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 In November Peter and Nick came to Montecorto for a five day mountain bike endurance training camp with the Andalucian Cycling Experience. In March 2009 they are off to South Africa to participate in the Cape Epic, a seven day mountain bike event covering over a 1000 kilometres. Whilst in South Africa they will be riding 100 kilometres with at least 1000 metres of climbing per day. My brief was to replicate this in terms of distance and metres climbed and to also help Peter and Nick become stronger riders in terms of technical ability.
Whilst the UK and northern Europe were having bitterly cold temperatures and snow we were out and about in the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema, Serrania de Ronda and Sierra de las Nieves in our shorts and t-shirts getting in some quality long days in the saddle. Not to mention the copious amounts of tapas consumed at lunch time and the odd glass of Pedro Jiminez (sherry) at the end of the day. It can't be all work and no play, after all, it is a holiday!!!
Day 1. A warm up day of XC (Cross Country) riding to loosen the legs and make sure that Peter and Nick were happy with their bike set up, 70 kilometres ridden, a little shorter than required but still a good first day.
 Day 2. We hit some single tracks to practice on some more challenging technical obstacles where Peter and Nick are progressing quickly, positioning of the bike is good, control and balance is excellent and confidence is growing. We ride 85 kilometres and the boys are feeling strong and ready for day 3.
Day 3. We are back out for an epic xc day and we top the 100 kilometres with over 2500 metres of climbing. The weather was a perfect 18 degrees. About 40 kilometres into the ride and Nick has a little tumble, leaving him with a few cuts and bruises but he keeps going and completes the full days riding.
 Day 4. Nick decides to have a day off as his rear mech hanger needs replacing and we need to get into Ronda to buy a new one. Meanwhile Peter and I head off to ride some more single track on the Sierra de Lijar. After 10 kilometres of climbing we reach the top of the Sierra de Lijar before picking up one of my favourite sections of single track in this area back down into the village below and a great little tapas bar for lunch, chance to rest the legs, refuel the tank and a few glasses of liquid refreshment. By the end of the day we have covered another 80k and climbed in excess of 2000 metres.
Day 5. We head out for a 3 hour spin in the morning, a circular route around Montecorto of 45 kilometres and we are back in time for lunch before heading off down to the airport.
Peter and Nick are returning in February for another week of training. Claire and I wish them luck in their adventure in South Africa, the Cape Epic is a tough event but I'm sure Peter and Nick will rise to the occasion.
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