A day for a relaxing recovery ride...well hopefully!
All seven out today after another excellent breakfast, which must be said has certainly satisfied the most ferocious appetites, mentioning no names, but it´s a close call between Peligro, have-a-go Glen and Mr chilled Marcus!
The route today was supposed to be simple, out past the airport, over to Santa Maria and finally lunch at Bunyola. What turned out was getting lost...again and ending up near Llucmajor, the complete opposite direction we wanted, riding down a side road which can only can be described as Mallorca´s answer to Paris Roubaix. Waz decided to call it a day and rode back to the hotel, albeit, he still managed to clock up 30km. After a few more diversions we did eventually find the Bunyola road and made are way up the slight incline to this beautiful historic village set in the foothills of the ´Serra de Tramuntana´. Sat outside in the small village square with all its old buildings surrounding the church, it made for an ideal sun trap as we took the opportunity to have coffee and baguettes beside one of the many cafes.
While sitting there, we noticed a rider in team Radioshack/Leoperd Trek kit pull up across the road with a man on a moped supporting him...it was Frank Schleck, out finalising his form in the mountains before the Amstel Gold race at the weekend. Spenna was star struck and wanted a photo next to him, which Glen had no problem in asking him by tramping across the road with his sun burned legs and arms in full view...it was very funny...you can imagine what he must of said in his Lancashire accent...´alreet c-ck, mind doin photo of me and my mate, ta´. Frank obliged and Glen and Spenno got their wish and truth told, Schleck, who not exactly biggest rider in the peleton, made Spenno look like a body builder :-/ still think Gert would give him trouble on a bike!
Lunch over and Spenno still in star struck mode, it was decided to drop down out of Bunyola and climb Soller, and take a quick scenic group photo at the summit. Riding in pairs and making our way up at a comfortable pace, Christine, who already ridden over some hard terrain made it to the top with encouragement from Peligro, an absolutely brilliant ride...top draw effort!
From their we noticed the weather changing for the worse, so it was a matter of finding the quickest route back to Arenal, which turned out to be straight to Palma and then back along the cycle path to the promenade front.
What turned out to be an easy ride, was, but we did take 4 hours to complete it :-/
A good day all told, especially for Spenno and Glen who now can say they have met one of the Schleck brothers!
Ride summary - route: flat + couple of hills, 96km, training segment: 0
Thursday, 12 April 2012
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
Mallorca Camp - Day 3
First and foremost I would like to thank Gary Fry for riding out to meet us on today´s ride!
Luckily we awoke to a fantastic day, warm with blue skies, which in reality was a blessing as this was going to be a tough day with two training segments planned, one on the 5km climb of Randa and one on the longer and steeper San Salvador climb. As Randa was fairly close we decided to make a round-about ride to the climb to give us chance to warm-up before the purgatory starts!
The idea on the first segment was each rider to complete 6 x 10 secs hard accelerations, jumping hard from the back of the group for 10secs on 39 x 16, as soon as he sits down the next rider goes and so on until each rider completes 6 efforts. Impressive was the only way to describe how the lads rode, even new boy Glen, who´s motto is Í´ll have a go´ performed brilliantly! Not forgetting his dad Kev, who has only been riding and racing for two seasons showed some true Lancashire grit!
At the top, it was a case of a quick team photo of the magnificent view and then it was off down the decent and onto San Salvador, over an hour´s ride away, which was a perfect opportunity to rid ourselves of any lactic build up. Gary couldn´t have timed it better as he was just beginning to climb Randa as we all came hurtling down to the village. I´ll tell ya, to say this guy is tanned , is an understatement, he looked as he had been dipped in dark wood stain, we were just so jealous, looking like six pale face riders just been released from winter hibernation...between Gert & Gary it would be very difficult to bet on who´s the darkest!
Gary took us on from Randa, as he knows most, if not all the islands traffic free roads, which was great as it allowed the riders to relax and enjoy what Mallorca has to offer, fantastic cycling!
