Mallorca Cycling Trip
Okay, another non-photography post, although there are a number of photos and video clips from this one.
Back around March, I was struggling. Couldn’t get motivated in much outside of work. I was depressed, and a bit run down. Cycling has always been my go-to cure for feeling that way, although, equally getting out shooting landscapes last year certainly had a similar effect. However, I could not get interested in cycling. I had put on weight. Not a huge amount, most people wouldn’t have noticed, but I had. That made me feel worse, and when I feel worse, what do I do? I eat crap. Not actual crap, just junk food, and sweets. More weight goes on, less interest in cycling, and the cycle (pardon the pun) continues.
I think doing my book last year, although it was an amazing project, totally wrecked me. Mentally I found it draining. It was a big project, one I am very proud of, but it exhausted me.
On top of that, my fitness really suffered. In 2017 I was fitter and lighter than I have ever been in my adult life. However, the book project meant that days I would normally been on my bike, were spent on the road, out looking for images for my book. Did I get exercise and fresh air? Yes. Did it make me fitter? No.
When I decided to start the cycling properly again, it was winter. The wrong time to get back into it. I cycled in the winter previous years, but from a position of being addicted and fit, not starting over. In my mind, sitting on the sofa, I really wanted to get fit, get on the climbs again, and get back to where I was before. Reality was, my motivation was gone. Dead. Bad habits had crept in, and I couldn’t make the good habits seem attractive.
Until I thought of finding some sunshine that is. I have never cycled outside of the UK, but always fancied it. So, somehow the idea materialised to head for some sunshine and give it a go. I was looking at a few destinations, and in the end Mallorca got the vote. Good temperatures, not too hot. Cyclist friendly roads, and reasonable priced flights.
This would be my attempt to get the bug back, or else I would be selling my beloved bike.
After a bit of research and emailing a few companies, I found Paul at
https://cyclingholidaytoursmallorca.com/ who was very helpful via email, and quickly I decided he was the guy to deal with. Within a few emails it was all booked up and it was time to get training.
Well, the training still never happened. Weather and lack of interest, along with a busy wee spell, meant my miles before leaving were minimal.
I set off to mallorca with trepidation. How unfit was I? What level of riders would be out there? Was I wasting my money? I decided if it wasn’t right, I could just hang out at the pool and get some sun, and my thoughts were, one day on the bike would be better than none.
When I arrived, I was surprised at the standard of the hired bike I got. It was a stunning, brand new carbon fibre Pinarello, with Ultegra kit, better (marginally) than my own bike. It was a joy to ride, and I was pretty chuffed with myself that day as I rode back to the hotel. I was staying at the Hotel Morito, in Cala Millor. A lovely hotel, in a great location. The room was perfect, and great value for money.
Now, on to the cycling. Day one, I was out with Andy, one of the guides. Just the two of us this time. He asked about miles, fitness etc and we set off with a plan to do 50-60 miles, but also just seeing how things went.
Now, people who know me, know I am slightly accident prone, although generally fairly good on the bike. Well, less than 2 miles into the first day of my cycling holiday, I crashed. Slightly misjudged a junction due to confusion of being on the right side of the road, clipped Andy’ wheel and fell over in the middle of the road. My bike was ok, but my hip and elbow were not. I fixed my cycling shoe, dusted myself down and off we went again, on a lovely ride over to Petra, with a stunning climb up to a church at Bonany, with breathtaking views across the island. We had coffee and cake in the square at Petra, where I have never seen so many bikes in one place, other than at sportives. Hundreds of them. A popular stopping place apparently, made even more busy by the famous Mallorca 312 which was taking place the next day.
After a check on my fitness, we decided on a route back, and I surprised myself by easily hitting 60 and 70 miles, without too much suffering, other than tiredness from the heat. The last few miles were a drag, but otherwise it was a great ride, and by the time I got back to the hotel, I had clocked up almost 75 miles. Not bad at all.
Day two was a challenge, as the group I was out with were fast. Added to the fact I was really tired from the previous day – heat exhaustion more than cycling tiredness. I was struggling to keep up, just 1-2 mph too fast for me meant I was constantly pushing to stay with them. At the 20 mile mark, we split in two and the pace dropped to a far more manageable speed. Another beautiful day in the saddle, and another 55 miles in the legs.
Day three was a much more leisurely pace, and the perfect answer after two hard days. I met the brilliant David and Gervase, who were great fun. We had a wee visit to Rafa Nadal’s Tennis Academy for a coffee this day, which was a pretty awesome place!
Day four was my favourite day there. We had a stunning route, with a few climbs (my favourite thing), and a visit to Arta, followed by a stunning climb up to Betlem, with switchbacks and everything you want from a climb. I was surprised how strong my legs were on the climbs and although nowhere near where I was two years ago, I felt good that I still had some of it.
So, a successful trip, and around 230 miles of riding over the four days, meant I went home totally addicted again, and desperate to get back out there. My self confidence had a boost as my fitness was much better than I had given myself credit for. Just the boost I needed. Sunshine, laughter, and some amazing bike rides in some of the best scenery possible.
I would like to thank Paul, Steve and Andy for their support and for a great trip, and I will definitely be going back.
Also worth noting the absolute contrast in attitude from drivers towards cyclists, compared the knuckledragging nonsense we put up with over here. Mutual respect always works. The drivers in Mallorca are used to cyclists, and know how to treat them. The road surfaces also need mention, as the difference is amazing. Smooth, without potholes. Take note UK!
Since I got back I have been much more active, back in the hills, losing weight, and getting much fitter. This was a great decision, and a real game changer for me. My mental health is much better than it has been and I would recommend this sort of trip to anyone, whether you are a cyclist or not. Get out in the sun, do something fun, and recharge the batteries.
I have already started planning new adventures on two wheels off the back of this trip, and I am back in love with cycling again, something I did not expect.
Video to follow!
