I think it’s about time somebody posted something (Positive) regarding Sierra Cycling over in Southern Spain. I went away twice with them last year, 10 days in April and a week in early October, which in a sentence speaks for itself.
Alan collected and returned me my bike and my belongings at Malaga Airport both times Free of Charge. On arrival at the Beach House there is always some food – biscuits/peanuts or a drink alcoholic or none alcoholic in the fridge which is perfect after a tiring flight and spending hours queuing.
Last time Ash one of the two British guides put my bike together for me and took me to the BMX track for an afternoons advanced skills coaching session and blast back down San Anton – even though it was his afternoon off – again Free of Charge. (Other companies charge £220 a day for a skills session)…
Alan and Mary are always up every morning to make a full cooked breakfast, fruit, cereal, fresh bread, orange, porridge or whatever you ask for – this is included in the price of the room. The riding is extremely varied and the guides have an extensive knowledge of the local area. The routes range from XC, technical single track to smooth fast techy enduro/downhill. A highlight for me was the El Chorro, Bob Astro and Holy trails out in the mountains behind Malaga. This is a truly stunning place with some great riding. (hoping to ride the Telecom Tower next time out)
Any technical or bike queries or issues are always dealt with and nothing is too much trouble. The fridges are always kept full of drinks pop, beer and there is freeview and internet access with a wash facility for cleaning your dusty clothing after a ride. If you want to cool off there is also a nice clean shared pool located in private secure gardens.
The accommodation is 100 meters walk from the Promenade which stretches down along the Mediterranean. From there you can walk in to town to find a decent cheap Tapas/Italian/Spanish restaurant or (Tahiti) bar where you can get a drink (cocktail) or game of pool. Last time this was all arranged by the guides and we all went out as a group – which was great for me being a single traveller.
I’ve just booked another week with Sierra as they cannot be beaten on price, value, accommodation, guiding/coaching, atmosphere, location, weather and riding. The reason I will go back again and again with Sierra is because I get a feeling their primary interest is with catering for you the customer and making sure you enjoy your time with them.
This is a lot more than can be said for another allegedly leading UK outfit that I have recently been away with where the relationship seemed strictly materialistic.
Keep up the good (hard) work Sierra,
looking forward to September!
oh and i forgot to say.
AHAHAAAHAHAAAAHAHAAAAHAHAAAA! HAAAAAA!
‘pop’ who the hell says ‘pop’ anymore?!?!?!
me being a single traveller.
oh, that explains it.
pop.
seriously.
i’m going to get myself a glass of fizzypop
lol