We like nothing more than a week or two mountain biking in the summer, all our summer holidays for the last 20 years have been biking. This year we’re going to Mallorca in August to (hopefully) see the total eclipse, it’s also our wedding anniversary and we’ll be staying all week. I’ve already hired a van and bike friendly accommodation because frankly we can’t imagine doing anything else.
I don’t know much about Mallorca, I’m told it more set up for road biking and I’m having trouble finding much official information about mountain biking options. I’d prefer a bit of mountain bike adventure – XC / gravel / a bit of tech thrown in every now and then – rather than road.
Then there is temperature in August though we seem to cope with the heat ok and would try to get out early then relax by the pool in the afternoon.
We’re staying in Alaro, north of Palma, anybody have suggestions as to mountain biking itinerary, or is it wrong place wrong time?
It'd be far too hot for me, but I'm sure there will still be people riding. Go early in the day if that's an option.
Try Jorge at Chainguide Mallorca. I've ridden with him on two occasions, just for a one day ride each time. Hire of e-bike included. Most of the riding we did was fairly shady, quite technical stuff in forested areas, mostly on walking trails that I would never have found myself but were great fun.
First ride was around Bunyola, and the 2nd was from Esporla and out to the coast. That stretch of coast is stunning.
I went in July the year before last. I was road biking around Pollensa and was leaving the villa around 7am most mornings for a 50-70km ride. Temp was easily mid 30s by the time I was back and with very little shade on the mountain roads it was too hot for comfortable cycling. Once I got a bit lost due to my Garmin not being charged, no phone coverage and there was NO shade and no habitation and I was out of water - was getting slightly worried for a few km but found a road I recognised and a tap. I'm not sure I'd be mtbing on my own there unless I was sure of the trails.
Also when we drove to the South Western side of the island away from the mountains (we were in the North East) it was noticeably hotter.
I hired a rod bike for a few days during a family holiday in August, my experience was very similar to Winston (albeit without running short of water). Some fab roads, but always put early and back just as the rest of the family were getting round the villa pool. First time I’ve ever experienced heat rash.
Locals seemed to be nightriding on Menorca, heat and work shifts I assume. I followed a few tracks, private property signs seemed to be ignored.
I was in Majorca in March road biking and there were people using the hotels garage with mountain bikes who by their filthiness had clearly been riding off road. Strava heatmaps and trailforks seem to indicate there's quite a bit to do off road but I'd not fancy the temperatures in August.
I enjoyed MTBing in Mallorca as a small part of a family holiday - I took my 150mm hardtail with me and just went hunting for random walking/goat tracks, lots of pushing up and then trying to ride down steep, rough and loose natural trails in very hot weather, and some lovely flowy stuff in the woods near the coast. That was near Port Andratx. There was a little bike park too, fairly steep, very loose! I think you'll need guiding or good local info to find the best trails - I'm sure there are tons, although access rights are a lot more limited than the UK's numerous public footpaths and bridleways. That was in late August. It was bloody hot but I was ok with it for a couple of hours at a time.
