Happy Christmas from Poco Loco Cycling

Poco Loco Cycling would like to wish all it's clients a very Happy Christmas and safe riding in the New Year.

The new website is now fully live to take bookings for the 2012 training camps, starting with the FWRC New Year Blow Out on January 21/22.

FWRC New Year Blow Out 2012

Blow away the cobwebs and start your post Christmas recovery with our New Year Blowout on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd of January 2012 in association with Fibrax Wrexham Roads Club. Starting on Saturday morning, we will ride out to Capel Curig in the heart of Snowdonia for the overnight stop and return to Warrington on Sunday.

The cost is £40 per person for the weekend and this includes:

• Bed and Breakfast accommodation at Cobdens Hotel, Capel Curig, on Saturday night.
• Snack packs.
• Guiding and rider support en route.
• Special training segments en route(power development and group tempo riding).
• Vehicle support including petrol.

The Saturday evening meal is extra but we have arranged with Cobdens to provide a special menu at the reduced price of £15 per person for two courses.

The outward route is 86 miles from Warrington, via Chester, Mold and Denbigh, to Capel Curig, with a lunch stop approximately half-way. Parcours undulating/hilly. Recommended gear 12/25.

Please note that, due to space limitations in the support vehicles, luggage is limited to one small soft hold-all per person. Also, given the time of year, the use of lights is recommended.

For further details and to book please contact Nick Giles by e-mail to nick@pocolococycling.com.

Supported by: Fibrax Wrexham Roads Club.

Sierra Nevada Altitude Camps 2012

Poco Loco is making provisional arrangements for altitude training camps over the summer of 2012. Based in the Sierra Nevada, near Granada, Spain they will include training rides with former Tour de France stage winner and King of the Mountains, Gert-Jan Theunisse.

The camps will be for a duration of ten days in July or August 2012 and will be for groups of about ten riders of similar fitness and experience. The price will be in the region of £1,200 including accommodation, meals and transfers. Flights to Granada are extra.

These camps will be tailor made to suit the abilities and aspirations of the riders attending and following the advice of Gert-Jan Theunisse. Therefore, anyone interested in these camps is asked to contact Nick to discuss your requirements and preferred dates.

It's time to grab the bull by the horns and see how far you can go with professional help.

To register your interest in the 2012 Sierra Nevada Altitude Camps

please contact Nick Giles by email to nick@pocolococycling.com.

Free Accommodation

Win free accommodation in Mallorca by attending two Poco Loco Cycling Camps 

Thanks to the generosity of Gert-Jan Theunisse and Gary Fry, we now have a special promotional offer to celebrate the launch of the Poco Loco Cycle Training Camps. Any riders who attend both the Tour of Cornwall 2012 and the Mallorca Training Camp April 2012 will be automatically entered into a free promotional draw to win free accommodation on the Mallorca Camp.

Gert-Jan Theunisse(seated right) and Gary Fry(seated left)

in Mallorca with Nick and Warren.

The Mallorca Training Camp April 2012 package normally includes training rides with Gert-Jan Theunisse and Gary Fry, and half-board accommodation at the Cala Bona Hotel. One lucky rider who attends both camps will get the accommodation part of the Mallorca Camp completely free of charge.

The Cala Bona Hotel overlooks the old fishing harbour at Cala Bona on the south-east coast of Mallorca, not far from Cala Millor, and has a special secure cycle room for storage, and cleaning or repair of bicycles.

In addition to this, riders attending both camps will also be eligible for the previously advertised £70 voucher from the Bike Factory in Chester.

The Bike Factory

Get a £70 Voucher for attending Poco Loco Cycling Camps 

The Bike Factory of Chester are assisting us with a big promotion to launch the Poco Loco cycling camps. They are offering a £70 voucher to any rider attending both the Tour of Cornwall 2012 and the Mallorca Training Camp April 2012.

In addition to this, the Bike Factory are also supplying prize vouchers to the best performing rider in each day's training segment of the Tour of Cornwall 2012.

Now situated at 153-161 Boughton, the Bike Factory have been selling bicycles in Chester for almost one hundred years. Originally the shop was Marstons in Bridge Street Chester who in 1937 received a silver plaque for 25 years unbroken service with Raleigh Industries Limited. The bike shop changed in the 60's to Davies Brothers, a more specialist bike shop in Cuppin Street who built competition bikes for racing touring and club riders.

The Service Department is one of the best in the country and Bike Factory is currently ranked in the top 5 Cytech Directory of over 500 bike shops based on their investment in Cytech training.

Bike Factory are official stockists for a huge range of bikes and accessories and have supplied in the past bikes to one off charity riders to cycling world champions. Their ranges include Specialized, Trek, Raleigh, Dawes, Pinarello, Brompton, Diamond Back. They also stock a full range of cycling parts, accessories and clothing including ASSOS, Bontrager, Campagnolo, Sealskinz, Specialized, Park, Shimano, FOX and Giro to name a few.

In addition to their work with Nick Giles and Poco Loco Cycling, the Bike Factory sponsor local clubs, and are involved in local C.T.C. events, triathlon and many other events throughout the year.

To see more about the Bike Factory and their on-line shop, please visit the Bike Factory website.

