Italy 2010 Training Camp
13th March saw the arrival of the 24 bts team members at the Hotel Dory in Riccione, Italy. The seaside town, looking like a cross between the Italian Blackpool and the back streets of San Antonio Ibiza, with hotels being built all over the place, was an hour's drive from Bologna airport.
Having got up at the crack of dawn to join most of the team members at Gatwick we all travelled together, and landed in Italy around 11am local time.
Initial fears that the week might be spent building snowmen when we landed were quickly washed away when we saw the local weather was one of sun and clear skies all week, but it did mean that some of our pictures had a lovely winter scene in the background.
After settiling into our rooms and some enthusiatic souls deciding to go for runs,whilst several people were in the bike garage bolting their beloved steeds back together after the flight over, we all met in the hotel lobby for a briefing (and welcome drinks) from the owners and organisers. The first rides of the week, divided into four levels of ability would range from 55km to 100km, and all take in several climbs over a few hours (with a lovely coffee stop half way round!) Each group had around 15 members in it, including some Belgian's who looked like they knew what they were doing, but when it came to going up hills, bts showed them the way!
Once we were all back by about 2pm, it was time for the full on buffet with a range of cold and hot dishes, and some nice chocolate cake, plus of course a beer or two. The afternoon was then ours to with as we pleased, so some people slept, others swam, and others just pottered about. Unfortunately the shops are pretty much shut during the afternoon, so shopping, despite the nice boutiques was not really possible.
And so, Breakfast (Muesli, toast or fruit normally), followed by loading pockets with extra clothing, bread rolls, banana and energy drinks. was the start of every day. The rides would all leave around 9.30am, and head off out of town in similar directions.
Evening meals were occasionally preceded by drinks in the luxury suite populated by Chris and Gervase, with a roaring (gas) fire, balcony and romantic glass surrounded tub. A far cry from the tiny twin room that some of us (Paul and Chris) had to inhabit.
Unfortunately, due to the BA strike most of us had to come home a day early, but 5 solid days riding with running on the beach, or trips up to the local pool was a fantastic way to spend a week.
The final night started with a number of awards presented by the two loudest people in the group (excluding Gope Walker!!), turned into one of a drunken mess, with Lemonchello's flowing, at least for some of our members (eh Lynda!!) before we all came home on Friday leaving a few behind to squeeze one more day out of the experience
A small gallery of photos here, with links to 200+ picture on our club gallery.
berkshire tri squad
