mallorca fall 2013

MALLORCA F13: DAY 1

A pleasant warm up 70 km ride with small roads, great views and a short climb to a monastery. There is the option of skipping the monastery climb, which will shorten the route to a friendlier 55km.

A very nice ride on some small roads and paths with a short climb to a monastery.

Route #1 Santa Magdalena 70km

Climbs:

Santa Magdalena 4km (average 5%)

This route is a pleasant warm up introduction to riding in Mallorca. Tiny farm roads, a little bit of switch-back climbing and a café stop mark the highlights of this ride. These are the elements that make up many of the great rides on the island. On today’s route they all come together in an easy to manage distance.

The first part of the ride takes us north-east, skirting Campanet along the way. The tiny farm roads eventually lead us to the base of the climb up to Santa Magdalena. At about 4km in length and not too steep, the climb is a great intro to the longer, harder efforts that are to come. Coffee, a snack, and a quick descent put riders back on the little roads for a quick spin home. With any luck the typical westerly wind will push riders home through Sa Pobla and back to the coast.

MALLORCA F13: DAY 2

This will be a day with a brisk pace on flat roads and a solid 5.5 km climb in the middle. You may want to save some pennies though.... Sa Calobra looms tomorrow.

Our second day in Spain takes us on the San Salvador route, with a decent climb to prepare us for the big climbing days to come.

Route #2 San Salvador Loop 120km

Climbs:

-San Salvador 6km (average 6%)

-Oh, and quite a bit of rolling terrain!

Yes, this route is “mostly flat” but don’t let that fool you into believing it is easy. Along the way south from Alcudia the roads roll along the coast but it is not until the climb to San Salvador that things really get serious. Shortly after passing the town of Felanitx (pronounced felahneech) our route starts to climb up to the monastery. Looking up riders can see their destination but one can only guess at the stunning views from the top.

The climb itself is about 6km averaging 6%. The smooth roads and many switchbacks entice riders to push themselves but a word of caution, if we may. From here it is a long way home and if you are planning a big day tomorrow is it better to take this climb at a leisurely pace. Also keep in mind the wind direction as the late afternoon wind sometimes swings north making the trip home the hard part of the day.

MALLORCA F13: DAY 2

120distance

kilometers

736elevation gain

m

SANSALVADOR

MALLORCA F13: DAY 3

Through the foothills to the gorgeous pine forest climb to Lluc where we continue onwards to Sa Calobra. Sa Calobra has long been the training ground of the pros, see how you measure up on this 10km climb that coils is way up with numerous hairpin switchbacks.

Considered to be the Queen Stage of our trip. You can’t ride Mallorca without Sa Calobra.

Route#3 Sa Calobra 115km

Climbs:

-Lluc 7km (average 5%)

-Passo Sa Calobra 2.5km (average 6%)

-Sa Calobra 10km (average 7%)

-And, yes, there are many rolling hills along the way!

Also known as The Snake, the climb of Sa Calobra has long been an early season training ground for European pros. 10km long the climb averages 7% but there are sections that are …a bit tougher might be a nice way to put it. The climb itself starts right at the ocean …on the far side of the mountains. Getting there is half the fun. Stunningly beautiful, this tough day on the bike is the Queen Stage of any trip to the island.

From Alcudia our route takes us west through small villages as we make our way to the foothills. From the town of Caimari we start the first major climb of the day, which will take us toward Lluc. Moderate climbing (approx. 5%) through beautiful pine forests and ancient terraced fields takes us to a welcome break after about 7km.

“Climbing is a rhythm, a trance; you have to rock your

organs’ protests back to sleep”tim krabbe the rider

Leaving the shelter of the gas station we continue climbing up to a rolling ridge on our way toward Sa Calobra. Don’t be afraid to take parts of this slowly as there are some truly stunning views to be had along the way. Finally, we duck under a Roman aquaduct, climb up another 2.5km and plummet (quite literally) down toward the ocean. Don’t worry you will have plenty of time to take in the scenery on the way back up!

Climb, recover and get ready for the fun ride home. Along the ridge, down to Pollensa and back to Alcudia are still in store.