Mallorca Training Camp April 2012

This event marks a return to our roots as we revisit the original "Poco Loco" training clinic with Tour de France stage winner, and King of the Mountains, Gert-Jan Theunisse, and former champion triathlete and ex-pat British cyclist Gary Fry. You don't have to be mad to ride with us but it helps!

From Sunday the 8th to Sunday 15th of April 2012, the camp format will be our "Base Plus" package designed for building base fitness with additional specific training segments for experienced riders upon request.

The basic cost will be £375 per person per week including the training rides with Gert-Jan Theunisse and Gary Fry, and half-board accommodation at the Cala Bona Hotel.

Free Accommodation:
Riders that attend both the Tour of Cornwall 2012 and this Training Camp will be eligible for a free prize draw to win free accommodation for this camp. See our blog for full details of the free accommodation promotional offer.

The Cala Bona Hotel overlooks the old fishing harbour at Cala Bona on the south-east coast of Mallorca, not far from Cala Millor, and has a special secure cycle room for storage, and cleaning or repair of bicycles.

In addition, you will need to arrange your own flights. Easy Jet return from Liverpool was £129 at the time of writing.

Bicycle carriage with Easy Jet is £50 return. Airport transfers in Mallorca are also extra.

Bicycle hire(full carbon with Ultegra group set)  in Mallorca costs £150 including airport transfers.

For further details and to book please contact Nick Giles by e-mail to nick@pocolococycling.com.

Special Offer:
Any rider attending both this camp and the Tour of Cornwall 2012 will receive a £70 voucher from the Bike Factory in Chester.

Supported by: The Bike Factory, Chester.

Nick Giles and Gert-Jan Theunisse at Soller.

FWRC Tour of Cornwall 2012

The new and exciting second edition of our highly regarded FWRC Tour of Cornwall returns with a four day extravaganza of cycling fun and frolics(and also some serious race training) from the evening of Friday the 10th to lunch-time on Tuesday the 14th of February 2012 (Please note that these dates are slightly amended from those previously advertised). Run in association with Fibrax Wrexham Roads Club and Tri-Logic Cornwall.

Don't believe everything you see in this photo,

it's not all downhill.

The Tour is based at the Quies Hotel, Newquay. They proved to be good hosts on last year's Tour and have all the facilities to ensure comfort and peace of mind after a day in the saddle. They provide a full breakfast, have bicycle storage and a well equipped games room.

Rider's on the 2011 FWRC Tour of Cornwall

outside the Quies Hotel, Newquay.

The cost is £120 per person for the four days and this includes:

• Bed and Breakfast
• Snack packs
• Post ride hot drinks at the hotel
• New routes
• Special training segments en route
• Prizes for the most determined rider and best overall in races
• Two groups(A&B) with support cars(petrol included)

Training segments will include Time Trial, Speed Session, and 2 x 5 mile Handicap Races. The Bike Factory in Chester has kindly donated vouchers as prizes for the best performances in the training segments.

Aching legs, pain and discomfort, free of charge!

For reasons of safety and logistical support, there is a maximum of twenty seven places allowed on this event.

Given the possibility of bad weather at this time of year, riders are asked to bring suitable footwear and clothing for alternative training activities in the event that any of the planned rides have to be curtailed.

Reviews:
See what people thought of our last tour by reading our reviews of the 2011 Tour of Cornwall.

For further details and to book please contact Nick Giles by e-mail to nick@pocolococycling.com.

Special Offer:
In addition to the training segment prizes, the Bike Factory is also giving a £70 voucher to any rider that attends both this event and our Mallorca Training Camp April 2012. Read our blog for full details of this special offer from the Bike Factory.

Free Accommodation:
Riders that attend both this Tour of Cornwall and the April 2012 Mallorca Camp will be eligible for a free prize draw to win free accommodation for the Mallorca Camp. See our blog for full details of the free accommodation promotional offer.

Supported by: The Bike Factory, Chester, The Quies Hotel, Newquay, Fibrax Wrexham Roads Club, and Tri-Logic Cornwall Triathlon Club.

Mallorca Villa Accommodation

Thanks to our contacts on Mallorca we can offer two luxury villas for rent from now until the end of February 2012. This would suit a club or team looking for some cheap winter training abroad. The villas are fully furnished and sleep eight people.

The following options are available:

• self-catering for 8 people, £100 per person per week.
• self-catering for 8 people, including cycling guide, £150 per person per week.
• self-catering for 8 people, including cycling guide and evening cook, £180 per person per week.

For further details, and to book, please contact Nick Giles by e-mail to nick@pocolococycling.com.

Mallorca Training Clinic Report

A report on the Poco Loco Mallorca Training Clinic

12th - 19th June 2011

with Tour de France Stage winner Gert-Jan Theunisse.

Originally, Warren Giddins and I were looking for something that little bit different for our training week, a lot of fun, but with some serious ‘kick-ass’ training. After scouring the internet, Warren came across a site that mentioned training clinics run by former professional and Tour de France stage winner Gert-Jan Theunisse and his wife Nancy. Many emails and text were fired back and forth and finally dates were fixed and everything was put in place for a week's training including 4 full days riding and coaching from Gert.
We decided not to take are own bikes to save the hassle and stress of packing the bikes, flying, and then unpacking the bikes and getting them prepared, but rather hire two bikes from a local cycle shop in Cala Millor.

