The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

Mallorca 2026 - A Cycling Gem

May 9th to May 23rd

Ride Director: Nelson Diaz
Ride Co-Director: Kathy Diaz
Ride Driver: Steve Skladanek
Report by: Chris Danilson

Along with 23 other BACers, I arrived in Palma for the much-anticipated Mallorca cycling trip. We were greeted by blue skies, balmy temps, and clear Mediterranean waters. A welcome change for those of us coming from spring riding conditions in the northern and high elevation states!

Playa Palma is a logical starting point for this trip due to its proximity to the airport and the convenience of the bike rental shop in our hotel basement. However, there was a bit more of a Euro party vibe than I think most of us came here for. So, after a day of group bonding, bike fitting/shakedown & sleep adjustment, we were glad to be departing for Port de Pollenca to experience what Nelson described as the “real Spain” we’d enjoy for the remainder of the trip. From this point forward, the toughest decision for the day might be agua SIN gas vs. agua CON gas? Or, wine vs. sangria?

Port de Pollenca and our successive destinations are situated along the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range in the NW part of the island. These mountains served as a dramatic backdrop (e.g. buttes, mesas, buttresses) for the blue-green waters along the island’s rugged coastline but also provided great climbing challenges. Our routes also snaked along terraced agricultural areas, within pine and deciduous forests, and astride barren hillsides of exposed rock formations. We grinded up and over colls (Catalan for pass/saddle) and found our way to quaint villages, cafes, and beautiful beaches.

Quintessential Mallorca rides located along our route included fan faves such as the Cap Formentor lighthouse, the Lluc->Orient->Soller, and the ferry-served Sa Calobra routes. Coming from a land where “chip seal is king”, Mallorca road surfaces are smooth and in good to excellent repair. A treat on the tush! Additionally, some of the more serious downhills seemed to be constructed for cyclists as they featured wide, uniform & even banked turns.

This trip reinforced my opinion that European drivers are a mostly patient lot who generally tolerate the large and occasionally confused cycling groups from foreign lands. However, stupid stuff’ will be acknowledged with a honk or finger shake. Notably, we encountered an impromptu motorcycle rally on our Sa Calobra ride. While unnerving for some, the overwhelming majority of these motorheads kept respectful distances and we arrived at our bayside retreat unscathed.

A wonderful selection of snacks, tapas, and beverages were provided during our daily happy hours, while our group dinners gave us an opportunity to sample typical Mallorca specialties. Non-group meals were an opportunity to further explore local or unique food and drink. One foodie highlight was our group dinner in Soller, which kicked off with a quaint trolley ride into town from our beach hotel. This was followed by a walking tour (provided by Louis of Hotel los Geranios). After a memorable dining experience at his restaurant, Louis and his family members shuttled us back in their personal vehicles.

Some other ‘mentionables’ include the three BAC member birthdays we celebrated together, abundant but bike savvy feral goats, cool but swimmable Mediterranean waters, the insane density of cyclists, cultural activities and hiking enjoyed at Santuari de Lluc, mingling with riding legend Fred Rompleberg.

For more than a decade, Nelson has continuously tinkered with this trip to ensure BAC members experience the best. His relationships with small family-owned establishments and knowledge of the culture & language add value to the riders. All members expressed their appreciation during our final night of the trip, but it bears repeating -THANK YOU NELSON (and Kathy & Steve) for making this a great trip!