Today was to be Sa Colabra day, but our plans were thwarted by road closures brought about by the 550 Challenge car rally blocking the path to our goal. Undeterred, we did a U turn back to Pollenca where we discussed an alternative itinerary over coffee at La Scalinata.
Luckily (or some would say, unluckily!) just the day before my friend, and myHill Cycling member Kevin Raine, messaged me about a hidden gem of a climb just outside Pollenca - the Puig de Maria.
At only 1.4km long and an average gradient of 10%, this little beauty doesn't seem worth bothering about. What the data doesn't tell you, however, is within that 10% average there are ramps of over 30%, and the switch-backs are stacked on top of each other to create a road that is both an engineering marvel and a completely bonkers cycling experience not to be missed!
We whizzed up the climb, thankful for our low gears, and slightly in shock of what we had just experienced we took a few snaps and shot a video at the top.
Unsurprisingly, once back down, Steve's back was playing up again so he called it a day. Left to my own devices I busied myself with exploring Cala Sant Vicenc, and then made another trip out to the lighthouse - just because I could! Figuring that this was to be my last day, I gave it some welly on the Coll de sa Creueta and took 2 minutes from my best time - although still a long way off Alberto Contator's best time!
Although only 48 hours since my previous ride to the lighthouse, the ride was simply staggering and I completely understand why it is a staple of the Mallorca experience.
Returning to Port de Pollenca, I noodled around reflecting on 3 brilliant days cycling, before joining my family at Gran Cafe 1919 for a well deserved après ride drink.
"We've had a discussion", said my wife, "we think you should hire your bike for one more day and do Sa Colabra tomorrow".
[0.147 nanoseconds later] Me: "Oh go on then"!
So.......the Mallorca blog continues for one more day!
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