TERMS & CONDITIONS

These Terms & Conditions apply to all bookings and services provided by Bikology Unipessoal, Lda., a tourist entertainment and event organisation company based in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal.

By making a booking with BIKOLOGY, the customer confirms that they have read, understood and accepted these Terms & Conditions.

1. Company Details

Bikology Unipessoal, Lda.
NIF: 515 104 892
Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
email: bikology.madeira@gmail.com
Phone / WhatsApp: +351 910 483 030
Website: bikology.pt

2. Services

BIKOLOGY provides tourist entertainment and outdoor activities in Madeira, including, but not limited to:

MTB Enduro rides;
Guided mountain bike activities;
Bike Holidays;
Outdoor experiences;
Event organisation and related services.

Specific services, inclusions and conditions may vary according to the activity or package booked.

3. Bookings

Bookings are subject to availability and are only confirmed once BIKOLOGY has received the required payment or deposit.

For Bike Holiday packages, customers are advised to book as early as possible. A minimum booking period of 45 days before arrival is recommended. During high-demand periods, particularly from March to October and in December, bookings more than 90 days in advance are recommended.

BIKOLOGY may accept shorter-notice bookings where availability allows.

4. Payment — Bike Holidays

For Bike Holiday packages:

60% of the total package price is required to confirm the booking.
The remaining 40% must be paid no later than 30 days before arrival.
Bookings made less than 14 days before arrival require full payment at the time of booking.

The initial payment may be used to secure accommodation and other services and is therefore generally non-refundable, subject to the cancellation conditions applicable to the booking and any mandatory consumer rights.

5. Payment — Day Rides and Activities

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment for Enduro Day Rides and other activities must be made in accordance with the payment conditions communicated at the time of booking.

A booking is considered confirmed only after BIKOLOGY has received the required payment.

6. Payment Methods

Available payment methods will be communicated to the customer during the booking process.

Any bank charges, transaction fees or other costs imposed by the customer’s payment provider are the customer’s responsibility unless otherwise agreed.

7. Cancellation by the Customer

Cancellation conditions depend on the service or package booked and will be communicated to the customer at the time of booking where applicable.

Payments made to secure accommodation, transport or third-party services may be non-refundable where those services cannot be cancelled or refunded by BIKOLOGY’s suppliers.

Where a refund is applicable, it will be processed using the original payment method unless otherwise agreed.

Customers are encouraged to obtain appropriate travel insurance covering cancellation, interruption and other unforeseen circumstances.

8. Changes to a Booking

Requests to change dates, participants, accommodation or other booking details are subject to availability.

BIKOLOGY will make reasonable efforts to accommodate changes but cannot guarantee that requested changes will be possible.

Additional costs resulting from customer-requested changes may be charged to the customer.

9. Enduro Day Rides

Enduro Day Rides normally include a guided riding experience and, where specified in the booking, shuttle transportation.

Daily schedules, meeting points and pickup times will be communicated to customers in advance or during the welcome briefing.

A typical riding day may run approximately from 09:00 to 17:00, but schedules may vary according to the activity, weather, trail conditions, group requirements and safety considerations.

BIKOLOGY generally requires a minimum of two participants for shared Enduro Day Rides.

10. Trail Routes and Itineraries

BIKOLOGY reserves the right to modify routes, trails, riding areas, schedules or activity plans where reasonably necessary due to:

weather conditions;
trail conditions;
road or trail closures;
safety considerations;
local restrictions;
operational reasons; or
circumstances beyond BIKOLOGY’s reasonable control.

Such changes do not automatically entitle the customer to a refund where the activity can reasonably be provided through an alternative route or programme.

11. Weather Conditions

Mountain weather in Madeira can change rapidly, particularly at higher elevations.

BIKOLOGY will monitor conditions and may modify the route, timing, location or format of an activity when necessary for the safety of participants.

The final decision regarding whether an activity can safely proceed rests with BIKOLOGY and its guides.

12. Minimum Participation

Certain activities require a minimum number of participants.

If the minimum number is not reached, BIKOLOGY may cancel, postpone or modify the activity.

Where BIKOLOGY cancels an activity solely because the minimum participation requirement has not been reached, customers will be offered an appropriate alternative or refund of the amount paid for the affected activity, as applicable.

13. Shuttle and Transport Services

Where shuttle transportation is included in a booking, customers must follow the pickup times and instructions provided by BIKOLOGY.

BIKOLOGY may use shared transportation unless a private transfer or shuttle has specifically been booked.

For Bike Holiday packages, airport transfers may be included where expressly stated in the package.

Shared airport transfers may be arranged when guests arrive on the same flight. Different arrival or departure times may require an additional transfer charge.

14. Accommodation

Accommodation included in a Bike Holiday package is subject to availability and is provided through BIKOLOGY’s accommodation partners.

The accommodation category and main conditions will be communicated during the booking process.

Check-in and check-out times are determined by the accommodation provider.

If the selected accommodation becomes unavailable, BIKOLOGY may provide equivalent alternative accommodation.

Any local accommodation requirements, deposits or additional charges imposed directly by the accommodation provider remain the customer’s responsibility.

