Andalucian Cycling Experience - Ronda, Malaga, Andalucia, Southern Spain
Newsletter April 2009 |
Winter/Spring Training Camps Over the past 6 weeks I have ridden and guided 4 Winter/SpringTraining Camps, riding a total distance of 1864 kilometres and climbing 34075 metres, thats almost climbing Everest 4 times, as I have recently been told! We have been joined by riders from around the globe Canada, America, Sweden, Scotland, the UK and Hong Kong making March and April our busiest cycling training camp months ever!
Contact us now at ashley@andaluciancyclingexperience.com For more information on our Winter Training Camps click here |
On a personal note, I managed to smash my old Personal Best on the local Category 1 climb, up to Puerto de Las Palomas, slashing 59 seconds off my old PB, which had stood for well over a year, bringing it down to 46mins 42secs. I still think there is room for improvement, with my ultimate goal being a sub 45 minute ascent before my 40th birthday, time is running short on that goal. This means I still need to reduce my time by 103 seconds, that's just over 8 seconds a kilometre. Well, we will just have to see only time will tell!!Torq Energy We a pleased to annouce that we now stock energy bars and gels, as well as energy and recovery drinks from a leading UK brand 'Torq Energy'. So, with the airlines becoming ever stingent on the weight allowed in your bike box/bag, there is no need to worry about your energy fix. We have it all covered in our bike store. The energy bars come in the following flavours, Dried Banana, Tangy Apricot, Raspberry and Apple and my favourite Pineapple and Ginger and the gels come in Strawberry Yoghurt, Blackcherry Yoghurt, Orange and Banana and Forest Fruit Flavours. Energy drinks come in Natural Flavour, Natural Orange, Natural Lemon, Natural Lemon and Lime or Natural Pink Grapefruit and finally the Recovery drinks come in Chocolate Orange, Strawberries and Cream and Banana and Mango flavours. This makes the cycling sound like a fruity little number but in all seriousness the bars taste great! Until recently I have stayed away from using Energy products but with the amount of cycling I do it's essential that I look after myself and my body. About 18 months ago, Alistair, an Ironman Triathlete and personal friend, introduced me to Energy bars about halfway round a 100km bike ride that we were doing together. It took about 20-30 minutes for me to feel the benefits and for Alistair to regret giving me the bars. I now always take a good supply of bars/gels on every ride and at least one energy drink too. My new PB on Las Palomas was powered by Torq Energy. It really does work. |
As well as all the Winter/Spring Training Camps we have been busy with a couple of Family Cycling Holidays , a Leisure cycling week and a Sporting Tour. Here is what our recent cyclists have said about their holidays.- Iain from Sweden, Spring Training Camp said, 'Just a short note to say a big thank you for making last week's training camp such a rewarding experience. I thought the rides, the schedule and your casual, friendly and efficient service combined to make an excellent package. My training went better than expected, considering I had lost two months to a bad cold, and I was very satisfied with the progress I made during the week. It's not often that I climb a category 1 climb after 7 days in the saddle and still manage to put in a finishing sprint'.
Chris and David from London, Sporting Tour March 2009 said, 'Andalucia is the perfect place for a cycling holiday or training camp to suit your level and the Andalucian Cycling Experience took care of everything professionally and enthusiastically from start to finish'. Michelle & Sean from New York, Spring Training Camp, March 2009 said, 'A memorable experience. Claire and Ashley have found the perfect combination of top notch cycling routes, spacious accommodation and excellent weather......can't wait to come back'! Ann from Toronto, Spring Training Camp, March 2009 said 'Awesome! Simply Awesome! See you next March'! Nick from Bristol, Spring Training Camp, March 2009 said 'Impossible to fault. The perfect cycling holiday/training camp from start to finish. Highly recommended. If you go elsewhere you'll be missing out on a great holiday in a fantastic location'. |
In March we only lost one day riding to wet weather! How many did you lose? As ever happy pedalling and we hope to see you all soon. Best Wishes Ashley & Claire |
Over the next few months we will be adding the following trips onto the website Cycling, Cuisine and Culture. A long weekend or week of cycling, Spanish culture and traditional cuisine. Chef Stefan Crites teaches you a few basic culinary skills after you have been out cycling. Not to be missed is the Flamenco show and trip to the Arabic Baths too. Sporting Tours. A self-led Sporting Tour through Andalucia riding upto 100km per day. Ladies Weekend. A luxury weekend of cycling, sightseeing, retail therapy and pampering! Finally.... Women's Only Beginner/Intermediate Winter Training Camps. Guided by Claire for women new to road cycling or Triathlon. Watch this space! |
