Because one of the editors (Sander - @Sunny_cycling) is making some rounds on Mallorca this week, we are keeping a mini diary. Nice to read along, get inspired and to see in advance where you will be cycling yourself. Sander has his basecamp in and around Pollença, on the north side of the island. From there you can go in all directions and tick off some great routes!
Mallorca diary day 0: picking up bike
This week is Mallorca week. Not a week like 'normal' where I'm on my bike every day ticking off all the climbs. No. This week is to get back into it a bit. After longer physical discomfort and rehabilitation from an operation, quiet rebuilding is desirable. Mallorca is perfect then because you can go into the mountains, the hills as well as tour on the flat.
For this edition, I have stored my basecamp in and around Pollenca. This town in the north of the island is a good base and here's why:
- Port Pollenca harbour has plenty of bike shops to arrange a good rental bike. Unless, of course, you bring your own bike. Then it's also handy, because should you need to fix something, you'll be good to go there
- There is plenty to do both in Pollenca itself and in the port village for after the ride. Pollenca is atmospheric and is strategically located
- The latter is important. You can 'turn left' into Tramuntana from Pollenca. You then have a nice little climb ahead of you and you can also easily head towards Sa Calobra. Turning left, you drive straight towards Cap de Formentor. A must do if you are on the island
- If you want to warm up first, drive south and then take the beautiful shortcut to Campanet.
Getting used to it
To get my rental bike (with a young family and two children, there is little room for a bike case in the car), I drop me off at Pro Cycle Hire in Port Pollenca. This is where I have hired bikes before and the English owners are extremely friendly, the mechanic is helpful and the prices are fair. The coffee is also of good quality. Having not cycled for 2 months, it really takes some getting used to. But finally I'm on the road on a decent Colnago.
Cycling in Mallorca is nice anyway. Residents and visitors are used to cyclists. Drivers of cars often give enough space (1.5 metres, even before Corona) and thus you quickly get in well. To warm up, I ride a bit through the harbour along the water and then towards the mountains and the village of Pollenca. The main road is a bit on the busy side, but you have the option of taking the Cami Vell at the Cala St Vicenc exit. This runs parallel and is a nice alternative. You also just end up in Pollenca eventually.
Also on the south side, in the area between Port Pollenca, Pollenca and Alcudia, you will find lots of such alternative roads. Often very quiet, excellent tarmac and you can purely enjoy the surroundings.
Once ridden in, I park the bike against the tree near our house. After the 15-kilometre test drive, I am still tinkering for tomorrow's day. Then we will see how the flag is really up.
Find out more
Would you like to go to Mallorca on a cycling holiday yourself? Then send us a message via the site or also check out our previous article on Mallorca here. Want to know more about this trip? Then follow Sander on our insta or via his own account @sunny_cycling
