Keep in mind that you are allowed only two pieces of luggage, your bike is number one. That leaves you with one piece of luggage, plus a carry-on bag. The following is a list of what we consider important things to have with you. Note that you will be charged for excess luggage.

1. A Valid Passport. No special Visa is required for travel to England or Spain but you must have a valid passport. You will not be allowed to board an international flight without one. Please ensure that you have provided us with your name as it appears on your passport. The name on the airline ticket must match the name on your passport.
   

2. It is very important that you have extended health insurance coverage. We have a medical doctor available for our group at the hotel who will be there to assist in any situation. But in case of an emergency you will need to have the proper documentation on your insurance coverage. You must provide us with a copy in the event of such an emergency. Mallorca's health care system is first class but you are responsible to pay for emergency care.

3. We provide mechanical service on the road and the hotel is equipped with a mechanic's shop for overnight service. You should have a small repair kit with you for your own safety and independence. Your tool kit should include: 2 spare inner tubes, a patch kit, a chain tool, a spoke key, 4-mm, 5-mm, 6-mm Allen keys, an 8-mm and 10-mm wrench (these can handle almost any roadside repair). Even if you are unable to repair the problem yourself you will have the tools that would allow someone else to help you out.

4. For your bike we recommend: a bottom gear of at least 39X23 for Groups Rapido, and 39X28 for Groupo Relaxo. The old Mallorcan roads were built before the advent of the car, and the grade, therefore, is such that an animal and cart can easily make most ascents. The hills are not always steep, but can be long, up to 16 km long. Climbing comfortably at your own pace adds to the enjoyment of the mountains. Having two water bottle cages is a good idea, too. Choose tires with a width of about 23 mm. Opt for comfort and durability over performance we're there to have fun, not compete. Have your bike checked up by a trusted mechanic. Having confidence in your bike is a must. Tips on packing your bike for travel.

5. The weather, naturally, is always beyond our control. However, normal seasonal temperatures for Mallorca in March and April are between 17 C and 25 C. This is ideal cycling weather that allows us to be outside all day and not worry about suffering from heat exhaustion.

We recommend the following, especially if you plan to ride in all possible weather conditions:

• Walkable cycling shoes. The many cobblestone streets in the small villages, stone surfaces in town plazas, and slick tile floors in cafes make for difficult walking in "racing" shoes. Touring or mountain bike SPD-style shoes offer great riding support along with the 'walking option'.

• Helmets are not mandatory, but are strongly recommended.

• Cycling gloves. These are great not just for comfort but also for practical reasons: when cyclists do take a tumble they're more likely to land on their hands than their head.

• Cycling shorts. For this much riding, you'll need at least 2 pairs of cycling shorts. One pair can be washed an on the clothesline drying while you're wearing the other pair.

• Tights or leg-warmers.

• Arm warmers. These can be useful for those cooler mornings and are easily tucked away in a pocket once the day has warmed up.

• Rain coat or light riding jacket. Again, preferable one that can be easily rolled up to fit in your jersey pocket. You will avoid the chill at the summit of the big climbs, stay warm on the decent, and have something to put on when we make a sweaty stop at a cafe.

• You will receive a team jersey but will want to have another and perhaps a long sleeve jersey.

• Polypropolene-style under shirt.

• A riding vest.

• Walking/running/ hiking shoe. Plan to spend some time touring the capital city of Palma de Mallorca or join us for an early morning walk/run/stretch.

• Bathing suit. Although the Mediterranean Sea may be too cool for swimming in early spring, it soon warms up. As well, there is an indoor pool at the hotel and time in a nearby training pool can be arranged.

• A bandana or small scarf. This comes in handy when the weather changes.

• A cycling cap and a warmer pair of gloves should be had by those who are riding everyday regardless of the weather. Remember that you can work up quite a sweat on a long uphill and will feel the sweaty chill on the fast descent down the other side.

We also suggest you bring:

• Sunscreen and sunglasses.
• A camera.
• Sweater, vest or jacket for the cooler evenings and our pre- breakfast walks. Expect temperatures of between 10 C and 14 C in the evenings.
• We suggest you exchange some money into Euros (about $200) and also have a few British pounds with your for your time at London's Heathrow Airport. A bank machine and car rental agency are located near our hotel in Mallorca.
• A battery-powered alarm clock or wristwatch with an alarm is a good idea, too.
• You will also need an open mind and a good sense of humour.
• And, you can leave all your worries, problems and troubles at home and prepare to have a wonderful time.