Telephone: +44 (0)1869 278 130 POLKA DOT CYCLING www.polkadotcycling.com RAID 2019

The Spring Randonnée TOUR OVERVIEW

Following the success of randonnées such as the famous RAID

Alpine, Pre-Alpine, Dolomites, Pyrenean and Corsica, Polka Dot are launching a brand new challenge, the RAID Tenerife. Unlike other RAIDs, this one has been principally set-up with the idea of it being an early starter to your randonnées/sportive season.

It’s another significant challenge with 12,000m of climbing in 100

hours, but covering a shorter distance, being deliberately designed so that it’s rideable early season. Tenerife like Corsica, is a very mountainous island, with the snow- capped Mount Teide rising to 3718m overlooking the whole island, although the roads go to 2330m. The island has seven different vegetation zones, with two additional separate small mountain ranges and even a small rainforest! This makes the scenery very varied and constantly changing.

The route of this RAID is a circuit of the island including the mountain

range to the North West, one to the East, as well as taking several routes up Teide . The final day finishes at the Paradores hotel, over looked by Teide and the hotel where all the pro cyclists stay. A fitting finish to this great journey.

Like the other RAIDs, a medal is awarded for all those completing the challenge within 100 hours.

• Total Distance: 450km • Time to complete: 100 • Total Climbing: 12,000m (averages 2400m/day)

Main Climbs : - Los Gigantes, Masca, El Tanque, Teide, , Anaga, Orotava, Teide

Optional rides: Lighthouse in the NW corner, El Higdala in the NE corner

Dates: 6th April – 13th April 2019 Pricing Starts from: £1760 Pick Up: Tenerife South Airport Drop Off: Tenerife South Airport Nights Stay: 7 Days Riding: 6 Bike Hire: £210 Contact: [email protected] Telephone: +44 (0)1869 278 130 POLKA DOT CYCLING www.polkadotcycling.com RAID Tenerife 2019

The Spring Randonnée

HIGHLIGHTS

• Only 12 spaces available. • Mostly 4 and 5 star accommodation, half-board & wine. • A brilliant opportunity to get in some late spring training to use as a leg up for the summer challenges. • Complete a brand new RAID in its second year. • Receive an official carnet and medal for completing the challenge within 100 hours. • On-road personal coaching and advice. • The “Pro” experience includes the best in the business on road support, with a 1:6 guide to rider ratio. • Our professional service takes care of everything from baggage transfer to dietary requirements and bike mechanics to physical preparation for the day ahead.

DAY 1

Arrival Day

Today will be when you fly in to Tenerife to begin your challenge. You will be greeted at the airport by one of our friendly guides to make sure you have everything you need and also to hand you over to the

driver who will be taking you to the start hotel based in San Blas.

To give yourself enough time to get settled in and ready for the following day, our first day of riding, please arrange flights that arrive by 17.30 at the latest. We will also have guides available in the hotel if you require assistance to build your bike or would like any tips or recommendations. There is no scheduled riding today but we can give you advice if you would like to stretch your legs before we begin tomorrow.

Telephone: +44 (0)1869 278 130 POLKA DOT CYCLING www.polkadotcycling.com RAID Tenerife 2019

The Spring Randonnée

DAY 2

Chayofa - Buenavista

Our first day takes us out to the west and north coast of the island. After an initial warm up climb out of the hotel we descend down to the coast road to track along to Los Gigantes.

We’ll take a quick coffee stop here overlooking the majestic 800m vertical cliffs that plunge straight into the sea. Then we take on the first big climb of the week up to which is a steady 12km before descending into Masca, an old remote village nestling in the small Teno mountain range.

We then descend all the way back down to sea level to Buenavista with expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean. There is an optional ride out to the lighthouse and the most north westerly point on Tenerife, which is an extra 20km and 400m of climbing, or ride onto tonight’s hotel in , a very un-spoilt Canarian town that was virtually wiped out in the 1700s by one of Teide’s eruptions.

Distance – 68 km to 88 km

Climbing – 1650 m to 2020 m Main Climbs – Los Gigantes, Masca

DAY 3

Buenavista - Vilaflor

Today we head back South and take in the first of our climbs up to Teide from Chio, but first we will do the climb up to Santiago del Teide from the north. Tight hairpins at the bottom similar to Les Lacets de Montvernier, ridden in the 2015 Tour De France, give way to a lovely winding road. The bottom section is a bit tougher but this has easier gradients right to the top.

