Bob on BAC Majorca 2007

The switchbacks

The Ride - Rides today were optional and since I came here to see as much territory that I could, I decided to take to Port de Soller to Jardins d'Alfabia round trip. To get to the jardins, we had to climb over a significant hill on a narrow, switchbacked road. The highway department has built a tunnel to get the cars through the hill so that left us with a nearly deserted route. The climb was not very steep but it did encompass 29 switchbacks up to the top and 23 down the other side to the jardins. When I arrived at the entrance, the jardins were closed and it looked like there was no tourist activity there for some time.

The cafe

I began the ride at 9:15 and got to the jardins at 10:30. it was too early to turn around and go back, so I continued on to Bunyola about 5 km down the road. I stopped there for cafe con leche and a croissant at a small cafe.

After my snack, I turned around and retraced the route. By this time, a lot of cyclists were out riding the same roads. I passed some at the start of the climb and was passed by a couple of others on the way up. A third cyclist was trying to catch me but couldn't quite do it before the summit. He gave me the thumbs-up sign.

Alison and John (Steve on the upper left) on the switchbacks

On the way down, I caught up with Alison, John and Steve at about the 15th switchback. I cruised back into town around noon.

Steve and Bill at dinner in Port de Soller

The Hotel - This was the second night in Port de Soller at the Hotel Los Geranios.

The Food - Breakfast was the same buffet as the day before.

For lunch, I ate a small thin-crust pizza with cheese, olives, anchovies and artichokes accompanied by a cerveza grande. Eating alone gave me a chance to relax and finish my book.

For dinner Bill, Steve and I walked to the other side of the port. I saw some restaurant reviews and one called El Pirata sounded good. When we got there, the menu didn't look very good. We looked at the menu at the restaurant next door and decided to eat there. I had a small dinner salad that had white asparagus, tomato, red and green peppers, corn, etc. in it. For an entree, we all had lamb shoulder. It was cooked what I call country style with potato, mushrooms and green vegetables. It was very hardy and tasty.

Non-Cycling Activity - Happy hour was on the terrace in front of the hotel. For drinks, we had sangria.

I have decided that I will go back to Port de Soller if I return some day to Mallorca. It was my favorite stop on the tour.

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