2023 Day 4
Sant Elm to Palma via Galilea and Bunyola (beer stop)
Setting off from Sant Elm I’d forgotten there are a few short but sharp climbs immediately after you start. Once over those we were soon heading thru Andratx and over to Es Capadella then up the first of the 2 major climbs of the day which would lead us up to Galilea (Cat 3 / 4.6km/6%) . This is where I had a cake stop planned, 4 cakes and 4 drinks. Made extra special because the cake was served with a dollop of ice cream. The views were great.
On leaving Galilea it’s a great descent down to Puigpunyent before rising up again for the 2nd climb of the day Es Grau (Cat 3 / 3.2km / 5.2%). Once at the top of that climb we took a few minutes to reflect before starting the delightful descent which although not steep goes on for miles until the junction where it meets the ma-1100 and onwards to stop in the square at Esporles. John walked down to the bakery and we spent a relaxing time consuming our pies and drinks.
Although I had originally plotted a route straight back to Palma the thoughts of a beer in the square at Bunyola before returning to Palma was preying on my mind. The group soon signed up to this so off we went. The square was quietish as most riders would’ve already been earlier in the day so we enjoyed our beer in the late afternoon sunshine.
Then it would be an almost freewheel down to Palma (although there was a headwind) to return the bikes and pick up our bags we’d left at the bike shop.
Jumped in a taxi and headed to Magaluf for our super cheap room for the night (£49 for 4 of us) Hostel Floridita. They must’ve looked at us and though we weren’t capable of climbing onto bunks so gave us 2 rooms at same cost. The one Dennis and I had was massive with twin beds and a bunk bed.
We headed onto the roof to take in the great views before heading down to the strip for food.
I was genuinely shocked at how few clothes the girls wore for going out at night, most wearing thong bikinis - what were they wearing during the day around the pool? Once the meal was finished we had a walk along the seafront and came back up the strip where we had a drink at The Three Lions then Dennis ‘persuaded’ us to go into Mulligans. Before heading back up the hill but decided to have a nightcap at Sue’s bar on the hill. I've had my fill of Maga now!!
Next day:
Taxi booked for 3:45, the driver would've put Lewis Hamilton to shame with the speeds he clocked. Just as well the roads were empty.
Coffee in the airport and we were soon homeward bound on an almost empty plane.
Great trip all round - who knows if we will return??
Sant Elm to Palma via Galilea and Bunyola (beer stop)
Setting off from Sant Elm I’d forgotten there are a few short but sharp climbs immediately after you start. Once over those we were soon heading thru Andratx and over to Es Capadella then up the first of the 2 major climbs of the day which would lead us up to Galilea (Cat 3 / 4.6km/6%) . This is where I had a cake stop planned, 4 cakes and 4 drinks. Made extra special because the cake was served with a dollop of ice cream. The views were great.
On leaving Galilea it’s a great descent down to Puigpunyent before rising up again for the 2nd climb of the day Es Grau (Cat 3 / 3.2km / 5.2%). Once at the top of that climb we took a few minutes to reflect before starting the delightful descent which although not steep goes on for miles until the junction where it meets the ma-1100 and onwards to stop in the square at Esporles. John walked down to the bakery and we spent a relaxing time consuming our pies and drinks.
Although I had originally plotted a route straight back to Palma the thoughts of a beer in the square at Bunyola before returning to Palma was preying on my mind. The group soon signed up to this so off we went. The square was quietish as most riders would’ve already been earlier in the day so we enjoyed our beer in the late afternoon sunshine.
Then it would be an almost freewheel down to Palma (although there was a headwind) to return the bikes and pick up our bags we’d left at the bike shop.
Jumped in a taxi and headed to Magaluf for our super cheap room for the night (£49 for 4 of us) Hostel Floridita. They must’ve looked at us and though we weren’t capable of climbing onto bunks so gave us 2 rooms at same cost. The one Dennis and I had was massive with twin beds and a bunk bed.
We headed onto the roof to take in the great views before heading down to the strip for food.
I was genuinely shocked at how few clothes the girls wore for going out at night, most wearing thong bikinis - what were they wearing during the day around the pool? Once the meal was finished we had a walk along the seafront and came back up the strip where we had a drink at The Three Lions then Dennis ‘persuaded’ us to go into Mulligans. Before heading back up the hill but decided to have a nightcap at Sue’s bar on the hill. I've had my fill of Maga now!!
Next day:
Taxi booked for 3:45, the driver would've put Lewis Hamilton to shame with the speeds he clocked. Just as well the roads were empty.
Coffee in the airport and we were soon homeward bound on an almost empty plane.
Great trip all round - who knows if we will return??
