Dreaming of smooth roads and glorious sunshine? Planning a cycling training camp (or a slightly more chilled out cycling holiday) is the perfect way to keep yourself motivated, especially when the weather back home is anything but delightful.
But if it’s your first time taking your cycling adventures overseas, planning and preparing for a cycling training camp might feel a bit overwhelming. Where should you go, and when? Should you rent a bike or take yours with you?
In our guide to cycling training camps, we’ll share some top tips to help you plan your adventure. From destination inspiration and how to travel with a bike, to the essential gear to take and what you can do to prepare to make sure you enjoy your time away.
Jump to…
- Where to go for a cycling training camp?
- When should you go on a training camp?
- Bike rental versus taking your own bike
- What to pack for a training camp?
- How fit do I need to be?
- Top tips to get the most out of your trip
Planning your trip
Where to go for a cycling training camp?
Before you think about packing up your gear, and your bike (more on this later!) first you’ve got to decide where to go. The world is quite literally your cycling oyster here, but there are a few general considerations to keep in mind when whittling down your options:
- Terrain
Do you want challenging climbs and epic mountain descents? Or would you prefer a slightly less strenuous ride? Some destinations have the best of both worlds, while others fall more on the ‘seriously challenging’ end of the scale. Make sure you do your research so you know what you’re getting yourself into! - Weather
Chances are you’re looking to escape to a sunnier climate, but make sure you research the typical weather conditions for your destination of choice at the time of year you plan to travel. Some destinations such as the Canary Islands can be notoriously windy. Others might have a rainy season, or a few months of the year where the heat might be a little more roasting than you’d like. - Off the bike options
If it’s a pure training camp you’re after, where all you’ll do is ride, eat, sleep, repeat. You might not be so fussed about what other leisure activities are on offer. But if it’s more of a ‘ride-cation’, or you’re bringing the family. Make sure your destination of choice has a good selection of things to see and do when you’re not on the bike.
Popular cycling training camp destinations
Mallorca
Mallorca is a hugely popular cycling destination, and for good reason. The mountainous terrain offers bucket list-worthy climbs of varying degrees of difficulty. But there are also plenty of flatter rides along the coastal roads, so it’s an ideal destination for first timers looking for the best of both worlds. Add in your pick of glorious beaches and ice cream stops aplenty, and Mallorca is pretty hard to beat.
We’d suggest ticking off the famous lighthouse ride, for epic views and an encounter with the infamous lighthouse goat (just hold on to your snacks, that goat loves to ‘share;!). It’s also well worth planning a ride out to Cycling Planet in Alaró – a specialist bike cafe where you’ll find huge slabs of cake and excellent coffee.
Canary Islands
For off season training camps, the Canary Islands (particularly Lanzarote and Gran Canaria) are a popular choice due to their year-round warm temperatures. Just be warned that while the weather is warm, conditions can still be quite tough because of the winds! Expect sparse volcanic landscapes, hills aplenty and brace yourself for some ‘character-building’ headwind.
France
Ride in the tyre strokes of the pro peloton! France is, of course, steeped in cycling history and heritage. And if your pick of dramatic mountain climbs, glittering coastal routes and rolling countryside wasn’t enough to tempt you over the channel. There’s always the lure of the world’s best carbs to convince you. Will bike for baguettes!
Find more inspiration
Our friends over at Epic Road Rides have a whole bunch of useful destination and route guides to help you get inspired!
When is a good time to go on a cycling training camp?
The best time to go on a training camp depends on a few factors. Are you heading off on camp to prepare for a specific race, or is it just for fun? Are you flexible on travel dates, or do school term times or work commitments need to be factored in?
Below we’ll run through a couple of key considerations to help you plan!
How long before your ‘A race’ should you go on training camp?
If you’re planning a cycling training camp to tick off a big week of training to get ready for a race, it’s important to get the timing right. Too close to your race, and you’ll still be carrying fatigue from the training overload (and the travel). Too early in the season, and you might risk burning out. Generally speaking, 4-6 weeks out from your target event is a good time to head off on camp. This will give you enough time to recover and absorb the training gains, before ticking off those final ‘icing on the cake’ sessions that will get you sharpened up and race ready.
Out of season vs peak season
If you’re planning your trip for the height of summer, chances are you’ll get the hottest weather and the longest daylight hours. But keep in mind you’ll also have the high summer crowds to deal with! This can get particularly frustrating in places like Mallorca where coach tours will be taking tour groups up the same iconic climbs you’re trying to get a kudos-worthy Strava segment time on.
Going in the shoulder seasons (late spring and early autumn) can be ideal if you prefer quieter roads and shorter queues at the cafe stops. Just be prepared to pack a few extra layers in case of changeable weather – especially if you’re heading for the mountains.
Rent a bike or take your own?
Renting a bike can work out as a more hassle-free way to cycle abroad, without having to take your own bike apart and shove it in a bike box. But there is something to be said for having your own trusty steed with you! Below we’ll run through the pros and cons of hiring a bike versus taking your own, and we’ll also share some tips on travelling with your bike.
