We love real stories about our cycling holidays and even more so when they come from solo female travellers. Our trips are available to everyone but there’s no hiding from the fact that the majority of solo travellers are male. We were therefore thrilled that Emily, who just returned from Calpe, answered a few of our questions about why she chose to ride with us, and what her holiday highlights were.
Why did you book with a company rather than organising the trip yourself?
After a pretty intense first semester studying my Masters I decided I needed a break in the sun and some solo bike time. As I was studying for exams, I did not have a lot of time to plan a trip and, as a student, I am on a pretty tight budget! I decided to contact you guys to see if they could help me to book an affordable 4-day cycling holiday at short notice. I have to say that you really delivered on this request. You managed to create a really special trip including an extra night on my small budget. The hotel was perfect and I can’t recommend it enough! The location was beautiful and there was a huge buffet breakfast every morning looking over the bay and the distinctive Calpe rock. My room was upgraded for free so I had an amazing sea view and a big tub for baths in the evening after long days on the bike.
What did you think of the bikes?
Included in the price of the trip was an excellent bike with an ultegra groupset. The bike shop was a local place right next to the hotel which made communication and fitting super easy. I also have to say that the guys at the shop were very lovely and accommodating too. They spent time making sure the fitting was just right, made sure I was stocked up with energy gels and even let me have the bike for an extra morning as I had a late flight that day! As the rental price was included in the package, it made this aspect more affordable than purchasing a bike box or renting elsewhere in the town.
What were the highlights of your trip?
So many to mention! Here are a couple of stand out moments:
Gliding through Vall d’Ebo solo in the sun early in the morning.
Cycling with some pro teams on their training camps (for a brief moment as they passed me out) at Castell del Castells.
Meeting some new friends at Coll de Rates and descending together down to Parcent taking in the amazing scenery.
Chatting to cyclists from all over the world and drinking coffee in the sun at the Musette Cafe in Alcalalí.
Taking a long bath and having a beer on my hotel balcony watching the sunset after a day on the bike.
Where would you like to head next?
To be honest, I loved Calpe so much I can’t wait to go back as soon as possible! I would also really love to take a trip to Girona or Gran Canaria – hopefully soon!
Would you book again with LV?
Yes, absolutely. I really feel like I got such great value for money and all of the guides and bookings provided prior to the trip really helped me to navigate the place as a solo traveller. Highly recommend it!