The Playbook
A cyclist's knowledge base — seasonal road openings, climb gearing, destination tips and real-world FAQs from cyclists who've ridden it.
Norway
When does Sognefjellet open? 2026 season
When does Sognefjellet open? It opened 2 April 2026, and the cycling season runs mid-May to early October. Route, kit and current road status.
Is Trollstigen open? Status and 2026 season
Is Trollstigen open? Opening date, the autumn weekday closure, the eleven hairpins, and where to check live road status before you ride.
When does Aurlandsfjellet open? 2026
When does Aurlandsfjellet open? The Snow Road (Fv5627) usually opens around 1 June. Season, the 1,306 m crossing, and current road status.
When does Valdresflya open?
Valdresflya (FV51) reopens at Easter 2026 after winter closure. The plateau between Beitostølen and Vågå tops out at 1,389 m. Opening dates and kit.
The hardest cycling climbs in Norway
From Juvasshytta to Stalheimskleiva — the 8 hardest cycling climbs in Norway, ranked by length, gradient and total elevation gain.
Do cyclists pay tolls in Norway?
No, cyclists pay no road tolls in Norway — AutoPASS exempts bicycles entirely. Ferries charge a small pedestrian fare. A practical guide for touring.
Spain
Can beginners cycle Sa Calobra?
Can beginners cycle Sa Calobra? The descent needs solid brake technique, the 9.5 km / 7% climb back is a real effort. Honest answer for first-timers.
Gearing for Sa Calobra and Puig Major
Gearing for Sa Calobra and Puig Major: compact 50/34 with 11-34 is the practical choice. Compared with triple, sub-compact, 1× and specialist setups.
The best base on Mallorca for cyclists
Port de Pollença, Alcúdia, Cala Millor or Palma? An honest comparison of the four main cycling bases on Mallorca — access, quiet, cost and character.
Cap de Formentor cycling: traffic guide
Cyclists are exempt from Cap de Formentor's car ban (10:00–22:00, mid-May–mid-October). Peak-season daytime is paradoxically the quietest ride of the year.
Best café stops on Mallorca for cyclists
Seven café stops on Mallorca that cyclists actually use — Sa Mola 13 in Sineu, Cycling Planet in Alaró, Sa Ruta Verda in Caimari. Real stops, not a list.
Flying to Palma with a bike box
Flying to Palma with a bike box: airline fees compared, packing checklist, airport transfer, tyre deflation, CO2 rules and insurance. A 2026 guide.
Rental car for a bike box: Palma
Which rental car fits a bike box at Palma airport? An intermediate estate is the practical minimum, an SUV or MPV safer. Car classes, racks and booking.
Cycling laws in Spain 2026
A helmet is mandatory on interurban roads with no exceptions. 1.5 m overtaking distance, 20 km/h slower when passing, €200 fines. DGT rules, verified.
Mallorca 312 2026: what you need to know
Mallorca 312 2026: Saturday 25 April, 06:30 start in Platja de Muro. Three distances — 312, 225 and 167 km. The 2026 edition is sold out; plan for 2027.
Flying to Spain with Your Bike
Flying to Spain with a bike — Palma, Alicante and Barcelona airports. Airline fees, packing, transfers and rentals. The honest planning guide for cyclists.
Gearing for the Costa Blanca Climbs
Gearing for Coll de Rates, Port de Tudons, Cumbre del Sol and Confrides. Compact 50/34 with 11-32 covers it; honest gearing notes for the four climbs.
Best Café Stops on the Costa Blanca
Five café stops along Costa Blanca cycling routes from Calpe — Velosol in Xaló, Bar El Cantonet, Nou Serrella and Calpe harbour. Honest cyclist notes.
Taking Your Bike on the Train in Spain
Taking a bike on the train in Spain — Renfe AVE, Rodalies and Cercanías rules, fees, and the three cycling routes that matter: Barcelona-Girona and beyond.
Renting a road bike in Spain
Renting a road bike in Spain — Mallorca, Costa Blanca and Girona compared. Prices, fitting, hotel delivery and when renting beats flying with your own.