Note: As with every day in the mountains, be prepared for the weather to change quickly. If the weather forecast is anything less than perfect arm-warmers, a rain jacket and some extra food are mandatory for a day of cycling in the hills.

MALLORCA F13: DAY 3

115distance

kilometers

1800elevation gain

m

SACALOBRA

MALLORCA F13: DAY 4

Our rest day has a local cooking course scheduled from 4-6 pm. If you are feeling the need to spin your legs, we can help design a route to suit your mood.

A well deserved rest day. After conquering Sa Calobra your legs will thank you.

Rest Day Ideas.

1. Hang about the spa. Sleep. Sleep again.

2. Rent a car and tour the island. The fine folks at the front desk can help you with car rentals and route ideas. Rentals should be book the night before. Your car will be delivered to the hotel in the morning. Areas of interest are:

! -Caves at Campanet and Arta

! -Historic Palma and the Palma Aquarium

! -Tour of the island’s beaches

! -Tour of the hill-top manasteries

! -Some folks just love to drive some of the roads they have just ridden!

! -Tunel Factory …who doesn’t love a factory booze outlet that has its own cycling kit?

3. Walk Alcudia’s old walled city.

4. Laundry. Facilities in the hotel use tokens, which are available at the front desk.

MALLORCA F13: DAY 5

The Andratx shuttle ride delivers us to some great riding. We head to Valldemossa before continuing on to Soller where we climb the category 1 climb to Puig Major. After checking out the alpine lakes we continue down to LLuc and then race our way across smaller hills before descending to Pollenca.

Andratx to home via the spine of the mountains and staying on the ocean side to take in the spectacular views and the small terraced villages on the way to Valldemossa.

Route #4 Spine of the Dragon 128kmClimbs: -1st Random Climb 6.5km (average 4.5%)-2nd Random Climb 3km (average 5%)-3rd Random Climb 3km (average 4%)-Puig Major 14km (average 6%)-And, Yes! There are many more rollers on this route.

The Andratx shuttle ride delivers the very best of Mallorca’s riding. Hills, views, wild mountains and villages are all along the route. From Andratx we start the day doing what we will be doing for the rest of the day. We will be pedaling up, coasting down and looking at beautiful things …all day. The morning will be fairly casual as we make our way over the rolling hills on the way to Valldemossa for lunch.

Back on the road we will make our way to Soller and the climb to Puig Major. This brute of a climb (14km, average 6%) starts in the warm valley of Soller and ands up in the alpine region of the island. It is spectacular, tough and the pinnacle of climbing on the island. From the summit tunnel we make our way past alpine lakes and forests before dropping back down to the ocean and our hotel in Alcudia.

Simply put, this is one hell of a bike ride.

MALLORCA F13: DAY 5

128distance

kilometers

2222elevation gain

m

ANDRATX

MALLORCA F13: DAY 6

Long day in the saddle with some big climbs that include Orient, Coll de Soller (Little Alpe D’Huez the other way) and the Coll de Puig Major (14km). This ride will be at pace with snack breaks but no lunch stop so we make it home before dark.

Today we ride the Soller loop counter clockwise. It is a long day in the saddle, but a ride that will fulfill your quota for epic.

Route #5 Soller Loop 153km

Climbs:

-Orient 11km (average 5%)-Col de Soller 6km (average 5%)-Puig Major 14km (average 6%)-Yup, and a few more rollers

Another rather epic day, this route takes in a number of the longer climbs on the island. With most of the climbing packed into the first 100km the day ends with a fast cruise home.

Highlights of this route are the high valley farms of Orient, the crazy little descent and climb through the villages of Bunyola and Soller and climbing through the olive groves on “little Aple D’Huez”.

You might just ride more switchbacks today than you have done in the rest of your life combined. Just sayin’.

Note: This day will be ridden at pace with a couple of breaks but no lunch stop. It is a long ride and the days are short at this time of the year so it is important that we keep moving. Bring plenty of food in those jersey pockets!

MALLORCA F13: DAY 6

153distance

kilometers

2115elevation gain

m

SOLLER

MALLORCA F13: DAY 7

5 Star views on great roads as we go to Cap Formentor. We will finish off a great trip riding at a pace that lets us take in the views and have a coffee and snack at the lighthouse.

