DREAM GEAR: CYCLING IN MALLORCA.

Mar 23, 2016 by Whitney McKiddy

Gear that "made the ride" while on the bike vacation of a lifetime.

The epic sights were without question the best part of the ride - but coming in at a close second? My shorts.

The Bella Prima Bib Shorts were a ride saver. The Flex Air chamois provides padding in all the right places while the soft wing construction eliminates bunching and chafing letting me focus on the ride rather than the shorts. For hurried pit stops at seaside cafes, I simply unzipped my jacket and jersey and pulled the stretchy, open mesh halter-top up over my helmet!

Paired with the bib, I wore the full zip, super lightweight, moisture wicking Terry Bella Jersey and matching arm warmers and a sleeveless base layer for maximum versatility as temps fluctuate with altitude and proximity to the sea. The UPF 50+ fabric is a bonus in the Mediterranean sun. Have you ever seen the Mediterranean sun? It looks a lot like this -

For colder, wetter days? I chose the Terry Thermal Tights. They are so brushed and comfy, and make you feel like you are swimming in warm butter. With a DWR finish, they are remarkably wind resistant and even provide protection in a light drizzle.

Pairing this with the Mandarin Thermal Jersey I stayed warm and dry without over heating through my ride. Even without the gear however, I think I would have found a way to continue cycling when the scenery looked like this:

In the North where roads were relatively smooth, I most certainly benefitted from the range of motion and slimmer profile provided by my FLX Gel saddle.

However, on some of the rougher southern roads and in villages with cobblestones I did wish that I had the shock absorbing PORON XRD found in the Butterfly Century. Also handy? Knog high lumen lights. They are easy to strap on, are available as front and rear lights and invaluable for tunnels particularly in the Tramuntana Mountains with its beautiful alpine like villages.

And last but NOT least: Fly Swiss International and your bike will travel for $125 each way. And if you’re lucky, it might even get a free ride. Also, make sure you have new tires (25cm) on that bike! Want to see more of Mallorca? Check it out here. Tailwinds, Liz Robert, CEO