Cycling Rentals

Sintra E Bike Day Trips

2012-02-09T13:45:00.006Z

We are very happy to announce our all new Electric Bike Day Trips in the UNESCO world heritage site of Sintra, Portugal. Now you can enjoy our signature Bicycle Day Trips with all the comfort and ease of a power assisted ride - on a zero emission vehicle!

Our E Bikes are built up in our workshop using top quality aluminium BH trekking bikes and lithium polymer ebike kits. These excellent bikes offer 3 levels of power assistance, a comprehensive LCD display and ample range for our Day Trip routes, allowing riders to explore the ascents and descents of hilly Sintra without breaking a sweat.

These ebikes will be available for direct hire in Sintra all year round with guided trips available upon booking. For more information or to reserve an E Bike Day Trip in Sintra, call 00351 212 424 604 or email daytrips@cycling-rentals.com

Ride of the Month - Algarve Loop

2011-11-29T17:09:00.007Z

A fantastic trip report just in from our clients who set out this October on our Touring bikes to loop through the Algarve.

They started their adventure in Faro and had beautiful sunshine everyday and no flats - what more can you ask for on a self guided biking holiday!

Click here to read the full report and to see the maps.

Riding the Camino this winter...try our new clip on mud guards.

2011-11-29T16:11:00.008Z

If you're planning some winter cycle touring but want to keep the road splatter to the minimum try our new clip on mudguards.

They fit all our bicycle models from road bikes to mountain bikes and are exceptionally easy to clip on and off with a tool free system.

Great for Camino cyclists riding the Way of Saint James this winter!

Join CTTC Racing for the epic 202km ride in one day!.

2011-11-29T15:13:00.005Z

CTTC Racing are heading out on December 10th for the unofficial, 1 day road challenge with over 1000 entries riding from Troia to Sagres covering 202kms.

This event started in 1990 with just one rider, who had turned 40 and decided he needed a yearly personal challenge, by 2006 their were over 500 riders.
Following the Vincentine coast the ride will start of on the flat and gradually get more challenging.

If you would like to join the CTTC team on this adventure then sign up on our Cycling Rentals Facebook page. If you don't have a road bike you can always rent one from us!

Ride of the Month

2011-11-07T10:21:00.005Z

Here is a bicycle route very kindly logged and shared by Howard L. He and his family rode the Basque Pyrenees using our touring bikes and had a great time, despite some heavy weather.

Bike route 945761 - powered by Bikemap

"For your monthly feature, here's the route our family rode last July. We started and ended in Pamplona, traveling counter-clockwise. We stayed in small hotels in Garralda, Spain; Larrau, France; Itxassou, France; Bertiz, Spain; and Lekunberri, Spain. The route was challenging and beautiful. Auto traffic was light on most of the route."

Bicycle Route and Track Sharing

2011-10-03T18:59:00.000+01:00

With all the exceptional Bicycle Rides we know in Spain and Portugal, we have decided it's about time Cycling Rentals started sharing the knowledge with you. As a faithful subscriber to our humble newsletter, we will share a new route with you in each and every edition. Interested in routes in a specific area? Email us and we will be happy to share a hidden trail or stunning backroad loop.

Navigate with your Smartphone

2011-10-03T18:47:00.000+01:00

You can now use Cycling Rentals all new bicycle handlebar smartphone mounts in conjunction with your smartphone for on road GPS navigation.

These simple but effective handlbar mounted holders can be used with any iPhone, Android or other Smartphone in conjunction with your phone's navigation software (such as Google Maps or GPSies) for real time GPS navigation and routing.

You can also use this setup with training and tracking software (such as Endomondo or My Tracks) to log and share your journey with friends.

How To Videos

2011-09-21T18:27:00.000+01:00

Have a few questions on how to put on bike pedals or check your brakes? You can find a growing list of How To Videos on our Blog, which you can reach at http://www.cycling-rentals.com/blog

Have you always thought there must be a better way to tune your brakes or swap out a saddle? Then keep posted as we will be adding new Bicycle How To Videos soon. If you have any suggestions or would really like to know how to perform a specific bike maintenance task, contact us and we will post a How To Video for you!

