One particular morning, the alarm went off at stupid o’clock. It was dark outside; the air was crisp; and the house was quiet. It was a day that neither of us were relishing: Em on account of his lack of pre-pre-season training, and myself because I have a near allergic reaction to early mornings and early rides…
Cycling in Europe Post Brexit
Back in April last year, I wrote A Travesty Unfolds, which took a tongue-in-cheek look at older cyclists who pass their winters on the Costa Blanca. The upshot was that Brexit might curtail their winter sorties, and they would, once again, clog up the UK’s winter roads. Now that we’re on the eve of the end of the transition period, I unravel what the new year will bring for all of us who enjoy stretching our legs under the European sun.
Thinking About Mallorca
Four Special Climbs in Mallorca
It’s that time of year when lots of us make our annual pilgrimage to Mallorca. Sometimes, especially during Easter, everywhere seems so busy with every climb seeming like a sportive. Maybe you’re looking for something a little different, maybe something off the beaten track. This week I’d like to share four of my favourite climbs that are far from the madding crowds and are fantastic climbs in their own right.
Surviving Mallorca’s Roads
A Travesty Unfolds
Previously, I shared a story of when Big Em and I got beasted by a group of OAPs on the Costa Blanca. As you know, they were a bunch of wiry ex-pros, but they are not the only older riders on the Costas. Up and down the coast of Spain thousands of OAPs harmlessly pass their winters…
Lessons From Spain
Spinning through the lanes this morning with mud splattering my face, I was thinking Spanish spring cycling isn’t all suntans and beers. Today was one of those days that Mallorca pays homage to the Spring Classics with its own mix of rain, gravel, and side winds. It’s not always this way and whilst recollecting sun-filled days, I drifted back to my first Spanish cycling adventure.
Now’s the Time to Think About Mallorca
It’s that time of year when the dark nights and chilling weather get us all thinking about sunnier climes and the idea of a spring cycling holiday. One of the most popular European destinations is Mallorca. With over three hundred days of sun a year and a tempting mixture of mountains and flat roads, it has become the number one choice…
Now, this might, or might not, come as a bit of a shock to you: in 361 days, I’ll turn 50. That’s almost eighteen thousand days I’ve been living, breathing, and learning here on this planet. So the big question is: what have I learned over these thousands of days. If you’ve been following this blog for a while, which I hope you have, you’ll know that I’ve learned that you can never lose those illusive seven pounds, that you should always wear sunscreen, and that you should never underestimate a wiry old rider. But there’s more.