Thanks, Anne. Great suggestions! I’ll work on convincing my husband:)

Nice to hear from you Jane. Mallorca would be an ideal place to have a first cycle vacation, whether you ride from place to place or do it as a hub and spoke like we did. There is plenty to explore that is flat to rolling on the eastern 3/4 of the island. And there are several other beautiful beach locations to stay. They even have a couple of train lines on the island and the bus service is very good. Just be sure to oick the right season because it gets hot about now through to mid-September. If you like bike trails the Pirinexus network around Girona is also a possibility. Lots of places rent e-bikes in both locations. Cheers!

I think you would enjoy Mallorca as a first venture into bike touring. There are so many options that you could put something together that suits your preferences. We have always put together our own tours so if you'd like to discuss it, just let me know. We're always up for a chat about travelling by bike.

Hello Anne~ I have been enjoying following your latest tour. I was first introduced to Cycleblaze when our good friends, the Classens headed off on their first European trip. I'm also pretty sure that Vicki Z introduced me to you after a yoga class at Windsor Park pre Covid. We went for coffee after. I'm not an avid cyclist but I'm starting to cycle more around town...the cost of gas is a big incentive! My husband and I have travelled to Europe a few times...no bike tours, as of yet. We loved touring Spain by car in 2017! I think Mallorca would be a great place to start! Girona looks like a perfect spot, too. I really like your plan of having a home base with day trips and rest days along the way! Your beach stay looks amazing! Hopefully it will be summer here soon. Cheers from Victoria:)

It really was, Suzanne. The early morning ride was as good as it gets for a cycle tourist.

A dunk in the clear cool water after a hot day of exercise sounds wonderful. I suspect there will be a lot more water activity here once the summer season hits. We saw more people enjoying the water further along the coast at St. Fileu. Still small numbers at the beach though. I would think this area is bracing for an unprecedented invasion of travellers this year. They have really had a hard time through the pandemic, so we were happy to be supporting them.

We use iPhones for taking photos. The majority of them are taken by David on his iPhone 12.

What a great way to spend your last few days in Spain. We swam close to there (Begur) 21-24 June, 2015. The water was beautiful although anything would have felt good after a hot day hiking along the coast! I think a few weeks makes a big difference in temperature. Looking forward to hearing about the final day. Loving the pics! xx

Sounds like a fantastic day. Great pictures!

Yes, the Costa Brava is exceptional for cycling. Full of rewards!

I think of you every time we come across these incredible beaches. But, nobody was swimming! The water was likely too cold. Sardinian beaches are the best, in my humble opinion. And a great temperature in May/June for swimming.

This is a place I could spend some serious time exploring! Because; beaches!! 🏝 🏊‍♀️

We are going to have to check out this place in the fall. Looks amazing.

I love the laundry tip. I will never forget the day I accidentally washed all my underwear (I don’t bring many pair), leaving me facing an interesting evening. A good laugh, and hotel hair dryer saved me from going commando.

I don’t consider myself an athlete because I’ve never been good or fast at anything. But I agree rest is important. Now if only I could sleep! Even after a big day of exercise outdoors, it’s never a given (for me) that I will be able to get a good night’s sleep.

From one woman in her seventh decade to another—you’re one of the lucky ones.