Camino Bicycle Rental Packages

2011-08-30T21:05:00.005+01:00

We have just put together a great new Bike Hire service for Camino Pilgrims; multi-day Rental Packages for cyclists who want to ride the Camino de Santiago with the least possible hassle.

With Cycling Rentals new Bicycle Hire Packs, you have the easiest way to travel the Camino de Santiago, the legendary pilgrimage route of St James, in northern Spain. Simply choose the number of days you want to ride the St James route, tell us your dates and the location you want to pick up and drop off you equipment - we handle the rest!

Check out the new Rental Packages at http://www.cycling-rentals.com/rentalpacks/pack/4

Web site Update

2011-08-29T17:18:00.003+01:00

The Cycling Rentals site has just been updated to cut down on the yellow that some people found too bright and to clear up any confusion with our new FAQ section. Your opinions really do matter to us, so as always, if you have any comments or suggestions, please drop us an email at any time via http://www.cycling-rentals.com/contactus

New Touring Bike Fleet is Rolling

2011-08-29T16:57:00.003+01:00

The Cycling Rentals shop staff has been busy tuning up our custom built Touring bikes for the Fall 2011 and the 2012 season.

These all new bicycles feature proprietary hydro-formed aluminium frame tubes, Shimano 27 speed transmission, suspension seat-post and lock-out front fork.

On easy rolling 700 C tires, our new bikes are a real joy to ride; the wide ration gearing means the toughest climbs are a cinch, and the open road is a spinner's dream.

We offer both ladies and gents frames and will for the winter season be offering a New All Weather Pack featuring front and rear LED lighting and Mudguards.

If you want something a little more sporty, don't forget also offer light weight, 27 speed carbon aluminium race bikes. For the serious racer, there's always the full Carbon option, with our all new BH Speedrom Carbon Race Bikes for rent anywhere in Spain and Portugal.

Bike Rental and Delivery www.cycling-rentals.com

Biggest EcoTrail in Portugal is now open in the Dão Region

2011-08-23T17:39:00.003+01:00

The Dão EcoTrail was inaugurated on July 1, 2011, linking the districts of Viseu, Tondela and Santa Comba Dão along a set of old railroad tracks. It is 47,5 km long, connecting the municipalities of Viseu, Tondela and Santa Comba Dão. This beautiful path offers truly amazing landscapes along the former railway line. It's a great way to discover this beautiful region on foot or by bike!

Bike Rental and Delivery www.cycling-rentals.com

All New Road Touring Bikes for Rent

2011-05-27T20:52:00.001+01:00

Following a number of special requests, Cycling Rentals has added a new model to the fleet: Road Touring Bikes.

The base model is our High Spec Carbon / Aluminium Road bikes kitted out with a Three Point Pannier Rack, Adjustable Stem and 25mm Tires to handle the extra load. You get the easy rolling of a Drop Bar Race Bike with the luggage capacity of our Touring Bikes.

If you are used to the riding position on a drop bar road or race bike, then this is the ideal touring bike configuration for you. Don't forget we offer a number of extras from GPS units to the Waterproof Ortlieb Panniers shown, but we certainly recommend them and they always get five star reviews from all our clients.

As always, if you have any question regarding bicycle and cycle touring in Spain or Portugal get in touch or take a look at some of our suggest biking routes such as the Camino de Santiago or the sunny Algarve.

Bike Rental and Delivery www.cycling-rentals.com

CTTC Racing Evora 160 km Race Report

2011-05-10T19:14:00.002+01:00

It's five thirty a.m and the alarm breaks a sleep too short for the road miles ahead. Load up my bike and gear, with team jerseys and bottles for the boys.

A few clouds loom ahead and from the empty highway, it's hard to gauge what tricks the weather will play today. It's the first time any of us have done over 150k in a single sitting, so I have packed for all eventualities and hope the boys have too. Andy is the first pick-up along the way and he is ready to go in his CTTC Racing kit and riding shoes already. Michal and James are waiting up ahead and have had time for some breakfast. So we load up the rest of the bikes and head out to Evora, hoping the clouds will part as we head to the Alentejo. They do and the sun is out with few light clouds to keep the temp just right for a great day of riding.

