Picture Well, I decided to do a full century after all. However, it was the metric century - 63 miles or 100 kilometers. The riders doing the full MILE century would take off from Selva (where we are based) and ride west, toward Palma, then head north into the mountains and follow the coastline, paralleling the Mediterranean, until they were northwest of Selva, where they would climb over the mountains and descend back into Selva. The climb total for the 103 mile ride was about 9500 feet, the shorter ride 7500. So - fairly gnarly, whatever route taken. Us less intrepid 63 mile riders would be taken by van to a starting point well west of Selva - so - we would do a point-to-point ride and the full century group would do a loop. A half hour or so after the 3 heroes took off, we all piled into the vans and drove for more than an hour to the start point - lots of traffic near Palma. Long story short - I remembered everything but my shoes. What can I say? I blame society. Us ADHD sufferers are a maligned and neglected group and the sooner that we receive the full respect due to us as disabled persons, the better. We need help and I'll take it in cash or similar compensation. Miraculously, the fast-driving Ina, one of the staff people, managed to drive me back to get the shoes. Then, using her cell phone and best guesses, since the guides were often out of cell range, she maneuvered back to a point just ahead of where the group had reached, 19 miles into the 63. This is a very well-run operation and their ability to react to unforeseen incidents was amazing - thank you, Rod, Ina, and everyone - you saved my day. Plus I did less work than anyone else! Everyone wins
GPS map - The Big Day
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Picture After the descent we passed thru the town of Buger, and although hardly anyone was much south of 40 years old, all seemed to enjoy calling it "Booger!" Those primitive joys of our childhood still bring pleasure... As we neared the end of this short ride, I slowed waaaay down, knowing tomorrow would be a tough one. Then I stopped, turned around, and shot this photo of the lovely road we were riding. Numbers - 29 miles, 2410 feet. Tomorrow - will Rick decide to go for 103 miles? (Hint - not bloody likely)
Looking Back
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Picture No, I did not leave out the "e" after "Puig d." That's the way they spell it. They actually speak a dialect of Catalan in Mallorca called Mallorcana. It's not Spanish. Maybe that's why no "e." Then again, maybe not.
Pug d Santa Magdelena
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Picture Thanks, Steve, for the photo. Those of you who've traveled - have you ever noticed how the Catholic Church seems to build its nunneries and monasteries on the tops of hills? Why would that be? Beats me, but cycle touring seems to involve lots of climbing up to various religious institutions, most of which are run by the Pope. Why climb? Why not just spin down the valley road? Well, my friend Gordon quoted me a line I like - "road biking without mountains is like surfing without waves." For one thing, the climb is kind of meditative - when you're on the flats if you're in a group you are totally focusing on the rider's wheel in front of you. If you can stay with the group, therein lies strength - plus speed, plus it's safer. When you start to climb, though, the group fragments and everyone settles into his or her rhythm - some attack the hill, some settle into a steady pace, everyone does their own thing. Every corner can bring a new panorama, and you feel so so alive. Nonetheless you're always happy to see the top and be done with it! Then comes the descent. And that is like skiing - especially if the descent is technical. Coach Rick Babington has trained Chieko and I to be competent and happy descenders - and although talent often rules, descending is a science, not an art. Anyone can learn, there's a right way to do it - and it's thrilling.
Climb to Nunnery
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05/11/16 GPS Map
Picture This is the route we took. You see the little squiggles that deviate from the loop? Those are little climbs
GPS Map
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Picture 62 miles, 4300 feet of climb. Don't touch that dial!
Retrace our ride
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Picture Wild mountain goats, very elusive creatures, have adapted and become tame as dogs here at the cape where the human presence is constant and comes bearing treats.
Sheep Sheep!
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Picture After lots more climbing and a terrifying dark tunnel, we made it to the Cape and here is what we saw. Believe me, this view was earned. Traffic was very heavy - lots of cars and bikes sharing this piece of road. They pile up closer to the lighthouse and then you're glad to be on a bike!
See The Lighthouse?
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