Training Camp - October - HELP

cm2

Hi ALL

I am 52, slow (ave. 21kph) overweight and big. But keen.

Does anyone have any experience of an overseas training camp who also has a similar background to me (I do about 100km per week at the moment).

I would like to go this coming October and have been in contact with Stuart Hall (presumably not THAT Stuart Hall) in Mallorca.

Any tips gratefully received.

Mike

sungod

not tried it but i've often seen groups from here out and about... http://www.clublasanta.com/

Jerry185

I was a year in when I went to Mallorca for a bike camp (Andy Cook Tours). 56 years old and aerobically fit but a way from bike fit. Nervous as hell in a sea of lycra, it didn't help when Iberia lost my bike. And kit.
Moving on (with a hire bike until that sh!t airline found my bike two days later), Andy put us in 4 groups of differing ability, all lead by a pro. Distances were about 50-100 miles per day depending on your group, but there was always a support vehicle and lots of coffee stops.
I went in low (grp 4) but was in Grp 3 by lunchtime on Day 1 which was good as from Grp 3 they did the big hills. And that's what you are there for. Must do Sa Calobra and Puig Major altho' the latter is more rightly named Pig Major.
Important tips; make sure you eat all you can over breakfast and dinner.
Make sure you have a comfortable saddle
Don't fly Iberia unless you have to
And, if you're big, get small - 34,000 ft of climbing in 5 days
Good luck

Dave_P1

Check out http://stephenrochecycling.com/ in Mallorca. They split the rides up into 4 different groups, with each group riding slightly different distances and speeds. It's a well run camp with friendly staff and ride captains.
My advise would be to give them a buzz ad explain your current fitness levels to see how well you fit in, but I'm sure you would be fine.

giropaul

Autumn camps are typically less training focussed than the spring ones. They are sometimes referred to as wind-downs, still good group riding, good speed but a bit more relaxed. It would be a good introduction for you. Make sure that you get into the right group by chatting to the ride leaders, underestimate to start with and see how you go.
I don't go with the "tick off every climb" mentality, some climbing is ok, but for you I think you would get more experience and speed from a good working group riding tightly. I'd also recommend eating well, but not too much ( as is easy in the buffet), I know lots of riders who come back heavier than when they arrived!