Despite high summer temperatures in the UK, we found Mallorca a bit wet windy and cold for most of the time we were there. However we weren’t put off by the weather and everyone managed one way or the other to get out most days.
Rob Scourfield and Mick Ayliffe joined up with Mick’s friend Brian who led them on various routes around the area of Pollensa and sometimes when Rob went elsewhere, Brian and Mick would take the car towards any sunshine they could see in the distance and cycle from there. Caroline, Barry, Gym and Emma took up opportunities to ride when the weather allowed, going out in strong winds and Gym endured a heavy downpour one day and almost turned back but fearing he may get lost decided to stay with the group. Fortunately the weather cleared and Gary Smith led an 80 mile ride over various lanes and climbs of the Island.
Emma determined to continue her training for the Etape this summer set her self a target of 70 hilly miles each day and was taken out by a small but elite group from the SWRC who made sure she got the miles in. Caroline, Barry and Gym decided to take a flat ride one day but the weather improved so much that when Gym said he didn’t mind riding up a few lumps they arrived home 110 miles later. Gym went out the next day to put in another climbs whilst Barry, Caroline and Emma rode in a part of a large group to Petra hoping that their legs would survive the day.
Caroline and Barry left on the Saturday when the weather turned back looking thundery again, but Mick, Rob, Emma and Gym made it out on the bikes to Alcudia bay for a bowl of Moule on their last day. A good week had by all despite the weather with some good rides if a little hampered by the weather at times. The gin and tonics in the usual bar had the usual consequences!