TVR cycling club enjoy tough climbs and sunny spells on trip to Mallorca

Members kept a diary of their trip:

Week one was the turn of the TVR ladies to get a taste of the Spanish sunshine and the world class cycling routes.

For the most of them it was their first time in Mallorca riding a bike.

Led by Timmy Beattie and Steven Buchanan they were taken on some of the toughest climbs the island has to offer and they done amazingly.

For anyone who has never been on these mountain climbs there really are no words to describe the longevity and relentlessness of them.

For those of you who know, well, you know! Well done ladies and as we say in the cycling world “KUDOS”.

And what would a cycling holiday be without being able to kick back and relax in the evenings and practice some dance moves to the live band and sing a few karaoke songs.

Oh yes there are a few budding candidates for this years X Factor! Sadly time goes so fast when you’re having fun and it was time for them to return to the wind and rain.

As they waited in line to board, the last of the TVR lads arrived on the plane that would take them home.

Week two was the turn of the TVR lads. Again, for a few it was their first time in Mallorca cycling. What an amazing place to ride your bike.

Sunshine, smooth roads, proper cycle lanes and amazing climbs that have to be experienced not just told about.

For the rest of the lads it was back to business for another year and putting in the hurt and trying to beat last years PB’s.

We were out in the mornings from around 10am doing anything from 60 to 90 mile routes stopping for coffee and lunch in the glorious sunshine.

Port Soller is a beautiful place to just sit and relax and watch the world go by. Of course to get to it by bike requires a lot of effort but it was worth it.

Back to the Hotel by mid afternoon we enjoyed the sunshine and refreshments by the pool followed by all you can eat dinner and live entertainment was provided each night.

Our hotel was fantastic, very clean, food was great and the staff were helpful. Hotel Monte Carlo in Can Picafort.

Before we knew it the week had flown by and it was Saturday and some of the lads had entered what has become Europe’s biggest sportive the Mallorca 312.

Originally 312 km’s around the whole island, this year the route was changed to come back round the mountains again back to Alcudia with the final km’s taking riders out by Arta and back again.

Still 312 km’s for the full route but slightly harder according to those who done it last year but this year it was split into 3 options.

Option one was a 167km route, option two was 232km and thirdly was the 312km route. Riders were timed by the use of a special chip in their number badge attached to the bike and if you did not pass the time checks you had to do the lesser km route.

Food stops and water stations were dotted across the route offering much needed sandwiches, energy bars and drinks.

The day started off with rain and heavy fog for about the first 5 hrs but cleared up in the afternoon to a glorious day. Around 4500 riders entered and the day was made even better because the roads were totally closed to traffic.

TVR man of the day had to be Timmy Beattie and mega KUDOS for doing the full 312km route.

David White, Glenn Sands, Steven Buchanan and Mark Williamson completed the 232 km route.

A long days riding in the saddle for all with great experience being gained and next years event is already in the calendar.

Our very own Ernie Hall had his own excellent achievement in Magaluf. He won his class in the half marathon. Well done Ernie!

All in all it was a fantastic week of cycling, food, craic and entertainment.

Dates are already provisionally booked for next year, as is the hotel. Visit our facebook page for more photos and information.