OK, I realise that now means more people than own Fiat Coupés, but I would be very keen to hear the cyclists' view on an idea I have...

Since moving to south-eastern Spain, I have discovered (very) warm, sunny weather and excellent, uncongested (by motor vehicles) roads through grandiose scenery with quite a few keen cyclists making use of them.
I also happen to have met people who run a brand new Youth Hostel (with accommodation better than many hotels I've stayed in) 5 minutes' walk from the Mediterranean and a man who earns his living renting out high-quality road (and other) bikes.

Putting this lot together with an international airport (Murcia San Javier) 10 minutes' drive from the Youth Hostel and you might guess what I'm thinking:

Would anyone be interested in a FCCUK cycling tour?
The plus points would include not having to fly out your own bike (unless you wanted to), very reasonable accommodation, generally excellent weather (currently mid 20's Celcius) and some stunning roads as used frequently in the Vuelta. Access to the airport here and the many flights from UK airports mean a long weekend would be easily viable.
I can provide advice on routes (the bike rental man's mechanic is a semi-pro rider from Bulgaria who knows the area like the back of his hand) and these can be tailored to suit the distance and difficulty you need.
MrsC also has contacts with some stunning villa accommodation, so - depending on numbers and budget - you wouldn't have to "slum it" in the youth hostel if you didn't want. (Note, this would involve more organisation...)

I know there are companies offering cycle tours of the region, so I wondered if any of you fancied a helping hand to organise a trip with a local presence?

I'm not a very accomplished cyclist myself, though I'm hoping to take advantage of the surroundings in due course. If required, I could rendez-vous with riders to provide lunch/drinks/spares etc.

I haven't thought everything through by any means, but if there's an appetite for a trip, it could be fun!

Please let me know whether you think it's a good/poor/terrible idea...

It's actually a great idea, Jim. These sorts of trips are very popular with cyclists especially if there's local knowledge of routes etc. I prefer the idea of somewhere smarter to stay. I'm in desperate need of a holiday so I'm tempted even if it's just me going. Where's the nearest airport?

While you're at it, Jim, I'd love a paragliding trip...

For cycling, I manage, but that's as far as I'd claim. I prefer flat and downhill only, so if you can arrange for the roads to be arranged thusly?

Thanks Dave, Richard did say he needed a holiday! Take a look at Murcia San Javier for flight details; fewer at this time of year, but still plenty of destinations and cheap.

Neil, I can arrange flat, but I'll have to negotiate with Señor Escher for endless downhill. I have no idea what you would need for paragliding, but I'm sure you know and can name locations. There is no shortage of decent hills in Murcia province.

There is plentiful high quality accommodation, with pools and the like, but as I mentioned, it may need numbers to secure it at a reasonable cost. We also have friends that run a water sports centre with jet skis, hover boards, kayaks, etc, so that could be an additional attraction.

Keep the comments coming...

Must be something going on, Jim: http://www.espuna-adventure.com/paragliding/

Most of the southern Spain clubs/groups/schools seem to be based around Algodonales; a place I know well. (They speak very odd Spanish there!)

Fair cop. In my defence, I was working my way through the misery that is the present-day Stansted (I've never been treated so much like cattle to the slaughter)

No direct flights that I can find from AMS to Murcia. Alicante is the nearest direct airport.

I'd forgotten you'd be coming from Holland, Richard; most Murcia flights are UK links, especially out of high season. Alicante is not a bad option as a backup; it's about an hour's drive from our neck of the woods.

Cool - let me take a look

I'd be up for something.

Fantastic Klaas!

Like MRS in Amsterdam, you may find flights a bit rare to San Javier and may need to look at Alicante (an hour's drive to us). The road couldn't be simpler and unless it's mid-summer should be very quiet.

The bikes I can get most easily for renting (to give you an idea) would be TREK road bikes (2012 models I believe, but well maintained), though I would be happy to ask for any special requests...

I probably ought to mention that decent drinkable wine starts at about €2.50 a bottle...

I'd be interested too.

Excellent! Great news, Mark!

If anyone has any specific questions or dates that are a definite yes or no, please let me know.

The weather at the moment is a very pleasant 28 degrees or so and sunny; it should gradually cool but (in theory) will remain dry over the coming weeks.

I'm unavailable for the weekend of November 14-17, but apart from that I'll be here until Christmas.

Depending on numbers and preferences, I'll try to work to make something happen.

I think you will need to make an executive decision on dates, duration, distance etc. But if I were you, I would be looking months ahead rather than weeks and get deposits before you spend a peseta!

I know other people who would be interested but I just don't have any free weekends now until Feb 2015, and I suspect they will be similar.

I was looking to organising something myself for next year for a few bods so it might be good to get our heads separately together about that.

As I get a clearer idea of realistic numbers, I'll start trying to narrow things down, dates-wise. I think most people will now be looking post Christmas, but I wouldn't mind at all helping those keen to come earlier - if I can.
It's exciting, I really hope something works out...

Trying to think of a good reason for not going.

Can't help you there, Jim...

I'm going to have a word with my bike man to see if he has a view about dates, availability, etc and I'll report back.

This sounds like a great idea. However, there is only one problem for me...I'm a bit skint due to buying a new road bike.

Oh, the irony.

Great news that you're interested and have a new bike! I understand skint-ness, but hopefully we will still be here when your exchequer has bounced back!