From Chio the climb up to Teide is 24km with some spectacular views of Teide from this side. It’s a fairly easy gradient all the way to the entrance to the National Park. This time we skirt round the edge of the crater before descending down to Vilaflor for the evening.

Distance – 99 km Climbing – 2920 m Main Climbs – Santiago del Teide & Teide

Telephone: +44 (0)1869 278 130 POLKA DOT CYCLING www.polkadotcycling.com RAID Tenerife 2019

The Spring Randonnée

DAY 4

Vilaflor – La Laguna

Today we start by winding our way along the beautiful old road to Santa Cruz, rolling in and out of barrancos; it’s a very twisty road with lots of short climbs all the way to Güímar, famous for its Pyramid!

We then climb up to the spine of the mountains through pine forests, with views over to Gran Canaria. Once at the spine, we then descend th down to the old cobbled streets of the 15 century town of La Laguna, the old capital of the island.

On the descent you will get regular glimpses of both the North and

South of the island.

Distance – 98 km

Climbing – 2240 m Main Climbs – Arafo

5 DAY

La Laguna - Orotava

A complete day in the North today, we start by descending down to the East side of Santa Cruz and tracking along to St Andre, the site of a 2km golden sand beach (all imported from the Sahara!), before turning inland to climb up to the Anaga mountain range, to the rainforest at the top.

The scenery really changes here and after the brief humidity of the rainforest, we then start to see a very green lush landscape as we ride down to the North East.

There is the option to ride right down to the most North Easterly village of El Higdala (extra 20km and 400m of climbing) before riding around to Orotava .

Distance – 78 km to 98 km Climbing – 2110 m to 2510 m Main Climb – Anaga, Orotava

Telephone: +44 (0)1869 278 130 POLKA DOT CYCLING www.polkadotcycling.com RAID Tenerife 2019

The Spring Randonnée

6 DAY

Orotava - Teide

Fittingly, our last day of the RAID today is the full climb up to Teide from the North. This morning we drop down to Puerto del la Cruz before starting the climb from sea level to the top. It’s 30km from this side and perhaps the steepest route of all four routes but well worth the effort as pine forests give way to some spectacular lunar landscapes on the far side of the crater.

We then ride through the crater to finish our official RAID journey at the Paradores hotel, where all the pros stay for their altitude training. The clock will be ticking on this last day to finish by 2pm, to complete the 100-hour challenge.

This afternoon there will be chance to take the cable car to the top of Teide if you wish before our night at the Paradores.

Distance – 55 km

Climbing – 2370 m Main Climbs – Teide

DAY 7

Teide – Chayofa

With the official part of the RAID completed, today we take the long descent back down to the coast via Vilaflor to arrive in time to relax by the pool at our final hotel, or on the beach, before flying out the next day.

Tonight we will have a celebratory dinner together and present those well-earned medals.

Distance – 4 5 km Climbing – 277 m

DAY 8 Departure Day

With lots of fond memories of your RAID Tenerife challenge we transfer you back to Tenerife South airport for your return journey home.

Telephone: +44 (0)1869 278 130 POLKA DOT CYCLING www.polkadotcycling.com RAID Tenerife 2019

The Spring Randonnée

INSURANCE AM I FIT ENOUGH? Tenerife really has no flat roads; this is why the pro riders Travel and Medical insurance is not included, but is a come here to train. Therefore, every day you will be condition of our booking terms and conditions. We want constantly climbing or descending, you will require a to make sure that no one has any issues that will cause reasonable level of fitness before you come to handle 6 them long term problems. And whilst we take every consecutive days of riding on this terrain. If you have any effort to make sure everyone is well taken care of, concerns regarding your health please contact your sometimes accidents do happen. physician, if you wish to talk to us about this issue please call. We are partnered with an Insurance Group called Dog Tag, that we recommend for their level of care and If you are struggling to handle the riding here we will insurance. They have graciously offered a discount of 5% encourage you to make use of the minibus, that is what it for Polka Dot customers, so follow the link on this document to get your code. And you should also follow is for. We reserve the right to make alterations to the route if we have concerns regarding your health, safety this link to find the insurance package they offer. and fatigue levels. During the week we are intending for you to build some form, not go home in a heap! FINANCIAL PROTECTION

