Mallorca 2014: Hasta La Vista Baby

Each day up to 10 groups rode out ranging from G2 social flats to G7 epic mountain-fests. To write up every ride and memory would take a War and Peace with Di2 shifters, so here below a few accounts from the participants in this wonderful venture. If anyone who attended would like to write up their version, feel free, send it to me at chairman@  and I'll append it below.

First up, the fast end of the spectrum from Maurice...


G7 Mallorca

The biggest ever RCC 'fast group' of riders formed in Mallorca this year, 12 strong and now known as G7.



With Rupert lost in France somewhere navigation was taken up by Phil Jemmison who guided the group through the first half of the week. Mostly successfully, although the "left, left, left, left" literal descending spiral in the sleepy town of Sa Pobla will long remain in riders memories.
 

Following a data black hole in Petra where 3 of us lost Garmin data the monastry climb served as the first test with Ryan taking the lead closely followed in by Dom. In the usual return burn-up along the coast to the hotel Barry betrayed some great form by making the break.
 

Next day James Bonham had a lucky escape after a 30mph "clipless moment" saw him take to the asphalt on the Puig Major descent, and was saved by his own banana. Unfortunately his bike didn't fare so well but James has vowed to cover the top tube with ripe bananas henceforth.
 

Most week-long G7 riders had the odd shorter day to recover however Dominic Clegg did the maximum for the maximum, even going up to Formentor with the 4-dayers after the wet morning. In great form Dom also easily took the RCC Sa Calobra record on a cold blustery morning with a 34:13. 
 

Extremely unluckily Ryan suffered a ride-ending broken spoke at the start of the Calobra descent - if there was ever a time for it!
 

The Mallorca newbies - Dan, Stuart & Hamish - despite concerns over big mountain days all did themselves proud and kept coming back for more, dropping to G6 seemingly not an option. Indeed the group worked cohesively at all times and at no point in the entire trip was any G7 rider left unintentionally separated. Although Dan tried his best to do an extra Puig

 

Major ascent, and Kieran came equipped with a 42t inner chainring after advice it would "help with climbing".
 

Ride-leading for the final part of the week was taken up by "the Badger" - Brian H, style on the bike instantly recognisable with exception of cocking his head the other way while riding continental. Will Crowder returned to the saddle, having mistook the first part of the week for a Club 18-30 holiday.
Waking up to a morning downpour on the last full day the riders headed out into the mountains for a final 90 mile sufferfest, geared up for a bad Giro stage. However despite strong winds not a drop of rain fell and the sun even shone on the mighty Puig Major climb where Maurice removed 2 minutes from his RCC record to finish in 44:09.
 

The team finished off with one last assault on the run-in to Puerto Pollenca, aided by a stiff tailwind hitting 39mph on the flat.


Event / Article Type
Mallorca 2014