Leaving late on Saturday 11th we arrived at Palma to be picked-up and transferred tour hotel by Nancy in what I can say was pure luxury, a Mercedes…how professional did we feel! And to top that, we had another pleasant surprise when Nancy gave us each a pair of fantastic trainers…wow what a great start.
It was an hour's drive to the hotel so we all had time to get to know each other and what Gert has planned for the week. With no meal on the plane we were starving and with the first ride scheduled for Sunday morning we were getting worried, but, thankfully the hotel left out a small snack, which just took the edge off the hunger pangs.

In the morning we woke to a beautiful day, albeit a little overcast, the temperature was just spot-on at 24 degrees ideal for riding, and at 9.30 on-the-dot our bikes arrived as promised. Well, would you believe it, two top-end Pinarello full carbon bikes with Campag equipment…fantastic. On with the pedals, a few minor adjustments and we were ready for action!

Day 1: 150km – Cala Millor – San Juan – Cala Millor
Gert was very punctual as you would appreciate by arriving at 10am , and with him was another pro rider called Pedro, both were super tanned, and in excellent condition making us looking like a couple of milk bottles next to them! Quick introductions and away on our first real day of training, a 5hr tempo ride just to get the legs rolling. Well, the tempo turned out to 30kph, which considering the continual rolling roads, is not bad going!

Gert was in great shape, staying on the front for most of the day, but with only the four of us, we were all working hard. It was a great first day, 150km of beautiful roads, culminating with a nice café con leche at the local café…doesn't get much better than this…or does it?

Day 2: 50km Cala Millor - Cala Anguila - Cala Millor
On Gert's advice it was decided to have every other day as a recovery ride, with a cool swim to enhance muscle repair. So, with this in mind Warren and I set off from the hotel after a relaxing breakfast to find a nice beach where we can have an easy day and prepare ourselves for the next epic ride. After a short 25km ride spinning easy gears we found a picturesque beach called Cala Anguila, it was just stunning, albeit to reach it we had to go down a 20% incline, which obviously we had to climb afterwards…lovely thought! The sea was idyllic and it proved therapeutic on our aching muscles from the previous days ride.

We stayed a couple of hours having a nice lunch after the swim and taking in the perfect scenery on a perfect day. Back on with the kit it was now getting our heads around the very steep climb off the beach… it really hurt the legs! The ride back to the hotel was predominately a rolling road but nothing too difficult, and riding on the cycle paths which are as wide as our roads, made it so much easier. Once back it was down to the nearest café for a nice cooling beer and to pass time before the evening meal…oh how life could be!

Day 3: 202km Cala Millor-Soller-Cala Millor
Another big day ahead with the aim of climbing the 20km Soller Mountain, but starting from where we were it was over 100km away. Gert arrived bang on 10am ready to roll and with plenty of bidons and pockets filled with bananas and gels, we set of to meet Gert's good friend Gary Fry on route. The tempo was already at 32kph and we had barely gone 10km with Warren and myself showing signs of worry about completing the distance if this paced was sustained. Gert knew every side road which sometimes felt like we were going down someone's drive and the initial route to Gary's was not so easy with regular steep climbs coming one after the other. Gary was there waiting for us, again looking very fit and with the obligatory Majorca tan, we all got introduced and had a quick chat before we set of on the long ride to Soller. Gary is a former triathlete who now lives in Majorca and now races regularly on the road and supports Gert with various training camps.

The pace was at a regular tempo but still fast and with just four of us there was nowhere really to hide, so it was just the case of smiling and getting on with it. Luckily with Gert the roads we took by-passed most of the busy areas, truth be told we saw no more than a dozen cars all day.

Nearing Bunyola with 100km covered Gert looked back to see Warren grimacing and asked him if he was okay to climb Soller, with a reply of a forced smile saying everything, Gert shouted to Warren ‘POWER!. Gert and I pushed on with Gary and Warren content to let us go. I’d forgotten how long this climb was and with Gert making the pace sitting in the saddle pushing the big gear he was forcing me to accelerate out of each hairpin to get back alongside him. Nearing the top, the pressure went on, and Gert pushed on even harder to make me react, screaming "come on Nick, go, go, catch me" which I did, just as we reached the top. Pushing back the obvious hurt, we posed for a quick photo together overlooking the fantastic view courtesy of a tourist, then started the long decent back to Bunyola picking up Gary on the way and then Warren soon after.

Stopping at the bottom for a drinks top up and a snack, we began the long haul back to Cala Millor. With the super hot day and distance taking its toll, we had to stop regularly to get drinks, legs were withering, but the tempo was still averaging an amazing 32km, not bad for just 4 riders.

A fraction under 8 hours in the saddle and nearing Cala Millor, Gert and Gary diverted home leaving us to ride straight to the café for a well deserved milkshake and toasted sandwich and a cold towel round Warren's neck to help the shakes! This was well and truly epic… a ride to remember!

