Sander (@sunny_cycling) takes you on his adventures on cycling island Mallorca. Yesterday there was Part I, today part II of Diary Cycling in Mallorca. About new roads around Alcudia, at Cala St Vicenç beach and the route along the coast. Read along and get inspired by this adventure. Because when you read this, you too will want to go cycling in Mallorca.
Early bird
In October, temperatures in Mallorca are very pleasant. During the day, the mercury still easily exceeds 20 degrees. At night, it cools down rapidly but every morning the sun does a good job. Even in October it is advisable to get on your bike early. Not only will you be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery then, but you can also shoot some great photos. Bonus: you also have the roads virtually to yourself.
I am a morning person by nature, especially with a young family, so getting up early is not a problem for me. This day, I mapped out a route with two 'dead ends' in it. From From Pollença I head along local roads towards the fortified town of Alcudia because the Col de la Victoria is located on the small peninsula behind it. To get there you have to go through a bit of city traffic, but once you get past that, the road is almost deserted.
Fresh sunshine
As I ride out of the road near the cottage, it still feels a bit chilly. I put on a vest, but otherwise I just ride short-short. After a kilometre and a half, I'm riding on the roundabout at Pollença the sun gets in my face. As I turn off towards Alcudia, I have the sun right in my face! Lovely! I already know I can take off my cardigan in no time. What a life!
With that low sun, it does take some care. The roads here are relatively narrow and sometimes you can't see the bend very well. Rest is the motto and I warm up smoothly on the meandering roads. Once past Alcudia, it suddenly goes up steeply. A local road, through a bit of a residential area really gets me out of the saddle. the counter reads 15%. Wow. It's only a few hundred metres, but I'm hot right away.
Behind it, the landscape opens up with a beautiful bay and this climb. I dismount for some photos. It is beautiful here and apart from the occasional lost hiker and some wild campers (two in total), there is absolutely nobody here. And that while in Alcudia and Pollença stumbles over headlines. Special.
Friendly start
The climb is really kind to the legs. For a few kilometres and then it descends a bit until you finally reach the military compound. Here you can't go any further and you have to turn around. But don't panic, you have really nice views and that makes this climb well worth it. Watch out for the goats too, as they sometimes jump right in front of your door.
After a short stop and a small pee break, I start the descent towards Alcudia. Easy to do and the lack of traffic makes it a nice downhill ride. When I reach the bottom again, all that is left is a short spirited bit back up into the residential area. Then I can start part two of this ride, towards Port de Pollença and Cala st. Vicenc.
Along the water
For those familiar with this area, the road along the waterfront is a keeper. Between Alcudia and Port de Pollença you drive less than 5 metres from the sea. Advantage: stunning views, disadvantage is the wind that often seems to be against you. However, the cycle path is nice and wide and motorists have a good view of you and your fellow travellers. Nothing is nicer than that! Because cycling in Mallorca also means that motorists take you into account.
Towards the north coast
In Port de Pollença I turn left towards Pollença and after a stretch along the provincial road, turn right towards Cala St Vicenç. This coastal village is known for its blue beaches, but also for the ugly architectural misfits that populate the waterfront. The road towards it is tightly paved and it bulges delightfully! Meanwhile, I shoot some photos and roll towards the waterfront.
Nothing lied about the view. It is stunning with water so blue, you really have to blink your eyes. If you blink twice, you can also see the immensely ugly white molog overshadowing the beach. Man, that architect really had a stick and dog. Fortunately, there is also a nice viewpoint with a hairpin bend. Happy days.
It is striking how relaxed and quiet it is here. The occasional group of riders passes by, but generally you have the roads to yourself. How different it is at popular places like the MA-10 towards Soller, Cap Formentor and eventually Sa Calobra.
Back home
Via the Cami Vell de St Vicenc I cross in the direction of Pollença. There I roll around the town for a while, which is in full preparation for lunch at this time (10am). Already. After the vicious climb back home, I plop down on the terrace there. My two little soigneurs greet me cheerfully and I am a happy man. More cycling tomorrow on the lovely island of Majorca!
