When I signed up for this year's Reverence Hotels 6Points Mallorca cycling challenge, I knew it was going to stretch me. What I perhaps didn't fully appreciate was just how much it would challenge me physically, mentally and emotionally.

The timing hadn't been ideal. A particularly wet start to the year through January and February here in Mallorca, alongside a few life interruptions to my normal training routine, including losing my very dear friend Sarah Feltham-Hunt recently, meant that I arrived at the start line feeling seriously underprepared. I wasn't as fit as I wanted to be. In fact, if I'm honest, I questioned whether I should even be attempting it.

A Charity Cycling Challenge That Goes Beyond the Bike

Over the three days, I alternated between Latte and Cappuccino (testing out my fitness) on different days within our 'Vallee' group, which bypassed many of the Tramuntana peaks (unlike the Montaña and Everest Groups) but still covered approximately 380km with over 4,000 vertical metres of climbing around the whole island of Mallorca. On paper, those numbers are daunting enough. In reality, they become something entirely different.

Day One: Port Adriano to Puerto Pollensa - 108km and a Mountain in the Rain

Day One tested us immediately. Starting from Port Adriano to Puerto Pollensa, we faced 108km and 1,380 metres of climbing. The weather delivered cold winds, rain, blustery conditions and even sleet at the top of Lluc. Standing at the base of the climb from Caimari to Lluc, ascending the Coll de sa Batalla - an 8km climb with approximately 435 metres of elevation gain - I remember wondering whether my determination was going to be stronger than my self-doubt.

Because that's the thing about endurance events. Eventually they stop being about fitness and become entirely about mindset.

We at least had a lovely spa and welcome reception awaiting our arrival at the PortBlue Hotel & Spa in Puerto Pollensa. Our evenings involved some form of entertainment and on the first evening we were entertained by the event's ambassador, Colin Charvis, former Captain of the Welsh Rugby team and player for the British & Irish Lions. He regaled guests with some hilarious stories, including introducing the team to Nelson Mandela, who was apparently somewhat surprised that the majority of the team seemed to share the surname Jones.

Day Two: Formentor Lighthouse, Climbing Roads and 126km to Cala Millor

Day Two, I really did not want to get back on my bike after such a brutal start the morning before. Thankfully the morning started with sunshine and bright smiling faces from most of the other cyclists at breakfast, although there was no less of a challenge lying ahead.

We cycled 126km with 1,518 metres of elevation, beginning with Mallorca's classic ride to the Formentor Lighthouse and back, adding around 40km of climbing roads and twisting ascents before continuing all the way to Cala Millor.

By then our group had averaged approximately 22km/h throughout the day, which sounds manageable until you factor in hours in the saddle, relentless climbing and increasingly tired legs, not to mention very sore bums.

Day Three: Finding the Finish When Every Muscle Says No

On the third day I rose again - albeit long after Easter - every joint ached and every muscle protested. Facing the final mountain pass over Coll de Tords from Establiments, after a 72km cycle to the base before the climb into Calvià, felt almost psychologically impossible.

Yet somehow you get up. You clip in. And you pedal. One kilometre at a time.

I should also mention that we had incredible support along the way from our wonderful volunteers - most locally based but some flying in from the UK - who gave up their time and appeared at strategic stops with homemade cake, treats, water and encouragement to help keep energy and morale high. Those moments mattered more than they probably realised.

Meet Justin Jones: The Hand Cyclist Who Redefined What's Possible

But while finishing the challenge felt like a huge accomplishment personally, my experience paled beside one rider who quietly redefined what resilience truly looks like.

Whilst there were other groups cycling much longer and more arduous routes — with the Everest Group cycling in total 533km with 8,945 metres climbed, higher than Everest itself — we saw the introduction of a brand-new group called Frappe, created specifically to make the challenge accessible for newcomers to endurance cycling.

And among those riders was Justin Jones.

Six years ago, Justin's life changed forever following a catastrophic car accident.

"Before the accident I was very active and always looking for new adventures," Justin told me. "Living in Mallorca with the sea, mountains and everything in between felt like the perfect place to raise my children."

He was not expected to survive.

Then came fears of losing limbs. Then years of recovery.

"It was only last November when a friend introduced me to a trike hand bike," he explained. "It was amazing and scary at the same time."

That trike represented far more than a bike. For Justin, it became a regained freedom.

"The first time I got my own one, I was able to take my children on a bike ride again for the first time since 2019."

Initially, he thought participating in 6Points might be a possibility in 2027. Then chance intervened. After meeting the event's founder and organiser Bryan Visser and group leading rider Oliver Neilson, ideas quickly turned into possibilities.

