My wife, Emma and I were recently invited to join a bunch of Yorkshire lads and lasses for a quick 4 days cycling on the cycling Mecca that is Mallorca. The March weather was a perfect 20 degrees with blue skies and the pace was easy. A far cry from last year when it was all I could do to keep the speedy guys in sight!
One of my aims was to add some more Mallorca climbs to the collection. As such I managed to persuade Dan (not difficult) to plot a route that took in the Soller and Honor Calls. Of course to do this from Pollensa we had to get over the Femenia (although we ended up plumping for the Batalla) and Puig Major, all be it from the easy side. It was a perfect day with the gang riding at their own pace and gathering at pre arranged drink and lunch stops. We managed 94 miles and 8,500 ft of climbing in a leisurely 7hrs.
It wasn’t all hills however. We also explored the flat lands around the middle of the island and found some amazing little eateries off the beaten track including one place that served us a fantastic three course lunch with wine and coffee for €9 per head. This included being allowed to store our bikes in the chefs garage round the corner. On leaving he informed us that he provided the same meal to the local school. Lucky kids, though I hope the wine wasn’t included!
Like most who have visited on a bike, I do enjoy riding in Mallorca and we are planning to head back with the Ilkley CC in May for more of the same. Can’t wait.