Arriving at San Salvador, we prepared for the second training segment, a power effort, with each rider climbing on 53 x 16 seated all the way. This was going to be tough as some areas the gradient rises to 14% and coupled with the length, it made for a very interesting segment. Obviously it split on the way up, with Marcus and Spenno showing some very good condition by pushing on, with Waz, Glen & Gary (don´t think he participted, climbing at his own pace) following a few hairpins behind no doubt suffering just as much. Kev (nicknamed Peligro) who was riding with us at the front, albeit, on the small chainring, nearly wiped himself out, not once, but twice, first with another rider descending fast round a corner, followed by a car, who rightly shouted some Spanish expletives out the window...right side Peligro!
Nearing the top Marcus who was showing great strength, suddenly had to ease off, with his back forcing him to take the last 500m or so on an easier gear, leaving Spenno riding strong and constant to arrive at the top shortly after Peligro. Once again everyone completed the segment in one way or another, which was great and made all the more worthwhile once they got to the Monastery and the unbelievable views stretching as far as the eye could see in every direction.
Again a quick photo opportunity and then off down the fantastic decent to Felanitx for a well deserved cold drink and light lunch and a chance to catch up with Gary.
Parting ways Gary made for home, just 15km or so away and we headed in the direction of Campos, then onto the coast road back to Arenal. The Campos road, was not ideal, a main road which was very straight and open. Spenno and Waz were on the front giving it a regular tempo of 32kph into a hefty breeze and all credit, kept it going for the whole time to Campos. From then on it was a case of everyone having a spell on the front and keeping the momentum to add to the training effect!
Once on the coast road,´have-a-go´ Glen was suffering, the distance was taking it´s toll, not surprisingly, but tenacity is definitely his strong point as he never gave up!
On the long decent into Arenal, Waz and Spenno shot off, racing down at well over 55kph, and why not, working on the down bits is rarely done and can be so effective for leg speed! Most like to race up the hills and glide down the other side...Cancellara is a prime example of continuing his racing effort over a climb, he can put minutes into riders with his superlative descending skills!
Again a great day, finished off with refreshing beer and a last bit of afternoon sun...this is how it should be!
Ride summary - route: rolling + 2 monastery climbs, 138km, training segment: 2
Luckily we awoke to a fantastic day, warm with blue skies, which in reality was a blessing as this was going to be a tough day with two training segments planned, one on the 5km climb of Randa and one on the longer and steeper San Salvador climb. As Randa was fairly close we decided to make a round-about ride to the climb to give us chance to warm-up before the purgatory starts!
The idea on the first segment was each rider to complete 6 x 10 secs hard accelerations, jumping hard from the back of the group for 10secs on 39 x 16, as soon as he sits down the next rider goes and so on until each rider completes 6 efforts. Impressive was the only way to describe how the lads rode, even new boy Glen, who´s motto is Í´ll have a go´ performed brilliantly! Not forgetting his dad Kev, who has only been riding and racing for two seasons showed some true Lancashire grit!
At the top, it was a case of a quick team photo of the magnificent view and then it was off down the decent and onto San Salvador, over an hour´s ride away, which was a perfect opportunity to rid ourselves of any lactic build up. Gary couldn´t have timed it better as he was just beginning to climb Randa as we all came hurtling down to the village. I´ll tell ya, to say this guy is tanned , is an understatement, he looked as he had been dipped in dark wood stain, we were just so jealous, looking like six pale face riders just been released from winter hibernation...between Gert & Gary it would be very difficult to bet on who´s the darkest!
Gary took us on from Randa, as he knows most, if not all the islands traffic free roads, which was great as it allowed the riders to relax and enjoy what Mallorca has to offer, fantastic cycling!
Arriving at San Salvador, we prepared for the second training segment, a power effort, with each rider climbing on 53 x 16 seated all the way. This was going to be tough as some areas the gradient rises to 14% and coupled with the length, it made for a very interesting segment. Obviously it split on the way up, with Marcus and Spenno showing some very good condition by pushing on, with Waz, Glen & Gary (don´t think he participted, climbing at his own pace) following a few hairpins behind no doubt suffering just as much. Kev (nicknamed Peligro) who was riding with us at the front, albeit, on the small chainring, nearly wiped himself out, not once, but twice, first with another rider descending fast round a corner, followed by a car, who rightly shouted some Spanish expletives out the window...right side Peligro!
