A very Happy New Year to all the wonderful members of the Willesden Cycling Club.
2026 is going to be a very special year for us, as it marks the 100th anniversary of Willesden Cycling Club. While we will be holding a number of celebrations throughout our centenary year, they would not be complete without a trip to our beloved Hotel Gambrinus in Riccione, Italy.
Riccione offers the perfect opportunity for the club to get some solid miles in early in the season, enjoying weather that is more hospitable to cycling than we can expect at home.
As always, Gerry McManus is our key contact with the hotel, and he has arranged for the 2026 trip to run from Saturday 25 April to Saturday 2 May 2026.
Your Stay at the Hotel Gambrinus
The Hotel Gambrinus provides everything we cyclists could ask for. A typical day includes:
– An impressive breakfast buffet with unlimited tea and coffee
– Daily guided rides departing at 9:00am, led by experienced local cyclists
– Groups to suit all abilities, from social paced rides of around 35 miles, through to a Racing pace group for those who want to go far and fast.
– The groups return at around 2:00pm to a wonderful post-ride buffet. This includes pasta, salads, cold cuts, vegetables, cheese, fruit salad, yoghurt, and homemade cakes.
– After showering and changing, simply place your cycling kit in the laundry bag provided. It will be washed, dried, and returned to your room later in the evening — leaving you free to enjoy a post-ride stroll, an ice cream, or something stronger!
– Evening dinner offers a choice of three meals, with vegetarian options available. Local Romagna wine and water are included.
As well as the above, other items that are also included in the price are
- Free pick from/to Rimini airport and from/to Riccione railway station.
- A special Gala dinner with fine wines tasting.
- Free admission to the municipal Olympic swimming-pools (covered and open air).
- City-bicycles for guest use.
- Beach cabin (100 mt. from the Hotel).
This leaves you to pay for your –
- travel to and from the UK to Riccione
- Cycle hire (if required see below)
- additional excursions and services (see below)
Room Costs
There are three room categories available:
1. Olympia Rooms
Located at the front of the hotel or facing the sea. These rooms are more spacious and stylish.
- €60.80 per person per night (double occupancy)
- €76.00 per night (single occupancy)
2. Sport Quality Rooms
Comfortable, more basic rooms.
- €56.05 per person per night (double occupancy)
- €71.25 per night (single occupancy)
3. Family Suite
Two rooms with sliding doors and a bathroom with bath. One larger room with a double bed and a smaller room with two sofa beds.
All the rooms include: direct-dial telephone, satellite TV, independent air conditioning, safe, hairdryer, private balcony, and bathroom with shower or bath.
Note: All room rates are subject to a tourist tax of €2.00 per person, per night, for a maximum of seven nights. This must be paid in cash on arrival.
Cycle Hire
The Hotel Gambrinus offers an excellent selection of Fondriest carbon racing bikes, all stored securely on site next to the hotel — so there’s no need to worry about transporting your own bike.
- Cycle hire cost: €185.00 per week
Additional Services (Chargeable)
- Physiotherapist for sports massages at the hotel
- A meal at a farm in the Romagna hinterland during one of the rides
- Car parking at €10.00 per day
How To Reserve Your Place
If you would like to join us for this fantastic centenary trip:
- Join the WhatsApp community “Willesden Cycling Club” and then the group “Riccione Cycling Holiday 2026”, or
- Email : Willesdencyclingclub@yahoo.co.uk
I hope to see you there,
Miles Back
