Life In The Saddle

I have been on a fair few cycling holidays: from hardcore spring training camps, to bikepacking across Europe and sleeping in fields. The Velusso cycling holiday experience is by far the most luxurious bike riding trip I have been on to date. On landing in Palma Mallorca, we are collected by James - the founder of Velusso, and a keen cyclist himself. We are driven across the island to our private villa in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains. A buffet lunch of local delicacies and tapas awaits us on arrival; freshly prepared by our gracious villa host Jamie. The quick fuel-up gives us enough of an energy boost to get out and spin the travel out of our legs. Velusso is a young company, but their bespoke and personal service is already impressive. After a great night's sleep in the secluded traditional finca villa, we are woken by a Mediterranean sunrise, and the smell of fresh coffee and croissants. Over breakfast, we meet our 'Legend' ride guide: Johan...

Ride 1127 kilometres (700 miles) in seven days. Climb many Mallorca mountains. Finish with the 245 kilometre, 4500 metre ascent, TransTramuntana4500. The Mallorca1127 Challenge : my finale to the 2015 season. Day 7 - The TransTramuntana 4500 Finale! My 700+ mile week came to a close on Saturday, with the almighty TransTramuntana 4500 event. Including the ride to and from the start, it would be a 250km+ day, with 4500+ metres of ascent. One way to finish off the legs, before flying home! An early alarm, solo breakfast, and spin to the startline in the rising sun, saw start to another great Mallorca day. Lined up with 600 other participants, we prepared for the off… The race went from the gun. For the first hour or more, climbing to the top of Puig Major, I clung to the front group; eager not to be dropped, and left to ride the 235km route solo. When we began our descent to Sollér, our front group's early pace-setting became evident. The police were forced to neutralise ...

With under a week before I do a bit of island hopping, to Mallorca, I thought I'd share with you my ride plans for the Mallorca1127 week. For those that haven't read my first post in the Mallorca1127 series, have a read here . In essence though, I'm looking to ride 700 miles in seven days, including a finale ride in the TransTramuntana 4500 event . It is set to be a big week of exploring and climbing on the Mediterranean island! Day 1: The Mallorca167 Route I kick-start things with the little brother to the Mallorca312 route , a great event that I rode back in March. The Mallorca167 heads out from Playa de Muro, up to Porto de Pollenca, then takes in much of the Tramuntana mountain range, before heading back to base. It should provide a great first day in the saddle! Day 2: Sa Colobra and Cap Formentor On my second day, I plan to head out on a 164km route, to the famous dead-end climb of Sa Colobra. After ascending and descending the mountain, I'll then ...