By Kay Farrell
Well, not quite a perfect ten- but it has been an amazing adventure!
If anybody had told me way back when that I would be starting a bicycle tour business at the age of 44 and in a foreign country, which would be the first on the Malaga must see lists, I would have asked them, “Have you gone completely mad?
And sometimes, over the past ten years, I think that maybe it was me that had a moment of madness when I decided to take a complete change in life direction and career path and open up the first bike tour company in Malaga.
Guided by my heart and not my head, my drive was fuelled by two things- a passion for cycling and, above all, a love of this enchanting city – Málaga la Bella.
On May 16th, 2008, Malaga Bike Tours was born. Starting with just 16 bikes in a shared garage, the dream became a reality. But there was something missing – appear on the Malaga must see list, and clients!
I will never forget the thrill of receiving those first email bookings. It felt like magic! I was so excited and enthusiastic to do tours for even just one solo traveller. I remember one such client left an amazing review on Trip Advisor after her tour for one. She predicted that it would be impossible for me to keep up that level of service as the business grew.
Now, ten years later and with over 200 bikes and 12 staff, I would like to think that we have been able to keep that Málaga must see level of service up and have managed to transmit my/our passion for Málaga to thousands of visitors from all over the world.
However, I have to admit that there have been plenty of challenges along the way but ten years later business is booming- as is Málaga. I started the business alone, but I didn’t do it alone. I have had the good fortune of finding amazing staff and fabulous interns over the years – all who have helped build Málaga Bike Tours’ great reputation. A special mention to friend, advisor and business partner Brendan McCarthy, without whom so many things would not have happened. And of course, the support, advice (and patience) of family and friends over the years has kept me (almost) sane. Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey- especially to all of our satisfied customers.
It’s been quite the ride!
So now it is time to celebrate the first decade of Malaga Bike Tours & Rentals by Kay Farrell.
For any direct bike tour or bike rental bookings on May 16th, if you tell us these three little words: HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY- you will receive a 10% discount and a tasting of the famous sweet Malaga wine.
