Do we need a new Mallorca?

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Requiem84
Posts: 463
Joined: Sat Oct 17, 2020 5:07 pm

by Requiem84

How is the gravel riding in the Pyrrenees?

by Weenie


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matcav
Posts: 124
Joined: Thu May 28, 2020 3:52 pm

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)
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alanjob
Posts: 76
Joined: Fri Mar 06, 2009 1:13 pm
Location: Northern Ireland

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.

MrB123
Posts: 62
Joined: Sat Jul 16, 2022 5:15 pm

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.

jayjay
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Location: Germany
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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!

nunokas
Posts: 182
Joined: Tue Aug 26, 2014 3:18 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:

Greeners
Posts: 68
Joined: Fri Apr 26, 2024 10:13 am

by Greeners

I would expect Andalusia to be Fkin' hot. Is it?

jmomentum
Posts: 46
Joined: Mon May 19, 2014 5:19 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.

nunokas
Posts: 182
Joined: Tue Aug 26, 2014 3:18 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:

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LeDuke
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Location: Front Range, CO

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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RoadDonk82
Posts: 93
Joined: Wed Feb 08, 2023 2:43 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.

MrB123
Posts: 62
Joined: Sat Jul 16, 2022 5:15 pm

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.

RoadDonk82
Posts: 93
Joined: Wed Feb 08, 2023 2:43 pm

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.

MrB123
Posts: 62
Joined: Sat Jul 16, 2022 5:15 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.

by Weenie


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Greeners
Posts: 68
Joined: Fri Apr 26, 2024 10:13 am

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.

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