We all have time to load some carbs before the start, but no sign of Mr Eddy Merckx anywhere... Is he even here? Some nerves have started to build as we all realise that 160 km is a few more than we usually ride, can we make it? What are the other racers like, this is after all a UCI event. Just as well, Andy has smuggled in a blood transfusion - will there be enough to go round?

With a good layer of sunscreen to fend of the Alentejo sun and an undersized jersey on my back, I feel as good as I can after a night of mild debauchery at a friend's art showing. The boys are looking ready to race as they crank up to the starting point for a bone shaking departure along the cobbled streets in front of the roman temple in Evora.

Once we have cleared the numerous roundabouts, we're on the stunning country roads that run across the rolling fields of bright yellow and violet wild flowers. It's the Alentejo at it's absolute best, no matter what the difficulty of the ride, we know it's going to a gorgeous day on the road.

The buzzing of the free-wheels and tires on the tarmac makes us sound like a thousand rampaging bees, tearing along the countryside at 50 kph. This is what it's all about... I'm a mountain biker at heart, but you don't get this on the trails. And just then, I glance to the side at Jersey number 1, who has a great cadence for his apparent years and the demeanour of someone out to buy the groceries; it's Eddy Merckx.

Now come the rolling bends that lead to Monsaraz, a hilltop town that you simply should not miss on any bicycle tour of the Alentejo, despite your legs most vigorous protestations. Team CTTC makes a cautious attack, as we are familiar with the steeper hills of Sintra, but unsure still as to just who we are up against. Andy goes hell for lycra and catches up with the lead peloton and is way too far ahead for me to warn him that the steep climb is just round the corner. Too late, he will have to make this one alone.

Michal and I ride one in a smaller squad and we hold back till we start to enter the climb. A fellow on a beautiful classic steel frame and cotton jersey rides past and starts to ascend. I make my move and stay right on his wheel. He has been here before and is pacing himself. But I have been here before too and pass him half way up and keep the pressure on all the way to the top, catching up with Andy just in time for a split banana and some heartfelt cursing at the stupidly steep hill, and the fact that I sprinted up it as fast as I could thinking this was the time trail climb. It was not.

Then its a great winding downhill from Monsaraz, with sublime views through the cork forests and the enormous Alqueva lake stretching out into the horizon. I actually feel better after that nasty climb and decide to get on the wheel of some more seasoned riders, who despite their age will no doubt shake me off in a quick spin of their cranks if it takes their fancy.

The next 20k roll by smoothly on familiar roads; castles, cork tress and wild flowers abound, along with sheep and precious little else. A stabbing pain is starting to grip my thighs and the water in my bottle doesn't seem to quench any more. It's been 80k and I am out of salt and with no electrolytes at hand, I do the next best thing before I cease up completely; sugar and salt from the local cafe.

The old boy at the counter looks at me curiously and wonders why anyone would want to fill their bottle with 3 spoons of salt and two packs of sugar. My legs know the answer to that. And the reason is a 2k climb coming up in short order.

As I labour my way up the hill, and notice the scanner by the roadside, I realise this is where I should have done my sprint... Right now I am relying on saline solution to just get me up this climb, let alone a racing pace. There is not a soul on the road now as I crank my way up the Serra D'Ossa - wishing I had chosen a triple ring instead of a compact crank.

Then suddenly, as begin to seriously fight the desire to get off and walk, or better, fall into the shrubbery - there is Josué, the veteran whose wheel had kept me rolling steadily for the past 30k. He is nearly at the top and going strong it seems. If a man nearly twice my age can get this done, so can I - hell I'll catch him before he peaks and starts his descent! But by the time I reach the top and am greeted limply by some sun scorched locals who have gathered to witness our suffering, Josué is gone.

I don't catch up with him for another 15k, before a short climb that has him wincing about his cramping legs and the "bagaço" the night before. I hand him my home made isotonic brine and he takes a thankful swig. A few minutes later he's good as new and we part at a petrol station - I with two of his euros in my pocket for a coke and he with enough salt to see him to the finish line in a respectable rank.