Day 4: 50km Cala Millor - Cala Anguila - Cala Millor
Basically this was a repeat of day 2, down to the beach, a recovery swim and a nice lunch and chat about the next day's big effort. I must say the swim on the easy day was something very special; it was just so nice to exercise those muscles that remain inactive on long rides. The only difference with this ride from day 2 is that when we were returning from the beach to the hotel we saw a figure in the distance riding towards us. To our amazement it was Gert with no jersey riding only what can be classed as a shopping bike, and get this, it had a fluffy seat and a bleeding shopping basket on the front. We couldn't believe it and we just had to ask him “is this for real?” which he responded saying “hey man, this is my favourite bike, I love to ride it!”

Chatting on for a while, Gert decided that tomorrow will be the "Team Time Trial Training", something we were looking forward too as it was going to be along the beautiful coast road out of Arenal. So it was a matter of getting plenty of rest and prepare for the long day ahead.

Day 5: 200km Cala Millor – Arenal – Cala Millor
Today's ride was one we were looking forward to as we were going to do a practice team time trial along the beautiful coast road from Felanitx to Arenal. Gert turned up at the hotel on his team bike instead of his carbon mountain bike which meant it was going to be a serious bit of training. The only problem with this plan was that it was going to be a good 2 hour ride to get to the start as we had to do a small detour to pick up Gary. Fortunately the parcour before the time trial was not too difficult albeit the heat off the road still made riding very hard.

Warren was getting nervous as his usual warm up before a time trial would be a 20 minute spin with one short blast, not a 2 hour tempo ride in 30 degrees heat! Arriving at Felanitx we stopped for a quick refuel and discussed what we were going to do. With the first 5km being downhill the four of us set off in formation with Gert starting at the front and Gary following through hard which put the speed at nearly 60kph with Warren and I pedalling for dear life on our compact gears. Once it flattened out it became a little more settled with everyone doing good regular turns keeping the speed at a constant 50kph, but it soon became apparent we were gradually turning into a headwind and once we got onto the exposed roads, turns were being missed.

The wind had taken it's toll and by the time we got to the coast road it was just Gert and I doing a 2 up, although that didn't last long as I had to sit-on whilst he turned over what only could be 54 x 11 with apparent ease! I stuck with him until we reached the approaches to Arenal near the end of the stunning coast road where we stopped to wait for Gary and Warren. Funny though, Gary was the only one to appear, telling us with a grin that Warren had decided to stop at a café and have lunch and we would pick him up on the way back(see the map and you can see where Warren’s Garmin stopped!).

Once back together and a quick photo shot at the café we set off through the cycle routes and headed back on the long route back to Cala Millor which we reached just in time for a quick shower and a well deserved meal, topped off with a couple of cool beers. A fantastic day but extremely tough with an average speed of 30kph!

Day 6: 50km Cala Millor - Cala Anguila - Cala Millor
Another welcome easy day and as before we decided to stick to the easy roads that we knew to our favourite beach. We were both very tired and this short ride was just ideal to spin out the lactic build up from the previous days efforts. Once again the sea was crystal blue and very inviting, and it was a matter of parking the bikes, off with the kit, and diving in…Pure heaven!
So all in all a laid back calorie building, Peroni supping day.

Day 7: 170km Cala Millor - Petra - Randa - San Salvador - Cala Millor
Today was another mountains day, but with a subtle difference. Gert punctual as usual, had something special in mind. We were riding out to three famous cycling climbs, Petra, Randa & the awesome San Salvador. Unfortunately the ride to these climbs was a fair distance and I remember Warren pointing to the distance with a worried look to the first climb, it was miles away and that was as the "crow flies"…it was going to be a very tough day in the saddle! Each climb was to be different, with the first one being Petra which was a average of 7 – 8% gradient, where we started 20 seconds on 20 seconds off sprints all the way to the top off the climb.

Then, gathering what strength we had left it was a short recovery ride to the second which was Randa (a very popular climb with Pro cyclists for training) again a tough climb, steep at the bottom with an easing gradient in the middle and finishing off steep at the top. This one was the power climb, where we had to put it in our biggest gear and grind our way up in the saddle, barely moving at times.

Again it was a gentle spin to the last but not least brutal climb of San Salvador. This was the longest of the three and was a constant but steep gradient. Already on our knees lol, Gert saved the hardest for last, which were a set of sprints every 15 seconds on a big gear & immediately 15 seconds on a small gear with only a very short rest between each effort. This certainly took the smile off our faces as it was unbelievably hard, the climb just went on and on and Gert's rest periods were getting shorter and shorter. With the training now finished, and the day drawing late, it wasn't the case of the a gentle spin recovery, as we had to leg it "so to speak" to get back to the hotel before dark… lovely!

Day 8: Summary. Flight Home
What can I say about this week… but superlative. Gert and Nancy were the perfect hosts. Gert's training was exceptional with his knowledge and route planning and not to forget his sense of humour lol, Gary a fantastic rider and who was extremely enjoyable company. The hotel was fantastic, very comfortable and great food.

