Tour de Farce – Mallorca Cycling

Our Star Ratings

Here is an explanation of our cycling trip grades. Please bear in mind that total ascent, wind, rain and  general riding conditions can play as important factors as the daily distances involved. Whilst we  have stated some example distances, the overall difficulty assigned to each trip will encompass a range of these factors. If you are at all unsure of whether you think the trip is suitable, please contact us.

Easy:  Suitable for those new to cycling seeking an introductory and very relaxed yet active  experience on two wheels. Easy riding on short, flat and/or gently undulating routes.  Approx 20 – ­40  miles a day

Relaxed:  Undulating terrain with occasional minor undulations for semi­-regular novices who wish  to develop fitness and ability. May include a few short steep climbs.  Approx 40 – ­50 miles a day

Moderate: Designed for cyclists with a good level of riding experience and fitness, and are  comfortable riding for full days in the saddle. Routes will include some steep and/or sustained  climbs. Not for those completely new to cycling.  Approx 50 – 80 miles a day

Challenging: Routes with multiple steep and sustained climbs and technical descents and/or long  distances. Riders need to be have a high level of fitness and stamina in addition to experience in  riding over extended distances and/or tackling long ascents and descents.  Approx 70 – ­110 miles a  day

Advanced: Designed for experienced cyclists with an excellent level of fitness and stamina. Routes  are consistently long with multiple serious and steep ascents and descents throughout. High  altitude ascents may be undertaken followed by technically demanding descents.  Approx 80 – 120  miles a day

Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Port Pollença, Formentor Lighthouse loop, overnight Port Pollença

(53km & 1200 metres ascent)

You will be met by the More Adventure team at Palma Airport where you’ll be transferred with your bike and luggage to Port Pollença. Here we’ll assemble bikes (or if you’ve hired a bike visit the hire shop to collect), get changed into cycling gear and begin our trip with a loop out to the Formentor Lighthouse and back. This stunning peninsula is the perfect introduction to cycling in Mallorca as the road meanders above the sea below with several shorter climbs to get stuck into. There’s also a cafe at the lighthouse so we’ll hopefully drop in for coffee before beginning our ride back to our hotel for our first night in Port Pollença.

Day 2: Port Pollença – Selva, Sineu & Petra

(105km & 900m ascent)

After breakfast in our hotel, we’ll begin with a relatively flat ride just south of the Tramuntana mountains. We’ll ride southwest from Port Pollença to the pretty town of Selva before skirting around Inca towards Sineu. Once one of the most important towns in Mallorca, Sineu was home to many Mallorcan kings who resided in an impressive palace which is now a nunnery. We’ll also make a stop at the outdoor velodrome at Sineu for the chance to complete a flying lap if you’re legs are up to it! Continuing southeast we’ll stop for lunch on the main square of Petra before riding back north to Port Pollença.

Day 3: Port Pollença – Sa Colobra – Port Pollença

(98km & 2600m ascent)

After a good night’s’ rest we begin our second day cycling in Mallorca. Today is a challenging route into the Tramuntana mountain range as we leave the sea behind and begin one of the longest climbs on the island, Puig Major. Our ascent begins just after the town of Pollença as we head south-west to the top of our first climb, the Coll de Femenia. At around 45km we break off the Puig Major and head north-west towards the most famous climb in Mallorca, Sa Colobra. We’ll descend this iconic climb to sea level at Sa Calobra for coffee then begin back up a road regularly ascended by the Sky Team and Sir Bradley Wiggins. By this point you’ll be familiar with the seemingly endless switchbacks but with an average gradient of 7% over 10km, there will be plenty of opportunity to enjoy the scenery, sheer cliffs faces and road cutouts in the rock. The top of the climb is the Coll des Reis where we’ll have a well-earned breather overlooking the valleys below. From here we can either return the way we came, or for an extra few kilometres drop down to Caimari for a final flat blast northeast to Port Pollença.

Day 4: Port Pollença – San Salvador

(130km & 1200m ascent)

Today’s ride tackles the the flatter, less-visited plains of the east of the island. We head south, following the coast through Alcudia and Plaja de Muro before branching off right through Santa Margalida to Felantix. This 13th century town is famous for Els Cavallets dance, and wide varieties of brandy and wine produced in the area. It is also at the foot of San Salvador, a spectacular 5km climb with some steep sections, ending at an impressive monastery overlooking the plains below. After some food and a break, we head back north via Manacor and Alcudia to Port Pollença for our final evening together.

Day 5: Port Pollença – Palma airport

This morning you will be transferred to Palma airport for your flight home with your bicycle and luggage. Here the trip ends and we say our farewells.

Map

Includes

• Cycle guide
• Support driver/bicycle mechanic
• 4 x night’s hotel accommodation (twin sharing)
• 4 x breakfasts
• Transfer from/to Palma Airport to Port Pollença
• All luggage transported during your trip
• GPX files of the route

Not Included

• Bicycle and Helmet
• Transport to and from pick-up and drop-off points
• Evening meals, lunches, drinks and snacks
• European Health Card (www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do)
• Insurance

FAQs

Can we hire bicycles for this trip?

Yes, bicycles are available at a number of hire shops in Port Pollenca. We can help with organising this.

Where will bicycles be stored overnight?

Bicycles will be stored in a locked, secure area in the hotel.

How much are flights to Palma?

Return flights from London to Palma cost between £80 - £150 depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book. If you wish to bring your bicycle with you this usually costs an additional £50 - £70 each way (unless you fly with British Airways which is free!).