A Cyclist's Life in Tenerife (Canary Islands)

Hi Leslie

I’m really a tandem rider but my new wife is not a cyclist. However I’d like to try taking her on a tandem along the sea front one day while we’re in Tenerife. Are tandems available for hire in Playa do you know, or for hire in Tenerife generally? When I’ve been over in Tenerife with my late wife we took our folding Tandem Two’sDay with us but I no longer have this tandem and in any event it wouldn’t be worth it just for one day!

We are coming to Tenerife for a couple of months – possible Jan / Feb and I would like to hire a tandem (non – racing). I am aware from your web site that this may not be part of your stock but could you advise us on this. My partner is quite small in stature and she has not learnt to cycle – hence the tandem.

Regards

Hello tandemers!

Well I’ve now had three enquiries regarding Tandems in the last month or so, so I’m starting to sit up & take notice!

I don’t have any tandems for rent, and I’m almost certain that no one else on the island does either. I’m not even aware of any shops on Tenerife that sell tandems. You might find it to pretty darn tough going with all the hills about. Although going downhill would certainly be a blast an a half!!! If I get more enquires I’ll look into it for late 2009, but at this stage I’m still augmenting the normal road bike fleet.

Tandem rentals were never something I would have thought of previously, but I think it could be a definite future possibility. I’ve noticed that I get a lot of couples enquiring about two bikes who obviously want to ride together… often very mis-matched sizes (latest example: man needs 60cm frame, women goes with 49cm). I suppose it’s not something they might have thought of ever trying out. And I’d certainly like to have a go with my fiancé who is a bit on the clumsy side. hahaha

Folks, I don’t want to get your hopes up for summer 2009, but I’d like to get your feedback on a few things regarding tandems: (más…)

Tags: The Bike Guru // 3 Comments »

I’d like to hire a road bike, just for one day to climb Mt.Teide starting from Costa Adeje. I would need the bike to be delivered to the Bahia Principe hotel on 10/19/07 so that I can start early on 10/20/07. Hopefully I’ll be finished in time for collection that afternoon/evening but you never know!

If this sounds acceptable, I\’d be grateful if you would reply with an approximate price and what I need to do next.

Regards,

I’d love to help you out, but for just one day it’s not economical for us to deliver the bike (we’re located an hour away from Costa Adeje), unless you’re willing to pay a premium for that service. For that reason we stipulate a 3-day minimum for deliveries to the South.

If you’re prepared to come and pick the bike up (normally people hire a car), I can send you directions + a map & we can certainly help you out. For what it’s worth, the ride up is probably nicer from this side of the island, starting in La Orotava.

It’s €30 for one day bike rental & you won’t find better bikes than ours in Tenerife!

Thanks,
Leslie.

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Hello could you help me with some more information Re. cycle hire. I need to tie up any loose ends and secure loan of bike before booking for Christmas holiday in Tenerife as the cycling would be main priority of holiday. I need to know if the bikes are delivered and picked up on a day to day basis or can I retain one for 7-10 days provided I can find secure accomodation.

Yes you can keep the bike for the entire duration of the rental period. You do not need to return it every single day…

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From looking at the route maps, it looks like most all the rides could start and end in Puerto de la Cruz. Is a rental car needed to meet you for any rides or can you get by without one most of the time? I might want to rent a car for a few days to drive to other parts of the island for sightseeing.

Congratulations on Cadel Evans making the podium in the Tour. I am a big fan of Robbie McEwen, he is spunky. Here on the US race circuit one of the guys I cheer for is Nathan O’Neill, he is a very smart and funny guy.

I enjoy your blog as well, thanks for sharing all the information.

Thanks,

Yes I think it’s a good idea to hire a car, at least for a couple of days. It’s not absolutely 100% necessary, but it allows you to make the most of your cycling vacation. The rides could start & end in El Puerto without one but there are a few things to consider: (más…)

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Hi

I am coming to Tenerife for a holiday on Friday 21st Sept, and would like to hire a road bike for attempting to cycle up Teide. We are staying in Golf del Sur, so it would be quite a trek to get across the Island to your location. Is it possible to pick up a bike, and at which times of day can this be done?