Finally the bikes which Gert hired for us, Pinarellos… what a great ride :)

Thanks once again to Gert, Nancy & Gary… see you all next year. :) . N

Reviews of the Fibrax Wrexham RC Tour of Cornwall

These are some of the reviews that we received after the Tour of Cornwall this year:

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Firstly, I would like to start by saying a massive thank you to the Giles’s - Nick, Malcolm, Alex, Tim and Chloe for all the hard work and effort that they put into the tour.Thanks guys! It was brilliant and a real pleasure to take part!

As a relative new comer to cycling, I didn’t really know what to expect from my first training camp, other than I knew it was going to be tough ... and I was right! By the end of the four days my legs where glad to leave but the rest of me wasn’t! What a fantastic experience! It doesn’t get much better than riding in good company, whilst taking in the amazing views of the Cornish coastline and countryside – it’s easy to forget about the aching legs when the scenery is that good!

The camp ran smoothly from the moment we arrived - even the weather was perfect! It was clear that Nick had invested a lot of time into planning the hotel, itinerary, support vehicle and the cafe stops, which were just about some of the best places to have a rest and grab a quick bite to eat to boost the energy levels in preparation for the afternoon training segments.

The option of two groups of riders (one fast and one slightly slower) worked well because you could pick which group suited your ability and your comfort zone. However, you also had the opportunity to change groups at one of the cafe stops, if you were feeling tired or if you wanted to push yourself that bit further. The training segments were not only a great way of improving technique and fitness but they also brought all the riders, regardless of ability, together and yet still allowed everybody to challenge themselves and their ability. I feel that I have learned a great deal from the camp about myself and my ability which can only help to develop my riding. I have also picked up some good pointers from the more experienced riders, which I can’t wait to put into practice in the up and coming season.

Finally, I can’t leave without also saying thank you to our guide Tony from Tri Logic. Thanks Tony! I am already looking forward to next year’s tour and if you are reading this and contemplating whether to take part – I would highly recommend that sign up before you miss your opportunity!

Jonny.

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Hello, this is John (from tri-logic). I wanted to thank you for organising the training weekend. It has been fantastic really enjoyed the whole weekend. Its just a shame I had to go back to work on Monday (my legs were happy though!).

John Allen

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Hi Nick

Thanks to you, all your back up crew for organizing such a great 4 days of cycling. Everything run very smoothly, great hotel, leaving us to concentrate on the cycling, which obviously took a lot of hard work from you.
First time for me on a training camp, signed up for the A group, thinking i wouldn"t have the legs to stay the course, knowing the nature of the terrain. So having come of a first season racing cyclocross, and 4 road rides around Hertfordshire(flat compared to Cornwall), i was a bit apprehensive. It was a tough first day ,but seemed to feel stronger as days went by, totally the opposite of how i thought i would feel, brilliant. Really opened my eyes to what i can do, and itching to try different things this year.
So would like to say thanks again to you, your back up crew, and all the other riders for making it a great training camp.

Regards, Andy Hill.

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Hi Nick, thanks so much for the Cornish trip. You pitched everything virtually spot on, the 2 groups idea seemed to work well with people able to change group at the cafes (fantastic cafes). Also the training segments at the end of the rides were very useful. After coming home with sore legs (no surprise after the tough terrain),I have sort of recovered & for the time being it does seem flatter here. I have already reccommended the camp to others & would hope to do it again.
see you at a race Marcus.

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hi nick

thought id drop a couple of lines to thank you for weekend it was 1st class excellent training excellent routes and a great bunch of people,really tired today cant wait for the season to start im sure after 4 days of training like that we ,ll have a great start to the season once again many thanks to you and everyone who helped with the camp it was faultless

Kind regards

Andy Parr

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From Susan Seller

If I was a woman of few words, as I am when cycling, I would only need to say "excellent"

To expand:

Great pre-camp communication and itinerary/maps.
Good hotel.
Knowledgeable and experienced group leaders.
Brilliant support car and crew.

Personally as the least powerful rider I never felt pressurised, was always kept informed of where the rest of the team were regrouping, reassured when necessary, made sure I was fine and listened to.

My only criticism is why on earth did you decide to tuck Cornwall all the way down there!!!

Definitely want to be involved in any training camps in the future.

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Nick,

That was a top training camp. From the location, accommodation, your guided routes courtesy of Tony & his Tri-Logic team mates, to the cafe stops & great interval sessions. The following car driven by Alex & his helpers Tim & Chloe were a great help filling bottles, constantly checking if everyone was ok & always greeted with a smile. The terrain was certainly very difficult but yourself & Tony in the 'B' group helped to control the speed to a level that suited everyone. You obviously put a lot of time & effort into the organisation as the outcome was a training camp that suited all riders who i'm sure will benefit from for the up & coming season.

I'll deffo be back next year & hopefully see the same faces.

Fantastic job done by all the Giles's. Well done.

Wazza.

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Nick,

I'd like to thank you (and the team Malcolm, Alex, Tim and Chloe and Tony) for taking the time and effort in organising the TOC training camp. You should be really chuffed that it was such a great success.

My review:-

The whole experience totally exceeded my expectations. I had signed up fully aware that I would be one of the weakest (& female) riders but I am always up for a challenge. However once the ride itinerary was issued it seemed so beyond my limitations that I fully expected not to complete day one let alone 3 days. How wrong I was. The support and organisation was superb. Not only was the support car always there as a back up (and "comfort blanket" with friendly smiling faces!), the support and encouragement from the better riders for me personally was brilliant. I picked up so many tips that the whole experience not only improved my cycling fitness but also my confidence. It was great to ride with such a great bunch of people and really good that the locals joined us too.