Nearing the top Marcus who was showing great strength, suddenly had to ease off, with his back forcing him to take the last 500m or so on an easier gear, leaving Spenno riding strong and constant to arrive at the top shortly after Peligro. Once again everyone completed the segment in one way or another, which was great and made all the more worthwhile once they got to the Monastery and the unbelievable views stretching as far as the eye could see in every direction.
Again a quick photo opportunity and then off down the fantastic decent to Felanitx for a well deserved cold drink and light lunch and a chance to catch up with Gary.
Parting ways Gary made for home, just 15km or so away and we headed in the direction of Campos, then onto the coast road back to Arenal. The Campos road, was not ideal, a main road which was very straight and open. Spenno and Waz were on the front giving it a regular tempo of 32kph into a hefty breeze and all credit, kept it going for the whole time to Campos. From then on it was a case of everyone having a spell on the front and keeping the momentum to add to the training effect!
Once on the coast road,´have-a-go´ Glen was suffering, the distance was taking it´s toll, not surprisingly, but tenacity is definitely his strong point as he never gave up!
On the long decent into Arenal, Waz and Spenno shot off, racing down at well over 55kph, and why not, working on the down bits is rarely done and can be so effective for leg speed! Most like to race up the hills and glide down the other side...Cancellara is a prime example of continuing his racing effort over a climb, he can put minutes into riders with his superlative descending skills!
Again a great day, finished off with refreshing beer and a last bit of afternoon sun...this is how it should be!
Ride summary - route: rolling + 2 monastery climbs, 138km, training segment: 2
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Mallorca Camp - Day 2
Kev & co had already checked in late last night and were already at breakfast when we made our way down. They were all ready and keen to start, with Glen hiring a nice carbon bike fro the local shop situated just 5 minutes away.
Today was a case of see who can change their clothes the quickest, from cycling kit to civvies to cycling kit? Why, well it was a case of the weather, not knowing if it was going to stay dry or rain...rain won, after 3 changes of clothes! We did however get a break, and by mid afternoon the sun appeared and we managed a steady 2´30" ride around the south west coast. As this was a recovery ride Christine joined us and to her credit rode very well holding a good wheel for well over an hour. Prior to this, I happened to suffer the first puncture of the week and rather than wait around Kevin & Christine decided to carry on while Glen helped me get the tube quickly changed with the others waiting just ahead.
Unfortunately by the time we got going I realised that Kevin might end up going the wrong way, so the recovery day went out the window for a short while as we team time trialled at 40kph into a strong wind to get them back. Luckily they decided to wait about 10km´s up the road, so in reality a waisted effort!
All together again we rode on, putting in a small detour round Llucmajor and retracing back via a quiet back road to the top of Arenal. At this point the group split with Waz, Spenno, Marcus and Glen pushing on leaving myself and Kev to nurse a tired Christine back to Arenal. Spenno on the other hand was reacting to anyone who had the pace to pass him, deciding to put in some fast turns with a total stranger who came past their group...have it!
Once near the junction to the coast road the group waited for us to arrive, all except Waz that is, who must of got the whiff of coffee and cake as he forged on back to Arenal straight to cafe...no stopping him with that on his mind...go Waz :)
Ride summary - route: flat, 72km, training segments: none
Today was a case of see who can change their clothes the quickest, from cycling kit to civvies to cycling kit? Why, well it was a case of the weather, not knowing if it was going to stay dry or rain...rain won, after 3 changes of clothes! We did however get a break, and by mid afternoon the sun appeared and we managed a steady 2´30" ride around the south west coast. As this was a recovery ride Christine joined us and to her credit rode very well holding a good wheel for well over an hour. Prior to this, I happened to suffer the first puncture of the week and rather than wait around Kevin & Christine decided to carry on while Glen helped me get the tube quickly changed with the others waiting just ahead.