The coke tastes like a meal in itself and I savour it as a few competitors ride past towards the final ascent. A couple of old boys loafing around let me know that the peloton passed through at lunch time - it's now a quarter to three... That's all the priming I need, and in case there was any doubt, a fellow overtaken 25k back rides past. No more breaks. With 140k under my tires, I push on despite a burning in the base of my spine; I'm in new territory now, distance wise. I pass three riders on the uphill and a fourth at the final feeding station - despite the tempting and low hanging bananas.

It's only ego burning now, all other sustenance long consumed. A few sips of warming brine keep me going till I contemplate a little pushing on the final stretch back to Evora. The stunning scenery has become no more than an extension of the burning, building in my muscles and a little cloud cover would almost seem welcome.

Just as my cadence drops, I hear the promising sound of a fresher set of tires on the tarmac behind. An unknown rider and a fellow who twice before has been passed on climbs. They turn out to be my saviours, carrying me on their wheels for the final 8k. Only once can I retribute the favour and it does not last long, but then again, it needn't. The towers of the cathedral are in plain sight and the cheering of the gathering crowds ups our pace. Now the final roundabout and then those infernal cobbles - twice as hard as they were on the way out. A final sprint sees of a suffering cyclist, then the yellow line baked on the granite stones. It's over!

The CTTC Racing boys give me just enough time to get a recovery drink in and thank Josué for his charity before I see them cross the line in unison. We skip champagne and toast on protein shake as a roughed up veteran saunters past - he's met with the road and came off worst. If he's the only casualty of the day, it's been a good one for all.

Martin KT

Bike Rental and Delivery www.cycling-rentals.com

CTTC Racing to Ride with Eddy Merckx

2011-05-06T11:07:00.004+01:00

Team CTTC Racing is getting fired up about the race event of the month; a 160km road ride in Portugal's historic city Evora, featuring none other that the great cycling legend himself, Eddy Merckx.

CTTC Racing will be leaving in the early a.m this Saturday morning for a long the road. We will keep you posted via our Facebook and Twitter feeds if you fancy following the event.

Check out the details at http://www.gfeddymerckxportugal.com/

Bike Rental and Delivery www.cycling-rentals.com

Cycling Rentals Camino de Santiago bike Hire Review

2011-05-02T10:31:00.000+01:00

Cycling Rentals sends out a lot of bicycles for cyclists riding the Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain, and as Camino cyclists ourselves, we know the importance of having the right equipment to make the most of this lifetime journey.

Our investment in a new fleet of quality bikes each year and the use of the best bike accessories makes a real difference to our riders. Here is what a group of friends had to say about their Camino bike hire experience with Cycling Rentals:

"I was still choosing which photo to send you as a memory from our tour, since the four of us had made a point of writing back to send you our compliments for the equipment you put at our disposal: it was super!!! Three out of the four bicycles were brand new, all the bags were new, efficient and really waterproof (4 rainy days make good evidence...), the kit that went with the bikes was complete and effective (only 1 flat tire along the 740 km mostly of bumpy road we covered, promptly substituted). Delivery and collection times perfect, what else shall I add?

Your company deserves top scores for quality, efficiency, communication and advice (it was long-sighted on your part to recommend the waterproof bags instead of the other type we had chosen!). Feel free to publish our mail on your site, because you deserve the best. On my part, I am already recommending your company to anybody who is asking me about my trip. The Camino di Santiago wouldn't have been the same without the quality material we were able to use, thank you!!!!!

Keep in touch, all the best

Laura (together with Daniele, Giancarlo, Mauro) from Italy"

If you or a friend is interested in riding the Camino - or anywhere else in Spain or Portugal, get in touch and we will do our best to make your cycling experience unforgettable!

Bike Rental and Delivery www.cycling-rentals.com

CTTC Racing 24H Castelo Branco MTB Race Report

2010-05-28T10:25:00.002+01:00

Reported by CTTC Racer Nate C.

We rolled into Castelo Branco for PT Open XCR series under bright blue skies and clear weather. The race is the 2nd in the national cup series. The warm sun offered a respite from the rains we've endured in Lisbon. With a very chilled check in and dorsal pick up, we got back to setting up camp and figuring out logistics.

PTopen XCR 24h BTT - Castelo Branco from Vespa Produções on Vimeo.

