The original plan for today was to head back up into the mountains again. However, over dinner it was suggested that we should visit Petra as it was a sight not repeated anywhere else in the world. Evidently two squares packed with road bikes and riders. So Petra it was and at breakfast when we awoke to thick fog we realised it was going to be a good call. Alan has offered to lead us to Petra which also guarantees a fairly pacey ride.
Today's going to be a long day in the saddle so plenty of carb loading at breakfast before we head off into the fog joined by Dennis and Maggie. The first part of the ride takes us once again out to Campanet but this time no stop for coffee as we push on towards Buger (pronounced with a soft 'g') where we will stop for coffee. This involves the second stiff climb of the day and the reinstatement of the incorrect pronunciation as we all in unison say 'bugger' as we round the bend into the climb! However, the ascent is worth it as Alan leads us to the local patisserie for great coffee and local pastries. Buger is a beautiful village with great views over the surrounding agricultural land in the valley and onto the mountains beyond. By now the fog has burnt off and the temperature is starting to soar, it's going to be a hot one! We don't linger for too long as we still have some miles to cover before lunch in Petra. So it's back in the saddle on off towards Muro another hilltop town accessed again across the valley and rich agricultural land. There are a variety of crops being grown including onions, globe artichoke, wheat and potatoes. At Muro we ride past the football stadium and then stop to check directions right outside the gates of the bullring. From Muro the plan is to find the back lanes that go towards the village of Maria but we must miss a turn and we find ourselves on the undulating road to Sineu doing our best 'mad dogs and Englishmen' impersonation in the midday sun. We see plenty of other cyclists mainly in the mass peletons we have become so used to seeing. Having got to Sineu we cut back towards Petra via Puig de Sant Nofre, yes another climb! Finally we arrive at Petra with what Alan tells us is not the usual view of the town as we have approached from an entirely different direction from usual and from high ground not the valley.
We navigate our way to the square for our promised pizza and as we turn in - WOW!!! I have never seen so many road bikes and cyclists in one place and now starts some serious bike envy! We take some time to soak up this unique atmosphere, look at all the bikes, people watch and enjoy a fabulous pizza. It actually could have been a very average pizza but I was starving!
It is now approaching 1430 and time to get moving so to get some initial fast miles done we take the main road towards Santa Margalida turning off to head once again back through Muro and on to Buger, out of Muro clocking up a 37mph descent and at Buger where the climb from the opposite side of town incites a similar response as this morning! From here its on to Campanet where Dennis and Maggie leave us to find a shortened route to home and we continue on to the cafe in the valley. We cycle through the square past the cafe and basically do a five mile detour for ice lollies!! From here back to Campanet and down the valley averaging around 21mph before hitting the lanes back to Puerta Pollensa.
Kathy by now has a very sunburnt leg as there has been no escape from the sun all day, we are both feeling very tired having completed 75 miles of cycling but buzzing from the enjoyment of a great ride. Thanks Alan for leading and allowing us to help with pathfinding a new route to Petra! Majorca has been a fantastic place to cycle it is really cycle friendly and the drivers are remarkably courteous and respectful to cyclists. Time now to return the bikes to bike shop and start packing for the return home. Its been a great holiday and a wonderful introduction into the possibilities of cycling holidays.
