BBC travel show. October 2002

Both my wife and I have just returned from a Cycling trip in Spain. It was one of those rare occasions when we were scanning the Internet to find a reasonably priced Cycling holiday with some of the home comforts like decent hotels, helpful staff etc. We tried just about every web site under the sun which included some of the most outrageously priced American ones. Lets face it as a Brit living in Canada I now appreciate the power of the Pound abroad. So when looking for a holiday I was pleasantly surprised by the relative inexpense of the trips offered by Bravo Bike.

Now cheap is not always best but from the moment we were greeted at the airport to the time we departed, we were looked after and treated with the greatest of care. Let me just say that I was not expecting much from the trip. It's 6hrs20mins to Madrid from Toronto and that's not including the 2 hour flight from my home in Halifax Nova Scotia.

The tour started on a Monday with our transfer to our hotel in El Escorial. It was there we met Kaspar Winteler (Pablo Muñoz picked us up from the airport). A Swiss and a native Spaniard they both spoke very good English and were very friendly towards us from the start. The bikes we were fitted with were of high quality (compared to my 40lb cast iron monster back home) they were Mountain Bikes which were comfortable enough to ride long distances on (as we found out on the first day). We were even given a cell phone to carry with us in case we need anything!

The first cycling day began on the Tuesday which was a long descent (10Km) followed a long ride along the river. The weather was not co-operating with us so we got completely soaked through. Waiting for us in the bus was Pablo with dry clothing. The first day was 60Km, somewhat longer than anticipated but was a great Hello to cycling in Spain.

In the evenings we were left to our own devices, which was great as we were determined to go native and risk speaking Spanish (a night course and a phrase book only). While not many people spoke English (and quite rightly so) they were all very patient and helpful and even tolerated my SpanGelish (Spanish - English) with a smile. I must admit it's a little scary being in a land were not too many speak your language, but in Spain it was more exiting than scary, even a pleasure.

The rest of the week consisted of shorter trips around El Escorial, Segovia and even one day was completely rained out. Not to be deterred Pablo and Kaspar drove us around the sights and places of interest.

It all far exceeded my expectations and will certainly be going back to do another tour. But rather than read my interpretation of the tour, go to there web site at   http://www.bravobike.com/
It's well worth a look. If you require any more information please let me know, I'll only be too glad to help. It's about time us Brits got off our arses and rode a bicycle and spoke another language, even if it is only ordering 2 beers!

Phil Brown Anne Murphy

Halifax, Nova Scotia CANADA

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