Helder Santos, one of Portugal's top alpinists, was my partner for this event. He saw the event as good training for the upcoming guiding season in the French Alps. We decided that he would take the first leg and we would run 3 hour rotations. If we started to tank, we would go to an hour on and one off. Helder took the first rotation and at 12 noon, CTTC Racing was off against a competitive field from all over Spain and Portugal.

Helder clocked 9 laps (at 6km each) in the first 3 hours which was good for 4th place. I took over remembering the thick mud and forced, waterlogged marches at the 1st event in Zambrujeiro just about 2 months ago. Thankfully, the course was dry and fast with swoopy singletrack punctuated with short, steep climbs. I knocked out my 9 laps after 3 hours and pulled in as Helder took over at 6pm. We were still in 4th and, along with two other teams were in contention for the last spot on the podium.

As I sat in camp, and the sun sank lower, I realized that Helder didn't take lights on this run. I suited up and waitied in the staging area to begin the night laps. At about 8:20pm, he came through the staging area and I offered to take over. He declined, thinking that he would get one more lap in before it was too dark. He had been redlining and, by the time he finished his lap, we were in 3rd by minutes.

I took over as the sun disappeared behind the Serra. With my lights on and Fatboy Slim playing on my ipod, I started cranking out laps. While music and racing don't mix, the dangers are actually mitigated at night. The lights from other riders easily identify them on the course.

During one of my last laps, I rolled past a campsite and had an older, heavyset man sprinting to keep pace alongside of me. He was shouting something and when I looked over, I noticed he was holding out a beer for me. With visions of Lance sipping champagne on the Champs Elysees, and seeing that it was only 25cl, it seemed like a pretty good idea to partake. Surprisingly, the beer had absolutely no effect except that it was a pain to shove the empty into my jersey pocket and the thought of crashing with a glass bottle wedged against my lower back kind of freaked me out. Riding until just past midnight with a beer and my playlist killed, I finished my last lap and handed back to Helder.

Back at the camp, Helder had left me a soggy spaghetti dinner which I promptly devoured stumbling into the tent. With my alarm set for an hour and a half of sleep, I think I dozed off, but it's too tough to be sure.

At 2:30am, I found myself making coffee on the campstove still wrapped in my sleeping bag. I caffeined up and rolled over to the staging area. Five frigid minutes later, Helder rolled through. We were back in 3rd. Out on the course, I learned that the two closest competitors were taking a nap. Nothing is as motivating as coming up on a sleeping opponent. A Clif Mocha shot and a few gulps of water hit my system perfectly. I pushed through the laps knowing that each one would be one more for them to make up when they awoke.

By 6am we had a commanding hold on 3rd, but found ourselves without any reasonable chance at 2nd. Helder took over and by 8am I told him he could stop for breakfast. A few more insurance laps put Helder at 200km and me at 144km over the course of the event.
We cleaned up for the podium girls, collected the trophy and packed our zombie selves into the truck for a semi-catatonic ride home.

Next 24H race, Northern Portugal - the toughest challenge yet and one set to test us for the trophy. We will keep you posted!

Second Place for CTTC Racing's 2010 season debut

2010-03-19T19:05:00.000Z

Mud, mud and more mud. 24 Hours of mud, sweat and cheers awaited CTTC Racings team riders Nate Chapman and Martin Thompson last weekend on Portugal’s west coast. Not only was this the first race of the season, it was also the team’s first 24 hour event.

Following a rigorous training program of 4 hours a week and plenty of wine with dinners, the team riders were in top shape to really make their mark. Although the highest place of the podium was reserved to riders of a different sort, a very respectable 2^nd place ensured a champagne welcome to the mud encrusted team riders who rode in 6 hour shifts.

The track itself was a 10km loop with mixed terrain – from Iberian cork forest to open alentejo plains. Easy topography should have ensured very quick laps around the course, but given the track conditions, with up to 20% of the route barely pushable through thick mud, all the racers deserved a warm shower at the end and made a very valiant effort to ride non-stop from Mid-day to mid-day.

