It begins with a lie. The road to Sa Calobra – Mallorca’s most iconic climb – starts at the top. To ride it, you first descend 700 metres through a ribbon of hairpins carved into the Tramuntana mountains. Then you turn around and ride back up. There’s no alternative. No cut-through or escape. It’s an out-and-back that demands intent.
I was travelling with a group of cycling mates more used to dodging potholes in Kent and Surrey than navigating switchbacks in the Balearics. From the moment we landed, it was a bit of a whirlwind – straight to the hire shop, quick bike fits, and barely time for a coffee before we were on the road.
