May 22, 2022
Bunyola to Port Soller and back
« Coll de Sóller is one of Mallorca’s most famous cycle climbs.
Simply put, it's a classic. The reason for this is not impressive statistics or race history. It’s because it is a joy to ride. There is little traffic (due to the tunnel for cars and coaches), and there are roughly 25-30 hairpins each side - plus fabulous views: north to the sea, and south over the island to Palma. » Quote from Epic road rides.com
That’s a perfect summary of today’s ride. We had the added challenge of the heat but since this was THE day scheduled for the ride, we got ready to go. First pack the bathing suits, towels and sun protector hats; second, be right on time for the breakfast buffet when it opened at the late hour of 9am and then enjoy eating as much as we desired knowing the energy that was going to be expended later. Check!
So we were off. There’s a quick downhill out of town, then 5km of gradual uphill that is busy with vehicles but there is a wide shoulder. There is a tunnel under the pass that saves 7km and lots of climbing, but bicycles are not allowed, so we turned onto the old road while all the cars take the quick tunnel. Then everything changes and you are pretty much alone with other cyclists. As you climb out of the valley, there are a few steep sections before you approach the hairpins of the higher slopes. We find it hot but not bad at all as we continue to spin upwards, most likely due to the adrenaline rush we are feeling just for being here. As we climbed, incredible views open up to the south through the gap back to Palma and the water. Just under an hour of climbing and we are at the pass. We pause to catch our breath, congratulate each other, take a photo and we're off, eager for the downhill.
The ride down the north side to Soller was superb; much of it is shaded and the twists and turns just go on and on. We hate to use the brakes but have to stop occasionally just to fully appreciate the fabulous views of the rocky craigs, Soller way down in the valley and the sea in the distance. We took our time as we wanted to be sure to check out the road for the climb back. All too soon the narrow road ended and we joined the cars exiting the tunnel for a 2km unpleasant ride to Soller with barely any shoulder.
Our goal was to go all the way to Port Soller for a swim on this side of the island. So we coasted downhill for another 5km to the Port Soller beach where we changed and dove in for a much-needed, refreshing swim. We didn’t stay long knowing there was a long climb to get home and the day continued to get ever hotter. We stopped for a quick lunch in Soller, girded ourselves to repeat the dreaded 2km ride to the tunnel turnoff and then all was well once again as we enjoyed the quiet road and beautiful surroundings. It was super hot and a pretty steady climb but we were grateful to be on the shady north side in the heat of the afternoon sun. Cresting the Col for the second time was even sweeter. We drank more water as we drank in the view of the mountains and Palma in the distance. It was a delightful, slow cruise down in the furnace like heat of the full afternoon sun. Wow, was it hot; we were glad to be coasting down and not climbing up. We found a side road on the return that saved us a few km of the cars exiting the tunnel so the last bit was a relief in our worn out state.
Even with the heat, the Coll de Sóller was truly enjoyable and memorable. Towards the end of this great day Steven commented that although we had seen over 100 other cyclists, we had not overtaken anyone all day; we may have been the slowest on the mountain, but why rush through such an incredible experience?
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2 years ago
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Today's ride: 43 km (27 miles)
Total: 1,925 km (1,195 miles)
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2 years ago