FAQs MOST COMMON
How long can I stay?
The minimum stay is four nights. Most people come for a week, arriving and departing on Saturdays but we can accommodate stays of different durations, just ask away.
Where exactly are you based?
We are located in Olvera, one of the Andalusia's White Villages, and recently named as Capital of Rural Tourism 2021 and under 90 min drive from 3 international airports, Malaga, Seville and Jerez.
Do I need to hire a car?
We can arrange an airport transfer for you and your party; however, if you want to have the freedom to explore the local area, then we would recommend hiring a car.
​
It’s worth keeping in mind that if choosing our villa experience, the accommodation will be located ~2-3km away from the nearest town with no public transportation nearby.
What's the experience of staying with you like?
Freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want, while every detail is covered. You will be assigned a travel cycling specialist when you book your stay with us. This person will help you with any details of your holiday. From airport transfers, route suggestions, restaurant bookings, off-the-saddle activities, whatever it is, we’ll be one call/text away.
We’re here to empower cyclists around the globe to be self-supported during their holidays. Via our branded Col Ascenders Ridewithgps portal, you will have access to a wealth of information that will help you make the most of your time with us. We have crafted over 25 different routes with a wide range of distances and elevations, laying out that way options that cater for all types of cyclists.
What does your typical itinerary look like?
You are the boss. We created Col Ascenders with the vision that you should be in charge of your cycling holiday. We are here to serve by providing all the basic requirements and more when cycling abroad.
​
With this in mind, from the options we provide, you chose from all the routes we have prepared for you, the length of your rides, when to start, what stops to make, whether to have a rest day or not and what to do whilst off the saddle… the decision is always yours. To make your holidays even more memorable we have two highlights we are sure you'll love:
​
A standard 8 days/7 night itinerary would look like this:
​
- Day 1: Arrival, settling. Exploratory ride time permits
- Day 2: Self-guided Ride
- Day 3: Self-guided Ride
- Day 4: On day 3 of your stay, you will be taken on a shuttle bus to do the epic HC climb of Las Palomas (3 routes to choose from). Once done we'll take you back to your accommodation.
Day 5: Optional rest day
Day 6: Self-guided Ride + guided walking visit to one of the White Villages and a tasting experience of the produce of the land
Day 7: Self-guided Ride
Day 8: Departure
Are all your rides self-guided?
As a basis, we provide our clients with dozens of well-curated and planned routes available to download in TCX format – catering for all levels of intensity, from those epic rides to the recovery spin! However, experienced ride leaders are available upon request.
How fit do I need to be?
You set the pace. Our clients are always looking for climbs; you’ll have plenty of those around the area. With dozens of routes, we cater to cyclists of all levels, beginner or advanced. Still unsure? Contact us to discuss this in detail.
Can I bring my family or a non-cycling partner?
Of course. At Col Ascenders, we are on a mission to help cyclists worldwide enjoy their hobby while on holiday with their loved ones (sometimes non-cyclists), so your significant other, relatives, friends or kids are welcome to join you.
Which airport shall I use?
You can fly into Malaga, Seville, or Jerez airports. Malaga is the largest and most preferred option. Transfers can be arranged to and from any of those airports.
FAQs BOOKING
How do I book?
Please fill out the form on our Book Now page and we'll get back to you with a quote and a detailed breakdown of what's included. Once you accept the quote, we'll send the invoice for the 15% deposit. The balance will be due 10 weeks prior to arrival.
When do I have to pay?
To secure your booking, a deposit of 15% is payable.
The balance will be due 10 weeks before arrival.
What if I have to cancel my trip?
​
Cancellation Terms:
If you want to cancel less than 30 days before the departure but more than 14 days, we will move your trip to a later date or give you a voucher for the entire value of the trip.
​
If you want to cancel less than 14 days before the departure, we will move your trip if feasible or give you a voucher for 50% of your stay value.
​
​
Is there a discount for groups?
Yes, groups of 6 or more people (non-riders included) can receive a 5% discount. Contact us for more information.
Can someone take my place if I have to cancel?
Yes, you can transfer your place to another person, as long as it’s under the same conditions you have booked. Please get in touch with us at least a week in advance to arrange this.
FAQs RIDE & SAFETY
How are the guides organised?
Your cycling travel specialist is there to help. We offer one-to-one virtual meetings before and during your stay to help you choose the rides that fit your requirements.
Unless you have arranged for a ride leader, rides are self-guided. We have partnered up with ridewithgps to provide a state-of-the-art cycling experience. You can use your smartphone to enjoy our custom cue sheets, access all our offline routes, turn-by-turn voice navigation, POIs, and pit stops, or download the route into your own GPS device. In our app, you will find plenty of routes to choose from. We have divided them by day and into three categories, depending on the level of intensity:
-Epic Ride. +90km. Approx. 2000m elevation
-Moderate Ride. 60km-90km. Approx. 1350m elevation
-Discovery Ride. 30km-60km. Approx. 850m elevation
​
What if I have a breakdown or have an accident during my route?
There is an on-demand support van that can assist you in case anything happens. We also count with a bike mechanic who will fix your bike on the go if available. We advise you to link your GPS unit to our system or to use Flare Safety or put us down in your GPS safety feature. This will enable notifications on your location directly to us in case of an emergency so we can immediately send aid. Please refer to our T&C's for details about this service.
FAQs YOUR STAY
Where is the Villa, Hotel or Townhouse located?
We use a select number of Hotels, Villas and Townhouses depending on availability and number of participants. They are all situated in the same White Village – Olvera, recently named 2021’s Capital of Rural Tourism.
What time is check-in & check-out?
Upon arrival, our house manager will welcome you to your property to walk you through everything. Our standard check-in time is 3.00 pm, and check-out time is 10:00 am on the day of departure, but this could be flexible if requested and pre-approved by us.
What amenities can I expect to have at the Villa or Townhouse?
As a minimum, you will have fully fitted kitchens with all major appliances, washing machine, iron, TV, Wifi. All our villas have a pool.
Please note that it is very normal for villas in the area not to have potable running water. In this instance, bottled water will be supplied for the duration of your stay.
FAQs TRIP PREPARATION
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, you need medical insurance that covers sports activity, including cycling, for the complete duration of your holiday. If you’re travelling here from another EU country, we recommend obtaining an EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) before you depart for your holiday.
The EHIC card will allow free access to the local doctor if you need non-emergency medical attention. However, please note that the EHIC card is not the equivalent of medical insurance and will not cover repatriation or emergency rescue costs.
Are flights included?
No, flights are not included. Guests must book their flights. The largest and most preferred airport option is Malaga. However, you could also fly to Jerez or Sevilla.
What spares do I need to bring for my bike?
Assuming you are not renting a bike, you should bring everything you’d bring on a long ride. The list should include a saddlebag with spares, three spare tubes, one new spare tyre, tyre levers, a multi-tool kit, and a good-quality compact pump. We also strongly recommend that you service your bike fully before departure. Ensure that all moving parts are in good working order, have fresh brake pads and that your tyres are free from cuts/scrapes. There is one bike shop in the nearby town of Alcala del Valle should you need anything.
What do I need to bring with me?
We recommend bringing 2-3 pairs of bib shorts & jerseys, two base layers, arm & leg warmers, two wind vests & gilet, a rain cape, a hat, gloves, and a thermal jacket (in the early season. It’s always best to check the weather forecast before departure. You will also need to bring your own helmet as it’s a legal requirement for cyclists in Spain. It’s also advisable to bring a good set of sunglasses and suncream.