compressed gases (such as used in camping stoves), flammable liquids and solids (such as methylated spirits and solid fuel) and friction matches (but not safety matches). If taking a decent knife or any sharp or pointed objects put them in your hold luggage as they are likely to be confiscated during baggage checks and will not be allowed into the cabin. Bar locks too are best placed in hold luggage as airport staff can take exception to them as hand luggage. Take all valuables – expensive items and those that cannot be replaced – into the cabin as hand luggage. Tools must travel as hold luggage.
See Appendix 4 for further details on travelling to Spain by air.
Getting Around
This book has been written on the premise that entry into Spain will be via one of the main airports. A number of the routes start or finish some distance from any airport, and for these routes railway stations have been used instead. To get there from the airport one of the following options can be used; these are described in more detail within each tour.
Railways
Bicycles are accepted on regional and long distance trains if there is either sufficient space in the carriage or a specific area for them. At the time of writing there is no easy way to find out which train services will take bikes so it is a case of calling RNFE direct. Cercanías, urban and suburban trains will take bikes with few restrictions and these are detailed on the RENFE website. High speed intercity trains (AVE) do not carry bikes.
RENFE is the state-owned railway (tel: 0034 90 22 40 20 2 [Spain] or at www.renfe.com). FEVE runs trains from Bilbao along the northern coast to Ferrol and allows bikes on all its trains although sometimes with limits as to numbers (tel: 0034 94 42 50 61 5).
Another agent that can organise tickets and give advice is Rail Europe, tel: 08448 484 064 (UK) or 1 800 361 RAIL (Canada) or 1 888 622 8600 (US) or www.raileurope.com.
Inter-city coaches
Coaches will usually take bikes but may insist they are bagged or boxed. There is often a limit to the number per bus. A fee is usually charged. Be early for your connection and be prepared to do all your own loading. For many of the smaller companies the reservation will have to be made in person and ensure that it is clear that you are taking a bike. The coach network is extensive and often connects directly with airport terminals, ports and city centres. movelia (www.movelia.es) run an industry-wide information and booking service. Companies with known policies are:
Alsa (www.alsa.es) permit booking of tickets and reservations online. To access the bike booking facility passengers must be booked one at a time. Should the facility not appear then it is not available or the bus is full up. There is a limit of four bikes per bus.
Socibus (www.socibus.es) allow bikes subject to available space.
Avanza (www.avanzabus.com) allow bikes subject to available space.
Car hire
One-way car hire is probably the most convenient method of linking airports to tour starts and finishes. Expect to find all the major car hire companies at all the airports, but not necessarily at all the start and finish points, so check before making a reservation.
Making reservations in advance of travel often saves money. However, prices can vary by as much as 50%, so compare prices from several companies before booking. Check what is included in the prepaid price and what is charged locally. Look for mileage limits, insurance and the levels of any excess, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), bail bond, theft waiver, airport levies, taxes and cost of extra drivers. Confirm age limits of drivers – sometimes they have to be over 25 – and cleanness and type of driving licence. Always check what is being signed for, and always check the condition of the car for dents, scratches and missing items. Any faults must be reported to the car hire company and recorded before setting off. Expect the fuel tank to be full at collection and hand it back full on return or pay heavily for the fuel used. Some operators include a full tank and expect it back empty.
Invernales de Igüedri on the approach to the Puertos de Aliva (Route 8)
The miners’ track traversing the Sierra de la Corta (Route 8)
A medium-size five-door hatchback such as a Ford Focus or Renault Megane with the rear seat folded down will easily take two bikes with the wheels removed. If the hire company can provide a bike carrier or roof bars then a smaller car could be used, or more people carried per car. See Appendix 6 for details of car hire companies operating widely in Spain.
Passports, Visas, Health Care and Insurance
A full passport valid for the period of stay is required for entry into Spain. For citizens of EU states that issue National ID cards (as well as Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco and Liechtenstein) the card will suffice. For stays of over 90 days a residence permit is required. For stays of up to a year a temporary permit will suffice; longer stays require a permanent permit. Applications can be made at the Aliens Office of the province in which the residence is to be or at
