 Castle in the Mist
About 4 years ago, I was alone in an inexpensive hotel while investigating our Andalusia route. I checked in after dark and expected to wake up and look out the window
at the brick wall of the building next door. Imagine my surprise when I looked out the window and had a terrific view of an old Moorish castle looming out of the mist (I immediately shot this photo). To me, it represented one of the small but wonderful surprises of a new place. The castle, which overlooks our ride start in Alora, has become the unofficial symbol of Far and Away Cycling.
It was first constructed by the Phoenicians and subsequently expanded under
Roman rule. In the 5th century the castle was destroyed
by the Visigoths, but rebuilt by the Moors. It's a good walk up to it and there is a great view from the top, but for me, nothing is going to beat the first view from my window.
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World Traveler Horserace
Members of the The World Traveler Club have done two or more Far and Away Tours. A few members have also done the same tour twice. One member has been to all of F&A's pre-2007 destinations. Another is well on his way to that accomplishment.
None of that is as surprising as this: someone from "downunder" is about to "go over" in terms of taking top honors on this chart. It gets even better, he DOESN'T OWN A BIKE! Hey Graeme, what exactly is in that vegemite stuff?
World Traveler Scorecard |
 Should you BYOB (Bring Your Own Bike)?
Good question. Far and Away does not rent bikes directly, but we do our best to locate suitable rental bikes for you. Our rides are challenging so it's important that you have a bike that fits you well and is comfortable. The only way you can really be 100% certain of that is to bring your own.
Having said that, bringing your own bike subjects it to airline baggage handlers, the wear and tear of the tour plus you have the inconvenience of a large bag and the potential for extra airline charges. Still, our guidance is that if you have a bike you like; and if you don't agonize over every little scratch; and you have a flight where you won't be charged too much extra, by all means bring it! If not, we will locate the best rental available on your behalf.
When you bring your bike, be sure to pack it right.
Bike packing tips....
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Iberia $763 from DC to Malaga right now!
If you live in or around Washington DC, Boston, Chicago or certain other large cities you can snag some bargains NOW! DC is only $763. Boston is $810. Chicago is $910. Iberia has just introduced new flights to Madrid (from where it is only a short hop to Malaga where we begin and end our tour). This is a huge bargain and won't last since these are "leisure fares" with limited seats. From DC you have to book the flight out a day early on 9/6/07 since there are no flights on 9/7. Fly out 9/7/07 or before and fly back 9/16/07 or after. The tour starts and ends in Malaga which is airport code "AGP". Iberia might just be able to take you the whole way at a great price. There is plenty of room on the fall Spain tour but email me just to be sure.
Iberia also allows bikes as part of your baggage allowance.
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