WHERE TO RIDE ON MALLORCA

From Sand to Dust.

Starting in a national park is always an indicator of a good ride. Just south of Alcudia is the Parque Natural d’Albufera where the birds migrate to the island just like the cyclists from northern Europe. Exiting the park gets you into the farm lanes, whether they be paved but tiny between stone walls or unpaved with grass down the middle.

The town of Muro features on this ride – French and Italian cyclists might recognise that word as meaning ‘wall’, and indeed in Spanish it is no different. But on this flat ride into the rural interior, you’ll only find the classic sandstone Mallorcan walls. Count the windmills which mark the more traditional way of life that is not long lost. Rumour has it that some of the best of the island’s Syrah wine is made near here….

Part of the joy of riding gravel is you're never quite sure what'll you'll find. Here, the gravel is relatively smooth with few rocky places to upset your bike handling but be warned, if it has rained recently it can get muddy quickly.