The view was so breathtaking that I had no choice but to brake. The jagged limestone peaks from Mallorca’s Tramuntana Mountains tumbled into the cobalt blue waters of the Balearic Sea like those hyperrealistic computer wallpapers. A ribbon of asphalt snaking across the UNESCO-protected Valley was forming perfect switchbacks, allowing a steady trickle to pass on their carbon-fiber $10,000 bikes.
Sa Calobra is a route along the northwest coast of Mallorca that’s considered one of the most epic rides in the world by cyclists. It is a stunning ride that offers breathtaking views and a 7 percent grade up 2,358 feet. 26 hairpin turns The “Knotted Tie” is a 270-degree iconic loop. There’s a reason professional cyclists come here to train.
But I’m no pro. Sure, I bike to work in New York City, but I had never done a proper ride before—the kind people post about on Strava, the social network for cyclists and runners. Instead of a regular two-wheeler I wanted to tackle Sa Calobbra with an e-road bicycle. Not only that, but I was riding with Mark, who is a dedicated cyclist who rides around 150 miles per week. He even sent me a 10-page bike fitting report so that the cycling tours guys could have his The exact wording is not known. Height and angle of saddle
There’s a tendency for experienced cyclists to ignore e-bikes. This is starting to change. E-bikes are making difficult trails more accessible for casual riders. Could they bridge the gap between road warriors and novices by allowing them ride together? It was my goal to find out.
Our hotel was the first place we went car-free. Jumeirah Mallorca, a cliff-top resort overlooking the horseshoe-shaped Port de Sóller Bay and the Tramuntana Mountains. It is one of many luxury hotels on Mallorca catering to middle-aged males in Lycra. The hotel offers amenities such as custom tours and bike concierges. The full journey—there and back—would span 50 miles and climb a total of 7,100 feet, across two camel-like humps.
We woke at 6:30 am to beat the heat of June and meet Adrian Casanova. The enterprising founder of MedfeelHe brought two bikes: Mark would ride a bike and then he would go to the hotel. Mark brought two bikes with him. Trek Madone SL 6 Gen 8—a featherweight machine with high-tech shifters; I’d ride a Trek Domane+ SRL6—an e-bike that looked surprisingly normal with its compact battery and motor discreetly hidden in the sleek frame. We were off after a quick lesson on how to activate the pedal assistance with my thumbs.
The morning air was a tad nippy as we glided past the empty beaches of Port de Sóller and rumbled along a vintage trolley track. After leaving a traffic round, the road tilted up at a steady 5% grade. Casanova’s (It’s his real name, and that’s what I call him.) and Mark began riding “out of the saddle”—that is, they stood up on their pedals to generate power with their upper body. I activated my foot assist. Instead of a jolt, the boost felt smooth and natural—as if my legs had joined a gym without telling me. As I rolled up the hill, I took in the scenery, the birdsong and the scent of pine.
Casanova came back to my car after an hour and checked the battery. The battery was already at 80 per cent and we had a long road ahead. He seemed concerned. We found an outlet behind a Coca-Cola vending machine, and plugged it in for 15 minute while we studied the route. I first thought I would have to climb two of Mallorca’s highest peaks. Casanova had told me that this route was not suitable for beginners. But the real question turned out to be: who would run out of energy first—me or the battery?
We continued on. We pressed on. We cut through two windy tunnels and stopped for a gel-pack break. We looked out at shrub-covered valleys and took video selfies on the emerald waters. Gorg Balu reservoir.
Around 9:30 a.m., after riding about 17 miles and ascending 2,850 feet, we reached the actual start of Sa Calobora—an otherwise unremarkable intersection near an aqueduct with a concession stand. We filled our water bottles. My battery was 60 percent. Casanova advised us to conserve our battery as we returned to our bicycles.
The road was initially flat, but it quickly began to rise. Just as the road’s steepest part began, the sun burned away the morning cloud cover. The grade had already reached 11 percent by the time I got to the first hairpin. I was forced to set the pedal assistance to Level 3, which is the highest setting. In order to keep up with Mark, Casanova and myself, I had to ride out of the saddle as well. It was a grueling 2.5-mile battle against gravity and fatigue until we reached 2,238-foot peak, followed by the iconic 360-degree loop. We were so high that the sunscreen spewed from the bottle when I reapplied it.
The rest was all downhill—if you don’t count the dozen more hairpin turns and a few too-picturesque-to-pass-up stops, including a narrow, cathedral-like passage called Sa Bretxa. Casanova led the way and I was able to reach a speed of 35 m.p.h. This won’t set any records but it was exhilarating flying down to Port De Sa Calobra – the small village that marks the end of the trail.
Then came range anxiety—my battery was down to 42 percent. We plugged into a free charging point at a self serve cafeteria. We ate Iberian ham and hiked through the narrow tunnel until we reached a pebble beach surrounded by towering cliffs and clear water on one side and a dry riverbed the other. I wanted a jump in the sea, however my fears prevented me from doing so. Rapha cycling bib This isn’t really swimwear.
By the time I got back to our cafe, my battery was 95 percent. Was that enough to make it back to the hotel in time? The midday sun was a big obstacle, as were the 25 miles I’d already covered. I jumped in and started moving forward. Sa Calobra is a steep climb. Even though I was trying to conserve energy, I found myself in a situation where I could have used my robot legs most. Especially around the tight hairpin corners. When I reached the 270 degree loop, my energy level was down to 42 per cent.
James Osmond/Getty Images
Casanova referred to Puig Major as “one more big climb” Strava users rate as “HC”—the most difficult classification. This part was hard work. The problem wasn’t my seat or fatigue (a good chamois cushion helps!). The repetitive strain on my shoulder after cycling for five hours was to blame. The real punishment was after the summit. Instead of pedaling, I had the to use the brakes all the way down. It gets easier over time, but it was a lot of stopping. It was a good thing Mark had ridden ahead.
Casanova and I rolled into Port de Sóller around 3 p.m., just as a warning light started blinking—9 percent battery left. Casanova forgot to mention one last detail after weaving through the beachfront crowds. The Jumeirah is perched on a 300-foot cliff with sections that are as steep as 20%. I increased the pedal assist power to full and began pushing my way up. After arriving at the hotel’s circular driveway, only 7 per cent remained. We were both drained.
The valet took the bike to charge, while I joined Mark by the pool for a glass of champagne, before heading to the spa After a deep tissue massage, I soaked in the hydrotherapy pool overlooking the Tramuntana mountains. No, I didn’t ride like a pro cyclist—but I recovered like one.
