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This blog will be completed every day of the Mallorca Training Camp Commencing Monday 12th April
Tuesday 6th April
Its now just 6 days then club members will arrive on the sunny isle of Mallorca (Majorca for us Brits). 9 members are making the trip and Hazel has done a great job arranging the training camp and transfers from the airport. We are booked onto the camp run by Dave le Grys a former track cyclist which was an absolute bargain at £250 half board for the week. I have no doubt will that there will be around 100 cyclists plus on the camp so its a great opportunity to meet and ride with other cyclists from all over the uk. Its also a lot easier cycling in a group than on your own. And with your own ride guide there is no navigating to worry about. So the packing has started well of a fashion in that back bedroom is now filling up with cycling gear ready for putting in the bags such as sun cream, passport, spare tyre and to make the miles a bit easier - Assos cream for the shorts!
So keep an eye on the blog which will start everyday from next Monday and will include photos and information on our week in Mallorca. Just keep your fingers crossed for good weather for us a week without arm and leg warmers would be fantastic!
SATURDAY 10TH APRIL -Well Mark is busy trying to remember how the bikes fit in the bike boxes. Though the main fun could be putting them back together again in a few days! We’ve both been out for a last minute ride today - gotta make the most of this weather - and boy it was lovely. In a few days we will be swapping the Wolds for the Majorcan hills - could be a baptism of fire! Anyway - have to dash - bag packing calls. Hazel
MONDAY 12TH APRIL - Made it!! The day started with a 5 am alarm and a rendezvous at Leeds Bradford. By 11.30 hrs we were sat in the sun outside airport waiting for Andy, Carl and Tom to come in on the Manchester flight. After a speedy transfer we were soon all trying to put our bikes back together - some more successful than others. And suddenly you realise how rare a pedal spanner is when you need one! All bikes stored in special room with bike hangers and combination locks. Toby with a memory of a fish forgot his number within 30 mins and had to cut the lock off. In the confusion he then walked around the front of the hotel with his helmet on back to front. This was obviously not covered on his Level 2 coaching course - must be an item on level 3!!! Five of us then headed off to Alcudia - though Mark did set off in the direction of Cap Formentor initially. Advice was offered from the screaming Hazel - “where the **** do you think you are going?” Anyway we made it and had a lovely coffee stop. The wind on the way back was just like the Wolds - a taster of home. We’ve just had the group meetings for tomorrow and there are 5 groups for tomorrow from racing down to touring. Funny though that touring is covering more miles than the faster group?! Quick gin and tonic - bed and ready for stretching class at 0800 hrs. Mileage tomorrow between 50 and 65 to Petra.
Tuesday 13th April - Day we hit the roads. There were several groups out today, group 1 for those that like to ride everywhere at 20 mph+, group 2a average around 18 mph, group 2b slightly slower, group 3 same distances but again a steady pace and a spint group for interval sessions morning and afternoon with a few miles of cycling between each. Hazel, Toby, Ian and Terry opted for the group 3 which consisted of 12 riders for 61 miles to Petra. Mark, Andy, Carl, Tom and Mark Hancock opted for group 2a - 60 miles in a group of some 20 or so riders. Weather was overcast and the roads slightly wet - spanish roads not good in the wet so we had one rider who slid off on a roundabout but was uninjured. All the groups went different ways to Petra and here we all met up in the square for lunch. On route Group 3 temporarily lost 2 riders and the ride leader showed how to cycle whilst having the map unfold and fly into your face. Group 2a were held up by a few hundred sheep we thought Tom might have bagged himself a new girl but these sheep were not interested in any romantic gestures from Tom and were more interested in making it to the field for lunch. In Petra group 2a picked up a few stragglers who had been droppped from the savages of group 1. A slightly faster return journey for all the groups and a chance to practice through and off on the front as the groups worked together to keep the pace up and each rider only spending a second on the front of the group. We were soon back at the Hotel for a shower ,,pop out for coffee and then a quick snooze before tea. Tomorrow the weather looks better so it will be a hilly day for all.
Wednesday 14th April - The Mountain Roads. The weather report was good 15 celsius sunny so all the ride leaders had promised a day in the mountains. Group 3 Leader - Doug, spent over 1 hour briefing the riders which earned him the nickname ‘wing commander’ he said that there was no guarantee that all would make it… he was right! Group 2a was going to be an 80 mile+ ride with a 5.4km ascent of the Col De Horno and an optional 8km ascent to Lluc Monastery. The morning started with Andy and Carl plucking more hairs out of Toms legs he had refused to shave his legs and convert to true ‘roadism’ so this had become the sport for the holiday. He was cornered in the lift and an unknown man decided that they needed a hand and even plucked a few out himself. Group 2a with some 21 riders made quick time to Orient and then the ascent started to Col Horno, the group was strung out as riders rode at their own Pace to reach the summit some several hundred metres above. A very steep descent with extreme switchbacks brought us to Alaro for our lunch stop. Usual stock up on coffees and cheese sandwiches. On leaving the town it was 4 km until Andy realised he had left his saddle bag in the square. Mark volunteered to go back with Andy so armed with a mini scale map from the guide they were on their own until all re grouped 20 kms later on the top of the climb from selva. An 18 km descent from there brought us back to the hotel.
