Returned Thursday from a 10 day Mallorca training camp....bloody
fantastic! Average temperature over the period was 25, with a high of
29 in the latter part of the week. Got a cyclists-tan, despite taking
factor 15 with me during the day and reapplying at lunchtime. Just need
to get some sun wearing just my arm and leg warmers for a few days to
even it up a bit!
I stayed at my usual hotel, the Puerto Azul in Porta Pollenca and yet
again it delivered over and above the goods. I rode for 9 out of the 10
days, taking a Saturday as a rest day following a 43rd birthday (not
mine!) celebration on the Friday night (plenty of Carbo loading that
night, unfortunately of the wrong kind!). I've told you about the hotel
before, with the basement racked out with about 100 rubber coated wall
hooks for which they supply a chain and padlock, there is a maintenance
stand and a workbench. We went 1/2 board and the food was excellent,
plenty of low fat choices, plenty of pasta dishes...and loadsa ice-cream!
Total distance ridden was 846km, average speed was 26.60kph and total
ascent was 7200 metres. We alternated routes allowing a fast flat
route one day followed by a mountainous climb the next. Longest climb
was 'Look' at about 26km, best climb (!) was Sa Colobra at 20km, which
you descend to the base before turning around to climb back up. The
climb took me 41 minutes and I utilised my 39/25 for about 40% of the
time. A companion climbed it on a 21, it took him 49 minutes and he
said "never again", commenting that his speed dropped to 4mph on
numerous occasions.
The hotel is now base to a cycle hire company that rent out bikes of a
very high standard. They have a range of all sizes, specs include
carbon and aluminum frames, Campag Chorus, and 2005 Shimano Durace
groupsets. I spent quite a while talking to the owner Bruce (a Brit)
who is a cyclist. Basically you just take your clothing and pedals,
everything else including tubes, pump etc. is supplied. The bikes were
meticulously maintained (he was there every evening servicing and
cleaning them), and I am certainly going to consider renting next year.
Just in case your interested, his web site is: www.procyclehire.com.
The only bummer of the holiday was when landing back at Luton. There
were 9 riders that I travelled with, and 3 bike boxes (including mine)
were badly damaged when then appeared with the rest of the luggage.
I've filled in a claim form and will see how it goes.
This morning I raced and done terrible! I remember doing the same in
2004, you really need a couple of weeks rest from a camp before you get
your form back... which is hopefully improved.
Roll on next year!
--
Mark
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Deja Moo - The feeling that you've heard this bull before