Wild Rock Mallorca Package

March 12th-20th $1099 double $1249 single (8 nights & includes all breakfasts and dinners)

Mallorca, Spain is the largest of the Balearic Islands, an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea comprising Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. Over the past 20 years Mallorca has become a Mecca for cyclists looking for beautiful weather, idyllic cycling roads, superb coffee, and thousands of fellow cyclists. The estimated 300,000 cyclists a year who visit this cycling paradise have discovered that the bicycle is the ideal transportation to explore this historic island

Wild Rock discovered the beauty of the roads many years ago and has been returning every year since.

Mallorca has a road network of 1,250 km, 675 of which are local and secondary roads and 20% of these are in the mountains.  The terrain varies from flat to rolling to full on mountainous so a ride can be designed for every energy and skill level.  The traffic is light and respectful.  The roads are well marked and the towns easy to find your way through.  Almost all the pavement is in excellent shape due to the complete lack of frost.

We will base ourselves in the seaside town of Porte D'Alcudia on the North East coast. The riding can be as easy or hard as you wish. The cars are very courteous of bikes as they are very conditioned to bicycles on the roads. The rides can be used for scenic beauty or hard riding. Extra water and snacks can be purchased in the many small villages. Lunches are easily found in the same villages.  There is no support or following vehicle.  Each day there is one guided ride and several guide yourself options. 

Triathlon Training

There is a 25m pool within 5 minutes walk of our hotel. All you need is your cap, goggles and suit. The ocean is available but is quite cool so a wetsuit would be necessary. You can run right from the hotel. In the past most folks have focused on the cycling but there is no reason you can't do a little of everything.  There is a 1/2 marathon on March 20th, 2010 in Palma.  If you stay a day or two later this could be a nice addition to your trip. For details http://www.marathonmallorca.com/ini.htm

What if my partner is not an avid rider?

You don't have to be a hard-core rider in Mallorca. There is a multitude of short, flat easy routes. There are free cruiser bikes at the hotel for exploring the town. For non-cyclists there are 2 very good golf courses within 15 minutes of the hotel (Approx $95.00 for 18 holes). Rental cars or scooters are available at the hotel to explore monasteries, caves, lighthouses, windmills and old cities. There is a walled city built by the James II in 1298 within 15 minutes walk. In general there is plenty to see and do to keep someone busy for a week if they choose not to ride their bikes like mad folk around the island.

What if we have kids/infants?

Nanny services are available at the hotel.  Qualified, licensed, English speaking nannies are available for ½ day (morning or afternoon) for 40E/day.  Full day (9am-5pm) is 70E/day per child.  Using the nanny service on the odd day is a great way for a couple to enjoy some riding together.  Flying with kids under 2 is usually free if they sit on your lap.  You must call the airline ahead to register them and they usually give you a bulkhead seat that has more room.  If you want nanny service contact scott@wildrock.net with the times, dates and names of children so the nanny(ies) can be pre-arranged.

The Hotel

We stay at Aparthotel Estrella de Mar a Four Star Hotel in the seaside town of Port D'Alcudia. Each room has a bedroom with two single beds, a separate living room and full kitchen and bathroom. If you are on a budget and wish to cook your own lunch and dinners you may. There is a grocery store within 5 minutes walk. The beach is a 5-minute stroll. The hotel has a locked bike garage for our use.

Weather Averages for Mallorca

Generally it is cool and clear in the morning and warms up in the afternoon.  We usually ride in knee warmers and arm warmers in the morning.  When the sun hits noon or you are climbing you are right down to a jersey and shorts.  For cold days bring long fingered gloves, jacket, skull cap/hat, booties and knee warmers.  The Average High Temperature is 65 F with a historical range of 53 F to 131 F. There is an 88% chance of a Warm Day (temperature over 60°F / 16°C).  (97 days out of 110 in historical record)

Flying with your bike

Lately airlines are charging up to $125 each way per bike.  Although most times the charges have been less and usually returning from Mallorca the charge is only $30E (approx $45 CAN).  I would count on up to $200CAN in bike handling charges by the various airlines.  It may fly for free but best be prepared.   Wild Rock rents bike suitcases if you decide on bringing your own bike.  This makes packing your bike worry free.

Renting a bike

Good quality rental bike can be arranged for you at your request.  Carbon bikes run about $150/week and aluminum bikes about $110/week.  Please send scott@wildrock.net a request for bike rentals and he will get you an exact quote.  The bikes are delivered to the hotel and are in excellent shape.

What is included?

March 13th-20th $1099 double $1249 single

The price includes all your breakfasts and dinners, airport shuttle in Mallorca (both ways), 1 shuttle ride (you get dropped off by a bus and ride back home), and your hotel.

What is not included?

The Wild Rock name came up when Scott and Kieran were driving a clapped out '82 Chevette after losing 1 wiper in a snowstorm on the way home from a climbing trip to the T-Wall in Tennessee at about 3am in March 1992.

Two 24-year-old lads, Kieran Andrews, a professional ski and climbing bum, and Scott Murison, a climbing and telemark major with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, launched Wild Rock Outfitters in the fall of 1992.  After breaking up with their girlfriends, Kieran and Scott moved from their Ottawa home and began living in the basement of their 900 sq. ft. store at the corner of Brock and George St.  Showers were irregular and happened at the YMCA. 

Having moved out of the basement and actually being able to afford to pay rent, in 1997, they purchased the old bingo hall (previously an A&P grocery store originally built in 1929), gutted it and renovated it.

In the spring of 1999, Kieran and Scott expanded the business with an innovative concept for a world-class whitewater retail operation called "Boat Werks." Boat Werks comprised a web-based store, a traditional store at the Wild Rock Outfitters location, and mobile seasonal stores located on the shores of the Ottawa River, Gull River and Madawaska River. The Boat Werks concept proved a recipe for success and, within three years, Boat Werks was the largest seller of whitewater kayaks in Canada. Kieran and Scott sold the Boat Werks portion of their business to long-time employee Jeff Strano in the fall of 2002 and it continues to thrive today.

During this period (titled "what have we done and why did we do all this") Kieran and Scott opened the Silver Bean Café on Little Lake. The manager was Anne Leavens (now our office manager) and  Andrea Vanderherberg bought it the next year. Air Werks began as a small clothing only store on George street where Flavour is now. We decided to focus on keeping one store working really well was better than spreading ourselves over several businesses. We were downsizing way before it became fashionable by the likes of GM, Ford and Nortel!

After almost 6 months of nothing new, in March 2003 they launched a new category offering professional and friendly service and sales for mountain, road and hybrid bikes. Bike Werks was developed when Scott and Kieran took on two new partners in the business, Dave Woodfine and long-time employee Jonathon Moreno. With a newly renovated space in the Wild Rock Outfitters store, Bike Werks provides a fantastic selection of bikes and accessories for anyone interested in two-wheeled adventure.

Since then the Wild Rock crew has been busting their butts trying to be the best little privately owned store relevant to the outdoor athlete and enthusiast.  We certainly don't always get it right but we are always trying.