7 Days. 350 Miles. 20,000 Feet. Here's what I learned in Mallorca.

Not since 2021 had I been to Mallorca.

Four years off the bike on that island feels like a decade, especially when you know how good it is. So when I touched down this month, after planning the trip for over six months, I couldn’t wait to grab my bike and get rolling.

Seven friends. Sunshine. The best climbs in Europe.

Let’s go.

Day 1: Just a taste - 23 miles

Fresh off the plane, I headed straight to the Coll de Sa Creueta, 3.1 km in length and with an average gradient of 6.3 %.

Quick out-and-back to test the legs and make sure my hire bike was up to scratch.

It was windy—like proper head-down, stay-loose kind of windy—but still, that familiar feeling of turning the pedals on Spanish tarmac? Pure joy.

Caught a wheel on the way back, and then got dropped. Classic.

But I didn’t care—I was back.

Day 2: The real start - 53 miles

Woke up, stretched, dipped in the sea, and rolled out into what felt like a mini sportive. The Roads were buzzing with riders.

Climb of the day: Puig de Santa Magdalena

📏 2.7 km
📈 6.7% average gradient
⛰️ 181 m elevation gain

This climb is a hidden gem—short but punchy, with a series of hairpin bends leading up to the 13th-century Ermita Santa Magdalena. The road is in great condition and usually quiet, making for an enjoyable ascent. At the summit, we were rewarded with panoramic views over the island and a charming café next to the sanctuary, perfect for a mid-ride coffee stop.

The ride back was fast—maybe too fast if we were trying to "save the legs"—but when you’re in a group and the energy’s high, it's hard not to lean in.

Day 3: Double Trouble — 60 miles

Today was all about tackling two of Mallorca's classic climbs: Coll d'Orient and Coll d'Honor. The route offered a mix of steady gradients, lush scenery, and just enough challenge to keep things interesting.

Climb 1: Coll d'Orient (from Alaró)

📏 5.1 km
📈 4.9% average gradient
⛰️ 248 m elevation gain

Starting near the town of Alaró, the Coll d'Orient is a gentle ascent with excellent road surfaces and minimal traffic. The climb winds through verdant landscapes, offering picturesque views and a serene riding experience.

Climb 2: Coll d'Honor (from Bunyola)

📏 6.2 km
📈 5.7% average gradient
⛰️ 335 m elevation gain

From Bunyola, the Coll d'Honor presents a more challenging ascent. The climb features steeper gradients, especially in the final 4 km, which average around 7%. The route is shaded by Mediterranean pine forests, providing a cooler environment even on warmer days.

The descent from Coll d'Honor into the Orient valley was exhilarating, with tight hairpins and stunning vistas. We wrapped up the ride with a well-deserved café stop, reflecting on a day filled with classic climbs and camaraderie.

Day 4: The long one - 84 miles

We set out on a big loop—84 miles with 3,500 feet of climbing. The route took us through rolling terrain, with a few punchy climbs to keep things interesting. The sun was out, and the roads were quiet—just what you want on a long day in the saddle.

Climb of the day: Puig de Randa (Santuari de Cura)

📏 4.5 km
📈 5.6% average gradient
⛰️ 260 m elevation gain

This climb stands alone on the plain, offering panoramic views across the island. The road winds up through sparse vegetation, leading to the 13th-century monastery at the summit. It's a steady climb—not too steep—but after the previous days' efforts, it still made the legs work.

The group settled into a steady rhythm, rotating turns on the front and keeping the pace smooth. We stopped for coffee and pastries midway, soaking up the atmosphere and recharging for the ride back.

By the time we rolled back into town, we were tired but satisfied—a solid day on the bike.

Day 5: The Queen Stage (and Sa Calobra)

This was the day we’d all been waiting for—the Queen Stage. We tackled a challenging 76.7-mile route with 6,493 feet of climbing. The ride took us through some of Mallorca’s most iconic climbs, including the one that always hurts, Sa Calobra.

If you’ve ridden it, you know—it’s never easy. Hairpin after hairpin, no real recovery, and that last kicker just as you think you're done. But I gave it a dig and ended up just 30 seconds off my PB.

That PB? Set six years ago, when I was younger and had more miles in my legs from a summer of riding. So to come that close now? Honestly, I was buzzing. It's one of those climbs that always tests you, and this time, I passed with a solid effort.

The rest of the ride? Still brutal. Legs were definitely feeling the week. But the views, the company, and that feeling of ticking off a proper Queen Stage? Worth every pedal stroke.

Day 6: Legs tired, but this one I couldn’t miss

After five solid days of riding, I woke up feeling every pedal stroke. The fatigue had well and truly settled in. But there was one climb I wasn’t going to miss—Cap de Formentor.

If you’ve been to Mallorca, you know the one.
Twisty roads, sheer cliffs, views out to the Med, and that lighthouse at the end like a prize for making it through the relentless rollers.

We set out on a shorter ride—just over 40 miles with about 2,900 feet of climbing—but what it lacked in distance, it made up for in beauty. Honestly, the route to the lighthouse and back is one of the most scenic on the island. And while the legs were heavy, the views made it easy to forget the burn.

It wasn’t about chasing times or setting power records today.
It was about soaking it all in. The silence between the cliffs. The occasional goat appearing out of nowhere. The way the sun hits the sea when you round that final bend to the lighthouse.

Even though I was dragging, I’m so glad I didn’t sit this one out. It was the perfect way to wrap up the riding before a well-earned rest day.

Day 7: Rest, reflect, and wrap it up

The original plan was to hit two of my favourite climbs—Puig Major and Soller. But I woke up feeling light-headed and light on my feet. I knew straight away: it wasn’t happening.

I was gutted, sure—but I was also on holiday.

Instead, I parked up by the pool, took some time to chill, dropped off the hire bike, and packed up for the flight home. It gave me a chance to actually reflect on the week, on the climbs, the laughs, the group rides, and those quiet moments where you realise how lucky you are to be doing this at all.

What stuck with me

In 7 days, I rode 350 miles and climbed over 20,000 feet.
Came within 30 seconds of my Sa Calobra PB—which I set six years ago, with way more training in the legs.

Took one full day off after waking up foggy and drained. Missed Puig Major and Soller. Gutted—but you’ve gotta listen to your body.

And now? I’m already planning the return.

Takeaways (for you and me):

Fitness is earned, but form sticks around longer than you think. Even with less winter training, I held my own.
Ride with people who push you. Jamie had us chasing shadows—and that’s a good thing.
Take the rest day. You’re no use to anyone cooked.
The buzz of group rides is unmatched. The shared suffering. The post-ride beers. You can’t replicate that solo.
Book the next trip before the high wears off. Trust me on that.

If you're planning a cycling escape, make it Mallorca.

And if you need help building fitness before your next trip—well, you know where to find me.

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