And Group 3’s events - we rode up to Luc Monastery and then onto the acquaduct - or is it a viaduct?! Total of 45 mile round trip. Big shout out to Toby who did an excellent job considering his knee and leg are squiffy from a not well-set up saddle and set of pedal clips. Also well done to Terry who was described as strong and also had a good ascent. And we only lost one person which was a result too - Michael forgot about the left turn and headed off down the Salva Road. Anyway, duly retrieved. Been a brill day - great climbing, great descending and the sun came out too!! On a good note for Hazel - she found the most gorgeous nougat - on a bad note it was right at the top of the climb and she only bought one bar! Looking forward to tomorrow.
Thursday 15th April - by Andy Browne. An easy recovery day was on the agenda for all the groups - group 2a with Tom,Carl, Mark Hancock and Andy set off for the lighthouse at Cap de Formentor with 600m of climbing. The day had some steep ascents and descents with fantastic scenery and sheer drops to the Mediterranean sea. The recovery ride did not really happen with hard climbs and max descent speeds of 41 mph. There was no stop at the lighthouse cafe due to the expensive coffee on offer -typical Yorkshire men. A ride back to Pollensa for lunch. Tom has had beans everyday so far and the build up was too much and his release of methane did not impress the lady rider behind him and her husband who commented ‘he was a dirty sod’. He was very apologetic in his laughing response. The plucking of Toms hair continued today with Carl winning the largest amount plucked so far.
Mark hit group 1 with a 60 mile recovery ride to Sineu and to visit the ‘Bloody hell’ cafe and the velodrome. A few laps of the velodrome and the chance for a few photos. They then visited the ‘bloody hell’ cafe which is named after the waiter who says a lot of ‘bloody hells’ at everything!
Hazel, Terry and Ian were again the group 3 stalwarts. Toby was laid up due to severe knee pain. Todays trip was to Llubi with some stopping at the chocolate factory on the way back. And this is training!! The group did think that Hazel was married to Toby…….Mark was unimpressed 
All the riders had easier rides in preparation for the mountain rides tomorrow.
Friday 16th April - The Big One - by Terry, Ian and Toby - First part of today’s ride was following the motorway up to Inca, quick coffee at Inca and then up to Selva. Magnificent views on way, freshly laid tarmac and 12 switch backs made for good riding. Total of over 600 m climbing. Toby then went onto Lluc Monastery, still carrying his injury but nevertheless bravely fought on! He then retraced his steps and headed back into Pollensa - total of 45 miles. Terry and Ian went onto the orange seller - who now knows the guys personally - and then took the short climb to the Coll de Calas Reis at 723m. After a quick look at the twists and turns of the descent Sa Calobra they hit the descent with some trepidation. Terry very unimpressed with the town at the bottom (akin to Flamborough Head he said) before heading back up in a respectable 1 hr 10 (including 4 photo stops). The only casualties were Ian’s sunglasses that he cycled over and Terry’s bottom - but the less said about that the better. And then a return journey in a terrible headwind - 70 mile round trip. Well done guys - excellent result all round!
Saturday 17th April - As we prepare for a rest day the biggest question around the hotel is who will get home and when. Our flights are not until Monday so a few days yet the more we see the more its looking doubtful that we will get home. Many riders cannot get home and are having an extended training camp.
Today was a ride to C’an Picafort a seaside bay with a cafe that does excellent strawberry cake. You see the theme on this holiday - cake! All groups were having a recovery ride ie flat easy! Mark went to group 3 to ride with Hazel and Toby. Group 2 stayed the same but Terry and Ian decided to go off to get some sunbathing in on a quiet beach near to Pollensa where they hoped to swim in the sea as well. It was an easy day Mark had an average Hr of 65 bpm and average watts of 57 (normally around 260 watts). Even Pam the masseuse was out for a spin. She used a hotel hire bike - lucky our group was allowed one as Dave Le Grys the organiser had his hire bike stolen outside the local bar the other day - he is now banned from hiring any more! The day was completed with a sunbathe at the pool side. And yes further news of the volcano disruptions and confirmation that Mark, Hazel, Toby, Terry and Ian would not be flying out on Monday their Jet2 flight has been cancelled. So an extended camp is now on the cards.
Sunday 18th April - Ok its now confirmed that we wont be flying home soon. Mark, Hazel, Toby, Terry and Ian and Mark Hancock are booked on to a flight on Sat morning whilst Tom, Carl and Andy are on a flight next Monday. The training camp officially stops tomorrow but unofficially it will go on next week. The weather is getting hotter so we will have a few more days in the saddle.