I am thinking of renting for 3 days – 24th to 26th Sept. I currently ride a 56cm Cannondale frame, but have also a 54cm frame. I have standard spd shoes, and can bring pedals, although if you have some available it would be easier for me to rent them as well.

Alternatively, as it is a long way to come to pick up a bike, and my wife is not too keen on the chauferring duties, is there any competitor that you can suggest, who is a little closer to Golf del Sur, where I can rent a bike? (Sorry – that’s a bit cheeky, but I had to ask)

Finally, if you have something available for those dates, how much would it cost (and how many bottle cages does it have) ?

best regards

While www.Tenerife-Training.net prides itself on being «the best source of info regarding cycling in Tenerife on the net»… the only thing that keeps us going is bike hire. I work extemely hard to make it easy for people to find me and rent one or more of my bikes. It doesn’t make economic sense to give away my competitors contact details, unless I’m in a position where I can’t profit by it (eg: I don’t have any bikes available, which isn’t the case).

We’re a family run business, and while I’m an Australian, the profit stays within a Canarian family. If you want to support us, you’ll make the effort & come and pick up a bike. Alternatively, we have a pickup and delivery service which can be arranged as there are no places to rent road bikes in Golf del Sur.

We have a 55cm Hasa full carbon monocoque road bike that you can rent for 85 Euros for the 3 days. 2 bottle cages with 750ml bottles can be supplied. Normally people come in the morning or afternoon, but you can come whatever time you like, provided you let us know in advance. I can send you the detailed directions + map.

Tags: The Bike Guru // 1 Comment »

I used a lot of GoogleEarth and Google map and Anaga region looked like riders amusment park! How long it takes to get the hot spots from the hotel?

Anaga is the best region on Tenerife for cycling, that’s for sure. It has the smoothest roads, and the least amount of traffic on the island. Magnificent views on top of that. Its still a secret. It’ll take up to 40 minutes by car. Best to start from Las Mercedes… the other fantastic rides go up to Las Cañadas / Mount Teide, where its best to start from either La Orotava or Aguamansa. Around Masca is also the other great zone.

I’m told that the google Earth map for Tenerife has just been updated. Its only a few weeks old now. At the beginning of the year [2007] the map was ~4 years old.

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Hi,

I’m looking to come to Tenerife for all of December this year as part of my training plan and you guys seem to have it all sorted!

Please can you let me know how you can help with a 4 week stay in terms of riding buddies/training.

Addititionally, I need to rent a quiet villa for 4 weeks (preferably not at altitude) with internet access and hopefully a pool (internet is a must so I can send my data to my coach). Do you have any suggestions?

Many thanks

Firstly, sorry for the massively delayed response.

«Us guys» are actually me & my partner running everything from a tiny little office and garage. Hahaha! Appearances can be deceptive, but yes we think we’ve got it covered when it comes to cycling in Tenerife. (más…)

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Hi Leslie,

I’m not sure if you remember me, we spoke about 4 weeks ago regarding my training trip to Tenerife. Anyhow just to inform you I’ll be arriving in puerto de la cruz on Monday and I’ll be on this email for the next two weeks. I’ll send you off a mail to let you know my intended itineary and we might hook up for a trip or two later next week.

Also, do you know if there is a gym in Puerto de la cruz? What is the weather like at the moment?

Cheers

That would be great.

Keep in mind, this is really the off season, so I’m not fit at all! LOL.

I’ve been working on the computer most days 10-12 hours a day… I haven’t been riding for ages, because I’m super busy. I’ve had to focus (with marketing) on getting more business in order to pay the bills. Bike hire is the main priority at the moment!

For the gymnasium: I quickly checked google & came up with this link of places.

This one probably looks the most promosing:

Health AND Fitnes Tel: 922 38 69 77
Av. Francisco Afonso Carrillo, s/n
38400 Puerto de la Cruz (Sta Cruz de Tenerife)

AFAIK, all the gyms are located inside hotels. There’s also one located near hotel playa turquesa (near the road closest & parallel to playa jardin beach). The REAL bodybuilder gyms are located outside el Puerto, such as HaraSport in Santa Ursula.