Unfortunately by the time we got going I realised that Kevin might end up going the wrong way, so the recovery day went out the window for a short while as we team time trialled at 40kph into a strong wind to get them back. Luckily they decided to wait about 10km´s up the road, so in reality a waisted effort!
All together again we rode on, putting in a small detour round Llucmajor and retracing back via a quiet back road to the top of Arenal. At this point the group split with Waz, Spenno, Marcus and Glen pushing on leaving myself and Kev to nurse a tired Christine back to Arenal. Spenno on the other hand was reacting to anyone who had the pace to pass him, deciding to put in some fast turns with a total stranger who came past their group...have it!
Once near the junction to the coast road the group waited for us to arrive, all except Waz that is, who must of got the whiff of coffee and cake as he forged on back to Arenal straight to cafe...no stopping him with that on his mind...go Waz :)
Ride summary - route: flat, 72km, training segments: none
Monday, 9 April 2012
Mallorca Camp - Day 1
First day and what a day to greet us with a clear blue sky and 20 degrees...fantastic!
With Kev, Christine and Glen not arriving until Tuesday, myself, Marcus, Warren & Spenno decided to try for a decent but steady ride into the hills to make use of the good weather, with a route planed to go via Palma, Santa Ponca, Andratx (lunch stop), up the coast to Espories and then drop back to Palma and onto the hotel. Good plans always get screwed up, and this was no exception, after negociating the busiest bike path in Europe with skaters, dog walkers, joggers and mountain bikers along the Palma promenade it was a relief to get onto the roads and weave our way over to Santa Ponca, where the trouble began! We just couldn´t find a way out, back tracking, up side roads, it was turning into a mission. Eventually after only what could be described as a ´helta-skelter´ series of sharp climbs and descents...we escaped :) All I can say is, lucky it wasn´t raining, that would have been a case of ´who dares, may stay up´!
Spenno and Marcus was enjoying the constant climbing with Warren digging deep, searching for his climbing legs, but hey, he was never far behind, giving good licks on the down hills!
We stopped at Andratx for lunch, a nice spot where we could sit and soak up the sun and enjoy a Spanish omelet and a refreshing coke. Warren was impressing us with his German...not...by asking for tomato ketchup, what he got, was mayonnaise! The waitress was giggling, so I would imagine she and her buddies in the cafe, must of thought, ´we´ll show that Englander we know English too´!
In hindsight this was not an ideal place to stop for lunch as the route from there was a long...very long climb to reach the coast route. Despite the relentless ups and downs the views were spectacular, well worth the hard riding and great for some photo shots. Eventually, we made it to Espories and the run down to Palma was so quick that we were back on the promenade cycle path in about 40 minutes, where once again it was a case of ´ducking & diving´to make any headway, unless that is, you were looking at the scenery, if you know what I mean :)
After quick cafe con leche on the front we made our way back for the evening meal, a good choice of salads, hot food and deserts which satisfied even the biggest of appetites...evens on that count, albeit Marcus can certainly eat a good mixture!
Ride summary - route: hilly, 128km, training segments: none
With Kev, Christine and Glen not arriving until Tuesday, myself, Marcus, Warren & Spenno decided to try for a decent but steady ride into the hills to make use of the good weather, with a route planed to go via Palma, Santa Ponca, Andratx (lunch stop), up the coast to Espories and then drop back to Palma and onto the hotel. Good plans always get screwed up, and this was no exception, after negociating the busiest bike path in Europe with skaters, dog walkers, joggers and mountain bikers along the Palma promenade it was a relief to get onto the roads and weave our way over to Santa Ponca, where the trouble began! We just couldn´t find a way out, back tracking, up side roads, it was turning into a mission. Eventually after only what could be described as a ´helta-skelter´ series of sharp climbs and descents...we escaped :) All I can say is, lucky it wasn´t raining, that would have been a case of ´who dares, may stay up´!
Spenno and Marcus was enjoying the constant climbing with Warren digging deep, searching for his climbing legs, but hey, he was never far behind, giving good licks on the down hills!