5 Star views on great roads as we go to Cap Formentor.

Route #6 Cap Formentor 61km

Climbs:

-Pollenca View 4km (average 5.5%)

-Formentor 2.5km (average 5.5%)

-Pollenca View 2.5km (average8.6)

Another “must do” ride on the island, Cap Formentor is the classic way to end a trip to Mallorca. Ocean views, the most outrageous coffee stop on the island, and a couple of tough climbs top it all off.

Starting by the ocean on the beach road the route ends up winding out a narrowing ridge until the road simply ends at a stunning lighthouse. The return journey can be as simple as turning around and heading for home. Hardy souls may choose to add on a Hail Mary climb over Lluc. Trust us …you will love it!

MALLORCA F13: DAY 7

61distance

kilometers

864elevation gain

m

CAPFORMENTOR

Wild Rock Cycling Trip packing ListWild Rock Cycling Trip packing ListWild Rock Cycling Trip packing ListPack 3 bagsPack 3 bags

Pre DeparturePre Departure 1 Carry on FREE1 Carry on FREE• Passport One carry-on item weighing up to 6 kg and not exceeding 55 x 40 x 20 cmOne carry-on item weighing up to 6 kg and not exceeding 55 x 40 x 20 cmOne carry-on item weighing up to 6 kg and not exceeding 55 x 40 x 20 cm• Health Documentation• Health Documentation I would suggest you pack your cycling shoes, pedals, 1 set of cyling kit and your helmet in this bagI would suggest you pack your cycling shoes, pedals, 1 set of cyling kit and your helmet in this bagI would suggest you pack your cycling shoes, pedals, 1 set of cyling kit and your helmet in this bag• Transportation Tickets• Transportation Tickets• Frequent Flyer Cards• Frequent Flyer Cards 1st Checked Bag FREE1st Checked Bag FREE1st Checked Bag FREE• Emergency Information• Emergency Information Max. weight per bag: 23kg (50lb)Max. weight per bag: 23kg (50lb)Max. weight per bag: 23kg (50lb)• Insurance• Currency 2nd Checked if Bike 2nd Checked if Bike 2nd Checked if Bike • Credit Cards• Credit Cards Up to 30 kg including packaging, above that as excess baggage.Up to 30 kg including packaging, above that as excess baggage.Up to 30 kg including packaging, above that as excess baggage.

Bicycles are conveyed only in a packaged state.Bicycles are conveyed only in a packaged state.Bicycles are conveyed only in a packaged state.We recommend the use of bicycle cases or bags as packaging.We recommend the use of bicycle cases or bags as packaging.We recommend the use of bicycle cases or bags as packaging.

2nd Checked if just luggage2nd Checked if just luggage2nd Checked if just luggageMax. weight per bag: 23kg (50lb)Max. weight per bag: 23kg (50lb)Max. weight per bag: 23kg (50lb)

NEED HAVE ITEM PACKED? Column1Passport

Travel/Medical Insurance Save 10% at Wild RockBike (tuned up, fresh brake pads and tires)* when you bring this packing listBike Box* to the store before your trip.Bike ShoesHelmetSunglassesat least 2-3 pairs of Shortsat least 2-3 Short Sleeve JerseysArm WarmersKnee/Leg Warmersat least 3 Pairs of Cycling SocksLight Cycling/Rain JacketCycling VestCycling Gloves short fingeredCycling Gloves long fingered3 spare tubes*Bike Pump*Tire Levers*Basic Bike Tool*2 Water BottlesCarbohydrate Drink Mix for riding daysSunscreenUnder seat Bag*1 Energy Bar for each day ridingRecovery Drink 1 Gel for each Day of ridingClothing for Nice Dinnerbathing suit for spaCasual Clothing for after/before ridingWalking shoesCasual Shorts

*NOT Necessary if renting a bike

Recommended ItemsRecommended ItemsNEED HAVE ITEM PACKED?

Local Currency (Euros)Shammy Cream for ShortsBooties/shoe covers for Cool WeatherLong Sleeve jerseyBase Layer for under JerseyCameraFirst aid Kitsweater or light jacket for evening walksconverter to european 2 prong outlet for elctronic devicescall your cell provider for a plan that will work in Spain

Travel PillowBook/Magazines