Pros and cons of hiring a bike for your training camp
Pros:
- No additional airport stress or oversize baggage fees
- No time wasted taking your bike apart and putting it back together again – ideal option for the less confident bike mechanics
- Potential to hire a bike that’s most suitable for the terrain you’ll be riding
Cons:
- Unfamiliar bike might not be as comfortable as your own
- Some hire bikes can be a bit worse for wear, increasing the likelihood of mechanical options (this writer once very nearly had to climb Sa Calobra with only one pedal thanks to a creaky hire bike!)
- Sometimes sizes available can be limited
- Time saved at the airport by not travelling with a bike can be lost having to go to the bike shop for collection and return
- Hiring a bike can be more expensive than paying extra to take your own on the plane
Tips for hiring a bike
Do your research
Make sure the bike rental shop you plan to use has suitable bikes for the type of riding you intend to do. In more touristy areas, hire bikes may be limited to more traditional hybrid or touring bikes rather than road bikes. Check other customer’s reviews to make sure they’re going to hand you a bike that’s in good working order, and find out if they include essential tools and other mechanical support.
Reserve in advance
You might need to book several months ahead if you’re travelling in peak season.
Check what’s included
Confirm with the bike rental if things like pedals, bike computer mounts, spares kits and bottle holders are included. You may have to add some of these things as optional extras, or you could take your own.
Consider taking your own saddle
It can take years of trial and error to find a saddle that suits you. And let’s face it, nothing spoils a long bike ride more than a saddle that upsets your undercarriage. If you tend to suffer from saddle-related woes, consider taking your own.
Pros and cons of taking your own bike
Pros:
Familiar riding position – no unforeseen discomfort or unexpected handling issues
Your usual set up – bike computer mount, power pedals, spares holder… all right where you left them!
No need to factor in time (and travel) to collect the bike/drop it back off at a rental
The chance to make some pretty cool memories with your trusty steed!
Prepping for a race? It’s important to train on the bike you’ll race on (especially if it’s a long distance event)
Cons:
You’ll need to buy (or borrow) a decent bike box or bag to take your bike on a plane
Additional baggage fees and airport hassle
Taking your bike apart and building it back up can be a pain if you’re not used to doing it
If you’re using taxis or public transport to get to and from the airport, you’ll need to make sure they can accommodate your bike box
Tips for travelling with your bike
Invest in a good bike box
Ideally look for a hard case (such as a Bike Box Alan) as this will offer the best protection for your bike on a flight. Some boxes are also designed so you don’t even have to take your handle bars off!
Pack your bike carefully
The main issues you’re likely to run into after flying with your bike are things like your rear derailleur getting knocked or your brake discs getting dented. Use bubble wrap (or small towels) to pad around the delicate components. Strap any loose items in your bike box down to minimise any movement. Ensure nothing is going to rub on your frame – it’s worth taking your chain off and popping it in a sandwich bag (or something similar).
Check airline specific rules about flying with a bike
Some airlines allow you to book and pay for your bike as additional luggage when you book your seat tickets. Others operate on a first come first served basis at the gate, so make sure you arrive at the airport early to avoid disappointment. If you’ve got connecting flights, be prepared to have to pay extra for each leg of your journey too. You may be asked to let some air out of your tyres, and many airlines won’t let you travel with gas canisters – that can vary but to save yourself any airport drama it’s usually easier just to buy some when you arrive.
Make note of your usual bike set up measurements
Before you take your bike apart to pack it, make sure you’ve got a record of your usual saddle height, reach, aero bar angles (if you’re travelling with a TT bike). This will make it significantly easier to get your bike set up exactly how you’re used to when you arrive.
Don’t forget your tools, wheels and pedals!
It’s easily done! You get your frame nicely packed up and accidentally leave your pedals, your wheels and all your tools on the garage floor. You’ll have to take a few things off your bike to get it in the box, so don’t forget to pop those in before you fly.
What to pack for a training camp?
The amount of kit you’ll need to take will depend on how long you’re going for, what laundry facilities you’ll have access to and how light you want to travel! A good rule of thumb though, is to have at least two of all the core bits of kit so you can have one in the wash and one to wear at all times.
Essential cycling gear for a training camp:
Aside from the obvious things (your bike, your helmet and your cycling shoes!) here’s what we think should be on your training camp packing list.
- Comfortable bib shorts. Ideally at least two pairs so you can keep ‘em clean. You can sometimes get away with re-wearing a jersey, but back to back days with the same chamois pad is a great way to risk infected saddle sores! Check out men’s bib shorts and women’s bib shorts.
- Breathable cycling jerseys. For long days in the saddle, we’d recommend stocking up on a few of our Every Day cycling jerseys specifically designed for ride all day comfort (and they just so happen to come in stand out styles that’ll look epic in your cycling holiday snaps!)
