The next few days were designed to be an introduction to Mallorca and it’s pretty lanes whilst building up fitness and ending with a proper challenge day. The group was organised by Darren and with a swap of emails and ideas, we had it planned out and ready. As the group wasn’t too large, we decided to have more guides on the road on bikes than having one of us driving for the first 2 days. For our challenge day, a support vehicle was a good idea. You can never have too much water on tap, food bars or gels when its hot and mountainous.
Sencelles – Lloret – Sineu – Velodrome
First day of the Tour was a route along pretty lanes with friendly coffee/cake stops and was a great introduction into what Mallorca holds for a days cycling. After the lunch stop in Sineu, we even fitted in a few laps of the outdoor velodrome. With the first days ride completed, it’s was refreshments at Pro cycle Hire and a chat about how the ride had felt. This meant we could ‘tweak’ the following days route based on the feedback
Petra Muro
Away as 1 group until Can Picafort, then we split into 2 groups to manage the differences in fitness levels. Both groups did a bit of climbing, along the undulating roads from the coast to Petra where had our drinks stop. On the way back, one of the group was suffering with cramp, so we headed to the nearest Farmacia in Maria de la Salud and purchased some effervescent magnesium tablets. Then on to Muro where we stopped for a drink but ended up also sampling the cakes! After a quick photo opportunity as we exited the back of Muro, it was back to the Port and the start of the usual end of ride rehydration process. I think later in the evening there were probably a few extra drinks to ‘carb load’ ready for the final day and it’s challenge!
Sa Calobra
We set off the groups in a staggered format to allow us all to have a drink together after first 75 – 95 mins of riding up to the Petrol Station cafe atop Batalla. Onwards to the ‘Arches’, up the Col dels Reis and after cresting the top, a look at the amazing view down to the Port of Sa Calobra. After a quick safety briefing and descending technique education, those up for the challenge headed down and enjoyed the many bends and views on the way. Quick photo time and then it’s no rest for cyclists, as it’s the ascent back up before the legs get cold. Today there was a brief wait for some as a coach had blocked a bend half way down. After getting all the passengers out, they managed to move the coach back onto the road and the excitement was over. Sa Calobra is a tough climb, even when you are fit and fresh, so for our group with tired legs and their first time riding up it, it was a really great test of many attributes! The return is not just downhill, so we had a lunch stop in Caimari and then a short loop back to the Port after consuming some interesting plates of food.
The whole group did so well, great riding, wonderful characters and never a dull moment. Lots of fun while exploring some of the local routes. The trip ended with evening drinks in the Sea Bar Is and then a meal in the Himalaya.
Feedback from our Facebook page:
Darren Tilsley These are the guys to book with brilliant and accommodate for all abilities you may find cheaper tour guides but don’t bother because these are the best. June 11 at 10:01am
Robin Williamson Brilliant group of guides. Really great at catering for all abilities and genuinely nice people. June 11 at 2:05pm
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