Toughest climb in Majorca ?

bernithebiker

mamba80 wrote:

bernithebiker wrote:

Lookyhere wrote:

comfortable or doable...same thing isnt it?

Not in my book. As I said before, I COULD do it in 53-23, it just wouldn't be comfortable or a good idea.

Not sure if the Spanish class their climbs as the French do, but Sa Calobra would fall easily into a Cat 1 climb, as would Puig Major, so whilst not as tough as an HC, they're still quite challenging for most riders. They are both fairly 'big' climbs, and the 2 biggest on Mallorca.

Of course we will never know, but I'll eat my hat if the vast majority of the Top 25 on Strava were not in the small ring. After all, if you're not going to use it on a tough Cat 1 climb, when are you going to use it? Just on HC's? Unlikely.

we were there this year and tbh they are nothing compared to high alpine climbs, where you lose on avg about 5% of your vo2 every 500m of ascent, Mallorcan climbs never take you above 700m, where as in the Dolomites, your starting most at 1500m and topping out at way over 2000m, i know where i find it the toughest to ride, regardless of grade.
wouldnt the french guide lines put both as cat 2 climbs, dependant on where on the race route they turned out.
but i say PuigM is the toughest of the two mentioned.

Well, the Puig tops out at 850m, but I take your point re.oxygen.

Regarding Cat climbs, look at the Col de Marie Blanque; 9.3km at 7.6%, and the summit is only at 1000m. Pretty similar, and that's Cat 1.

craigus89

Well this got out of hand quickly. I'm sure calling them Big Ring climbs started as a way of saying they aren't hard compared to Alpine climbs and got taken a bit seriously. Who really cares.

I'm there next week on a family holiday in Port de Soller, but I'm hiring a bike for a couple of days. I plan on doing both of the climbs probably on separate days early in the morning to miss the traffic and the heat.

Last year I did the climb from Pollenca to Lluc which is similar to both of these climbs, just not as long. I suppose it partly depends on what people personally find harder in a climb, I struggle much more on anything over 13%, but long climbs at 7% are going to be fine for most cyclists if you pace yourself.

markhewitt1978

bianchimoon wrote:

Interested to hear you comments Mark, A few of us are off to Mallorca later this week, where did you stay/start your ride from? I know the gradients on sa colabra average out at 7%ish wondered what the max gradient was and for how long. And how much bearing does the heat play, we're leaving it relatively late in the year for cycling in Mallorca, anybody any tips on average cyclists climbing in the heat? ie make sure you fill up bidons at the bottom?

I started my ride from the bottom of the hill at Sa Colabra itself, just before you have to go down some steps. My wife drove me down then picked me up at the top. I would say the gradients are about 7% or so maximum there was no real kicker steep climb like you'd often find in the UK, it was just consistent up up up. I was down in 34/28 but never really felt the need for a lower gear and shifted up at some points on the climb.

I did get through a full bidon on the climb which was indeed hot, it took me about 50 minutes. I think personally the heat and lack of wind helped me in the climb compared to the same terrain in the UK.

markhewitt1978

feelgoodlost wrote:

Wouldn't advise doing Sa Calobra and Puig Major in the same day, personally - not unless you've got time restrictions which don't allow you to come back on a different day. Just go back another day and instead of heading up Coll Des Reis, head to your left and out towards Soller - then back up Puig Major.

I don't see why not, unless I'm misunderstanding you? For me the climb up Sa Colabra to the viaduct took less than an hour and I'd be fine to then ride up to Puig Major after a few minutes rest.

As it was I didn't do that, instead I headed along to Lluc and did the descent towards Inca where the team car (wife) was waiting.

drlodge

These climbs seem piddly compared to the 4 hour slog to the top of Gran Canaria. Now that is NOT a big ring climb!!

JohnW52

Neither of them can be that hard if I can do them - I'm 62 and over 100kg and I have done Sa Calobra 4 times over the last few years. This year on 1st April was my fastest at an hour and 5 minutes. Personally I found the Puig Major harder, probably because it's that bit longer. Sa Calobra is more iconic though because of the road and the views.

The cafe by the 270 degree bend is far better than the one at the viaduct - free slices of orange with a drink and not silly prices, unlike the viaduct cafe. It's just a nuisance that it's not quite at the top.

