Majorca training: April 2009 IS GO!

[quote="Amy"] now that I'm grown up I have a kind of fascination with things like make-up and nice shoes and clothes.

[Jon H]

[quote="Andrew G"]I've never been there before but don't intend to look at tarmac all the time. I do intend to do a lot of cycling and get quite a lot of miles in but I don't really do training as such, there seems to be quite a few of us going as well so I'd be surprised if everyone was setting off for the same "club run" all the time. One of the things I really enjoyed in Italy last year was long (6-8 hour) rides punctuated with a couple of cafe stops at interesting and scenic places. I found it a good way to do all the long cycling rides I wanted, at a reasonable "steady" pace so not just mooching about but not at a "training" pace either, and still see places. Anyone thinking along these lines or is it a training camp for most?

I've no idea what other people's plans are (if they have any) - harder morning ride and then chill or sight see in the afternoon, or all day rides, or whatever. Any thoughts folks?

If those that have been before can chuck a few nice places up in the air then I can have a bit of a shufty at what's where on a map and what's got link up possibilities.

If Huw is doing some proper coaching of his gang then it may not suit, or he may not want, too many others involved in certain things anyway.

BTW what sort of temperature is it when we'll be there on average? Is it good but reasonable all day or is there a hot patch that should be avoided in the day for those of a less swarthy complexion?

Oh and for shoes I find Specialized very comfy, mine are silver.

[Jon H]

[quote="Michelle"]Sounds good. Maybe we should have hired a car then....

[Amy]

[quote="Jon Hemming"]The Caves of Drach are pretty cool. At one point you get to a huge chamber which has a lake in it, but I won't spoil the surprise of what happens next

[Mike I]

[quote]I've never been there before but don't intend to look at tarmac all the time. I do intend to do a lot of cycling and get quite a lot of miles in but I don't really do training as such, there seems to be quite a few of us going as well so I'd be surprised if everyone was setting off for the same "club run" all the time. One of the things I really enjoyed in Italy last year was long (6-8 hour) rides punctuated with a couple of cafe stops at interesting and scenic places. I found it a good way to do all the long cycling rides I wanted, at a reasonable "steady" pace so not just mooching about but not at a "training" pace either, and still see places. Anyone thinking along these lines or is it a training camp for most?

[huw williams]

[quote="Andrew G"] If Huw is doing some proper coaching of his gang then it may not suit, or he may not want, too many others involved in certain things anyway.

[Keith]

[quote="Andrew G"]..... but I don't really do training as such ....

[Amy]

I'd call it having fun while getting fit on holiday

What about two weeks cycling in Scotland? What would you call that? Most of the first week will be luggage free but the rest will be riding on tour with at least rear panniers, a small rack pack and a handlebar bag (useful for carrying maps, money and, of course, easy access to the camera)

[Marek]

1.5km swim before breakfast
150km bike ride before lunch
20km run after lunch

Every day.

Except the day that we take to the hired mountain bikes and ride around the whole of the island through the sand.

Cheers

Marek.....

[quote="Keith"][quote="Andrew G"]..... but I don't really do training as such ....

[DavidD]

Huw,

Add me to the list. I'm taking the 15:40 flight from Gatwick on the 1st and returning on the 13:50 flight on the 7th. I shall be looking for some alternative rides to the training group.

[huw williams]

Good man Dave

Realistically there won't be anyone doing 'training group' speed rides every day (unless they're intent on flying home in a box.)

The usual theme will be hilly rides of 3 to 5 hours daily through some excellent terrain where you'll learn as much about descending as you will about climbing. If needed we'll do some proper 1 hour training sessions in the afternoons on the roads just out of town for those racers who want to actually do some speed/intensity work as some will be racing as soon as they get off the plane home - this will hopefully soften them up enough so that the rest of us can keep up with them on the next day's ride

Each evening I'm suggesting a very brief pre-dinner coaching talk (in the bar, naturally) on various training aspects and to open the debate up to those in attendance to contribute - we'll have some experienced racers/testers on hand for useful information exchange so let's not waste the opportunity. Anyone who has any ideas on contributing to this or any areas they want covered - I'm all ears.

Then it'll be dinner and drinks at which point Andrew will take over for a more lengthy, one-sided lecture on any subject you care to mention

We're still keen to get as many riders of all standards on this trip, the more diverse the better for all concerned, so if anyone knows anyone who might be interested please let them know

H

[Rob C]

I just found a place offering a week here with flights for less then £200, very tempting...

[huw williams]

[quote="Rob C"]I just found a place offering a week here with flights for less then £200, very tempting...

[Andrew G]

[quote="huw williams"]Then it'll be dinner and drinks at which point Andrew will take over for a more lengthy, one-sided lecture on any subject you care to mention