"Next thing I knew, I was doing the challenge."

The Frappe Group: How 6Points Made Endurance Cycling Accessible for Everyone

The newly created Frappe group turned out to be exactly what Justin and several others needed, and the idea emerged after several complete beginners expressed interest in participating.

"We were approached by four different individuals who were new to cycling and had never done a multi-day endurance event," Bryan explained. "Three hadn't ridden a bike since school days, and another was recovering from an injury."

The approach was simple: start early, coach consistently and gradually build confidence.

"We introduced them to riding in January, coached them, gradually increased the distance and climbing and accelerated their learning curve."

The result? Every rider completed the challenge - including Justin, riding his hand trike.

"A resounding success in an event that we've always wanted to be as inclusive as we can possibly make it," Bryan said. The Frappe group will return in 2027 with dedicated group leaders already recruited.

For Justin, the challenge was not simply physical.

"Day One was mentally very difficult," he admitted. "The sheer distance felt overwhelming." But somewhere along the route, things shifted.

"Coming through the Alaró area in the freezing rain, everyone just got into the mood and just went for it — we felt like we were flying!"

Then came another moment. "There are times when you're halfway between points and only your thoughts keep you company."

He found himself thinking about people who had stood beside him through life but were no longer here.

"And how this would have blown their minds."

When I asked what finishing meant to him, his answer felt bigger than cycling.

"No matter where you are in life, mentally or physically, every day can be a new start. I never dreamed I could do this. Then I did."

The Charities Behind 6Points Mallorca - Where Your Sponsorship Goes

Perhaps that is exactly why events like 6Points matter.

Yes, they raise extraordinary sums for charity - over €65,000 from this year's event alone and over €400,000 during the last ten years.

The funds support three vital Mallorca charities: vulnerable children through Fundación Shambala, disability services through Asdica, and animal welfare initiatives through SOS Animal Calvià.

Why Events Like 6Points Mallorca Matter Beyond the Miles

But perhaps equally important is what the event gives back to participants.

Perspective. Confidence. Connection. Proof that limits are often much further away than we imagine.

A huge thank you goes not only to every rider who took part, but also to the families, friends and sponsors who supported us through the training rides, every fundraising message and every difficult climb.

Corporate sponsors including Reverence Hotels, Ajuntament de Calvià, Port Adriano, Ticket Travel, PH Mallorca and many more help cover operational costs, ensuring that all private sponsorship donations go directly to the charities themselves.

And as tired legs recover and bikes get cleaned away, one thing is already becoming clear.

Somehow, despite the rain, aching joints, mountain climbs and psychological battles, many of us are already thinking: could we do it again next year?

Because once you realise you're capable of more than you thought possible, something changes.

And perhaps that's the greatest challenge - and reward - of all.

* * * * *

Join 6Points Mallorca in 2027 - or Donate Now

If you'd like to donate to this year's 6Points Mallorca charity cycling challenge, please visit: 6pointschallenges.com/donate (please specify the name of your chosen rider or leave blank), or to enquire about joining in 2027 from 14th to 16th May, visit www.6pointschallenges.com.

Amanda J Butler is a Mallorca-based writer exploring Mallorca’s evolving culture of wellness, lifestyle and conscious living. 

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Frequently Asked Questions About 6Points Mallorca

Q:  What is the 6Points Mallorca cycling challenge?

A:  6Points Mallorca is an annual multi-day charity cycling event that takes riders around the island of Mallorca over three days, raising funds for local Mallorcan charities. In 2026, the event raised over €65,000.

Q:  When is the 6Points Mallorca 2027 challenge?

A:  The 6Points Mallorca 2027 challenge takes place from 14th to 16th May 2027. Registration information is available at www.6pointschallenges.com.

Q:  Which charities does 6Points Mallorca support?

A:  6Points Mallorca supports three Mallorcan charities: Fundación Shambala (vulnerable children), Asdica (disability services), and SOS Animal Calvià (animal welfare).

Q:  How much has 6Points Mallorca raised for charity?

A:  Over ten years, 6Points Mallorca has raised over €400,000 for local charities, including more than €65,000 from the 2026 event alone.

Q:  Can beginners take part in the 6Points Mallorca cycling challenge?

A:  Yes. The 2026 event introduced the Frappe group specifically for newcomers to endurance cycling, including participants who hadn't ridden a bike since school days. The group will return in 2027. eBikes are also acceptable.

Q:  How can I donate to the 6Points Mallorca charities?

A:  You can donate directly at 6pointschallenges.com/donate. You can specify a rider's name or leave it blank and the donation will be distributed to the supported charities.