Decisions, decisions...ToCO vs Mallorca Spain

Scott Alexander

I know that the EN Tour of Colorado isn't 'official' yet (I'm expecting it to be), but I have that week scheduled for vacation as I anticipate taking part.

Well, a local tourist/travel/sports company just added a Mallorca Spain cycling trip in early April (www.goldenadventures.com/upcoming_s...p_2011.php) that looks REALLY fun. I already have a few friends that will be going.

I'm not made of vacation days though, so it'll break down to one or the other - not both - EN ToCO or Mallorca.

I'm already doing ToCA in May with EN (can't skip a tour through my home state, esp after having such a great time last year). ToCO would be a great late season boost to my pre-IMAZ (2011 "A" race) fitness, and I've always wanted to cycle thru CO.

Why does this darn work thing have to impede my social and training schedules.

Advice?

Kitboo

Can you do BOTH?! How cool would that be!

Okay. Work. Back to reality. ToCO would be right at the beginning of Race Prep and it would also be your Big Bike Week. Good from an IM fitness build standpoint. Riding around in Mallorca, Spain with your friends---the food, the scenery, warm weather in spring (but you live in TX so not the big break from winter like living in NE)...Did I mention the FOOD?! Tough decision indeed, Scott. Riding through CO is gorgeous too. Spain may narrowly win out just because of the Iberian ham and tapas...

steveperx

I LOVE riding in Colorado, but this is a no-brainer... Spain. How often do you get this chance?

Dave Tallo

Another vote for Spain.

Nemo Brauch

If you can afford Spain, it's a no brainer.

Scott Alexander

Would it make any of your decisions any different if I chose Mallorca over ToCali?

I am thinking more and more about Mallorca, but would be blowing a whole lot of my vacation within the first few months of 2011, if I did both Mallorca and ToCali.

I could then do ToColo as a build-up for IMAZ, as my big bike week.

Just throwing out the possibilities. I wish I'd win the lottery and not have to worry about this work thing whatsoever.

steveperx

Doesn't change my thoughts. Again... You can always go to California. Spain is a destination less likely to come around that often... unless you just travel a lot.

michaelgasser17

Having no experience with any of these types of tours... If you've never travelled outside of North America +100 for Spain. If you are the jet-setting international man of mystery... still Spain. I just like travelling far and alot so my opinion is very biased in that direction.

Dave Tallo

Want a tie-breaker? Go to Google images. Type "Mallorca." Look at the pictures.

Then do the same with "California."

ht001

OK...is this a real question or a fake one? Either way, the answer is the same: MAJORCA!

Coach Patrick

I Would go Spain - OR - ToCali and ToCo for your fitness build across the season. And I would (personally) choose spain. Very cool.

Scott Alexander

I seem to see a theme here...ESPANA!!!

I'd use Mallorca for my early season cycling build (still have to determine my "A" race, but it won't be until at least June), and ToColo for my late season build up to IMAZ ("A", of course).

I've already been to Ibiza (2 days and one CRAZY night, several years ago), part of the Ballaeric Island chain that Mallorca is part of, but not on a bicycle. I agree with everyone though, that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

SO, I'm working on getting it done! And, yes, I'll post plenty of pics when it's all over!

Thanks all for helping me with a seemingly-easy decision.

Scott Alexander

Wow...the time has come! I leave Saturday for Spain!!

It's going to be a cluster-f getting to/from the airports, with my own bike box and two bags. I just hope my bike makes it all the way, and in one piece, across the pond!

I hope to be staying connected with EN as my hotel (www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1...lands.html) has free wifi, posting make-you-jealous pics, but don't count on it until after I return. I'll try to get some epic pics with the EN schwag!

It's only going to be mid-40s to mid-60s the entire trip, with fog and drizzle - much like stereotypical NorCal or Seattle - so I'll not be getting a tan or much beach time, but I do plan on having some fun!

Time to rack up some serious international TSS!

Scott Alexander

I'm back!!! The trip was epic and awesome!

Basically, it was a UK training camp with some loud Americans thrown in  for fun and to stir the pot. Next year, the group I went with will basically be doing three back-to-back camps. I'll let y'all know when the info is out if you want to go.

Groups were broken down into 1 (elites and up), 2a (incl me), 2b and 3 (tourists).

Brief summary of rides:

Sunday 4/3:

2ish hours, 33 miles

Monday 4/4:

3:25, 62 miles, 2400ft of ascent

Tuesday 4/5:

3:18, 60 miles, 1600ft

Wednesday 4/6:

4:42, 82 miles, 3900ft

Thursday 4/7:

5:35, 85 miles, 5200ft (not whole day)

Friday 4/8 (recovery day):

2:13, 24 miles, 483 ft

Saturday 4/9:

6:40, 86 miles, 8670ft. This included two 5 mile climbs and one 9 mile climb averaging over 7%+.

Here's a pic from the Wednesday ride, at the top of the first of many 5 mile hills, at the San Salvador Monastery. I tried to represent and fly the EN kit.

We'll be creating a group folder on Snapfish, Flickr or some other service (also on my personal facebook). I'll post the link later.

Paul Hough

@ Scott - I didn't see this earlier or I would have added my vote for Spain...glad to see you made the right choice! My big camp this year was joining a Canadian group (+ one Brit) only 90 minutes away from my home. I ordered a T-shirt from Cafe Press before I went with a maple Leaf on it and the slogan "Does this Shirt Make Me Look Canadian?" I didn't get to see new sights like you did, but I thoroughly enjoyed my camp -- wish I could have been at yours too!