The routes were great and I am glad that there was always a "B" option. I have never seen or cycled up so many hills in such a short period of time. It got to the point on the descents when I knew what was obviously coming up next that I was actually thinking "Why don't they just build a bridge here?". The coffee stops were always perfectly timed and perfectly positioned for the view - a lot of thought had obviously gone into that. The coastal scenery was stunning.

The hotel was perfect for a big group like ours - rooms really comfortable, well-furnished, clean and warm; great shower; free wifi; great breakfasts; handy for the local shops and restaurants and great to be able to bring take-outs back to. Great to have a garage to leave the bikes in each night.

The food parcels you provided each day were brilliant ..... and didn't last long.

It is obvious that you have put a lot of thought, energy and planning to make the training camp the success it was. This is probably the hardest thing I have ever done and I am buzzing that I have achieved far more than I ever imagined I would and I could. Thank you very much for your help, patience, and flexibility...and for pushing me up those hills with the A group!!!!

Suzanne

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Hi Nick,

Rob McDonald commented on your status.

Rob wrote "Nice one, Nick - looking back you must feel really satisfied that everything went so well. I know stuff like this doesn't happen by accident so cheers for all the effort you and the whole team put in to making this a success. Not sure if I am missing the sea air but cough/cold back with a vengeance!! :-("

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Nick

Just a brief note to say thankyou for organising the training camp.

I was telling a cycling friend all about it today. What we did,where we went ,how far,how much climbing the exercises and how very very tuff it was. When he chimed in with did I enjoy it, I replied that I absolutely loved it.,it was great.

Exactly what I needed.hard exercise that took me out of my comfort Zone that gave me the confidence to do more. I feel set up for anything the season can throw at me.

All of this plus fantastic scenery,terrific weather, good company and a great Hotel

I would certainly be up for more of the same. Once again thanks for organising it and us and I hope you feel satisfied on a Job well done, you should be.

best regards

Philip Cooper

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The Quies Hotel

The Quies Hotel is two minutes walk from the centre of Newquay with good views of Newquay Bay and the coast. The name "Quies" apparently relates to the small islands which can be seen from the hotel. Poco Loco used the hotel for last year's FWRC Tour of Cornwall when Nick had this say about the experience:

"Fabulous facilities, everything a group of cyclists could ask for, comfortable spacious rooms, satellite TV, games rooms and plenty of nutritious breakfast to ensure the riders were well fuelled for the day’s activities. Not forgetting the very friendly and helpful proprietors, Alex & Will, who really made us so welcome and made sure we had everything we required for the long day's riding...a real homely feel!"

This year we are returning to the Quies Hotel, Newquay as the base for our Tour of Cornwall 2012.

The Quies Hotel has a variety of double and twin rooms, and family suites available. They provide a  full english breakfast(with vegetarians options) and the breakfast room offers a wonderful view of Newquay Bay. They also have a lounge and a games room with pool table, table football and "playstation".

Of particular interest to Poco Loco clients, the hotel has bicycle storage and secure storage for luggage. Rooms are available from 12.00 noon on the day of arrival and to be vacated by 10.00 am on the day of departure. You are welcome to check in earlier and leave your bags until the room becomes available.

• Full central heating.
• All rooms are En-Suite.
• All bedrooms have flat screen colour TV with DVD player.
• Tea & Coffee making facilities.
• Hair dryers.
• Games room with pool table, table football and "playstation".
• DVD Library.
• Full English breakfast (with vegetarians options)
• Secure storage for luggage and sports equipment
• Bicycle storage
• Broadband Internet, free Wi-Fi, and computer with printer available FOC

To find out more, visit the The Quies Hotel website.

Tri-Logic Cornwall

Tri-Logic Cornwall has the unique honour of being the Duchy's only club solely dedicated to multi-sport racing. Formed in 1997 by Dave Morgan, Beth Mottart and Cycle Logic’s Steve Coram (who are all still involved with the club) Tri-Logic is Cornwall’s oldest dedicated triathlon club.

Their members are from all over the West Cornwall area and range from triathlon novices to some of  the top amateur athletes in the county. The club has a good mix of men and women of all ages, competing at many different levels and distances.

Tri-Logic regularly train together, attending a variety of training fixtures, including some organised in conjunction with other clubs. Members compete in running, swimming, cycling and multi-sport races, in addition to holding regular social events. Also, the Helston Triathlon is organised in association with the club.

Tri-Logic Cornwall is run by a dedicated committee, ensuring that the very best training, advice and events are available to all our members. The club also benefits from several qualified coaches in all disciplines and triathlon specific coaches.

Tri-Logic members were of great assistance to Nick Giles in organising and running the 2011 Tour of Cornwall in association with Fibrax Wrexham Roads Club. Club members, and in particular Tony Rowell, provided invaluable route advice, training suggestions, rider support and guiding, helping make the event a great success for all concerned. The club is already involved in preparations for the next event, the FWRC Tour of Cornwall 2012.

