Majorca/Mallorca - Oct. Road Cycling
Discussion
Whilst I don't specifically know the east of Palma, Mallorca on the whole is an excellent place to be on a bike. If you can, you really need to be further West towards the coast and ideally North West to get the best roads ... they are smooth, quiet and cut through some fantastic terrain. the climbs aren't quite Alpine but they wind up very gently, so compared to the up/down nature of the UK, you can do 10k elevation in 100 mile ride and not 'feel' like you've emptied yourself like you do here.
I'm racing over there in October, having been there regularly until 2019, I can't wait.
I'm racing over there in October, having been there regularly until 2019, I can't wait.
So I have been three times cycling in Mallorca, the last time taking my own bike.
In regards to taking your own bike, I was nervous initially but realised I shouldn't have been, a bicycle case is so big, the luggage handlers tend to take care of them, more I would expect to not put a back out than care for the bike, but either way, bike came through the other side unscathed and now would always take my own bike.
We tend to stay not far from the airport in Can Pastilla which is mainly german families, its so easy staying in Can Pastilla as a 5 euro 10 minute bus trip and you arrive.
We have stayed in Aparthotel Fontanellas Playa and Helios just around the corner. Both are completely acceptable choices with a good buffet breakfast and secure basement cycle room.
As for some of the rides, I can recommend some of my favourites
Palma -> Soller (over the climb) -> Valldemossa the coast is just beautiful
Palma -> Soller -> Puig Major (longest climb in the island) Its worth it, its a 3000 foot climb out of soller IIRC, but worth it
Palma -> Bunyola -> Orient -> Alaro -> The Orient Alaro segment is REALLY fast, its exhilarating
Palma -> Sanctuary of Sant Salvador -> There is an eco tourist route to Campos IIRC, its a bit of a tedious ride out and back, but the Sanctuary is well worth it, beautiful views at the top
There is also a similar ride as Sant Salvador out to Randa but I didn't enjoy it as much
I have ridden out to Calvia and Port D'Andratx but didn't remember it being notable, there is a route out of Palma near an army base IIRC
In regards to taking your own bike, I was nervous initially but realised I shouldn't have been, a bicycle case is so big, the luggage handlers tend to take care of them, more I would expect to not put a back out than care for the bike, but either way, bike came through the other side unscathed and now would always take my own bike.
We tend to stay not far from the airport in Can Pastilla which is mainly german families, its so easy staying in Can Pastilla as a 5 euro 10 minute bus trip and you arrive.
We have stayed in Aparthotel Fontanellas Playa and Helios just around the corner. Both are completely acceptable choices with a good buffet breakfast and secure basement cycle room.
As for some of the rides, I can recommend some of my favourites
Palma -> Soller (over the climb) -> Valldemossa the coast is just beautiful
Palma -> Soller -> Puig Major (longest climb in the island) Its worth it, its a 3000 foot climb out of soller IIRC, but worth it
Palma -> Bunyola -> Orient -> Alaro -> The Orient Alaro segment is REALLY fast, its exhilarating
Palma -> Sanctuary of Sant Salvador -> There is an eco tourist route to Campos IIRC, its a bit of a tedious ride out and back, but the Sanctuary is well worth it, beautiful views at the top
There is also a similar ride as Sant Salvador out to Randa but I didn't enjoy it as much
I have ridden out to Calvia and Port D'Andratx but didn't remember it being notable, there is a route out of Palma near an army base IIRC
three great routes if you stay in palma. has all the big climbs of the island. get a 30 mins train out for number 3
https://www.strava.com/routes/24082903
https://www.strava.com/routes/24073486
https://www.strava.com/routes/24073364
https://www.strava.com/routes/24082903
https://www.strava.com/routes/24073486
https://www.strava.com/routes/24073364
Been a couple of times recently and really enjoyed it. It really is a cycling paradise.
We stayed in Puerto Pollensa first and Soller the second time. The best scenery / mountains are in the northern third of the island, with Soller smack in the middle of it all and a great place to base yourself. There are several must do climbs, inc the amazing Sa Calobra, Puig Major and many others. You can rent a good selection of bikes, including top end pinarello’s etc but they aren’t cheap, upto around €100 per day, but you can get a decent road bike for €30 a day, from the likes of Cannondale, Giant etc.
The place is set up well for cycling and the other road users are very respectful and give you plenty of space. I think there is a rule whereby if there is an accident involving a cyclist and a car, it is automatically the car driver at fault which results in a very relaxed experience on the roads.
Would highly recommend it.
We stayed in Puerto Pollensa first and Soller the second time. The best scenery / mountains are in the northern third of the island, with Soller smack in the middle of it all and a great place to base yourself. There are several must do climbs, inc the amazing Sa Calobra, Puig Major and many others. You can rent a good selection of bikes, including top end pinarello’s etc but they aren’t cheap, upto around €100 per day, but you can get a decent road bike for €30 a day, from the likes of Cannondale, Giant etc.
The place is set up well for cycling and the other road users are very respectful and give you plenty of space. I think there is a rule whereby if there is an accident involving a cyclist and a car, it is automatically the car driver at fault which results in a very relaxed experience on the roads.
Would highly recommend it.
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