FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

· What kind of terrain should we expect during the Brevet camp?
For all the routes, there is an elevation gain of 800 meters (2400 feet) per each 100 kilometers.

· What kind of distances and terrain should we expect during the cycling camp?
A normal daily ride will be a ride of about 100-120 kilometers.
During one week at camp, you can expect to ride two flat days and three days in the mountains.

· What will the pace be on these rides?
Everyone at camp is encouraged to ride at a randonneur pace. A randonneur pace is 17-18mph 26-28 KM. This is not a race-training camp. This is a long-distance training camp. We want to help riders find a comfortable pace that allows him or her to ride all day. There is no point to riding fast and being done with a full-day outing in half-day. For riders who want to go out fast, or be the first up the mountain, we let them go. Then, they have to double back to meet the moderate and slower paced riders ( and the group leader) at a rest break stop midway through the ride. For the remainder of the ride, we group up again, ride together and enjoy the scenery.

· Do I have to do all four brevets in one week?
No, you don’t have to ride all the brevets in one week. If you would like, you are welcome to come to the camp for two weeks, and do the brevets you choose during your two-week stay. We want you to come enjoy some relaxing time here, as well as riding time.
You can sign up for the full menu, or choose your dates à la carte. Some people are coming for a full week, only to participate in the 400k, or the 600k.

· How difficult are the brevets?
Because this is an “early season” brevet series, the rides will not be overly challenging. As the ride distance increases, the degree of difficulty will decrease. This is designed for those riders who are coming to ride a full brevet series in one week. We want them to be able to complete the series without getting overtired and injured.

· How difficult is it to ride a full brevet series in one week?
Very difficult. But it is doable, if you pace yourself properly. Of course, weather always plays a part. This is why you want to do this in Mallorca, where the weather is always perfect for cycling. We want you to come, have a good time, and not beat yourself up.
1500k in seven days is a daunting task. Experienced randonneurs can do it. You can sign up for the full brevet series in one week of camp. Then, see how you do. If, after the 200k and 300k, you feel tired, you can skip the 400k and rest for the 600k.
Or, you can sign up for two weeks of camp (both brevet weeks) and the full brevet series. Plan to ride all four brevets over a two-week period, rather than all in one week. This makes a lot of sense. You get to rest more in between each brevet.

· Is it possible to come for a week, and just enter the 600k?
Yes. You can ride the regular daily camp rides prior to the 600k. You would register for the camp at 500 €, and then just pay the fee for the 600k brevet registration.

· Is it possible to just ride the 600k and not register for the camp?
Yes. You simply pay the 600k registration fee and show up the day of the brevet.

· Is it possible to just ride one brevet and make reservations to stay at the hotel the night before and the night after?
Yes. If you are coming just for one brevet, and not planning to participate in any cycling camp rides, then yes, you can do this. We will try to accommodate your hotel room request, provided there are rooms available. You need to tell us what nights you want a hotel room. When filling out the entry form, just be sure to tell us what your arrival/check-in and departure/check-out dates are.

· Is there a place to sleep in the middle of the 600k route?
The 600k brevet route is designed so that participants ride past the host hotel after riding 400k. This gives riders the option to stop and sleep in their own hotel room before continuing on to finish the last 200k of the brevet.

· Are people arriving a day early for the Sunday-to-Sunday camp?
Yes – some are arriving Saturday. Some are also staying over an extra night and leaving Monday.

· Will these brevets count toward1200k qualification for  PBP in 2007?
Yes. These are ACP sanctioned brevets for which each participant will receive a homologation number and a medal. The Super Randonneur Series of four brevets (200k, 300k, 400k, & 600k) will qualify you for any 1200k that requires this for entry.
You can qualify for PBP 2007 at Mallorca Camp in 2007.

· I am concerned about riding at night alone on the brevets.
You should do some night riding before coming to camp. Get equipped with good quality headlights, taillights and reflective vest and ankle bands. Riding at night is exhilarating and fun for most riders. But you have to get comfortable in the dark. Other riders find it creepy. If so, they find a riding partner to keep them company. It is always a good idea to buddy-up at night for safety. You don’t have to ride alone, unless you want to.

· How do I get there?
Your ultimate destination is Palma, on the island of Mallorca, Spain. Mallorca is one of the Balearic Islands. The airport code is PMI. There are regular flights in and out of the Palma airport all day long. Most connect from Madrid or Barcelona. Check with your travel agent or online travel search engine for the best connections and airfares.

· How far is the hotel from the airport?
About 14 miles 21 km – or 20-25 minutes by car.

· What kind of gearing do I need?
A 53-39 in front and 13-26 in back, will be fine for most experienced long-distance cyclists.

· Are the brevet controles manned?
No. Brevets in Europe are always self-supported. You can get food and snacks at cafes along the route during the day. You get your controle card stamped and signed at designated places along the route, like post offices or tourist information centers.

· Is there a ride leader on each of the brevet rides?
No. There is a ride leader on the cycling camp daily rides, but not on the brevet rides. The camp rides are designed for riders to stay in a group, with the ride leader. They ride together, stop together and finish together. The brevet rides are not designed for riders to stay in a group. Each brevet rider rides at his or her own pace on the brevets.

· What about food provided for the brevet riders?
All Mallorca Camp guests are entitled to breakfast and dinner at the hotel. So, we have arranged for the brevet participants to get an early light breakfast before departure. A late light meal will be available to brevet participants who finish a brevet and arrive back at the hotel after dinner has been served.

· Is there something for my wife and son to do while I am riding?
There are plenty of activities in Mallorca. There is shopping in downtown Palma, beach activities, touring the coast by boat, golf, walking tours, recreational bike tours and fun places to see. Check out the See Mallorca website for more activities and recreational ideas. http://www.seemallorca.com

· Will you have rental bikes if I don’t want to bring my own?
We do not have rental bikes. Everyone is required to bring his or her own bike. In the event that your bike is delayed by the airlines, we can possibly arrange to find you a loaner bike for a day. You might want to pack your helmet, pedals and shoes in your suitcase or carry-on luggage in case this happens.

· Is there a bike shop nearby if I need spare parts?
Yes – there is an excellent shop in Palma that we recommend. It’s a 15-minute bus ride away.

· Are the courses arrowed?
No, the courses are not arrowed. You will find that the streets are very clearly marked and the routes easy to follow without getting lost.

· What happens if I get there and don’t want to leave?
Ah yes… it has been known to happen. I am sure we can arrange to find you an apartment to rent!

· Is space limited for the number of riders each week at camp?
Yes. We can accommodate about 30 riders each week.

· What sort of cycling clothing should I bring to Mallorca?
Obviously bring your favourite riding shorts and short-sleeve cycling jerseys. A windvest can come in handy. Arm warmers and leg warmers are always a good idea for early morning and chilly evening rides. A lightweight rain jacket that can also double as a windbreaker is always good to have with you.
Bring a pair of lightweight tights if you plan to ride the longer brevets, that involve a lot of hours of night-riding.

· Are aerobars allowed at camp?
No.

· Are aerobars allowed at the brevets?
No