Tri-Logic are always on the lookout for new members so, to see more about the club and it's activities, please visit the Tri-Logic Cornwall website.

Fibrax Wrexham RC Tour of Cornwall Report

A report on the  Fibrax Wrexham RC Tour of Cornwall

reproduced from Nick's own blog.

Before I start I would like to thank the following people for making the inaugural Fibrax Wrexham RC 4 day 250 miles "Tour of Cornwall" a great success:

Rob & Sue McDonald, Roger & Aaron Squire, Malc Giles, Susan Seller, Dave Spencer, Warren Giddins, John Mills, Howard Galloway, Martin Hackley, Mike McCann, Andy Hill, Philip Cooper, Andy Parr, Antony Lear, Marcus Walker, Tony Rowell, Neil Eddy, David Cracknell, Jason Beever, John Allen, Alison Galloway, Viv Bray and not forgetting the fantastic support crew, Alex Giles (driver), Tim Giles (Photo + Vids) and Chloe Giles (food drinks + flags).

Day 1: Newquay - Boscastle - Newquay… 85 miles

This was perhaps the hardest day of all the four days, with over 1500m of climbing. Worry coupled with a little trepidation was seen at the breakfast table, but soon the mood changed when the stunning view out of the breakfast room window, showed a spring like day, which was just what was needed on this tough day ahead.

After a hearty meal courtesy of Alex & Will at the Quies Hotel of the usual coffees, teas, fruit, porridge and cooked breakfast all the riders were fuelled and eager to set-off. Two groups, A & B, were on slightly different outward route, with the B’s guided by Tony (Tri-Logic team) avoiding the unforgiving hills of the north coast, while the A’s guided by Nick (FWRC), took that route which entailed climbing virtually from the start. The idea was the two groups should meet at the Millers Café in Boscastle within 10/15mins of each other!

All went to plan, with no mishaps apart from the normal re-grouping and the support car reporting no incidents. The riders were finding the opening route tough, with some suffering more than others, but with a little easing of the pace and some helpful pushing on the hills, everyone survived and within 5 miles of the café the inevitable speed-up happened and it was a case of getting to the café in your own small groups. After 50 miles, the riders were welcomed at the café with complimentary bananas and coffees, which just hit the spot while the main food orders were been taken. The setting was fabulous, all made even more beautiful by the warm weather, albeit a little eerie with the few reminders of the famous floods that hit Boscastle in August 2004!

Once fed and watered, the B group began the ride back leaving the café 10/15mins ahead of the A group. The cruel thing about Boscastle is the Pyrenean-like climb out of the village, a 5km at 8% grade, which was not ideal after a filling lunch, it was tough, and once at the top we had a difficult headwind to hinder us the 30+ miles back to Newquay (thanks for the reminder Rob). Both groups were heading back on the same roads, to meet at an allocated point for the start of the planned ‘training segment’ an 8km team time-trial. With just 15 miles to Newquay and close to the t.t.t start, the support car came back to tell me that the overwhelming decision of the B riders was, I quote “they're all knackered and were going straight back to the hotel”…what could I do, but go with the decision! (The t.t.t. was changed to the last day.)

We all arrived back at the hotel with 85 very tough miles completed and everyone had a sense of achievement, relaxing with a nice cup of coffee deeply satisfied they had completed, perhaps the hardest day!  WELL DONE TO ALL.

Day 2: Newquay - Penzance - Newquay… 70 miles

Today, the route was taking in the stunning views of the south coast. Personally, I thought this day was as hard as day 1, but, with the slightly less miles, I suppose it was a little kinder!

Once again the weather greeting us was fine and spring like, so the riders were happy and keen to get going, albeit still finding their legs heavy after yesterday’s epic. The breakfast was again plentiful, which certainly helped keep the riders energy topped-up. Setting-off as per day 1 in two groups 10 or so minutes apart, the B group were again missing the brutal initial hills of the south coast and hopefully meet at the picturesque village of Portreath for a ‘team’ photo. Luckily, the rides were going smoothly, with the struggling riders helped along as much as required to enable the groups to stay together. Of course there were times when the splits amongst the riders were quite large, but with the wide range of abilities and the nature of the terrain in Cornwall, this was expected, but the support crew doing a fabulous job, driving back-and-forth within the groups, making sure everyone was safe and able to carry on…top job!

The script couldn’t have been written better and just as the A group were descending into the last few miles toward Portreath, the B group came-up from behind, fantastic, and with the speed high it was once again a ‘flyer’ into the village.

Here we had a short break to take a group photo, with its stunning sea backdrop, then, it was matter of the last real steep climb of the day out of Portreath onto the café stop at Penzance. Both groups followed the rest of the coast route together, and just short of Hayle, Aaron had one of a few mishaps endured by the Squire’s. This time his bike totally packed-up with the gearing mechanism breaking, making it impossible for him to carry on, so, reluctantly he had to do the rest of the route in the support car (1st incident). Just out of Hayle to two groups split, while the B group headed directly to the café stop the A group took a slight ‘dog leg’ route towards St Ives, a fairly hilly ride of an extra 5 miles or so.