Today’s rides had an animal theme today - I will explain later group 2a consisted of Andy, Mark, Mark Hancock and Tom heading to quiet village for a hour’s stop in the sun. Another 64 miles done at a steady pace. This group had two close calls when Mark narrowly missed the dead cat laying at the side of the road after no one shouted it out from the front. Also mid ride a dog with a bandaged ear came out from the kerb into the riders another close call - No further explanation needed on why it was sporting a bandage. Group 3 with Ian, Terry, Toby and Hazel actually did more miles than Grop 2A!! - just over 65 miles. On the way to Petra Michael in our group decided to say “hi” to the local donkey and ended up getting bitten - we’ve heard the donkey is doing OK. After a spin round the velodrome we headed back, head down into the head wind - lots of heads there! for Toby’s knee-saving massage - we will keep that boy on the road. Looking forward to easier day tomorrow.
Monday 19th April - training camp +1 - All of us are now awaiting our next flights which are booked for sat and Monday. So with little else to do we hit the roads. Mark decided on a solo ride to Randa Monastery a superb site on top of a 500 metre high hill. This was a 90 mile roaund trip. Hazel, Toby, Ian and Terry hit the roads for a easy 36 mile ride. The other riders went to Sa Colobra - a very bizarre road which consists of numerous switchbacks and narrow roads to descend to a fishing cove. The route was 75 miles in total with step descents. This time the demon descenders Mark Hancock and Carl were determind to beat our best ascender Tom Stockill back to Pollensa. This time they were succesful with three riders working together managing to beat him back to the town.
The evening meet was quite emotional as the training camp was officially closed and 65 riders still stranded however there was an air of optimism as reports were coming in that airports were due to open the next day in the UK and the volcano was letting out less ash.
Tuesday 20th April training camp +2 - A funny old day really. Training camp is now well and truly finished and we all had a day off either round the pool or walking into the town. Felt pretty sombre today - real concern that our flights scheduled for Saturday and Monday won’t go ahead. Mark spent hours and hours on the Internet trying to look at alternatives. Jet2 offered two overland options that filled up in minutes. Unfortunately, we didn’t get any of the seats. We had a mtg this evening to discuss options for if the flights are cancelled - few things to sort tomorrow. Hoping to get out tomorrow on the bikes - at least it takes our mind off the volcanco and its latest activities!
Wedsnesday 21st April training camp +3 - We awoke to good news that the airports were open. Our flights will go on Saturday and Monday as planned. We were willing to pay another £200 per ticket and then wait for a possible refund. So at least there was some good news and the stress was off. So everyone went back to hit the roads and get out on the bikes. This might be the last day before 2 days of rain. Vicky Martin (Carl’s wife) called Monarch 103 times but could not get through. as she tried to pull the monday flights forward. It was nice to receive texts of help from Rex whilst we were here - thanks Rex!
Thursday 22nd April training camp +4 - It rained and it rained heavy! Carl and Mark got ready for a sprint session for Carl but the roads are known to be treacherous in the wet due to the bad drainge. So everyone took the day off. Mark and Hazel walked into Port de Pollensa for coffee and headed back for a snooze. Toby, Ian and Terry hired a car and toured the island. Andy, mini-Mark, Tom and Carl went to Alcudia to do some family shoppping.
Friday 23rd April training camp + 5 - Last day for six of the team. Mini-Mark had already packed his bike two days ago due to an achilles heel injury so easy day for him. Mark became the map reader again for a group that headed off on a 70 mile ride. Terry, Ian and Toby got blown to and from Cap Formentor in the northerly winds. Hazel did what she does best - short ride, food and shopping with Joyce! Weather was variable with only Mark’s group seeing some sunshine in the south of the island. Small scare earlier in the day when we heard some airports in Scotland had been shut due to volcanic ash but this was lifted by the time the packing hour had arrived. Bikes and bags duly packed - airport here we come. See you in 2011 Majorca 
Richardsons Cycles Shop
38-40 Castle Road
Great to hear your news. Do keep an eye on Tom,expect he will be on the look out for more sheep tomorrow. Helmet wearing is a level 4 question so plenty of time to get it right! Not a lot of mentions of Andy, surely he is not being quiet. ? Cold wet and windy here today so clearly am not jealous at all!
Wow! Guys, I wish I was with you all, great pictures. Have lots of fun.
Rex
I am liking the sound of this trip more and more, well Hazel’s group anyway. Nougot, chocolate factories and sun, sounds just too wonderful. Hope Toby feeling better, and leave Tom alone, you lot are just envious as except for Hazel he has better legs than any of you!
Do hope hols going well, flights home ok? Hope so,
Flights home looking bad guys, I have friends trapped in France, earliest flights is now Thursday but thats now not looking good. If anyone needs anything doing over here please let me know via this blog or my mobile. Try and keep updated with Sky or BBC World News. Rex.
Hi,
Glad flights seem to be sorted. Tom’s dad Steve has kept me up to speed as iv been in deepest Brighton with no internet access! Home now. Looking forward to catching up with you all next week