View from col de sa Batalla
Top of the climb,
Lunch,
View across to Alcudia,
Ice cream at the end.

Thursday, 3 May 2018
A ride from the apartment
The consensus today was to ride from the apartment. As the weather forecast was good we decided to take the back roads to Campanet, continue to Caimari then climb the Col de Sa Batalla and return via Pollenca. We cycled round the front stopping at Stay to book a table for a meal this evening.
We joined a steady stream of cyclists leaving Puerto Pollenca via the Cami de Llenaire and continued to Campanet via the back roads and the golf club. The road had a few cars but lots of cyclists. Martin cycled ahead stopping for photographs. We did not stop at the seat by chapel Sant Miquel but continued up the hill. Reaching the top and we had cycled 20km , the perfect time for a coffee stop. What we though was a bar turned out to be a house but coffee could ordered from the Supermarket next door. A dose of caffeine and we were ready for the 3 miles to Caimari and the start of the climb. The climb was completed without stopping. Robert went ahead and got to the top in 30:28 seconds a little faster than his previous attempt.The last mile and a half with a cyclist on his back wheel but he pushed ahead and won the "sprint " to the line. He then returned back down the hill to catch up with Martin and Lyn who were competing the climb at a more sedate pace. He rode with Lyn the last 1.25 miles back to the top. Lyn completing the climb faster than her previous attempt. On getting to the top for a second time the cyclist who he had rode with previously came over and wanted a photograph together. Robert obliged and the cyclist said he had good speed and good legs.
We had lunch in Ca'n Gallet a restaurant we had had eaten in previously. Lyn and I had a tortilla and Martin a carbonara pasta. We were given a bottle of mineral water to refill our bottles. After lunch the road drops down a little towards to monestry at Lluc before climbing a little up the Col de Femenia. It was then downhill all the way to Pollenca. We stopped a couple of times on the descent for photographs. The plan was to stop in Pollenca for an ice cream. The ice cream stall that used to be in the main square was closed ( It will be a pity if it's permanently closed). We selected a hotel in the main square, picked our ice creams from the board and sat down. Non of our choices we available. The next bar we tried was shut, the shop were Martin had bought an ice cream from previously did not sell the any more and the restaurant with Nestle sign did not sell them. We abandoned the search and decided to get one in Puerto Pollenca instead . We took the back roads and cycled on reaching Peurto Pollenca cycled round the front. A round trip of 45.3 miles with 1007 metres of ascent. We returned to apartment for a cup of tea and compared fitbit and Strava results. According to Strava Lyn did more 130 feet more climbing despite Robert climbing the last 1.25 miles to the top of the col twice and fitbit has recorded her as doing more steps.
We joined a steady stream of cyclists leaving Puerto Pollenca via the Cami de Llenaire and continued to Campanet via the back roads and the golf club. The road had a few cars but lots of cyclists. Martin cycled ahead stopping for photographs. We did not stop at the seat by chapel Sant Miquel but continued up the hill. Reaching the top and we had cycled 20km , the perfect time for a coffee stop. What we though was a bar turned out to be a house but coffee could ordered from the Supermarket next door. A dose of caffeine and we were ready for the 3 miles to Caimari and the start of the climb. The climb was completed without stopping. Robert went ahead and got to the top in 30:28 seconds a little faster than his previous attempt.The last mile and a half with a cyclist on his back wheel but he pushed ahead and won the "sprint " to the line. He then returned back down the hill to catch up with Martin and Lyn who were competing the climb at a more sedate pace. He rode with Lyn the last 1.25 miles back to the top. Lyn completing the climb faster than her previous attempt. On getting to the top for a second time the cyclist who he had rode with previously came over and wanted a photograph together. Robert obliged and the cyclist said he had good speed and good legs.
