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Re: Do we need a new Mallorca?

Posted: Thu Jul 18, 2024 1:02 pm
by Requiem84
How is the gravel riding in the Pyrrenees?

Re: Do we need a new Mallorca?

Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2024 8:56 am
by matcav
nunokas wrote:
Sat Jun 29, 2024 6:11 pm
I'm curious about Sardinia... Is it comparable to Mallorca?
It is very nice, both road and gravel.
I've been riding the east coast (Orosei) and I enjoyed a lot. Road surface was surprisingly good, and lots of hard ack for gravel.

The island is large and sparsely populated. Some inland areas are pretty wild. Hospitality outside of the major cities / resort can be a bit rustic, but more authentic. Two airports makes connection easy from EU capitals.

I love it - although it's not developed and accomodating as Mallorca (Ie rental options looks limited)

Re: Do we need a new Mallorca?

Posted: Fri Jul 19, 2024 8:56 am
by Weenie

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Re: Do we need a new Mallorca?

Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2024 1:01 pm
by alanjob
Mallorca is popular, but I don’t personally see the big hype around it. If you’re looking for a similar mix of beach and town with good biking options, you might want to check out Alicante or Valencia on the mainland. Both cities offer nice beaches, vibrant towns, and plenty of bike rental services.

For a different but enjoyable experience, I stayed at https://www.westgateresorts.com/hotels/missouri/branson/westgate-branson-woods-resort/ and found it excellent for a blend of relaxation and outdoor activities.

Re: Do we need a new Mallorca?

Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2024 7:05 am
by MrB123
I would heartily recommend Andalusia - probably the best warm weather cycling destination I've been to (I've also been to Mallorca, Costa Blanca, Gran Canaria, Tenerife).

Vast areas of deserted roads, lovely countryside and beautiful historic white villages. Ronda would be a good base (although I stayed a bit further west) and I think a couple of cycling tour operators do run trips there.

Re: Do we need a new Mallorca?

Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2024 7:46 am
by jayjay
MrB123 wrote:
Sat Jul 27, 2024 7:05 am
I would heartily recommend Andalusia - probably the best warm weather cycling destination I've been to
+1 for Andalusia.
Been to Malaga for 2 weeks and had a great time with my bike!

Re: Do we need a new Mallorca?

Posted: Sat Jul 27, 2024 1:49 pm
by nunokas
MrB123 wrote:
Sat Jul 27, 2024 7:05 am
I would heartily recommend Andalusia - probably the best warm weather cycling destination I've been to (I've also been to Mallorca, Costa Blanca, Gran Canaria, Tenerife).

Vast areas of deserted roads, lovely countryside and beautiful historic white villages. Ronda would be a good base (although I stayed a bit further west) and I think a couple of cycling tour operators do run trips there.
I second that. Even living in Algarve,sometimes I like to visit that part of Andalusia. I might add Córdoba and Granada :thumbup:

Re: Do we need a new Mallorca?

Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2024 12:20 pm
by Greeners
I would expect Andalusia to be Fkin' hot. Is it?

Re: Do we need a new Mallorca?

Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2024 3:26 pm
by jmomentum
Yes, it's way too hot in the summer months. Malaga can be tolerable but is also impacted by the heat waves. Riding very early in the morning is the only option and even then it's usually quite uncomfortable. Cordoba is just too hot during the summer months. The sun is relentless.

Re: Do we need a new Mallorca?

Posted: Fri Aug 02, 2024 9:32 pm
by nunokas
Greeners wrote:
Wed Jul 31, 2024 12:20 pm
I would expect Andalusia to be Fkin' hot. Is it?
Indeed. We, Iberians, start riding very early in the morning in the Summer. Today was the usual 7am ride and at the end I didn't escape 35° celsius. This in Algarve :wink:

Re: Do we need a new Mallorca?

Posted: Sat Aug 03, 2024 3:00 am
by LeDuke
Durango, CO. Or anywhere in the SW corner of the state.

Warm, dry, sunny. Brief late afternoon rain showers.