We stopped at Andratx for lunch, a nice spot where we could sit and soak up the sun and enjoy a Spanish omelet and a refreshing coke. Warren was impressing us with his German...not...by asking for tomato ketchup, what he got, was mayonnaise! The waitress was giggling, so I would imagine she and her buddies in the cafe, must of thought, ´we´ll show that Englander we know English too´!
In hindsight this was not an ideal place to stop for lunch as the route from there was a long...very long climb to reach the coast route. Despite the relentless ups and downs the views were spectacular, well worth the hard riding and great for some photo shots. Eventually, we made it to Espories and the run down to Palma was so quick that we were back on the promenade cycle path in about 40 minutes, where once again it was a case of ´ducking & diving´to make any headway, unless that is, you were looking at the scenery, if you know what I mean :)
After quick cafe con leche on the front we made our way back for the evening meal, a good choice of salads, hot food and deserts which satisfied even the biggest of appetites...evens on that count, albeit Marcus can certainly eat a good mixture!
Ride summary - route: hilly, 128km, training segments: none
Sunday, 8 April 2012
Mallorca Camp - Arrival
Arrived at Palma after a non eventful flight, albeit we did have a moment in turbulence, where the plane seemed to drop without warning, giving that awful weightless feeling for just a few seconds.
We were all picked up by the hotel van, which I must say got all 4 bike bags, luggage and 4 bodies in with ease.
After a little mix up with the bookings and a last minute change of hotel, we were pleasantly surprised when we checked in at the Hotel Dunas blancas. The rooms were...well...huge, with a large bedroom, lounge, big bathroom, plus 2 balconies...this was a good start!
We were all picked up by the hotel van, which I must say got all 4 bike bags, luggage and 4 bodies in with ease.
After a little mix up with the bookings and a last minute change of hotel, we were pleasantly surprised when we checked in at the Hotel Dunas blancas. The rooms were...well...huge, with a large bedroom, lounge, big bathroom, plus 2 balconies...this was a good start!
Sunday, 25 March 2012
Majorca Training Camp
Just 2 weeks to go for the Poco Loco Majorca Training camp from the 8th - 15th April. Unfortunately Gert won't be available, but I'm hoping that his training partner Gary Fry will join us on a ride or two.
Riders booked in:
Marcus Walker
Dave (spenno) Spencer
Warren Giddins
Kevin Ainsworth
Mrs Ainsworth
Glenn Ainsworth
Planned rides:
3 long rides with training segments
3 medium rides of recovery based
1 race - Mallorca Classic http://vueltamallorca.com/
Riders booked in:
Marcus Walker
Dave (spenno) Spencer
Warren Giddins
Kevin Ainsworth
Mrs Ainsworth
Glenn Ainsworth
Planned rides:
3 long rides with training segments
3 medium rides of recovery based
1 race - Mallorca Classic http://vueltamallorca.com/
Saturday, 24 March 2012
Specialized promotion
What a fantastic couple of hours spent at the Specialized Concept Store in Chester. All the new S Works bikes lined up with bikes from the past, with two cabinets displaying shoes and helmets from riders such as Contador & Millar.
It was a great opportunity for invited guests to mingle amongst some other cycling enthusiasts and admire some of the best bikes in the world today. A buffet was a welcome extra, especially for someone like me who rode 25miles to the shop!
In the Bike-Fit area customers were invited to test themselves against the shop staff in a turbo sprint, with Dave Quinn giving full gas in trousers and dress shoes...brave effort!
If you have chance get down to the shop, they have an awesome clothing range, with the Team Kit being very eye catching!
It was a great opportunity for invited guests to mingle amongst some other cycling enthusiasts and admire some of the best bikes in the world today. A buffet was a welcome extra, especially for someone like me who rode 25miles to the shop!
In the Bike-Fit area customers were invited to test themselves against the shop staff in a turbo sprint, with Dave Quinn giving full gas in trousers and dress shoes...brave effort!
If you have chance get down to the shop, they have an awesome clothing range, with the Team Kit being very eye catching!
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