Extending Summer - The Mallorca1127 Escape Plan


Despite current weather conditions in the UK remaining quite favourable, there are definite signs that summer is inevitably coming to an end. The evenings are drawing in, the mornings are distinctly chilly, and there is an increasing need for long sleeved jerseys and knee warmers. Once we roll into the month of October, things will only accelerate. So, I've come up with an idea to extend summer... I'm planning a Mallorca1127 Escape in the last week of October.

1127 kilometres is 700 miles, and it's the target I've set myself for the seven days of riding I have planned on the Balearic island, in the final week of October. The week will culminate with the TransTramuntana 4500 event on Saturday 24th October, which is an event that I've been eyeing up ever since my early-season trip to Mallorca to ride the Mallorca312; its 4500 meters of climbing and 235km length should provide a great finale!
Mallorca roads and olive groves - looking forward to getting back here


Hatching A Plan

The idea of a late season escape materialised soon after returning from Mallorca in April. During my brief few days on the Mediterranean island, I spoke with a number of enthusiastic local cyclists there; of course, their playground of mountains and perfect tarmac made me envious, but in my opinion the real blessing is the length of their season. From February until November, these guys get to ride in a temperate climate! I decided it was time to tap into the latter part of this prolonged season.

So the idea was born, to visit Mallorca for a week at the end of October. It is the end of the tourist season, so it is likely to be quiet, and the flights and hotel rates are relatively low. I also found the Mallorca TransTramuntana 4500 event, which looked like a superb end of season goal. The plan was hatched, to get a fantastic week of long rides in on the beautiful island; before taking a bit of time off the bike, then starting a winter of training on the Isle of Wight.
Chilly winter Isle of Wight mornings beckon


The TransTramuntana 4500

It is always good to plan a big event to finish off your season. It gives you something to target, and ensures you go out on a high. Having enjoyed the Mallorca312 so much at the start of the season, the TransTramuntana 4500 looked like a great event to cap off the year.

The event is a smaller affair than the 312, but it promises a similarly great challenge. It also provides the opportunity to ride the fantastic Mallorcan mountain range, in a group of passionate cyclists, fully supported. 

The route starts and finishes in Port de Pollença, and is effectively a tour of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range. It takes in 12 significant mountain passes, including famed names such as Escorca, Soller, Puig Major and Coma. There is little doubt that it is a route that will leave legs weary and well satisfied. Just my kind of challenge!



A Vigorous Vacation

My 700 mile week will be a challenge, that's for sure. However, I'm keen to make it a bit of a vacation as well, so I've chosen to stay in one of the top sports hotels in Mallorca: the Viva Blue. It is one of Mallorca's Viva hotels that Team Sky take over for several months of the year, and use as their warm weather training base. They are sports and family orientated venues, which cater specifically towards a great balance of healthy living, active lifestyles and relaxation.

Viva Blue is the triathlon specific hotel in Mallorca, and boasts great cycling focussed features like secure underground bike parking, its own bike shop and a mechanic service. It also caters very well for triathletes with a 25 metre pool, gym and spa facilities. It should be the perfect place to prepare before some big rides, as well as chill-out après vélo.

View the Hotel Viva Blue here (Link)


Stay tuned...

I'm still in the planning stage of my marathon Mallorca week at the moment, and have yet to finalise the routes that I'll be riding or the particular climbs that I'll challenge myself to complete. Once I've got a more concrete plan in place, I'll post up another blog, letting you in on all the details! 


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