Chelmer Cycling Club
Established 1947
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Chelmer Cycling Club Established 1947 |
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by Phil Paffey, with additional material by Dan Babbs and Matt Haworth
An early arrival at Stansted Airport and the
checking in of the bike boxes and some hefty luggage went smoothly enough but
with some early fears of excess luggage charges, mainly from the captain and I.
I had hired a bike box and it resembled a double sized coffin rather than a bike
box, such was its size, but all went well and soon a full English breakfast
seemed to be the order of the day while waiting for the flight. While in the
boarding queue a little later the captain was once again concerned as a mishap
that had occurred last year was for sure not going to happen again this. Talks
broke out between the captain and air-line staff as to how many bike boxes had
boarded the flight for Majorca, fears were put to rest and skyward we all went.
Indeed, the whole process was quite pleasant and arrival in Majorca went as
planned. We had been up-graded with our hotel and so everyone looked upon our
hotel with an air of hope and excitement. Slowly we all checked into the hotel
and were keen to get the wheels rolling. The hotel rooms were in-fact small
apartments, complete with a small kitchen area, fridge and everything you would
need in order to fend for yourself for a while. The rooms also had a separate
bedroom and a separate bathroom, and each room also had its own balcony with
table, chairs and washing line.
The underground bike facilities were warm, dry and spacious. Hooks for hanging
the bikes up, a compressor feed airline, work-stand and some cleaning space and
storage for the bike boxes, all very nice!!
The spa area of the hotel was very nice indeed and received plenty of use by all
concerned. Swimming pool, relaxation pool, jacuzzi, cold pool, (very cold!, sauna,
steam room, showers and much more. I think you get the picture… All very
plush and designed to make your stay all very relaxing and pleasant, No cameras
allowed I’m afraid!!!
It turns out that we were being very spoilt compared to previous years thanks
to the up-grade due to the original hotel being refurbished, but no
complaints!!
Gathered in the bike area, everyone began to build up their bikes ready for the
first action of the camp. Everything was going well until it became apparent that
in my haste I had cross-threaded the cap that holds the rear cassette in place
and the wheel would not spin freely in the frame so some desperate
servicing/repairs were needed. Corinna came to my aid with the loan of her rear
wheel.
Now ready to do battle, most of us headed out onto the roads of Majorca just to
make sure the bikes were all in perfect working order and to spin the legs over
a little. After a quick 25 miles with nothing much happening we returned, the
majority of us heading off to the Q Lounge for the first of many visits. I
headed straight back to the hotel with Stuart in order to get my rear wheel
sorted. Once in the shop it soon became apparent that a repair was not possible
and a new free-hub was required. This would take at least five days as it had to
be ordered so to solve the problem a brand new wheel was purchased. It was
mentioned a number of times that my wheels were now odd and that a new front
should be purchased to match, alas funds would not allow this, so please don’t
mention my odd wheels!
Dinner on the first night proved to be a bit like feeding the starving
thousands, a buffet style set-up with a large choice of foods. I had never seen
so many slim people eat so much food, a real eye opener! Some drinks followed,
with one person in particular having a little more than most. Kevin had hit the
red wine at dinner, following a few beers taken earlier at the bar. After
dinner, beers began to flow quite freely among the group and Kevin soon seemed
to be finding it hard to even look in a straight line let alone walk and a large
smile seemed to be fixed upon his face. Funny, I don’t remember seeing him at
breakfast the next morning.
The road to Petra for lunch before returning; upon leaving the hotel at 10.00ish
we slowly climbed our way out of Playa de Palma, a long slow grind, not what the
legs really need first thing but we were all fresh and raring to go. Rolling
roads took us through Llucmajor, Algaida, Sineu, Llubi, Santa Margalida, Son
Serra and on to Petra for lunch. Speeds had been high and even though the roads
had been quite tough and the winds fairly strong average speeds had hit 20+mph;
fourteen riders each taking their pull on the front into the winds of Majorca.
Following lunch, the ride continued in the same vein and average speeds remained
high; then the real fun began with the run for home. Roughly 5 miles from home the
speeds began to rise higher and higher, at times well over 30mph with everyone
fighting for position and sticking close to Antony’s wheel. For some of us on
our first trip this high speed battle was a little un-expected but absolutely
fantastic fun. For me I never quite knew what I should be doing but kept going
anyway, just following everyone’s lead.
I can only describe Antony like a massive diesel engine that keeps pulling
relentlessly, no matter what the terrain or conditions, he just keeps going with
the rest of us in his draft.