15. Tourist Tax

Any applicable local tourist tax is charged by the accommodation provider and is not retained by BIKOLOGY.

Where the tourist tax is not included in the package price, it must be paid by the customer according to the accommodation provider’s conditions.

16. Customer’s Bicycle

Customers using their own bicycle are responsible for ensuring that the bicycle is suitable and in safe mechanical condition for the planned activity.

BIKOLOGY and its guides may refuse participation where a bicycle is considered unsafe or unsuitable for the activity.

Customers are responsible for any damage to their own bicycle or equipment.

Where available, a bicycle check or mechanical service may be requested in advance and may be subject to an additional charge.

17. Bike Rental

Where bicycle rental is included or arranged by BIKOLOGY, the customer must use the bicycle responsibly and follow all instructions provided by BIKOLOGY or the rental provider.

Any damage caused through misuse, negligence or failure to follow instructions may be charged to the customer.

Specific rental conditions may apply to individual bicycles or rental providers.

18. Rider Requirements

Customers participating in MTB or Enduro activities must:

have sufficient physical ability for the selected activity;
follow the instructions of the guide;
use appropriate safety equipment;
behave responsibly on trails and roads;
inform the guide of any relevant limitation that may affect their participation; and
comply with applicable local rules and safety instructions.

BIKOLOGY may refuse or discontinue participation if a customer is unable to safely participate or does not follow the guide’s instructions.

19. Safety Equipment

Appropriate safety equipment must be used during MTB and Enduro activities.

A helmet is mandatory.

Depending on the activity and conditions, additional protective equipment may be recommended or required.

Customers are responsible for using the equipment correctly and following the guide’s safety instructions.

20. Insurance

Mountain biking, Enduro and other outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including falls, collisions, uneven terrain, changing weather conditions and other hazards.

Customers are strongly advised to have personal travel and activity insurance covering mountain biking and, where relevant, medical expenses, accident, evacuation, cancellation and personal belongings.

BIKOLOGY maintains the insurance required for its business activities under applicable Portuguese regulations. Such insurance does not replace the customer’s responsibility to obtain appropriate personal insurance.

21. Assumption of Risk

Participation in outdoor and mountain activities involves inherent risks.

By participating, customers acknowledge these risks and agree to follow the safety instructions provided by BIKOLOGY and its guides.

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes or limits any liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited under applicable law.

22. Personal Belongings

Customers are responsible for their personal belongings, bicycles, equipment and valuables during activities and transfers.

BIKOLOGY is not responsible for loss, theft or damage to personal belongings except where liability cannot legally be excluded.

23. Customer Conduct

Customers must behave respectfully towards guides, other participants, local residents, accommodation providers and the natural environment.

BIKOLOGY may terminate participation without refund where a customer’s behaviour creates a serious safety risk, significantly disrupts the activity or places other participants, staff or third parties at risk.

24. Respect for the Environment

BIKOLOGY promotes responsible outdoor tourism.

Customers must respect Madeira’s natural environment, trails, protected areas, wildlife, local communities and applicable access restrictions.

Littering, damaging trails or vegetation, or deliberately disregarding environmental rules is not permitted.

25. Photography and Video

During activities and events, BIKOLOGY or its authorised partners may take photographs or videos for operational, promotional or communication purposes.

Where images are intended for promotional use, BIKOLOGY will handle their use in accordance with applicable privacy and data protection requirements.

Customers may contact BIKOLOGY regarding the use of images in which they are identifiable.

26. Personal Data

Personal data provided during the booking process will be processed for purposes including:

managing bookings;
providing contracted services;
communicating with customers;
processing payments;
issuing invoices;
complying with legal obligations; and
managing customer requests and enquiries.

BIKOLOGY will process personal data in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.

27. Communication

The customer is responsible for providing accurate contact information and checking communications relating to their booking.

Important information regarding meeting points, schedules, weather changes or operational changes may be communicated by email, telephone or WhatsApp.

28. Invoicing

Customers may request an invoice using the appropriate billing information.

Customers are responsible for providing accurate invoicing details.

29. Complaints

Any complaint should be communicated to BIKOLOGY as soon as reasonably possible so that the company has an opportunity to investigate and, where appropriate, resolve the issue.

Complaints may be submitted by email to:

bikology.madeira@gmail.com

30. Language

These Terms & Conditions may be made available in Portuguese and English.

Where translations differ, the version applicable under the booking documentation and applicable law will prevail.

31. Changes to These Terms & Conditions

BIKOLOGY may update these Terms & Conditions from time to time.

The version applicable to a booking will generally be the version in force at the time of the booking, unless a change is required by law or otherwise applies to the customer’s booking.

Customers are responsible for reviewing the current Terms & Conditions available on the BIKOLOGY website.

32. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by Portuguese law.

Any dispute shall be handled by the competent authorities and courts in accordance with applicable Portuguese and European consumer protection legislation.

Nothing in these Terms & Conditions affects any mandatory rights granted to consumers under applicable law.

33. Customer Acceptance

By completing a booking with BIKOLOGY, the customer confirms that they have had the opportunity to read these Terms & Conditions and accepts the conditions applicable to the service booked.