The weather is really nice at the moment! There are further links to reliable weather forecasts here. You can also see what the weather is doing live the webcam image on that page…

Thanks,
Leslie

Tags: The Bike Guru // 1 Comment »

Hi,

I found your website and would like more information about the bikes you have and their availability.

I will be arriving to Puerto de la Cruz at the evening and I will be staying with my wife in the Teneguia hotel (Av. Melchor luz 2). I would like to use both mountain bike and a road bike during my stay there…

I’d like to know:

* Is this possible? when are you open during that time?
* What kind of bikes do you have (road & MTB)?

We have both road and MTBs available during that time. You can check their availability here. The specifications change from time to time – further info about the bikes can be seen < href="http://www.tenerife-training.net/Bicycle-Bike-Hire-Rental-Tenerife/Road-Racing-Bike_Hire-Tenerife.php#fleet">here.

We still don’t have a dedicated shopfront yet. Hence, most bikes are delivered directly to our clients’ hotels and apartments. Pickup can be arranged with us by making an appointment via email or telephone. Phonecalls are best made between the following hours 9:00 – 13:00 | 15:00 – 21:00. Note that sometimes we are closed around the May / June off season.

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Hello Leslie,

Thank you for all of the information. I spent a little more time on your site this weekend, I love all of the maps and descriptions of all the rides. All of the travel information is very helpful too. You mentioned a Canadian client (I think I saw her photo on your site), have you had many clients or visitors from USA. If so, I might want to check with them on tips they may have for planning the trip.

It sounds like you highly recommend Masaru and it does look like it has it all. Their rates are very competitive as well. So unless you have some new discoveries, I will probably go with them.

Glad you like the website + blog.

To answer your questions briefly: I’ve only had 1 American client so far [as of 13/08/2007]… so its not too popular, no. But then Americans aren’t generally known for travelling outside the Canada & Mexico (or indeed, there own US state). Hahaha

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Hello Leslie,

I was saddened to hear about the forest fires and hope they did not get close to where you live. News reports I have read on the Internet have not been very detailed. How did the fires affect you personally? How are the islands coping?

Well, on to happier topics. In February I read an article on cyclingnews.com about Daniele Bennati training in the Canary Islands and I have been dreaming of vacationing there ever since. I couldn’t believe it when I found your website. An English speaking person running a cycle touring company in Tenerife??? (más…)

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Do you deliver a rental road racing bike to Los Gigantes for a week? I´m planning to travel Tenerife next december with my family but we have not decided where to stay. Puerto de la Cruz is also possible.

I would like to ride every day several hours, so this is an important matter. I checked out your great web-site but if you have any more good tips please let me know?

Yes of course it is possible to hire a road bike with us in December! You won’t find any places in Los Gigantes to rent road bikes.

Los Gigantes & Puerto de la Cruz are both nice resorts. Los Gigantes is about 1 hour and 20 minutes drive from here. Of course, we’re much closer to Puerto de la Cruz, so that’s more convenient for us to deliver a bike. Las Americas is the biggest resort zone on Tenerife – if you’re looking for a quiet place, it’s not the best place to stay. Los Cristianos isn’t quite as bad, but overall I think Puerto de la Cruz offers the best options for tourists.

There was a big fire on the West of Tenerife last year, near Masca; Santiago del Teide was the worst place for the fire I think… that is closer to Los Gigantes but a lot of the vegetation has since regenerated.

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One of the primary objectives of www.Tenerife-Training.net is to provide free information about cyling in Tenerife. Almost every day, cyclists from all around the world ask me all types of questions in all different languages. One of the reasons I started forum storum was to get people to participate in the actual content of the site (but I think that most people just can’t be bothered signing up and participating).

So after three long years, it has finally occured to me that I could share some of the answers I provide in my emails. That way, I don’t have trouble thinking up content which isn’t some marketing BS I’ve struggled to invent and you can directly access this detailed & useful information. I’ll slowly add some of the more useful things I’ve written over time.

If you have a question, feel free to email me: cycling@tenerife-training.net or else post a comment below!

