Another fine day was forecast so we opted for another day on the bikes.We started by taking the same route to Calmari we had taken with Martin the week before. We even diverted to the cafe in Moscari for a mid morning coffee and slice of cake. It was only after Calmari we deviated from the route. This time we turned right and joined the steady stream of cyclists climbing the 7.9 km of the Col de as Batalla. The climb is quite gentle and averages 5.6%. A problem with the camera battery meant Lyn did not have an excuse to stop and take photos. The km's of the climb were slowly ticked off and finally we were at the petrol station and cafe to the top of the pass. We did not stop and instead had a short fast descent to the monastery at Lluc were we purchased 2 expensive coffees and pie with peas for a late lunch. It was then a short climb back to the main road and after some long downhill sections a short climb to the top of the Col de Femenia. It was then downhill all the way to Pollenca. A fast descent at first but the gradient become more shallow for the last 6km into the town. The ride could be tackled in either direction but the advantage of returning via Pollenca is you can stop for an ice cream from the stall on the main square. Flavours were finally selected from their abundant range and once eaten we turned to Puerto de Pollenca via the Cami de Llenaire. Around trips of about 45 miles. We were back at by the apartment in time to sit by the pool and enjoy the sunshine.
Friday, 10 April 2015
Thursday, 9 April 2015
Thursdays Ride from Algaida
A ride from Algaida
After a group photo by the pool we said goodbye to Martin and Sue. Whilst they headed for the airport we set off a little later in the van for Algaida. Today's ride was on the back roads from Algaida to Llucmajor then on to the small port of s'Estanyol de Mijorn.
We have had a couple of meals in the Restaurants Es Mollet on previous trips to the Island and Es Mollet is an excellent place for lunch. We stopped first in the square at Llucmajor and whilst we enjoyed our cafe con leche sympathised with Martin and Sue who arrived at the airport to find because of problems with French Air traffic control their flight had not left Manchester.
It was then about 18 miles to the s'Estanyol de Migiorn. We arrived at 2:00pm.The restaurant was open and servings food until 4:00pm but had become more popular so we had to sit inside. We had an excellent value tasty 3 course meal with a bottle of wine for 10 Euros pp.The wine was not finished as we still had 22 miles to cycle back. We returned to Llucmajor on the Cami de son Muro. No signs of tortoises this year. We were to full from lunch to stop for an ice cream so continued back to Algaida. We made the mistake of following the signs to the centre as they took you twisting and turning around lots of minor roads and then stopped. After a couple if wrong turns we found the centre and then located the van. As we were driving back we had the message Martin and Sue had just landed in Manchester .No prizes for guessing who had the better day.
Wednesday, 8 April 2015
A ride to Alaro
Wednesday 8th
We had clear sky's all day with a high of around 18 degrees. We eventually found a spot to park the van in Costitx on a wide road in a very quite residential area.We took the minor track towards Sencelles but took a wrong turn and ended up on the Ma 3120. We took this roads towards Sencelles and the minor track to Santa Eugenia. It was then the gentle climb to Aloro. On reaching the square we headed for "ecosenalla" vegitarian restaurant cafe and shop we went to last year. There was no menu advertising food, we asked and they were doing a set lunch menu. We had an excellent 3 course set menu, bread and homemade hummus for nibbles, carrot soup and tofu tortilla to start followed by a homemade vegetarian patty with spicy tomato source and potatoes. We shared a desert of apple flan and had a digestive yogurt. We finished with coffee. Excellent value at 24 euro including a drink with the meal.It a real find and the mystery is why he does not try and at attack more of the cyclists who cycled past the shop when visiting the town.
After lunch we continued to Llorsta then Binissslem crossed the Ma 13 and took the Cami del Muro to Binial. This time we had not parked at the roundabout so continued via the mountain bike track to Costitx. Around trip of 40 miles.
A good ride with views of the mountains.
We returned to Port de Pollenca via Lidl in Inca arriving back at around 18:15pm.
We eat in the apartment and had a very tasty 3 courses , deep fried mini peppers and Allioli, chicken stew and caramelised oranges.
