Welcome to the forum
Balearic Training Camp 2013
![Senecio [Daniel D]](https://forum.ccashwell.co.uk/uploads/userpics/691/nAAIKVAJWITJP.jpg)
This time of year it is great to go to, say, Majorca to get away from the domestic weather and get some fine miles in climbing in the mountains. This was indeed a target for the Junior Squad. However pressures of time and money meant we couldnt afford this and so we went to The Brecon Beacons instead. After all it did mean we got away from the English weather and we did get to ride in the mountains.
So it was that Bryn, Jon, Theo, Phil (Adams), Christine, Mark W and myself travelled on Friday to Llwyn-y-Celyn YHA, just south west of Brecon. Sadly Cameron couldnt join us due to his work, but I am delighted to say Dan Pedder could take his place.
Saturday was a big day. 6 riders set off in a well-disciplined formation with Christine and I driving the team car just behind. Communication was maintained with the pack via radio. This arrangement worked really well. Over.
The Brecons offer some fantastic cycling and many races use this region, it is therefore an ideal place for a training camp. The two key climbs we did were Llangynidr Mountain and the infamous Tumble Mountain. Both of these are marvellous 400m climbs and are very reminiscent of the Alps. Not so much in numbers of hairpins but in terms of gradient. Here the lads showed their colours and really showed they all have talent, fitness and form.
The older lads have more miles in their legs than Dan, but we were all taken by his ascent of the hills. Very impressive. We didnt complete the planned route as a road closure meant an impossibly long diversion and whilst the weather was generally good and dry the hill tops were in thick fog.
Sunday we left Wales early and headed east to The Mendips. Again we chose a hilly route and, oh boy, did Barrington Coombe, Blagdon Hill and Harptree Hill deliver. It really was bitterly cold so a late lunch in at New Manor Farm was most welcome.
So in summary the training camp was a big success and hugely enjoyable. There are plenty of lessons for us all to learn.
Many thanks to Mark for his expert advice, to Phil for being our expert rider, to Christine for fine catering. Finally many thanks to our riders willing to put in the committment necessary and all contributing fully.
Will we do it again? I think so!
Daniel
So it was that Bryn, Jon, Theo, Phil (Adams), Christine, Mark W and myself travelled on Friday to Llwyn-y-Celyn YHA, just south west of Brecon. Sadly Cameron couldnt join us due to his work, but I am delighted to say Dan Pedder could take his place.
Saturday was a big day. 6 riders set off in a well-disciplined formation with Christine and I driving the team car just behind. Communication was maintained with the pack via radio. This arrangement worked really well. Over.
The Brecons offer some fantastic cycling and many races use this region, it is therefore an ideal place for a training camp. The two key climbs we did were Llangynidr Mountain and the infamous Tumble Mountain. Both of these are marvellous 400m climbs and are very reminiscent of the Alps. Not so much in numbers of hairpins but in terms of gradient. Here the lads showed their colours and really showed they all have talent, fitness and form.
The older lads have more miles in their legs than Dan, but we were all taken by his ascent of the hills. Very impressive. We didnt complete the planned route as a road closure meant an impossibly long diversion and whilst the weather was generally good and dry the hill tops were in thick fog.
Sunday we left Wales early and headed east to The Mendips. Again we chose a hilly route and, oh boy, did Barrington Coombe, Blagdon Hill and Harptree Hill deliver. It really was bitterly cold so a late lunch in at New Manor Farm was most welcome.
So in summary the training camp was a big success and hugely enjoyable. There are plenty of lessons for us all to learn.
Many thanks to Mark for his expert advice, to Phil for being our expert rider, to Christine for fine catering. Finally many thanks to our riders willing to put in the committment necessary and all contributing fully.
Will we do it again? I think so!
Daniel
Comments
Mark F