Daniel Babbs and I, a pair of chunky newbies found the run-in real fun as the
terrain at times suited us perfectly (down-hill) and we played on the conditions
like you would play your joker in a game of cards. Full bore, 53x12ish at over
30mph – 35mph, some having trouble hanging onto us (ha ha, with a touch of
wishful thinking) as we thundered like a train through the streets of Majorca
heading for Playa de Palma (“Arenal”), crouched over the bars, head down, single
file and motoring……….Superb!!!
Once again as we arrived back into town, some headed off for their daily dose of
the Q Lounge, while the others retreated to the hotel for some well deserved
rest and relaxation in the spa.
Some approximate statistics; Distance 84miles; Maximum Speed 40mph; Average
speed 18mph; Ride time 4.40hrs
Day 3 started like all other days with breakfast at around 8am and talks of what
the day ahead will entail. Legs were already beginning to feel a little tired
and sore for some, the previous day taking its toll.
Again the long slow grind out of town was a rude awakening to the day ahead.
Manacor – Son Macia – Coast road to Porto Colom finishing with a 5km climb to
San Salvador and lunch in the old monastery.
I think that once again for the newbies amongst us this was a brand new
experience, 5k’s of continue climbing we just never get in the UK with an
average climb of 6.3% and summiting at just over 500 meters or 1650 feet!
I cannot say who won the race for the top for sure (all hearsay, but I think
you can all guess) as I was one of the last to reach the top and then spent
about 30 minutes constantly coughing (no-one concerned about my health; too busy
eating and drinking) so I just sat and died quietly ha ha . Pasta soup seemed to
be the order of the day along with coffee and lots of water…
Needless to say I didn’t die and the run down the mountain following lunch was
tricky, lots of hard tight and sweeping turns with some loose gravel making life
on two wheels interesting, but fun.
The run for home took in Felanitx – Porreres – Llucmajor – lane to San Cordell
and back to Playa de Palma. Once again the last 5miles or so was fast and
furious as was everyday, speeds approaching 40mph at times. Got to say that it
was the best rush of adrenalin I have ever felt on a bike; simply FANTASTIC…. As
before and on all remaining days, some returned to the Q Lounge for milk-shakes,
beer and pizza while some returned to the hotel and the spa.
Another hard day in the saddle was over, fantastic riding; fantastic views;
fantastic company; quite simply, a tremendous days riding. Pictured above is the
regular crowd that frequented The Q Lounge, along with two Germans they had
picked up along the way. They found our style of riding a little strange; as we
speeded up towards the end of our rides and they slowed down; don’t know why
they should think that strange!!
Day 3’s Statistics; Distance 94.5miles; Maximum speed 43mph; Average speed
17.5mph (this will be higher for those who climbed the mountain quicker); Ride
time 5.20hrs
Day 4 began with some relieved to know that today was to be an easy day. One or
two decided that today was to be a complete rest day; others were to see how
they felt once on their bikes.
The route Casa Blanca – Xorrigo – Santa Euginia – Ses Alqueries – Sencelles –
Ruberts – Lloret and Sineu for lunch. I never made lunch; I was in pain from the
start with my left thigh and quad experiencing pain like I have never felt
before. When
the group stopped to re-group and have a pee, Antony got me to try and stretch
my leg out, which I did but I also needed a pee and by the time I had finished
the group had gone up the road leaving me to chase, I failed; my legs just would
not turn the pedals quickly enough and my maximum heart rate had dropped from a
maximum 180bpm to about 155bpm; I was completely knackered… A short phone call
to Antony explaining the situation left me with a slow ride home-ward. Once I
had left the group and had slowed to my own easy pace I felt a little better and
took myself off on a little mystery tour. I covered just over 50miles that day
with the group covering approximately 55miles.
The groups remaining route took in Lloret - Pina – Algaida, down the cycle path
to Llucmajor – Badia Blava and the coast road descent to Playa de Palma. I must
admit, I would have loved to have been on that run for home!!
Day 4’s approximate Statistics; Distance 55miles; maximum speed 45mph; Average
speed 15.5mph (the group’s average would have been much higher); Ride time about
3hrs.
The day we went to Port de Pollensa.