Live at 2,000m + and climb to 3,500m or more.


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Re: Do we need a new Mallorca?

Posted: Sat Aug 03, 2024 5:17 pm
by RoadDonk82
I would heartily recommend Andalusia - probably the best warm weather cycling destination I've been to
+1
Andalusia is big so there are several destination worth of consideration.
We have been in Ronda, Granada, Costa del Sol (East of Malaga) and we have done one day trip to Alpujarras.
The best riding is probably in Alpujarras but the region is almost devoid of any civilization. We really like East of Malaga (Rincon de la Victoria, Torre del Mar, Torrox). There you will find nice beaches, peaceful pleasant towns and very nice selection of mountain routes (expect around 1800-2000m of elevation for every 100km - not very steep but still real mountains). The region is very peaceful as it's not a tourist hub like the towns to the West of Malaga.

It's very nice in December/January. Perfect in February/March/April but then it gets too hot for my liking.

Re: Do we need a new Mallorca?

Posted: Sun Aug 04, 2024 8:29 am
by MrB123
RoadDonk82 wrote:
Sat Aug 03, 2024 5:17 pm
I would heartily recommend Andalusia - probably the best warm weather cycling destination I've been to
+1
Andalusia is big so there are several destination worth of consideration.
We have been in Ronda, Granada, Costa del Sol (East of Malaga) and we have done one day trip to Alpujarras.
The best riding is probably in Alpujarras but the region is almost devoid of any civilization. We really like East of Malaga (Rincon de la Victoria, Torre del Mar, Torrox). There you will find nice beaches, peaceful pleasant towns and very nice selection of mountain routes (expect around 1800-2000m of elevation for every 100km - not very steep but still real mountains). The region is very peaceful as it's not a tourist hub like the towns to the West of Malaga.

It's very nice in December/January. Perfect in February/March/April but then it gets too hot for my liking.
What would be the best base for cycling in that area East of Malaga? Wouldn't mind being inland a bit if it gave the easiest access to the best roads.

Re: Do we need a new Mallorca?

Posted: Sun Aug 04, 2024 11:45 am
by RoadDonk82
What would be the best base for cycling in that area East of Malaga? Wouldn't mind being inland a bit if it gave the easiest access to the best roads.
Imo Rincon de la Victoria, Torre del Mar, Caleta de Velez. There is also Benajarafe - a smaller town in between but there you most likely need a car for grocery shopping etc.
My gf's heatmap from several months there:

Image

I am pasting my gf's heatmap because I missed a few months of riding this year because of spine injury and then surgery.
Riding there is not spectacular but it's just very nice. The roads are mostly very good. There isn't much traffic once you are away from the coast but even the main road along the coast is very safe and you meet tens of cyclists there every day. There are many very nice climbs and what is very important for me it's easy to make both shorter and bigger loops.

Re: Do we need a new Mallorca?

Posted: Sun Aug 04, 2024 12:31 pm
by MrB123
Cheers - looks great.

We maybe need to start an Andalusia appreciation thread...

I was in Gaucin in June, so other side of Malaga and inland a bit. A friend of mine has helpfully bought a house over there.

Wonderful riding in all directions. Vast areas of countryside to the north and west in the Alcornocales. Huge climb up from Estepona to Reales summit.

Can't wait to get back.

Re: Do we need a new Mallorca?

Posted: Fri Aug 09, 2024 12:02 pm
by Greeners
MrB123 wrote:
Sun Aug 04, 2024 12:31 pm
Cheers - looks great.

We maybe need to start an Andalusia appreciation thread...

I was in Gaucin in June, so other side of Malaga and inland a bit. A friend of mine has helpfully bought a house over there.

Wonderful riding in all directions. Vast areas of countryside to the north and west in the Alcornocales. Huge climb up from Estepona to Reales summit.

Can't wait to get back.
Sounds rather good. I might have to do some research.

Re: Do we need a new Mallorca?

Posted: Fri Aug 09, 2024 12:02 pm
by Weenie

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