Better still if you have the energy is to carry on to the garage at the top of Sa Battalla, if you're heading that way.

The steepest bit of road that I know on the island is the back road from the south up the Puig de Randa - not long but very steep in parts.

banditvic

I think it all depends on how fast you go up and how hot it is, are you talking about toughest or steepest?
Did Sa Collabra last August in 38 degrees that was pretty tough, two water bottles just got me to the top.Did it last week in 26 degrees much easier, half a bottle.
Like others have said spend some time out in Gran Canaria and the mountains of Majorca seem a lot smaller.

bernithebiker

The original question was 'what is the toughest climb in Majorca?'

Noone is saying that Sa Calobra or Puig are super tough or harder than the Alps; most amateur cyclists can get up them no problem.

As to whether they are 'big ring' climbs, well, ride them and then see if you would be happy in the big ring (and a 53/23, not a 50/28!)

sloppyschleckonds

bernithebiker wrote:

The original question was 'what is the toughest climb in Majorca?'

Noone is saying that Sa Calobra or Puig are super tough or harder than the Alps; most amateur cyclists can get up them no problem.

As to whether they are 'big ring' climbs, well, ride them and then see if you would be happy in the big ring (and a 53/23, not a 50/28!)

I was assuming a 50/32

First.Aspect

Okay, so I think we've established that climbing for 30 minutes in the big ring out of the saddle at 60-rpm is possible but not in any way (a) sensible (b) an "easy big ring climb". Nor is it the fastest way up, regardless of how old school you are. That's what I meant by "nonsense".

I mean, I don't usually beat up on stupid people, but telling me I'm a weak cyclist for not staying in a 52T ring up a 10% climb, by someone who doesn't know how long they take up it, but are sure that I'm just a weaker cyclist - now that is irritating.

And I'm not a rider from the south east who thinks Box Hill is a col, either. I have weakly cycled on Dartmoor for years, and now regularly crawl up to Lowther summit and Great Dun Fell at the weekend. I used to do the ski hills in Vancouver regularly (steady climbs to 4000ft) and I've cycled in Colorado to 11,000ft (again, steady climbs). In my experience, you don't notice the altitude as such, you just slow down.

Out of all of those, Great Dun Fell in a howling gale in March make Sa Calobra at 30C seem like a gentle half hour on the cross trainer.

Puig and Sa Calobra are doable in a day, simply because the Puig can be ridden well within yourself. Its a wonderful ride, mind you, through the trees with views over Soller. As for Sa Colebra timings - check the ferry schedule from Soller. Last time I rode it last week it was full of coaches on the way down at about 10:30, but deserted on the way up right afterwards. Pretty sure that the coaches were waiting to take people back to Soller/Pollenca.

Its not an easy 7%. Its a steady climb followed by a steeper one.

I'm off to google Grand Canaria cycling!

banditvic

Gran Canaria climb Google Valley of the tears.

birdie23

First Aspect wrote:

Okay, so I think we've established that climbing for 30 minutes in the big ring out of the saddle at 60-rpm is possible but not in any way (a) sensible (b) an "easy big ring climb". Nor is it the fastest way up, regardless of how old school you are. That's what I meant by "nonsense".

I mean, I don't usually beat up on stupid people, but telling me I'm a weak cyclist for not staying in a 52T ring up a 10% climb, by someone who doesn't know how long they take up it, but are sure that I'm just a weaker cyclist - now that is irritating.

And I'm not a rider from the south east who thinks Box Hill is a col, either. I have weakly cycled on Dartmoor for years, and now regularly crawl up to Lowther summit and Great Dun Fell at the weekend. I used to do the ski hills in Vancouver regularly (steady climbs to 4000ft) and I've cycled in Colorado to 11,000ft (again, steady climbs). In my experience, you don't notice the altitude as such, you just slow down.

Out of all of those, Great Dun Fell in a howling gale in March make Sa Calobra at 30C seem like a gentle half hour on the cross trainer.

Puig and Sa Calobra are doable in a day, simply because the Puig can be ridden well within yourself. Its a wonderful ride, mind you, through the trees with views over Soller. As for Sa Colebra timings - check the ferry schedule from Soller. Last time I rode it last week it was full of coaches on the way down at about 10:30, but deserted on the way up right afterwards. Pretty sure that the coaches were waiting to take people back to Soller/Pollenca.

