Hi First Timer
You are obviously still a fit young person. I used to go for a run early in the morning but these days my glass back can't take it! I now hire a bike for the duration of my 2 week stay; last week in July/first in August.
Some good points raised so far in this thread:
Hiring a bike; I am not a serious cyclist, so I hire a bike from Jose - opposite the Ora Playa. His bikes were always pretty basic but last year I booked a hybrid type bike before I arrived which suited my needs. I have never tried any of the other places mentioned above so I can't comment. Jose does me such a good deal I go back every year!
If you are going to venture far, which you probably will, I would opt for a road bike and don't forget a spare tube or repair kit. I only ever had one puncture and was very fortunate to be able to push my bike back within a couple of hours!
Routes: As I mentioned I don't cycle much at home so I build up my distances over my 2 weeks. The road to Alcudia is great first thing in the morning with the sun coming up behind Formentor. I usually go to Alcudia round to Pollensa where I stop for a coffee and a fresh Croissant then back to the Port. There are several routes back to PP, either the main roads or through the reserve. The suggestion to download a Google map was a very good idea; there are many different roads through this area and as roig cat mentions; some fantastic villas to neb at along these lanes. There are also quite a few tracks - little more than dirt, some are dead ends, but not all these are shown on the Google Maps.
Once I’ve done a few days I begin to venture further a field. Once you’ve reached Alcudia you can keep left along the coast and head towards la Victoria, (mentioned on this forum elsewhere.) You can cut across this peninsula and come out by Alcanada golf course and then head towards Port Alcudia and back. Another alternative once you’ve reached Alcudia is to go towards Crestatx and there is a road off right to Pollensa, or continue all the way to Crestatx and then back to Pollensa. I don’t like this road it is the main road continued from the motorway, however the road from Crestatx to Pollensa is a nice ride.
I once tried the route from Pollensa to the Monastery Lluc with my prospective son in law. A great ride! Some fantastic views but quite a climb. We got to the top expecting to find the Monastery but there appeared to be quite some descent and distance to still go. The young whippersnapper did not fancy having to climb back up again so we headed home. This ride raised a very important issue – we ran out of drinks halfway up the hill! We thought we would top up supplies at the monastery but did not make it, fortunately it was downhill all the way back to Pollensa. July is obviously very hot and I guess even in May you should take plenty of fluids if you are going to venture beyond the towns.
The ride up the hill towards Formentor is “interesting” but worth it for the views!
The bike I used for this ride was little more than a shopping bike – it just lacked the basket on the front! You climb (and climb) the hill and reach a spectacular viewing point, get off and take a look over the edge! The main road starts to drop down towards Formentor but there is a minor road that continues to climb the hill. Eventually you reach some run down buildings where you can leave the bike and walk the last few yards to the top. Remember your camera for this trip! From the Port this route looks daunting but if I can do it on a shopping bike I am sure anyone who cycles a bit will manage it. The first section of the hill is the steepest, get past this and keep going!!
Sorry if I’ve rambled on but I love being out first thing in the morning, especially on the lanes between Pollensa/Alcudia/PP. I am quite jealous at the thought of you going out in May when it should be just a “little” cooler and more comfortable for cycling. Once you have been out for a few rides you will soon see where will be best to do your running.
Enjoy you time there; perhaps you can do a report on this forum upon your return?
mpg.mk1