The café was situated on the beach with a spectacular view of St Michaels Mount. It was a little breezy with a few riders taking shelter inside the small ‘shack’ like café, while others (mainly A group late arrivals) had to sit outside, but no moans thankfully, and the food was fantastic…oh, and Roger doing a demolition job in the café, with a shelf full of trinkets taking a nose dive onto the floor!

After lunch was the planned ‘training segment’ of the day, the 16km group power training (riding big gear, 100 rpm on front then change, staying seated at all times). We all rode together, albeit it seemed like cyclocross, with muddy lanes and tracks to take us to the start back near Hayle. The decision was to start in small groups of 4 or 5 riders to prevent congestion on the road. It nearly was text book effort by all, but for the local "plod" stopping some of the riders to read the riot act regards riding in a safe manner (on a course which is used all summer for time-trials…yeh right). We all eventually got to the chequered flag, with some teams arriving successfully all-together and some teams splitting or taking the slip road too early!

From here, it was a matter of a supposedly easy ride back, so as not to ruin the effect of the training, but alas, the nearer we got, the faster it went, but truth told, everyone just enjoyed the moment!

Arriving back, it was again a matter of a sit down and a welcome cup of coffee and chat about the day’s riding…all good! Once again WELL DONE TO ALL.

Day 3: Newquay -St. Mawes - Newquay… 60 miles

Tired legs was the call of today, but spirits were still buoyant as once again the weather was favourable. Today the routes took us inland, from north to south coast & back with a stunning café stop at the St Mawes hotel.

The routes again were slightly different on the outward leg with the B group taking a slightly easier direction but roughly the same distance. It was a case of tempo today over the rolling roads of  mid-Cornwall, which made everyone happy as sore legs were making riding at speed a tough proposition. A few showers greeted us on the way, but they were short lived, and we all arrived at the quaint fishing village with the sun shining and a good 30 miles completed. The café was very nice with a buffet style lunch awaiting the riders, bacon butties, chocolate/plain croissants to satisfy even the hungriest rider, which as it happens wasn’t the riders but the support crew, or more direct, Alex & Tim, polishing-off several butties each!

Setting off for the highlight of the day, the King Harry ferry crossing (top 10 in the world) we stopped at St Mawes castle for another group photo and then rode the 3 miles or so down to the ferry, which unbelievably  was already waiting on our side. The crossing is slow, but that is the whole point, to allow people to take in the view and take photos. While on the ferry we had a hail deluge which was stinging, but once on the other side, sun was out and it was warm again…incredible!

The return back to Newquay was quite hilly, but with a short stop in Truro to admire the awesome cathedral no one was worried and just got on with it. Nearing Newquay, it was time for today’s "training segment", 3 x 2kms back to front sprints (sprinting from the back of group to front on small gear…high cadence). Riding in one group to allow plenty of rest between sprints, the first passage was, to say, erratic, the second passage was better although the group pace was too slow causing bunching, the third and final passage was great, with everyone sprinting well, it was good to watch (I’m sure no would mind if I mentioned Andy Parr taking the flag at the finish, arms aloft…good effort).

Luckily, it was only a short downhill ride to Newquay, ideal to spin-out the previous efforts! Again, coffee and chat at the hotel, before going different ways for the evening…Valentines Day for some! WELL DONE TO ALL.

Day 4: Newquay circuit…30 miles

At breakfast, some riders decided to not ride today, due to tiredness or just wanting to travel back home early. The weather was not so good today, with heavy intermittent showers, so it was decided to shorten the ride and stay quite local. So, with a dozen riders setting off we headed out of Newquay to ride the short but undulating route, culminating with an 8km t.t.t. (high cadence medium gears 53 x 17-14). The pace was nice and steady with the group staying together until Aaron had his final incident, a rear wheel puncture. I rode back to meet him but he was already in the car, calling it a day, leaving me to retrace up the hills once again to catch the group back.

Arriving at the start, and with the weather closing-in it was unanimous vote to ride the t.t.t. as one big team…so be it…with the support car setting-up at a lay-by 8km’s away, just shy of the Newquay welcome sign, we set off, all looking good with every rider doing a turn and powering through, only to split on the one and only hill on the course. Slowing slightly to allow all to get back-on we were soon up-to-speed touching 52kph and really moving, it was fantastic and once we saw the flag the speed went up again…motoring!

A nice relaxed 2 mile spin to the hotel was ideal and perfectly timed, as by the time we were entering the hotel car park the heavens opened and stayed the same for the rest of the day.

The remaining riders sat down in the games room, the usual coffees in hand and chatted freely about their epic four days of intense riding over some of the toughest terrain in the UK.

I realise I haven’t mentioned particular riders on the rides, except for a few incidents, but I think that is how it should be, BUT, I will take this opportunity to say, that I was overwhelmed with every rider, with their determination, spirit and effort to complete four very hard days riding. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of riders, all of which made the "Tour of Cornwall" a great success. WELL DONE AND THANKS. Hopefully see you all next time. N

This event was supported by Fibrax Wrexham Roads Club, Tri-Logic Cornwall and the Quies Hotel, Newquay. We have received great feedback on the event and decided to publish these reviews of the 2011 FWRC Tour of Cornwall.