OQ Service Course in Mallorca

I was based at OQ Service Course in Puerto Pollenca, Mallorca last week. I caught up with clients old and new whilst fitting in a little riding at the same time - It would be rude not to, autumn is a fabulous time to ride in cycling paradise, it’s still warm but much quieter than early season in March and April.

The physical representation of the Service Course is a retail unit close to the sea front in Puerto Pollenca right in the middle of the ‘cycling triangle’ formed by the famous Tolos’ restaurant, the enormous Pollenca Park hotel and large bike hire businesses close to the town square. Working out of there in the warm evenings, witnessing the hustle & bustle and excited conversations, I reflected on my past life in corporate real estate and soaked up what a wonderful concept the Service Course is. It combines all that is best in modern retail – those looking to save the UKs High Streets could do worse than form an orderly queue outside to get some great ideas!

In developing the Service Course, Ottilie Quince (of World Transplant cycling fame) has combined the provision of services and products that cannot be purchased over the internet, in a perfect location whilst connecting to a growing group of committed, passionate enthusiasts. You can’t get sports therapy or a massage over the web, nor can you get your bike fixed or pick up or get fitted for a hire bike on the internet. You can’t see, touch and feel the OQ range of casual or cycling clothing available in the shop just by logging on. Just try getting a cup of coffee and catch up about who’s riding where this week on a website.

From a retail concept you could wax lyrical about how the OQ Service Course maximises floor space, develops cross selling opportunities, brand awareness and customer segmentation but in there it’s a community of riders engaging with a service, products and people they know, like and trust. You get a feel, an atmosphere, a buzz and a sense of belonging that the virtual world cannot deliver.

It was fascinating to see newer riders come in, often families and their first time riding in Mallorca. They came in anxious about bikes, routes, guides, everything – understandably wanting to know they and their loved ones were going to be safe and looked after. An hour later they were leaving excited and reassured after getting to know their guide. It’s all about trust and reliability, right? 

When you’re spending precious time away from work doing something as absorbing and rich as cycling, you want to be supported by people who share your passion and are there to help and encourage. That what Ottilie and the OQ Service Course does.

The link to the OQ Service Course website is here. ​​

You could even talk face to face with a cycling coach there if you pick your time right…  ​

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​Rich Smith has coached the GB Transplant Cycling team for 10 years, is a British Cycling qualified Level 3 coach, a mature psychology student and has 30 years’ experience working in senior roles for Barclays, HSBC, British Waterways and National Grid Property. ​​ He likes biscuits.