Mercury Cycle Coaching

Prep camp comments 12-18th april 2010

The annual prep camp was run off in fantastic weather and with a super enthusiastic  bunch of riders made it a memorable week and some of the riders were kind enough to send us the feedback shown below:

-FANTASTIC WEEK IN THE LAKES AND WEEKLY RACING NEWS .....
See original article here

Dave Lloyd Says....
"What a fantastic week we have just had with a diverse group of athletes at Terry Bell's Training Camp in Arnside in the Lake District.. This must have been one of the best Camps I have attended.. The weather was just magnificent and the rides were superb. One day we did the reverse of the Howgill Hammer Sportive and the next the reverse of the Cumbrian Killer Sportive.

This was the highlight of the week for me as it went over the Hardknott, the Wrynose and then the Struggle, before descending the Kirkstone back to the finish. The scenery just took your breath away (when you could watch it!) and the sun just shone in clear blue skys all day... JUST BEAUTIFUL !!

We stayed at the YHA in Arnside which is more like a 3 star hotel than a Youth Hostel with great food served every day. As with all Terry's Camps the organisation was second to none and a big thanks to our two leaders on the road each day, Calum and Sam, who did a great job.

Everyone had a superb week of training and I had loads of "THANK YOU'S" ... "IT'S A PRIVILEGE TO RIDE WITH YOU!" etc.etc. which is unusual at any Training Camp, where moaning seems to be the order of the day by some !! BUT, there was none of that and we had one of the friendliest Camps I've ever attended... JUST GREAT ...

There was also an added bonus for me where I discovered a rare talent in one of the girls attending and have taken her on as one of my athletes... She is new to the Sport and is just a "Brilliant Natural Talent"... ALLI HOLLAND... Watch for that name ..... She also has a BRILLIANT attitude and just so "BALLSY!" ... LOOK OUT!!

All in all a wonderful week of training and memories for me that will last a lifetime... Thanks to ALL involved.. YOU WERE ALL GRRRREAT!!!!! "

Terry --Sorry for not taking part in the sportive ride yesterday, but I was tired from the weeks training camp and in hindsight it’s just as well as the 5½ hour drive home was exhausting enough. However I’m glad all went well with the event. The training camp was fantastic and great weather made it even more enjoyable.

I appreciated you taking the time to complete the VO2 test for me and look forward, all be it with some trepidation, to receiving the new training program resulting from the test.I’ve attached the record data from the camp rides plus the Friday before, which you may find of interest.  Regards Kevin

Hi Terry-Just a quick email to say what an awesome week last week was in the lakes!
Has a fantastic time, not only helped by the weather, but the routes, support and company. Loved it and it has given me the the focus and drive to get on it !!Cheers! Alli

I should have done the whole thing yesterday!  It took me forever to make it back last night and in the end probably could have made it.  Anyway, was a good ride I think and am happy with what I did regardless!I would like to talk about the coaching but have some questions and other thoughts.  I will send you an email later today.Cheers Amy

Just got back to London and wanted to send a quick e-mail to thank you all for a great week last week.
It was, for me, physically hard work but I thought the group was awesome and really enjoyed the whole experience.Cheers,John

The results - apparently I am only 30 years old!!!! I wish -----.
Thanks for a super week.  Sorry if I held you back somewhat.  Missed cycling today, instead walked miles around school doing the usual chasing after kids and staff.
Lost no bloody weight last week but gained muscles in my legs.  Let's hope they will work harder for me.
Super sportive, great signage and route really enjoyed the ride.  I told Mick about the pigs, llamas and curlews I saw as I notice such things in my slowness. 
Please let us know of future Mercury Camps. Ben, our 22 year old would love to participate if you run another next year.Regards to Sue as well.Leah

What a super week!  The weather, the scenery and the super company.  Back down to earth with a bang today AND I missed the cycling.Thanks to Terry and Sue and those who helped during the week to make our stay welcoming.Keep in touch if you want.  Mick)

Hello Yes that was a great week thanks Terry, the weather was fab as well
I just found a great video to watch as recommended by Lance Armstrong no
less:

http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entry/why_do_you_ride/

Hope to see some of you again the other John (weller) TMK

Hello All I'd like to mirror the views of John and Leah. I had such a superb time thanks to your support and once again my sincere apologies for my Tourette's style outbursts on the climbs ;-o

I've just loaded a few photos onto facebook

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=164722&id=686912051&l=82bf480e3f

I think someone offered to do a CD of all the pictures, if so then you're welcome to add these.>Hope to see you on a bike again in the near future!Isabel

Likewise, I had a great time. Physically challenging but very rewarding.Hope everyone achieves their targets for the coming year. Mark Morris

hi terry .done that. thanks very much for all your help on sunday and the training days . it was a great week.
here are the files you are missing . give us a bell when you have got a miniute .simon gueller

Big Thanks to Terry and Sue and all for a great week. The weather and setting were great, and the crack and banter was first rate. Rounded off with a great ran sportive on Sunday. Hope everyone has a fantastic year on the bike  Chris

No worries Terry, please also pass on my thanks to everyone involved including Alan, Sue, David L., Dale, Mark and Ian.The camp has really made me think about my targets going forward and I am making some time this week to think about my training options.I have to say I think what you are doing, in terms of developing new talent, is really admirable and I wish you the best of luck. I still can’t believe I saw Sam dance up Hardknott pass like that - amazing.All the best  Mark

Hi TerryI throughly enjoyed my time working with the training camp guys and I know Sam had an absolute whale of a time. Glad to have been able to help out. I couldn't have done it a couple of months ago!!
 
Anyhow here is the data from Sundays ride. Does it suggest I could have gone even harder? TSS still below 1. Having said that I was dead chuffed with my time from Sunday particularly as I got within half an hour (ish) of the fastest time.
 
Couple of days off the bike, rest and parents evening but feel like I have recovered pretty well. Will send you a weight update in the morning as well.Cheers  Stu

Hi Terry,Many thanks for a wonderful training week, I didn't know you had the powers to influence the weather but it was a fantastic week for me, and the other's were all a great bunch to be cycling with [could you please extend my thanks to our professional riders and guides Dave, and particularly Sam and Callum, they were both well atuned to guiding the group at the right pace and of course their knowledge of the routes second to none.
 Also, my particular thanks to Alan, your right hand man, he was always ready to offer help when needed, and of course Sue was very welcoming in providing endless tea and marvelous cakes after the rides.
 It was good to have Steve the massage therapist available after the rides, thank you Terry.
Cheers Richard