Trip to Club La Santa, Lanzarote
Each year, Serpentine organises a trip to Club La Santa in Lanzarote for a week of training, relaxation and fun. Accommodation is in basic but comfortable self-catering apartments, with towels and bed linen provided.
2010 trip
Justin Lock is organising the trip for 2010 which will be 11th – 18th / 21st March.
The booking form contains most of the important details. To book a place, fill in the booking form and mail it to lanzarote@serpentine.org.uk with your deposit of £100. You can also pay the deposit online but you still must mail me the booking form. Mailing and payment details are contained in the booking form.
We've tried to answer frequently asked questions here. If you have any additional questions, please email Justin at lanzarote@serpentine.org.uk. For more informal queries please come and find me on a Wednesday night or at a Saturday cross country race.
FAQ
Q: Why are there two different end dates?
The regular Serpentine trip runs from 11th - 18th March (Thursday to Thursday). This year there is an option for a limited number of people to stay on for an extra 3 days until the Sunday (at an additional cost).
Q: What will I miss out on if I only stay 7 days?
All the usual Serpie activities like the Mini-Tri, BBQ and the last night dinner will be held at their usual times over the first 7 days. The additional days will be much less structured with fewer pre-organised activities and less coaching. People will organise their own bike rides, runs, etc. Some morning swim lanes have been booked during this time for your use.
Q: Can I share a room if I don't know anyone?
If you want to share a room but don't know any other Serpies going on the trip, note that on your booking form and we will allocate you to a room with other Serpies. It's a great way to get to know people!
Q: What is the full cost of the trip?
The cost of the trip depends on the size of room you book. Staying in a single room costs significantly more than a room shared with six people. The booking form lists the price per person for each room size (the price includes all the other costs: airfare, transfers and first/last night dinners). If you wish to bring your own bike, there is an additional charge.
Q: I can't make the flights or stay for the full trip, can I still come?
It may be able to accommodate you. Please get in touch with Justin to discuss this.
Q: What happens if all the places fill up?
In the event that all 120 places are reserved, it is possible that more places can be opened up, if I am able to secure further flights and accommodation. If you are unsuccessful in reserving a place at this stage then please send me an e-mail at lanzarote@serpentine.org.uk
Q: What's the best way to get a big room/bike spot?
Send your booking form in now!! The big rooms and bike spots go quickly. If you don't get your form in soon, you will probably not be able to bring your own bike and will get placed in a 3-person room. I will prioritise your booking once I have your form AND your deposit. I will attempt to give you your bike preference first, then your trip duration, and lastly your airport preference. Room preference will not be affected by the other options.
Q: Why are the single and double rooms so expensive?
Club La Santa does not have single or double rooms. You are actually paying for a room that could accommodate three people.
Q: Why are the 4-person rooms so expensive?
Similar to above, Club La Santa does not have a 4-person room. Each person in a 4-person room is paying for the empty space in a 5-person room.
Q: Could I get placed in a single/double/4-person room without requesting it?
No. You will only get placed in these more-expensive rooms if you specifically request it. For instance, some couples prefer paying extra to stay on their own in a double or share with another couple in a 4-person room. If you get put in a double room without requesting it (usually because the numbers don't work or there's a late cancellation), you will only pay the 3-person price.
Q: What are the room layouts?
The three-person rooms (and single/double rooms - see above) have a bedroom with two single beds, a single sofa bed in the lounge and one bathroom.
The five-person rooms (and four-person rooms - see above) have two bedrooms with two single beds each, a single sofa bed in the lounge and one bathroom.
The six-person rooms have two bedrooms with two single beds each, two single sofa beds in the lounge and two bathrooms.
All rooms have basic kitchens for self-catering and an outdoor patio.
About Club La Santa
If you don't know about the resort, have a look at their website. The potential for running, cycling & swimming is limitless. There's a running track, gym, two pools (one Olympic size) open water swimming in the lake, squash and tennis courts and lots more. 
There is a supermarket on site which stocks a wide range of goods to cover most eventualities and includes a fresh bakery, so you can prepare your own food. Opening times tend to be 8am-12noon, then 5-8pm in the evenings. However, it should be noted that some supermarket stocks can become depleted as the week progresses, so if there is something that you can't live without, it may be best to bring your own supplies. Bring your own supplements (gels, powders, energy bars etc) if you use them, since the supermarket may not stock your own particular preference. In addition to the supermarket there is a photo shop, clothes shop and sporting gear shop in the complex.
Club La Santa has five different places to eat, three different bars and a nightclub within the complex. Eating tends to be flexible and informal with a variety of options available (including self catering) to suit all tastes. There are also a number of good restaurants in La Santa village, which is about a 20-minute walk or short bike or cab ride from the resort. During the daytime, Serpies can usually be found around the Pool Bar.
Club La Santa provides internet accessin its Internet Café or you can purchase time on their wireless network. From prior experience, both can be slow and unreliable. Mobile phones work fine.
Physiotherapy and sports massage can be booked at Sports Booking for about €35 for an hour. However, it should be noted that this gets booked up far in advance, especially after a race. If you are likely to need this, you are advised to book at the beginning of the week. There is also a doctor should you fall ill.
Weather
Overall the weather at that time of year in Lanzarote is warm and sunny, with an average min. temperature of 15C and max of 24C during the day and eight hours sunshine a day. Water temperatures average 18C. However, you should be prepared for all weather, since the climate is very changeable. Bring woollies (it can get quite chilly at night), waterproofs and plenty of sunscreen, since the sun is particularly fierce and is often masked by the wind.