We had lunch in Ca'n Gallet a restaurant we had had eaten in previously. Lyn and I had a tortilla and Martin a carbonara pasta. We were given a bottle of mineral water to refill our bottles. After lunch the road drops down a little towards to monestry at Lluc before climbing a little up the Col de Femenia. It was then downhill all the way to Pollenca. We stopped a couple of times on the descent for photographs. The plan was to stop in Pollenca for an ice cream. The ice cream stall that used to be in the main square was closed ( It will be a pity if it's permanently closed). We selected a hotel in the main square, picked our ice creams from the board and sat down. Non of our choices we available. The next bar we tried was shut, the shop were Martin had bought an ice cream from previously did not sell the any more and the restaurant with Nestle sign did not sell them. We abandoned the search and decided to get one in Puerto Pollenca instead . We took the back roads and cycled on reaching Peurto Pollenca cycled round the front. A round trip of 45.3 miles with 1007 metres of ascent. We returned to apartment for a cup of tea and compared fitbit and Strava results. According to Strava Lyn did more 130 feet more climbing despite Robert climbing the last 1.25 miles to the top of the col twice and fitbit has recorded her as doing more steps.
posted from Bloggeroid
Wednesday, 2 May 2018
With a fine day forecast we decided to do a ride we last did with Martin in 2016. He joined again today. The bikes were packed in the back of the van and
we drove to Mancor about an hours drive sway. We parked on an industrial estate on the edge of the town. We had parked there in previous years without a problem but this time it was more difficult to find a space to park. A space was eventually found, bikes resembled, sunscreen applied and after a short section alongside a busy road we were on the minor road of the MA 3331. We turned off and retraced our steps of a previous ride towards Sant Llorenc des Cardassar. The farm dog along the track was waiting for Lyn again and having ignored and on coming cyclist and myself and Martin greeted her will a couple of barks. Then turned round and ran thought to the entrance on the other side of the farm. The gate was shut so the chase was over and we continued safely in our way. We diverted from the previous route when we turned off towards Arta. It was a steady climb past Puig de Calicant but the road is not too steep and the climbs short. The roads had been resurfaced since our last visit so we did not have to avoid the potholes as we assended. The road is a hidden gem with very few cars, only tbe occasional cyclist and good views. After the last climb its a fast descent to Arta.
Having located the centre we eat in the French Parisian cafe in first tried 2 years ago sitting in the outside court yard at the same table. After lunch we took the Via Verda (old railway line) that has been graveled and runs for 29 km back to Manacor. It provides some excellent views as it winds it way round .One section runs inland parallel to the coast and offers views down to resorts below.
We diverted off the track at Sant Llorenc des Cardassar and after a short climb we enjoyed an ice cream in a bar in the main square. Returning to the track it was 9 km back to the van. As we had done the ride previously the map stayed packed away for most of the day. The Garmin was only used to help with navigation out of Arta and to get back to the van in Manacor. A round trip of 37 miles with 1677 feet of ascent.
We dined on the apartment
Melon and Palma ham to start followed by fresh trout on a bed of onions and fennel.

The cards came out again and normal was restored with Martin demonstrating his mastery of Black Maria.
we drove to Mancor about an hours drive sway. We parked on an industrial estate on the edge of the town. We had parked there in previous years without a problem but this time it was more difficult to find a space to park. A space was eventually found, bikes resembled, sunscreen applied and after a short section alongside a busy road we were on the minor road of the MA 3331. We turned off and retraced our steps of a previous ride towards Sant Llorenc des Cardassar. The farm dog along the track was waiting for Lyn again and having ignored and on coming cyclist and myself and Martin greeted her will a couple of barks. Then turned round and ran thought to the entrance on the other side of the farm. The gate was shut so the chase was over and we continued safely in our way. We diverted from the previous route when we turned off towards Arta. It was a steady climb past Puig de Calicant but the road is not too steep and the climbs short. The roads had been resurfaced since our last visit so we did not have to avoid the potholes as we assended. The road is a hidden gem with very few cars, only tbe occasional cyclist and good views. After the last climb its a fast descent to Arta.
Having located the centre we eat in the French Parisian cafe in first tried 2 years ago sitting in the outside court yard at the same table. After lunch we took the Via Verda (old railway line) that has been graveled and runs for 29 km back to Manacor. It provides some excellent views as it winds it way round .One section runs inland parallel to the coast and offers views down to resorts below.
We diverted off the track at Sant Llorenc des Cardassar and after a short climb we enjoyed an ice cream in a bar in the main square. Returning to the track it was 9 km back to the van. As we had done the ride previously the map stayed packed away for most of the day. The Garmin was only used to help with navigation out of Arta and to get back to the van in Manacor. A round trip of 37 miles with 1677 feet of ascent.
