Tuesday 9 April 2013

A ride to remember

Over 88 miles and 2464 metres of climbing. Lyn wanted a rest from cycling so I had a day in the mountains. Bruce correctly describes the ride as a day to remember . A summary of the route is Port de Pollenca , Pollenca , Lluc ,Puig Major , Soller, Bunyola ,Orient ,Lloseta ,Selva, Campanet and then back to Port de Pollenca.
The first major climb was Coll de Femenia , 7.7km at 5.5%. It  then past  the monestry at Lluc and the on towards Soller. Just after the reservoir of Gorge Beau came the next climb Tunel de Monnaber, 5km at 5.3 %. After the tunnel at the top it was a splendid 16 km descent to Soller. Lots of long flowing cuvres . The cycle computer recorded a top speed of 33.1 mph but then stopped working until the speed was reduced . From Soller it was the Coll de  Soller 7.4 km at 5.7 %.  The road out of Soller was quit busy but the majority of traffic goes thought the tunnel leaving the climb to be enjoyed with only  occasional traffic. Excellent views looking towards Palma from the top. It was then a fast descent to Bunyola lunch and water was purchased  before attempting the climb up to Orient . I initially missed the sign in the town centre and started on the road to Palma and had to back track. I covered most of the Coll de Honor in a "team" with 3 German cyclists on top of the range bikes . They set a good pace and we managed to overtake quite few cyclists on the ascent . The Orient is pretty and after another short climb you start the long descent to Aloro. I diverted off the route into through centre of the town and found the cake shop we had visited in previous years. The baker pointed me in the direction of a
freshly cooked piece of Almond cake. It was excellent at set me up for the 30 miles back to Port de Pollenca . The sun shone all day with the temperature peaking at around 25 degrees . I wore a long sleeve top and windproof jacket for the mountains but would have been fine in a short sleeve top today. My windproof top sleeves we unzipped before the first climb and stayed in my back pocket for the rest of the day along with my "legs". An excellent days cycling. I got back to the flat to find Lyn about to brave the pool. Sue would have been proud of her. I will post a photo later to prove it.

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