Whether you're a heavy packer or a light packer, it's good to make sure that you've got everything you'll need for our cycling camp in Mallorca, Spain, so we've put together a list based on our years of experience. It's not a fully inclusive list, and you'll likely see items on it that don't apply to you, but it should be a great place to start! If you have any questions about what to bring, please comment below.
Electronics:
Phone
Phone charger
Computer or tablet and chargers
Headphones and charger if wireless
Plug convertor for European outlets (like this one)
Coach Paul shared some additional on Facebook that might also be helpful, as follows: "Many modern device chargers are dual voltage 110-230 V 50/60Hz capable (check them!) so in most cases you can carry simple adapters that convert the flat prongs to the round holes. If your device is rated ONLY for 110-120V then they will fry if you just use an adapter and plug them into the 230V holes. You will need a converter. Most small converters are very low current capable (low power) and won't handle heating devices like say, a 110V only hair dryer or curling iron. Converters that can handle that sort of power, you don't want to carry in your bags. Hair dryers are in the rooms, don't bring 'em."
Air tags for tracking your baggage
Cycling clothes:
Bibs and/or cycling shorts (3-4 pairs)
Short sleeve jerseys (3-4, including your Mallorca jersey)
Cycling socks (3 pairs)
Arm warmers (1-2 pairs)
Knee warmers (1 pair)
Lightweight rain jacket
Cycling vest
Cycling cap or buff
Short fingered gloves (2-3 pairs)
Long fingered gloves (1 pair)
Sports bras (2-3)
Bike shoes
A note on laundry and kit
There are a few laundry machines at the Viva Blue and Spa that you can use for a small fee. Many of the coaches simply bring three kits and hand wash them in the sink; this allows us to be wearing one kit while another is drying and another is ready for the next day. Mornings will likely be cool, while afternoons can get warm in the sun. Having layers (arm and knee warmers, vest, gloves, etc.) can be really helpful for changing conditions. While the island sees plenty of sun, rain is always a possibility. We highly recommend having a lightweight rain jacket with you, just in case!
Cycling accessories:
Helmet
Sunglasses
Bike computer
Bike computer charger
Heart rate monitor and charger
eTap charger & battery or Di2 charger
Basic flat kit and saddle bag
Tube
Tire levers
Patches
Mini cycling tool
Bacon/dynaplug and CO2 inflator (if tubeless)
Water bottles (2)
BaseCamp string bag (for the bike room)
Hydration pack, top tube bag, and/or handlebar bag (all optional)
Rear light (optional, but recommended if you plan to do a self-supported day)
If renting a bike: your own saddle and/or pedals plus your tape measure
See this post on setting up your rental bike for more!
Do NOT fly with CO2 cartridges
This is important! You can easily purchase cartridges once you've arrived in Mallorca. We will have our SAG vehicles on the road, so you don't need a heavy saddle bag, just the basics. There will also be regular water stops and places to get snacks or lunch (depending on the day). Most riders will not bring a hydration pack, but some do carry a top tube or handlebar bag for extra snacks and layers. You should bring whatever you need to ride for 2.5 hours without stopping for a resupply in cool to moderately warm weather.
If traveling with your bike:
Some of these may stay on your bike, but if you remove them, please double check they make it in your bike bag!
Pedals
Water bottle cages and bike computer mount
Rotors
Chain
Derailleur
Seat post
Do I need "X" tool to reassemble my bike?
Probably not! The Viva Blue has a full bike shop and all the basic tools. If you have a special, proprietary part on your bike, bring what you need to service that. There are also numerous bike shops around the island. However, if you're arriving early, or traveling elsewhere with your bike first, do make sure you bring any tools, parts, or grease you'll need to assemble your bike in that location. Finally, make sure you don't bring any large tools (over 6 inches) in your carry-on as they may be confiscated.
Paperwork:
Passport
ID card
Credit card
Debit card
Health insurance card
Euros (if you have them)
A note on euros
You can use your credit card throughout most of the island. However, having some euros on hand for lunch or tips is helpful. Using your debit card at bank-owned ATMs can be an easy way to get euros once in Mallorca, and there are lots of ATMs. Some banks will assess a fee for conversion; check with your bank for more details. Some ATMs will offer to do a currency conversion for you, but you likely want to refuse, because that's almost always more expensive; decline the dynamic conversion and choose to be billed in local currency.
Ensure you have your ID!
You will need to carry your ID on every ride - it's required in Spain. So make sure you have your license or equivalent photo ID (does not have to be your passport) with you on each ride.
Food and drink:
Travel snacks
Ride fuel (bars, gels, chews, etc.)
Recovery drink mix for after rides
Extra water bottle for recovery drinks
Do I need to bring ride fuel?
You can buy lots of snacks and ride fuel in Mallorca. However, the selection of chews, gels, and bars is a bit different than what you may be used to. If there are particular items you really enjoy on the bike, or if you have food allergies or sensitivities, we recommend packing items that you know work well for you. You may want to carry powders like drink mix or recovery drink mix in their original, unopened bags to avoid getting stopped or having the mix confiscated by TSA.
Toiletries:
Brush or comb
Deodorant
Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
Razor
Chamois Butt’r
Sunscreen
Hand sanitizer
Hand lotion
Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen
Non-drowsy antihistamine (Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra)
Pepto Bismol and/or Tums
Imodium
Dramamine
Hydrocortisone cream
Antibiotic cream
Benadryl
Bug spray (some years we do have a few mosquitos around!)
Chapstick
Thermometer
Cough drops
A few band-aids
Any vitamins or personal medication
Face covering/mask for flight if desired
Do I really need all these meds?!
There are plenty of pharmacies in Mallorca, but many items may be in Spanish. We recommend bringing a small amount of anything you think you might need, just so that if you're feeling unwell you have something easily available to start. You probably won't need everything on this list; you can decide what's best for you. Our team can also help you acquire additional over-the-counter medication if needed.
Off-the-bike items:
Sun hat
Pants
Shorts
Lightweight shirts
Underwear
One or two warm, long-sleeve layers and/or jacket
Sandals
Sneakers
Gym shorts
Off the bike socks
Sleeping clothes
Bathing suit for ocean, pool, and/or sauna & cold plunge
Eye mask and/or ear plugs
Book or magazine
Do I need any special clothes?
Nope! Your casual pants, shorts, and t-shirts will be fine. Daytime highs in April are typically in the mid to upper 60s, while the nights will feel cool in the high 40s or low 50s. If you want to bring one nicer outfit for our day off, feel free, but you don't need anything fancy during our time together.