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I bought this frame for €640 off ebay midway through 2008 and I’ve slowly built up the complete bike since then. This is my first true downhill bike so I have nothing to compare it to except other non-DH mountainbikes. I am not an expert on downhill riding, so this ‘review’ is mainly to give my impression of riding a dedicated DH bike for the first time. (más…)

Tags: Spoke Bed // 5 Comments »

Several months ago, I bought a pair of 2008 Avid Code 5 brakes which were on sale. I’ve been very impressed with the performance of these, especially considering their price, so I thought I’d write a brief product review.

The interesting thing about Avid Codes is that they don’t come standard with braided steel brake lines – that gives them a consistent, progressive feel but at the expense of some outright brute power. Nevertheless, if you squeeze the lever gently your bike silently screeches to a halt like it’s on rails. This is no doubt due to them having four pistons per caliper whereas most hydraulic brake calipers only have two. (más…)

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As you are probably already aware, if you’ve tried to access this website in the last week, it hasn’t been available most of the time. It was either extremely slow, full of errors or showed an «account suspended» message.

This was because my entire web domain was subject to a prolonged Distributed Denial of Service Attack (DDoS). Now up until a few days ago, I had no idea what this was. It’s basically a webmaster’s worst nightmare, that’s what it is… because I soon found out it’s one of the best way to bring a website down and simultaneosly get banned from your web hosting provider. (más…)

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When I was younger, around 25 years old, I simply did not believe that depression was real. Being a hyper-optimist, I was one of those people that denied that it even existed, I used to tell my mother that it would never happen to me because I have always been a positive thinker (I ‘inherited’ this personality trait from my father).

Little was I to know that only a few years later, I would suffer from a terrible bout of depression. It was enough to make me cry & sob every single night. At one extemely low point I remained physically paralysed by this condition. It was precisely then that I seeked out professional help. Yes, I openly admit that I’ve taken prozac and other chemicals – and yes I believe that on the surface they do seem to work quite well. But no I don’t think they are a miraculous and permanent wonder cure. (más…)

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With nearly 4 months notice, I’d like to annouce that we’ll be closed from 09/05/09 – 25/06/09. This means bike hire and guided rides won’t be possible during that time. Of course the website will continue to function and I’ll administer it while I’m away. Throughout May and June I’ll still be able to answer emails and take advanced bookings for the remainder of the 2009 Summer. The bike hire service will resume as normal after that date.

The reason for the closure? After two years of non-stop work, I’m long overdue for a break. I haven’t left this island since June 2007 and I haven’t seen my family in Australia since then either. The May / June period is the slowest time of year for bike rentals, so I’m taking the opportunity to catch up with family, friends and relatives over there. At this time, we’re still unsure if my partner will be able to travel with me. I’m really look forward to it!

I do sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope business picks up more in future…

Tags: News Reel, Ride the Volcano!, That's Business // 3 Comments »

Living outside of your own country is never that simple. What could be more challenging than to live in a strange new land and foreign culture? While travellers have it easy, I think that it is particularly difficult for expatriates. Obviously the greater apart the host & donor countries, the harder it becomes.

In my case, I was born in Sydney and resided there for the next 27 years. Yet Tenerife is the opposite Sydney in just about every respect. We drive on the wrong side of the road, the geography of the islands are totally different, the seasons are completely reversed and both places are at the antipode. (más…)

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This is by far the most detailed tourist map of Tenerife at a scale of 1:50,000. The Kompass 233 map contains all the major mountainbike trails and walking tracks. Altitude contours are shown at 100m intervals so it’s ideal for both hiking and mountain biking. You can’t get any more detailed without getting one of the expensive official Spanish military maps.

There’s a multi-lingual legend showing imporant points such as: alpine shelters / refuge huts, hospitals, parking, information, lookouts, museums, monuments, climbing walls and even surf spots! Suggested MTB routes are outlined with blue dots.

This map includes the following inset city maps: Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, Los Cristianos, Playa de Las Américas, San Cristóbal de La Laguna and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. There’s also a Tenerife guide, but alas only in German (even so, it’s worth every cent).

As with all large-scale maps, there’s only one right way to fold it and many wrong ways… so if you’re looking for something easier to manage, one of the only other road maps of Tenerife I can recommend which is also suitable for road cycling is the Freytag & Berndt 1:150,000 Teneriffa map. It’s smaller, plastic coated and much easier to fold than this blanket.

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