We take your financial protection very seriously. In

NAVIGATION accordance with "The Package Travel, Package Tours Due to our insistence that our guides cycle on the road Regulations 1992" all passengers booking with Polka Dot with our customers, offer support and advice, they are Cycling Ltd are fully insured for the initial deposit and also able to help you navigate the routes. This means subsequently the balance of all monies paid to us, minimal effort on your part to stay on track. including repatriation if required, arising from the cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements We also make sure to provide the routes on due to the insolvency of Polka Dot Cycling Ltd. downloadable Garmin files and we also have daily handouts with route profiles, maps and directions to help We have full insurance for this arranged by Towergate you, just in case. This also will have the lead guide’s phone Chapman Stevens through HCCI International Insurance number so you can always contact them whilst out on the Company PLC. road, if needed. TRAVEL GUIDES & SUPPORT We ask that you all fly into Tenerife South Airport as this Polka Dot has a high standard for our guides, meaning is closer to our starting and finishing points on this trip. they must be experienced in the mountains but also We can arrange transfers from Tenerife North Airport for approachable for you needs. We have a standard 1:5 a supplementary charge. guide client ratio which means you will always have someone available to help you; whether with technical There are a variety of flights available from different UK help, advice or just an encouraging word. airports, if you would like any advice or help, please give us a call or we recommend the free comparison website

We have support minibuses out on the road which is fully SkyScanner. stocked with carb drink and energy food that will help you keep up your energy and also give you a lift if they need For this trip, we ask that you arrive before 17:30 so that it. You will never be far from someone to look after you. we can get you to the first hotel with enough time for bike set up, dinner and the briefing about the trip and next day. Telephone: +44 (0)1869 278 130 POLKA DOT CYCLING www.polkadotcycling.com RAID Tenerife 2019

The Spring Randonnée

EXTRAS AND UPGRADES FOOD

On our trips you eat like the pros! With the constant use • Single room supplement = £390 of energy, we know that the best way for people to be • Bike hire = £210 comfortable and keep their energy up; they must eat "little and often". This means no bloating, discomfort and INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE loosing energy. We carry a full range of snacks and energy drinks suitable for cyclists along with quiches, • 7 nights in carefully selected hotels including evening baguettes, fruit, cakes, sweets (like the infamous meals mainly 4* hotels, wine with dinner. Haribo!), cereal bars, nuts, crisps and more. For most of • RAID Tenerife Carnet and Medal our clients this means all their food is covered. • Daily regional buffet breakfast

• Day/Ride Food We include all your 7 evening meals which will consist of • On and off the bike photography package to capture a three-course meal at the hotel or local restaurant. those precious memories. • A welcome pack including Polka Dot Cycling jersey,

Garmin files, printed maps and profiles, local information. ACCOMODATION

We want our trip to be as comfortable and as enjoyable NOT INCLUDED as possible which means using quality hotels. We use mainly 4* and 5* accommodation. • Additional Drinks or minibar costs (including beers, soft drinks and coffees). We vet our accommodations very thoroughly before we • Flights - flights are not included in the price of the use them on our trips. This means no nightmare hotels holiday, but under the Tenerife FAQs or our general so you can get a good night sleep. FAQs on our website, by clicking on the links, and you

can see the available airlines and departure airports. Please note all prices quoted are based on two people • Travel, Medical or Bike Insurance sharing a room. We can of course arrange single occupancy at an extra cost of £390/person.

FINALISE YOUR BOOKING

To assure your place on this exlcusive tour, please BIKE HIRE contact us via [email protected]. We will If you would prefer to not go through the hassle of send a pro-forma invoce for you to check and complete. travelling with your bike, then we can arrange a hire bike This will also contain instructions for paying the £199 for you for the supplement of £210. There is also the per person deposit to secure your place. possibility of upgrades. For any further questions please don’t hesitate to get in Please contact us for more information on the bikes touch with Niamh either by phone +44 (0)1869 278 130 available on your particular trip or check our website. or email [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you out on this new exclusive RAID with us and creating some nforgettable memories!