Richard had had enough and scampered back to the UK (planned)… But after four
days of hard riding much of the Chelmer peloton had decided that a proper
recovery day was in order. Eight riders ignored this sensible option and set off
at the usual 10am departure time for the scheduled epic to the north-east tip of
the island; lead by the Captain out from the hotel and up the service road
towards Llucmajor. After an hour or so, with the drag up the side of Randa
looming on the way to Algaida, Dave peeled off as planned and headed for the ice
cave back at the hotel. Then there were seven. From Algaida we continued north
to Sencelles and then on to Inca the gateway to the Serra de Tramuntana
mountains. On route Kevin got swept up by an unidentified pro team along with
their team car and he chose to demonstrate some Chelmer metal and turned off
with them. Down to six. At Selva the road started to ramp up and this stretch
proved to be the steepest of the day. As we toiled upwards, Cervelo Test Team
rider Roger Hammond came bombing down the mountain in the other direction,
looking good in his preparation for the tour of Qatar and his early season
classics campaign. The group was strung out by the climb but we regrouped at the
Col de sa Batalla to don our jackets for the chilly decent. A few more rises
past the monastery at Lluc before the decent began in earnest. Nice sweeping
bends and then a long straight in to the town of Pollensa then on to the coast
to the Port for a deserved spaghetti stop. After a decent lunch break and the
usual several rounds of café con leche we saddled up for the return leg and set
off along the coast to skirt south of the mountains for some more forgiving
terrain. The trip home seemed to whiz by; perhaps it was Matt dragging us along
or perhaps it was the lure of the Q beckoning us home. We reached Llucmajor in
no time, careful over the Branstabout, then hammer down for the final bash down
to S’Arenal. 100 up.
Many training manuals advocate refuelling within the first hour after exercise
as the most important part of the recovery process. The Chelmer method is no
different. The Q-Lounge recovery shake and a slice of ‘Chelmer’ pizza hit the
spot once again. Followed by a couple or four Estrellas and you’re good to go
the next day. Coco Loco’s are optional.
103.6 miles, 17.2mph Average, 37.8mph max, max HR 171bpm, 4000 calories burned
Tuesday was reportedly to be an easy day, no real hills/mountains to climb and a
nice route. The route part was correct; however the easy day part is in some
doubt. The route was quite spectacular at times with views out across the sea as
we took the coast road via Cap Blanc – S’Estanyol – Ses Salines – Santanyi to
Cala Figuera for lunch. Once again speeds along this route had maintained the
adopted theme of the week (high speed and pain): Following lunch, the route went
via Ses Salines – (Cycle track to) Llucmajor – and the back way up to Randa
Monastery which is actually higher that the Petra climb but not quite as steep;
I was last up this one, still suffering badly with the left leg. Once we had all
gathered at the top a photo was taken of a slightly depleted group as some had
decided not to ride today.
Coffee was taken and a fast run for home soon followed, taking in Llucmajor –
lane to San Cordell – cycle path into Playa de Palma and the infamous Q Lounge…
Day 6’s Statistics; Distance 83.6miles; Maximum speed 40.2mph; Average speed
17.6mph (again higher for those that climb well…) Ride time 4.45hrs.
The Mountains; dun dun dun!!!
S’an Casa Blanca – Sa Cabaneta – Marratxi – C’an D’Inca – Palmanyola –
Valldemossa – Deia – Soller – Col de Soller – Bunyola – Orient (Lunch) – Alaro –
Binissalem – Biniali – Sencelles – Pina – Algaida – (Cycle path to) Llucmajor –
Service road all the way into Playa de Palma – (92.6 Miles). – We did not follow
this route.
We set out for this epic day at 09:30 to ensure we were back (only to the Q
Lounge) before the prince of darkness was upon us.
We passed JD going the wrong way and then bumped into Dave Thorpe who joined us
early on.
We saw the Raleigh team and we were all surprised when Clive shot his hand into
the air and called out “DAN!”. It turned out to be Dan Fleeman the former Cervelo Test Team rider, now with Raleigh. Clive had his phone number and was going to
arrange to meet up. We never got to meet him though.
We turned off onto an unmade road. (Dave sent a pick of this). Mud, stones,
slippery.
The field split. Partly because some had mountain bike skills and partly due to
peoples reluctance to take their blingers across such unforgiving terrain. We re
grouped at the end and saw the Raleigh team pass on the main road. “DAN!” Long
sweeping climb up to Valldemossa, re-grouped at the top. Johnny cleaned his bike
down in a stream/flowing water.
The next bit we were told was up and down. It was but the descent sections were
very enjoyable. Some of the ups were ok too. Once again we saw Raleigh coming
the opposite way. Dan Fleeman was at the back climbing no handed whilst eating.
“DAN!” Luckily Dan didn’t fall off his bike. We regrouped at the bottom of the
descent.
From here we took a leisurely ride past a no entry sign to the Port of Soller
where we found our café destination.
We had bolognaise and macaroni (that was just Penne really). Clive had a little
nap. Recovery is very important!!! Nothing like getting an early start Clive…
After the stop we made our way back out of the bay and on to the climb of Puig
Major. Annie left slightly earlier than the main group to get a head start. Matt
was delighted to see the sign starting 13.9km with a gradient of 6.4%.