We dined on the apartment
Melon and Palma ham to start followed by fresh trout on a bed of onions and fennel.
The cards came out again and normal was restored with Martin demonstrating his mastery of Black Maria.
posted from Bloggeroid
Wednesdays Photos
Road out of Manacor,
Road to Arta,
Lunch,
Testing on route,
The finish in Manacor,
Tunnel on the Via Verda
Road to Arta,
Lunch,
Testing on route,
The finish in Manacor,
Tunnel on the Via Verda
Tuesday, 1 May 2018
A ride from Costitix
It did not matter which forecast we checked the probability of rain in Puerto Pollenca ranged from 90 to 100 percent probability. The dark sky's we saw when we looked out of the window confirmed the forecast. After a trip to Lidl we had a plan. The forecast was improving in the afternoon so we would drive to Costitix with Martin and Sue, look at the flower festival and have lunch together. Martin and Sue set off first and we followed a few minutes later with the bikes in the van. A long queue of traffic on the road to Costitx made me realise I would not be able to get to my usual parking spot and as I was reluctant to take the van somewhere I might get it stuck I made the decision to turn around. We called Martin and Sue , they were in the long queue so we decided to drive round to Lloret de Vista Alegre, park and cycle the 3 miles to Costitix. The update from Martin was not good. They had parked but the fate was too busy to get around with bikes. Lyn and I decided on lunch in Lloret.The bike were unpacked and The Garmin started then stopped after 400 yards. The two bars on the outskirts of the village were empty but Cafe Restaurant Ca'n Putxet in the centre was full of locals. Most enjoying a set menu. We opted to share a vegetable salad baguette ( it included eggs and tuna) and a slice of cake. We emerged from the bar to spots of rain. It lasted for a few minutes but not long or hard enough to get wet. The ride took us on the minor tracks to Sineu then to Llubi retracing the reverse of a route we had taken on one of our earlier rides. Ignoring a no thought road sign meant we came to yet another railway line we could not cross and that was not shown on the Garmin. We retraced our steps and were soon on the right path the other side of the line.
From Llubi it was tracks again to Costitix . The sky's darkened but although the temperature dropped the rain stayed away. It was almost cold enough to wear gloves.
The Garmin identified some minor tracks that meant we could avoid a mile on the main road.When we got to Llubi the flower festival was still taking place but the number of people had thinned so we were able to cycle round the town and see some of the displays. The sun came out and the temoerature increased. Photos were taken and cherries purchased for desert. We returned to the van via the minor paths to Ruberts. A 20.8 mile trip with 357 metres of ascent.
For the evening meal we had fresh asparagus for a starter, followed by pork tenderloin with garlic and served with tumbert. A Mallorcan dish made with layers of courgettes, tomatoes, aubergine, red peppers and potatoes and baked in the oven. We followed the traditional Hairy Bikers recipe.


Desert was fresh cherries served with Belgium chocolate ice cream and dark chocolate wafers.
After an excellent feast the cards came out and Roberts run of luck continued for a second evening.
From Llubi it was tracks again to Costitix . The sky's darkened but although the temperature dropped the rain stayed away. It was almost cold enough to wear gloves.
The Garmin identified some minor tracks that meant we could avoid a mile on the main road.When we got to Llubi the flower festival was still taking place but the number of people had thinned so we were able to cycle round the town and see some of the displays. The sun came out and the temoerature increased. Photos were taken and cherries purchased for desert. We returned to the van via the minor paths to Ruberts. A 20.8 mile trip with 357 metres of ascent.
For the evening meal we had fresh asparagus for a starter, followed by pork tenderloin with garlic and served with tumbert. A Mallorcan dish made with layers of courgettes, tomatoes, aubergine, red peppers and potatoes and baked in the oven. We followed the traditional Hairy Bikers recipe.
Desert was fresh cherries served with Belgium chocolate ice cream and dark chocolate wafers.
After an excellent feast the cards came out and Roberts run of luck continued for a second evening.
posted from Bloggeroid
Tuesdays Photos
Lunch in Lloret de Vista Alegre,
Ca'n Putxet ( Bar where we had lunch),
View on the ride,
Rain Clouds,
Track,
Costitx flower festival
,
Ca'n Putxet ( Bar where we had lunch),
View on the ride,
Rain Clouds,
Track,
Costitx flower festival
,
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