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
Sognefjellet 2026: 1434 m summit, cycling guide
Sognefjellet opened 2 April 2026. Cycling season runs mid-May to early October. 1,434 m summit, 27 km from Skjolden. Kit advice and route tips.
Trollstigen 2026: 11 hairpins, 7.6%, cycling guide
Trollstigen opened 27 April 2026 — record-early. 11 hairpins at 7.6% gradient, 858 m summit. Cycling-season schedule, kit advice, route plan.
Aurlandsfjellet 2026: Snow Road, cycling guide
Aurlandsfjellet (FV243) typically opens around 1 June 2026. Norway’s Snow Road tops at 1,306 m between Aurland and Lærdal. Kit and route tips.
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, kit and tips for cyclists.
Sognefjellet vs Trollstigen: which should you cycle?
Sognefjellet vs Trollstigen: which Norwegian mountain pass should you cycle? Distance, elevation, traffic, character, and who each climb suits best.
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 do not pay road tolls in Norway — AutoPASS exempts bicycles entirely. Ferries charge a small pedestrian fare. Practical guide for cycling tourists.
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? Honest comparison of the four main cycling bases on Mallorca — access to Tramuntana, quietness, cost and character.
The best café stops on Mallorca for cyclists
Seven café stops on Mallorca that cyclists actually use — from Sa Mola 13 in Sineu to Cycling Planet in Alaró and Sa Ruta Verda in Caimari. Real stops, not a tourism list.
Flying to Palma with a bike box: the checklist
Flying to Palma with a bike box: airline fee comparison, packing checklist, airport transfer, tyre deflation, CO2 rules and insurance. Practical 2026 guide for cyclists.
Which rental car fits a bike box at Palma airport?
Which rental car fits a standard bike box at Palma airport? Intermediate estate is the practical minimum; SUV or MPV is safer. Car classes, racks and booking tips for cyclists.
Cycling laws in Spain: what you need to know in 2026
Cycling laws in Spain 2026: helmet on interurban roads, 1.5 m overtaking distance, €200 fine for no lights or phone use. Full DGT rule overview for visiting cyclists.
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 / 167 km). 2026 edition sold out. What to expect, who it's for, and 2027 planning.
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: What You Need to Know
Renting a road bike in Spain — Mallorca, Costa Blanca and Girona compared. Prices, fitting, hotel delivery and when renting beats flying with your own.