Matt led an early break on the climb (about 100 meters in) only to get swallowed
up by the others after 101 meters. From then on Matt was alone, at the back,
enjoying the views and the sun. No need to hurry Matt thought, try and enjoy it.
About 10km in there was a long tunnel through the mountain with no lighting.
Luckily the cars that passed had obeyed the signs and put their headlights on.
There were some sheep on the side of the road. Matt recalled Clive’s encounter
with a goat but the sheep didn’t seem interested in me.
As the road started to descend and a small smile appeared on Matt’s face I
turned a corner and saw Antony, Clive and Stuart waiting in a parking area for
me. I thought it was a mirage after the never ending climb. We motored off to
catch the others who I thought would by now be at the petrol station at Lluc.
A few more fast corners and the others were in sight. Matt decided it was best
to just carry on at his own pace so went past the group, then past Annie then
quite cautiously to the petrol station due to the wet roads. Once we arrived we
stopped for a drink and some people had some food.
We set off again. We had about 30 miles left and Antony had said we would be
riding at evens (20mph). This split the group slightly but we all headed home.
The next point of interest was the obligatory first stage of the speed increase
down the cycle paths. Towards the end of the path, Clive was at the front, leapt
out of his saddle and nearly took Matt off his bike. Clive pushed on and then let
out a roar as he exerted the little energy he had left.
We were then on the service road where the team time trial formation begun. I
believe Matt had done a turn on the front and then saw Antony followed by Stuart
and Clive come past. But Matt let them go then decided it was time to dig in
and bridged the gap to the leading three. Round the roundabout and into the home
straight.
Another sprint down to the busy roundabout which involved another roar from Matt
as he put in his final efforts, a well earned BEER!!!
The day was in many ways sad, yet to many I think a relief. It had been a tough
week with everyone doing really well. It was fast and very furious at times,
hard and exhausting, yet enjoyable, with the entire group getting on really well
together. Although the main theme was obviously cycling, it was still a holiday
as well and some took advantage of that. A great deal of food was consumed by
all and drinks flowed freely although not to excess. Mr J D Edwards had lead a
“B” group for most of the week and one or two had joined him occasionally, most
however sticking with Antony for more “daily pain and punishment” (enjoyed by
all) ha ha!
So, the last day of riding started off on a wet note; it had rained over-night
and the roads were wet and greasy, everyone taking the utmost care around the
roundabouts and corners. We headed off in the direction of Llucmajor along the
well used service road up to Randa Village. However, two keen 34 year olds (Matt
& Dan) decided that the route was not hard enough and started the climb to the
Monastery, while the rest of us followed the correct route through the town.
Ignoring their phone’s they ploughed on-wards & up-wards. Antony having to give
chase to stop this act of madness! Meanwhile the rest of the group had continued
on at a slower pace hoping that we would all come together along the way.
Cycling along the ‘golden streets’ of Montuiri and Sant Joan. The advance party
had decided that time was on their hands and a full tour of the streets of Sineu
would be rather nice (we got lost!!) and explored the town with great interest.
We then got bored with this idea and continued along Antony’s ‘favourite lane’
to Muro for lunch in the town square, where large portions of Tapas was consumed
by all.
The return to Playa de Palma (“Arenal”) went via, Llubi – Sineu – Lloret and
Algaida, through the cycle path to Llucmajor and then the inevitable ‘line out’
bullet train formation to Arenal along the service road.
Day 8’s Statistics; Distance 67.2miles; Maximum speed 40.9mph; Average speed
17.2mph; Ride time about 4 hours…
The following day was departure day;
Although Clive was staying on for another week, and George, Bill, Annie and
Graham were leaving later on today and were taking their final ride but the mood
had changed. The excitement that had beamed all through the week had suddenly
dulled, we were going home… To the cold wet, icy roads of the UK.
It had been a truly tremendous week, fantastic cycling, wow like views, great
hotel, loads of great food and company was second to none.
For those club members that have never been on one of these camps/holiday, you
really should try at least one. This was my first, as it was Dan’s, Matt’s and
Dave’s and I’m sure that if humanly possible our names will be down for next
years trip.
Thanks to Antony for taking care of all the arrangements and for looking after
us all while in Majorca and thanks to you all for making my week so enjoyable…
For the elite 3 who covered more than 600miles, congratulations!!! A marvellous
achievement, very well done!!! And indeed to the rest of us who managed
distances of between 400 and 550miles, again a real mile-stone (No pun
intended), my personal mileage 456miles;
All in All;
Superb!!!
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