Ride Director: Nelson Diaz
Ride Co-Director: Kathleen Diaz
Ride Driver: Abraham Martinez
Report by: Rebecca Williams
A new BAC member, I was enticed by our trip leader's description of Mallorca and also by his
experience. Why would you lead this trip for an eighth year if this weren't about the best
cycling venue you could think of? I called Nelson Diaz with questions twice before the trip and
got the impression that he was both well-organized and relaxed in comforting ways. My
instincts regarding both the destination and the trip leader were on target.
I arrived in Palma just in time to pick up my rented bike before the daily 5:30 happy hour.
I crossed my fingers on the way into the bar that this would be a congenial group since I was
undertaking an experimental, solo adventure. In retrospect, it seems virtually impossible not
to develop a fondness for a group with whom you will share many enjoyable meals, pleasant
and challenging rides and helpful cycling tips and personal stores over the course of two
weeks.
Despite my solid level of fitness, I was one to the weaker cyclists in what seemed to me quite
an impressive group in terms of both athleticism and training. Luckily, I had opted to take
advantage of that great equalizer - the e-bike - given my uncertainty about my comparative
cycling level along with clarity about the elevations of some of our routes. Of twenty-six riders,
six or seven rode e-bikes, a great alternative which enabled us to ride mostly alongside the
very accomplished cyclists. The real overachievers in our group did some supplemental rides above and beyond the 2B-rated routes planned for this trip, but those were of course entirely elective
.
To avoid repeating the daily ride descriptions, I will just point to my favorite rides and stops.
The first two days' rides were purposeful: the first to test the rental bikes in time to get
adjustments and a feel for the pacing of the group, and the second to cross the island to the
more scenic areas that would make up the rest of the trip. The island crossing was on some
of the more trafficked streets but included a lovely detour to the town of Randa and a nearby
monastery. Nelson set the tone of the pacing by stressing that while we were encouraged to
go at our own speed, he personally would be making frequent coffee and gelato stops.
The two "epic" rides on Day 4 and Day 10 - to the Cap de Formentor and up Sa Calabra
following a beautiful ferry ride were memorable as was the untrafficked road and scenic coast
between Banyalfubar and Andratx on Day 12. But I would also include in my favorites a flat
ride through agricultural lands on small roads to the village of Santa Margalida for lunch on Day
and especially a winding route through terraced olive groves from Port de Soller to the
charming stone town of Fornalutx on Day 9. I loved both the ports we stayed at for a total of
six nights which were also lovely places to swim.
Beyond the rides, some highlights were a wonderful dinner in Soller at a sister hotel to the one
we were staying at in Port de Soller, and the annual festival called Es Firo which our ride leader
made sure we were in town for. I loved watching this communal event in which the entire town
gets into costume and walks to the port to reenact just in front of our hotel a 16th century
battle against Moorish invaders.
Mallorca is a notably scenic place with reliably fine May weather. It is a uniquely hospitable
place to ride. Brightly clad groups of cyclists are everywhere and almost dominate the
roadways, while motorists are courteous and patient. This all adds up to cycling nirvana and
what was for me a very enjoyable, first BAC trip.
Bicycle Adventure Club
PO BOX 23998 San Diego, CA 92193
Telephone (858) 715-9510 office@bicycleadventureclub.org