Its not an easy 7%. Its a steady climb followed by a steeper one.

I'm off to google Grand Canaria cycling!

Great Dun Fell was really tough when I did it, so windy.

First.Aspect

birdie23 wrote:

Great Dun Fell was really tough when I did it, so windy.

I find it hard because it isn't steady. I guess that others are better able to recover on the flatter bits, after honking up the 15-20% parts. That's just not by strength.

Now that Gran Canaria climb has me scared. And looking at lastminute.com. And Wiggle - going to need a 28 or 30T for that one I think.

drlodge

First Aspect wrote:

birdie23 wrote:

Great Dun Fell was really tough when I did it, so windy.

I find it hard because it isn't steady. I guess that others are better able to recover on the flatter bits, after honking up the 15-20% parts. That's just not by strength.

Now that Gran Canaria climb has me scared. And looking at lastminute.com. And Wiggle - going to need a 28 or 30T for that one I think.

My last trip October 2014, I hired a Cannondale Synapse with 34x32, and I needed it! It was hot, nearly 30 plus the sun beating down and some of the steeper stretches were quite a challenge since there is simply no rest. The steepest/hardest stretch is leading up to Roque Nublo, I actually had to stop for a minute half way up due to sheer exhaustion. Other than that its just one long slog, so take your time and stop as/when you want. There are natural stopping points at the 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 distance.

The Valley of the Tears climb and the ascent from the East are extremely hard, I didn't even attempt those. The "serenity" climb with all the hair pins is just wonderful and the view from the top sublime.

markwb79

Surely any climb is hard if you ride it fast enough!

If Sa Colabra isnt that hard a climb and is doable in 53/23. Try in a 53/21 and make it harder for yourself.

bernithebiker

Markwb79 wrote:

Surely any climb is hard if you ride it fast enough!

If Sa Colabra isnt that hard a climb and is doable in 53/23. Try in a 53/21 and make it harder for yourself.

Or do it pulling a kiddie trailer, the options are endless........

bompington

Or hauling an oversized ego, or a massive chip on the shoulder, or...

sloppyschleckonds

bompington wrote:

Or hauling an oversized ego, or a massive chip on the shoulder, or...

25mm tyres?

craigus89

bompington wrote:

Or hauling an oversized ego, or a massive chip on the shoulder, or...

Or wave at everyone on the way up.

norvernrob

Toughest climb in Majorca is the one out of bed after a session on the sauce.

poppit

Formentor isn't the toughest but it is the nicest.

AK_jnr

I found a knarly climb leading to a monastry (not san salvador) outside Pollensa in some little village. 30% on cobbles in places but it was even worse coming down. Proper twisty on the switch back every 50m. Only 700 or so feet but the hardest I have come across in 3 visits.

feelgoodlost

I really loved climbing (and descending) Femenia. So much so that I went back the day after first climbing it to do it on my own. Beautiful views too!

Bar Shaker

Craigus89 wrote:

bompington wrote:

Or hauling an oversized ego, or a massive chip on the shoulder, or...

Or wave at everyone on the way up.

I would imagine that hauling up testicles that large, would be penalty enough.

Rodrego Hernandez

AK_jnr wrote:

I found a knarly climb leading to a monastry (not san salvador) outside Pollensa in some little village. 30% on cobbles in places but it was even worse coming down. Proper twisty on the switch back every 50m. Only 700 or so feet but the hardest I have come across in 3 visits.

I've heard about that one - not good things either!

birdie23

First Aspect wrote:

I find it hard because it isn't steady. I guess that others are better able to recover on the flatter bits, after honking up the 15-20% parts. That's just not by strength.

Yeah, there's definitely a few brutal stretches that once you're in the red it's hard to recover from.

AK_jnr

Just had a look for the climb on strava. Ifs called Puig Maria and it goes up to 45%. Lol. No wonder it felt horrendous!! Lucky its only a mile long!!

itboffin

NorvernRob wrote:

Toughest climb in Majorca is the one out of bed after a session on the sauce.

+1

NeXXus

Verger?

oldwelshman

Tjgoodhew wrote:

Help settle an argument for me.

Which is toughest - Sa Calobra, Puig Major or something else ?

Depends how hard you ride them !! lol Any hill can be easy as can any hill be hard.