20160505 MCT Day5 PuigMajor

Today was back in the mountains! We decided on a routing up from the Lluc side of the Puig and a return via Santa Maria but as we had already climbed from Pollenca, we would start the days climbing up from Caimari.  No photos for the first part of the ride as I was late for departure and had to chase to catch the 1st group! Oh well nice steady start – Not, at 23mph av until I caught them along Shampoo Valley. We regrouped at the top of Coll de sa Batalla (up 386m to 576m over 7.9km at 5%) with a coffee and cake before resuming across to Gorge Blau.  One holdup with a coach stuck for a few mins, so quick picture.

 From Gorg Blau, great views with the clear blue skies and quietish roads.

So complete the last upward effort – up 235m from 615m to 850m over 5km at 5.2%.

Stop for regrouping on the lower side of the tunnel, gilets on and then enjoy the descent down to Soller!

Regroup at the bottom, refill bottles and tackle the last climb of the day, Coll de Soller up 417m to 497m over 7.3km at 6%.  Great achievement for everyone as it had been a tough week. Lots of relief and smiles!

Down to Bunyola and we managed to capture – Guide extraordinaire of the week – “Pistol” Pete, sweeping round a corner on the descent with the Support vehicle in hot pursuit!

Quick lunch stop – well, cake and Laccao for me!  Is that a disapproving glance that I’m receiving!

Resume riding and we had 2 hrs back into a headwind… Just what you want after all the climbing!

The return went smoothly and with everyone back safely at the Hotel, it ended a week of personal bests on the climbs for those who had been before, benchmarks to return and better for the first timers!

Last 4km round the bay…

The recovery drinks – just like the Pro’s!