CYCLING HOLIDAYS
Where do you offer cycling holidays?
How are the routes planned?
How will I move my luggage around?
Do I need to be a regular cyclist?
Can you tell me more about your bikes?
Are the holidays suitable for children?
Are cycle helmets compulsory for your cycling holidays?
What things could I bring along for my cycling holiday?
Is there anything that can’t be fitted to the bikes?
How do we know which cycle is the right level for us?
What makes your cycling holidays special?
You get a very different view of things with Headwater. Travelling by bike, at your own pace, there's time to notice things you would miss from a car. You'll get to know the place you've chosen intimately and absorb the sights, the scents, and the atmosphere, in a way that you never could on an ordinary holiday. Cycling gives the most scope for independent exploring, as you can follow any route you choose using our maps and notes. Explore the heart of the country, in your own way and at your own pace, to discover the curiosities and splendours that make our holidays so interesting and so diverse. [Back to the top]
Where do you offer cycling holidays?
The Headwater range includes cycling holidays in France from 1-bike to upper 2-bike level, cycling holidays in Italy from 1-bike level to upper 2-bike level, lower 2-bike cycling holidays in Spain (and 1 bike cycling on Mallorca), a lower 1-bike cycling holidays on Gozo (just off the coast of Malta), upper 2-bike cycling holiday on Cyprus and a cycling holiday in Austria with 1 and 2 bike options. [Back to the top]
How are the routes planned?
Our suggested routes use quiet country lanes, and go by places we think are most interesting. There are route options for avoiding hills, and suggestions for detours and off-road exploration. All this information is included in the detailed route notes that you'll recieve in your pre-holiday pack. Why not download a sample copy to see? [Back to the top]
How will I move my luggage around?
The simply answer is - you won't need to! Our resident reps will collect your luggage each morning just after you leave your hotel and transport it to your destination, so your bags are always waiting for your each evening. What's more, on selected holidays, they'll even collect your wine purchases for you too. [Back to the top]
Do I need to be a regular cyclist?
No not at all! All our holidays are graded, starting off with just enough exercise to work up an appetite for the next great meal. There are longer route options if you're feeling energetic and, as we have fully trained reps in each cycling area, there's always help available if you need it. [Back to the top]
Can you tell me more about your bikes?
All our bikes are cleaned and maintained by our resident reps, so we don't expect any problems. If anything does go wrong we'll come out to your hotel to fix it or replace it.
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Straight handlebars (not racing bike drop-handlebars), 21 gears, Mudguards, Pannier rack, Gel saddles, a set of panniers, a puncture repair kit & tyre levers, a pump, a lock, a map holder, a headwater water bottle plus a Headwater bike briefing
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Are the holidays suitable for children?
Children over about 8 can go on 1-bike cycling holidays, and 2-bike holidays are fine from about 11. We have special children's mountain bikes. For children up to about 4 we have child seats which attach to adult bikes. With these, any of our 1-bike or 2-bike holidays is possible. Remember, though, that it is harder pedalling with a child on board, and you have to do a lot more stopping. Children from about 4 are too big to go on child seats, and they can't really do a day's cycling till about the age of 8. [Back to the top]
Are cycle helmets compulsory for your cycling holidays?
It isn't a legal requirement to wear a helmet in France, Italy and Austria, though it is a legal requirement in Spain.
We recommend everyone to bring a cycling helmet with them for all our cycling holidays, as we are unable to provide helmets due to the fact that we cannot guarantee their history.
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What things could I bring along for my cycling holiday?
You may bring the following items to fit to Headwaters bikes, with rep supervision.
(We will fit them as long as the rep thinks it is safe, compatible with our bike and will not damage them)
Pedals, with or without toe clips, Cycling computers, Saddles, Water bottle cages, Handle bar bags and Child seats.
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Is there anything that can’t be fitted to the bikes?
For safety reasons we are not able to fit: Handlebar extensions, Handlebar ends, Toe clips (if compatible pedals are not provided), Mirrors that fit on the handlebar end, Stabilisers or Electric motors. [Back to the top]
How do we know which cycle is the right level for us?
To help you choose a holiday that best suits your level of fitness our cycling holidays are graded using our 'bike' system . On the individual holiday webpages (and in our brochure) you'll see that we've marked each tour from 'Lower 1 bike' to 'Upper 2 bikes' so that you know what level of activities to expect. You can also search for your required activity level in our holiday finder too.
1-bike rating- These holidays follow mainly flat, gentle routes with hardly any hills. The time you'll spend cycling is typically 2-4hrs, every other day. These holidays are a good choice for first timers, families with children, or mums and dads who haven’t been on a bike in years! Longer route options available for the more energetic.
2-bike rating- These holidays offer more varied cycling, often on the flat, but with the occasional hilly section en route. You'll typically spend 3-5hrs cycling every other day. You don't need to be a regular cyclist or especially fit but, in hot weather, be prepared to start early and take it easy. [Back to the top]
