Pie with Peas

Lyn on an earlier ride

A ride from Biniali

8th April

Drove to Biniali and parked in our "usual" spot by the roundabout. Planned a new route taking the minor road to Santa Eugenia and then on towards the airport. We could not find the track marked in the map to Sant Jordi but eventually worked out way round to it passing the end of the runway which gave a good view of the incoming planes. We then followed the track to Llucmajor. The road disappeared and a 4 km section turned out to be a very rough mountain bike track. A pie for lunch in the square at Llucmajor then it was the minior road to Algaida, followed by Pina,Costitx (again) and then the long way back to Biniali. Excellent views of the mountains as we cycled towards Inca. A trip of about 48 miles.The weather was sunny, a cooling breeze and a top temperature of about 20 degrees C.

7th April Sun and Strong Winds

7th April
Awoke to a blue sky and a good forecast. Decided to do a ride from Santa Margalida. As in previous years we parked just outside the town at the football statium. We followed a minor track to Maria de la Salut and then headed towards Petra. Managed to follow the off road path despite our map being selective about which roads and paths they included. It was a little early for lunch in Petra so we headed towards Vilafrance de Bonany. But first we climbed to Santuari de Bonany. The views from the top were worth the climb. After lunch in a bar in Vilafranca we headed to Porreres starting on the main road but a couple of miles out of town we diverted off onto a rough track. The  ciruit of approximatey 48 miles was completed by looping round via Montuiri, Sineu and Maria de La Salut. The mileometer I brought decides to stop working at any speed above 20 mph so the downhill stretch with the wind behind us was completed a 0mph! Stopped a Lidl on our way back to Port de Pollenca to restock with provisions. The sun stayed out all day with a maxium temperature of around 18 degrees centigrade but a strong cold wind meant a windproof top was the order of the day.

6th April Sun and Rain

6th April
We awoke to another forecast of sunny intervals and thunder storms. Lots of dark clouds around in the morning but no rain so we decided to drive to Sa Pobla and do a ride from there. Took the "Water Lane" in the general direction of Inca and then headed towards Costitx. As we approached the village the clouds darkened and the rain started. Fortunately we had planned to stop a bar in the main square for lunch. After a short hard climb we were in the dry in the bar. Time for a couple of coffees a beer and a sandwich. After about an hour the rain slowed so we headed off towards Muro. The black clouds started to clear and the rain finally stopped. Time for a coffee and cake in Muro before we headed back to Sa Pobla a round trip of just under 28 miles.

5th April Avoiding the Rain

5th April
A mixed forecast of sunny intervals and thunder storms. Decided to cycle from the appartment taking the back roads to Campanet. We then climbed the hill to Mosari hoping to get a tapas in a bar we had discovered on a previous trip to the island.Unfortunately tapas were not being served so after a beer we cycled the 7 miles to Muro to visit a pastelaria we had visited previously. The coffee was  good as we remembered and we each had a Panada (Meat pie with peas). Just as we were finishing the rain started. Not reliashing 20 miles in the rain we opted for a cake and another coffee inside. An excellent decision as the rain was bouncing off the rain. After the best part of an hour the rain looked like stopping so we decidrd to head back to Port de Pollenca taking the back road to sa Pobla and then going back via  Campanet. Despite the black clouds the rain held off. The only part of us that got wet was our bottoms and backs caused by the lack of mudguards and the spray coming of the road. Having got we set off to the local supermarket to get something for tea to find it had shut at lunch time! Fortunately we had plenty of provisions and we able to rustle up a potato omelette for tea.

4th April

An early start and an uneventfull flight to Palma.We even had time for a hot bacon sandwich at the airport. Booked a small van as a hire car from Sixt. Cheaper than a car and better for transporting thr bikes around the island. On collecting the van found we had been given a free upgrade to a very large Volkswagon van. Good if you want to move house but too large to drive around the island. It was soon swapped for something more suitable. We stopped a Decathlon for a new pair of sunglasses for R. He had left his nrw oned in England. Next stop was Lidl in Inca for provisions. Beer ,wine and food safely stored the next stop was Port de Pollenca. We have rented the same apartment we had previously. A few more improvements this year. A new shower has been installed downstairs , a new window in the bathroom upstairs and lots of new pictures. Once we hsd unloaded it was off see Bruce at Pro Cycle Mallorca to collect our bikes. The bikes were ready and waiting for us and once our pedals had been put on we were ready for cycling. A new design of complementary water bottles this year and they include a cover over the top. Excellent for mountain biking. Had a short ride around the town before returning to the appartment fot tea.