Review and reflections

Now we’re back to reality, I thought I’d reflect on our holiday with Velo Tours Spain in a blog. John and I usually plan and arrange our own adventures, and it’s unusual for us to book a complete package and let someone else arrange everything. Thankfully, our experience this time was perfect! Also, we’ve recently received some sponsorship from Rivelo, who kindly provided some cycling tops for us to try. I’ve already reviewed the long sleeved jerseys in a previous blog, so this time, I’m blogging about the short sleeved tops.

I received Rivelo’s Rosedale Jersey in navy and red, which looks great with my Tideswell Pro Bib Shorts. I bought these on SportPursuit, which offers Rivelo products at half price.We’re new to cycling and only bought the Rivelo bib shorts back in February because they were discounted. However, this gamble worked well and we’ve both found the bib shorts really comfortable, with no rubbing or chafing, even on long rides and multiday trips such as Lon las Cymru.

I love the look of the Rosedale Jersey. It isn’t too flashy but the red sleeves and white stripe make it interesting and eye catching. The red matches Ruby Ribble, my bike, perfectly! There are three roomy pockets on the back and a water resistant zip pocket for small essentials such as keys and money. I particularly like the dropped hem on the back of the jersey, which also has a silicone strip that worked well to stop it riding up. I also found the low profile neck comfortable… high necks irritate me! The material is light, wicking and breathable. When I had to wash it on holiday, the jersey dried very quickly. I am 160cm and 60kg, and a medium fits perfectly. I like my tops to be close fitting but not skin tight. I have lumps and bumps that I’d prefer to be hidden!

John received the Newlands Jersey in charcoal grey and white. This looks really smart with his Honister bib shorts, which have a matching charcoal trim on the legs. John is about 180cm and 80kg and wears a large in the Rivelo brand. His summary of the Newlands Jersey was ‘Great colour, fit and features’… brief and to the point! He likes it for the same reasons as I like the Rosedale Jersey… the classic and conservative styling, grippy dropped hem, plentiful pockets, wicking and breathability. Thanks Rivelo!

The jerseys got a few good workouts on our recent trip to Spain with Velo Tours Spain. if you follow these blogs, you’ll have seen that we had a brilliant time and rode most days. If you’re looking for a cycling holiday, please consider these guys. Rides are tailored to the group’s ability and wishes. You don’t even have to ride every day if you don’t want to. We hiked and I had a complete day off, just reading my book! Even if you don’t cycle, their villa would be a lovely place to stay because Tiffany and Dave are great hosts and their villa is situated in a beautiful spot.

Dave knows the area like the back of his hand and the cycling was perfect, on smooth roads with next to no pot holes. We rode through vineyards and olive and orange groves, into the mountains and along the coast. The scenery was stunning! When we were hungry, Dave always knew where to find a good cafe for lunch. I hired an electric bike, which meant I could easily get up the hills and keep up with the rest of the group. It was a beautiful bike and got lots of comments when we parked up. All the bikes were well maintained, and Dave was happy and able to adjust the bikes to fit our requirements. I alway felt safe with him.

Tiffany looked after us really well. I came home heavier despite all the exercise, thanks to her delicious home baked cakes and three course evening meals with plenty of local wine… not forgetting the breakfast, with lots of choice! Our rooms were spacious and had comfortable beds, excellent showers and facilities to make tea and coffee. Everything was topped up by Tiffany as needed. There was a TV and a cupboard full of games, but we didn’t have time for them! At the end of the day, we relaxed, chatted and made new friends. There was also entertainment provided by 4 year old Albert, until he crashed out on the sofa! A big thank you to Tiff, Dave and Albert. Hopefully, we’ll return to see you in the not too distant future.