Morning Sun and Gravel: My Favorite Mountain Bike Loops through the Tramuntana

Morning sun, ferry horn and the first gravel

When the ferry is still honking as it leaves the harbor and the coffee in town is still steaming, I roll out toward Sóller: Leisurely High Summer — Sun, Dry Air and a Touch of Tram Charm. The Tramuntana is not a postcard mountain; it's a piece of rough life: narrow trails, ancient dry-stone walls, the scent of rosemary and, now and then, the smell of oranges. Those who ride here by mountain bike are looking not only for adrenaline but also for these small, unexpected island moments.

Loops that always pull you back

My standard loop starts in Sóller, climbs over the Coll de Sóller, winds down to Fornalutx and continues along the Camí des Correu toward Short loop between Valldemossa and Deià – Sea views, pine scent and a bit of respect. Technically the route is varied: steep climbs alternate with simple gravel sections, tight hairpins demand concentration, and a few rock slabs remind you that the locals never spared the rock. For those who prefer a gentler ride, the tour can start at the old station on Carrer de la Mar – shorter, but with equally spectacular views.

What must be in your pack

Helmet, spare tube, pump and multitool are mandatory. Add plenty of water – this is not a joke; in mid-August the air can feel like a hairdryer. That's why I like to start before 8 a.m. or, when the sun is lower, around 6 p.m.; the light becomes soft and breathing gets easier. A lightweight wind jacket is especially worthwhile in spring: on the pass the mistral can blow so fresh that you're glad to have a second skin.

Between adrenaline and olive trees

The descents give you a boost, the backroads grant calm. When you ride between gnarled olive trees and the sea glints on the horizon, a strange, quiet happiness sets in: focus without haste. Every turn challenges you, every view rewards you. And yes, in some sections you should dismount – pride is sometimes a poor piece of equipment.

My tip: stop at a bar in Fornalutx, drink a café con leche, prick up your ears and listen to the locals. They often tell you the best spots – and which trails you should avoid today. Such conversations are worth their weight in gold and make the rides richer than any gear upgrade list.

Respect the land that carries us

The Tramuntana has hard lines for experts, but also gentle variants for every fitness level. More important than records is consideration: no litter in the olive groves, no shortcuts across newly built terraces. The paths are fragile, and an unthinking drift can damage more than your ego. Those who protect the ground ensure we can ride here tomorrow as well, a point echoed in Mallorca's Curves without a Racing Heart: Staying Safe on the Tramuntana & Co..

The little photo souvenir

If you want souvenirs: ask in advance for a photographer or leave a friend with a camera. Around 7 p.m. the light is often perfect – long shadows, warm colors, and the grin after a long descent always looks honest in photos. Tires checked, bottle full, helmet fastened: off you go. The Tramuntana will sometimes give you a hard climb, but often a moment you keep longer than the muscle soreness.