You can find more pictures of the event here, and if mud-plugging is not your cup of tea, you can always explore the serene beauty of Portugal’s West Coast with CTTC at a more relaxed pace on our Blue Coast Trip. Legs are now itching for the next CTTC Racing meet!

MKT

Work in Progress!

2010-01-29T00:30:00.001Z

Still putting things together on the blog. Please check back soon for great bicycle tour resources such as maps, route sugestions and more. We welcome suggestions and ideas!

Happy Riding,

Bike Rental and Delivery
www.cycling-rentals.com

Southern Portugal

2010-01-29T00:01:00.000Z

Bike Rental and Delivery
www.cycling-rentals.com

Sintra - Cascais Map

2010-01-28T23:43:00.003Z

View Day Trip Sintra to Cascais - www.Cycling-Rentals.com in a larger map

Bike Rental and Delivery
www.cycling-rentals.com

Sintra to Cascais Road Ride 35km

A nice scenic ride taking you easily on splendid roads. We recommend our new Road Race Bikes for this ride.

Download GPS Track

sintratocascais.gpx
File Size:	480 kb
File Type:	gpx

Download File

View Sintratational I in a larger map

Bike Service for Lisbon Bus Riders

2010-01-14T12:53:00.001Z

Lisbon is a city that invites you to discover it. For you to move with all comfort, CARRIS, a national bus service has designed the Bike Bus service, without any additional cost to the customers. On Saturday, Sunday and holidays, bicycles may be brought on four buses, prepared for its transportation. Now you have another good reason to go out with your bicycle to where CARRIS and your will to pedal takes you.

Buses:

24 - Alcântara - Pontinha

25 - Estação do Oriente – Prior Velho

708 - Martim Moniz – Parque das Nações

723 - Desterro - Algés
Timetable:
This service is available on Saturday, Sunday and holidays, on the specific schedule of each bus.
Procedures:
1 – Get in the Bike Bus with your bicycle by the rear exit door of the vehicle.
2 – Fix your bike before the trip starts
3 - Validate yout transport title on the devices inside the bus.

Visit the Carris Site »

New custom gloves for 2010

2010-01-07T20:45:00.003Z

We have just received our spanking new, customised CTTC cycling gloves with all kinds of excellent features for top performance:

Breathable lycra back short finger gloves.
Grid fabric on the back of the hand offers odour adsorption and rapid moisture management.
Leather palm for increased durability and comfort with gel injected palm padding.
Terry cloth sweat wipe on thumb.
Integrated pull tabs and elastic cuff for easy removal that also eliminates sun spot on top of hand.

They are available to order in all sizes for €15 a set. Get all the details here. But be quick to as they are already on back-order!

Happy Riding!

Fist time micro-loaners

2010-01-06T18:45:00.003Z

As we get ready to go to South Africa this year on our first Cape Escape, we felt that we wanted to contribute directly to a worthy and uplifting African cause. CTTC does not believe that donations or charity as such are the very best way of sustaining an increased quality of living.

We do believe that giving people the oportunity to improve their own lives is. With that in mind, we found www.Kiva.org that enables everyone to contribute to the growing phenomenon of micro-finance. Through Kiva, we have just make our first micro-loan http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=161444 and will keep you posted on repayments. In the mean time, why not visit www.kiva.org and find out all about this incredible tool of social empowerment.

Posting Pictures

2010-01-02T16:50:00.002Z

Went out a few days ago with the helmet cam and got this still. Just posting it to try out the mailtoblog option.

Out to ride with the brothers Leese

2010-01-02T16:47:00.002Z

The weather is poor and the trails are muddy, but with the bikes ready to roll and the Leese brothers from www.orphanride.org rearing to go, we just can’t say no. Plus I need to see if our new blog is up and running as intended.

Just testing

2010-01-02T15:42:00.000Z

Hi There,

Testing this out

Getting ready to roll

2010-01-02T15:34:00.000Z

The rain is falling and the trails are muddy, but the bikes are ready to roll and so are we. See you on the road!

Hi and Happy New Year

2010-01-02T14:38:00.000Z

This is our very first posting on Blogger. Just exploring a little really. If you are interested in following our tracks, please look us up on Facebook too!

All the best for 2010 and happy riding,

Martin