This week saw some new visitors all the way from Canada, returning friends from the Mickey Cranks group and more new riders from parts of the uk. For a September week in Mallorca it was a bit cool but perfect riding temperatures and positively hot for anyone from the UK. We had some new routes planned for this week and with the weather on our side it would be a fun week with plenty of achievements along the way!
Day 1 was our usual getting into the groove with a circular trip to Petra via the quiet lanes near Manacor and the Bosch Valley. Just before climbing out of the valley, we passed the edge of what had been one of many fires the previous Friday, it still smelt a bit burnt! On reaching Petra – Richard had suffered from 5 punctures, so glad we had a vehicle backup with wheels! After refuelling with cakes and coffee, we had a smooth ride back via Maria de la Salud and a brisk ride around the bay to end. All ready for the next day, legs loosened up.
Must need to go faster – all smiling
3rd of 5 punctures for Richard!
Climbing out the valley – Ian Walton hairpin!
Waiting for a train at Petra – Not to ride back on!
Richard towing us round the bay
Ride completed – smiles!
Day 2 was a trip through the Orient. Out via the flat Pipe Road, drinks at Santa Maria and then start climbing out of Bunyola. The cafe had almost run out of cake but we managed! Top up the bottles and up we went. We had an exceptionally quiet ride up Coll d’Honor and after photos, through the valley and up out via Orient village. Wonderful decent towards Alaro and stopped at Lloseta for our last drinks and any food. As some had fresh legs (really?) and there was a possibility of rain the next day curtailing the planned harder route – we split into 3 groups. Two went back via Coll de sa Batalla and the others via Campanet and shampoo valley. At the end of the day, lots of tired legs, hungry cyclists and a very happy Ruth who was celebrating her Birthday that day – now that will be a memory! Well done Ruth, amazing day for you!
Ready to roll?
Canadians leading the pack
Ben on the radio
This is so easy – where are the Mountains? – Behind you!!
Yes, we turn right and ride back over those!
They think we are joking – no, we really will ride back over those!
Thanks to someone – I got the last slice of chocolate cake!
Vehicle support is superb. Top up the bottles, the hard work is about to begin.
We are ready!
So are we, well when Charlotte finishes her cake.
Lovely decorations in Bunyola
No, we don’t want that scooter
Now we really do start to climb
Ben with clean shoes and nobody on his wheel
Lillian enjoying the climb
Jules has time for the camera
Go Annie go!
Group photo – well those that waited to be in it! Some were just too eager for the next climb.
Mark, “Pistol” Pete and Ben
Watch out for the hole!
Departing Orient village
This cameraman – we have to keep smiling!
“Pistol” on a burst – food over the top
Are you enjoying your Birthday ride Ruth?
Biniamar decorated just for Ruth
I think I have had enough
Well done Ruth, Andy and Dave – super day out
Friendly bunch
Dave organised a cake for Ruth – very sweet!
Day 3 This was to be our Religious day (Churches / Santuiri’s / Monasteries). We set off as planned but had to cut it short due to the rain coming in. Still, before the rain, we had lots of fun, great views and the ‘new’ riders got to meet Mr Marvellous at Bar Triquet. Fantastic cake and drinks.
The girls are doing all the work on the way out
2nd church – Santa Margalida
View from Santa Margalida
Up the sneaky hill into Ariany
Ariany church
Posing
Start the climb up to Bonany
Shortage of photos as the photographer was fixing his puncture, grabbed this one as they all left. Wait for me!
Bar Triquet – Mr Marvellous – Sineu
Day 4 – Rest Day. So which part of the word rest did they not understand? I caught them riding out for an easy ride…
Oh – yes, rest day! We are just popping to the shops for a wee spin, nothing serious.
Straight on here lads. Lets try to lose the guy with the camera, he’s a pain!
Me – I went to the beach!
Peaceful, quiet, no cyclists, plenty of water. Contemplate how to make the next days ride really hard!
Day 5 – Climbing Mountains. Today was a ride up to Puig Major from the Lluc side, down to Soller, over to Santa Maria and an easy spin back. Would the rest day have left riders with stiff legs or supple ones? Only one way to find out!
We set off in glorious sunshine and a very steady pace up the Coll de Femenia and had a regrouping coffee stop at the famous Petrol Station. Then onwards past the Gorg Bleu, Cuber and topped out at the Monnaber Tunnel.
Rolling out
Starting Coll de Femenia
Invaluable support
Hope the coffee kicks in now!
Views of the road leading to Sa Calobra over to the right
Through the Arches
Approaching the tunnel to Gorg Bleu
Constant views almost enable you to ignore the painful legs
Didn’t Mark say this was an easy ride in the Mountains?
Past Gorg Bleu
Great view behind if you can look back
time for a quick drink
Helpful chatting
Past the embossment de Cuber and tunnel approaching
Top up the water bottles and enjoy the downhill towards Soller and you have to take in Fornalutx. Climb up out of Soller, Coll de Soller and grab some food on the top.
Skirting round Soller
Last Coll of the day
Steady tempo up here
This one hurts a bit
Comfortable chairs
Smiles all round
Downhill back. Translation – 2 hours of headwind back!
The Port is in sight
Still looking good – superb riding from everyone
We made it!