- Lightweight base layer. This will help to wick away sweat to keep you comfortable, offers a bit of extra protection from any headwinds on the descents and it can help to keep your jersey feeling fresh. (Shop women’s and men’s base layers)
- Cycling socks. Look, nobody wants cheesy hooves so take several pairs of breathable cycling socks with you!
- Arm warmers. Handy for versatile layering, cycling arm warmers are particularly important if you’re heading for the mountains, as temperatures can drop significantly as you climb.
- Gilet/vest. Another bit of gear that it’s worth keeping in your back pocket! Long descents bring extra wind chill, so you’ll want something to keep your core warm.
- Chamois creme. And lot’s of it! Back to back days on the bike and more miles in the saddle than you’re used to can quite quickly add up to uncomfortable saddle sores. Use chamois creme liberally each day as a preventative measure. Your undercarriage will thank you later.
- Sports-specific sunscreen. Chances are you’re going to be out in the sun for several hours each day, so make sure you’re regularly applying a full spectrum sunscreen which is sweat- and water-resistant.
- Nutrition and hydration products. Even if you plan to stop at cafes and restaurants, it’s always worth having a few emergency gels or bars with you in case you get caught out. If conditions are warm, you’ll be sweating more than usual too so top up those electrolytes with a sports hydration mix in your bottles. Oh, and on that note – don’t forget to pack your bottles!
- Bike computer (and a charging cable). Strava or it didn’t happen! A bike computer is not only essential to log all your rides so you can make all your Strava followers jealous. It’s also a handy way to navigate unfamiliar routes. Just don’t forget your charging cable.
How to prepare for a training camp
How fit do I need to be to go on a cycling training camp?
The whole point of a training camp is that you have the opportunity to go and tick off a big week of riding, with the time to chill out and recover afterwards. Without work tasks or chores to worry about, you can live the faux pro life for a week.
With that in mind, you don’t need to be arriving in peak race-ready form. But if you want to get the most out of your cycling holiday it’s worth ensuring you’ve got a good level of base fitness so you can eat up the miles and tackle the climbs without seriously questioning your life choices after day 1.
Here’s what we’d focus on to get ready for a training camp:
- Build a base of endurance
Long rides and back-to-back days on the bike require solid aerobic fitness. Steadily build up your mileage on the bike in the weeks/months leading up to your training camp with a focus on Zone 2 endurance rides. You can read more about the benefits of Zone 2 training here – but put simply, this will help you to ride further and recover faster. - Prepare for the hills
Most training camps involve riding up some famous climbs. Get your climbing legs ready by incorporating some hill repeats and threshold efforts into your mid-week bike sessions. Read our article on how to improve your climbing to get some top tips for an expert cycling coach. - Brush up your bike skills
Riding abroad often involves some pretty spectacular cycling routes, complete with sweeping mountain descents and hairpin turns. If you’ve spent all winter on the turbo trainer, it’s worth heading out and just brushing up your handling skills before you travel. Think cornering, making u-turns and riding figure-8s (an empty car park outside of opening hours is ideal for this). It’s important that you feel confident and in tune with the bike so you can stay safe and have fun.
What else do I need to know before I travel?
It’s also a good idea to do a bit of research into your destination of choice. Are there any specific rules for cyclists? Is there any local etiquette you need to know about? What are your bike shop options if you need mechanical support? Are there any times/days where shops and restaurants tend to be closed? And most importantly: where are the best cyclist-friendly coffee stops? Take the time to plan ahead and you’ll set yourself up for a much more enjoyable time once you arrive.
Once you’ve arrived: Top tips to get the most out of your training camp
A training camp can be a great way to really boost your fitness, push your limits and come home feeling stronger than ever. But it can also be a pretty intense experience, so managing your effort, embracing rest and making sure you don’t forget to have some fun will be key to having a great experience.
Pace yourself
It’s Day 1 of training camp: your bike is ready, your kit is fresh and you’re excited. Let’s have a smash-fest! Hold that thought, our hyped up friend. It’s important to resist the temptation to go completely full gas on Day 1… You’ll regret it when you get to Day 3, your legs are trashed and you can’t head out on that bucket-list ride you had planned because you’re way too fatigued. Manage your effort so that you can finish the trip strong.
Don’t get beat by the heat
If you’re heading somewhere hot, don’t underestimate the impact that heat can have on your performance – especially if you’ve not had a chance to acclimatise. Hot conditions will elevate your heart rate as your body focuses on cooling, so be prepared to ride a touch slower than usual. Stay hydrated (if you wait until you’re thirsty, you’re already fire fighting!) and consider topping up your salts with electrolytes to avoid cramping.
Consider setting off early so you’re not riding in the hottest part of the day. There’s something quite satisfying about a sunrise start and ticking off the big miles by lunchtime – what better way to recover than an afternoon siesta with a glass of something frosty by the pool!?
Schedule a rest day for longer camps
If you’re heading off for a week or more, consider planning a rest day or two. This will give your body a chance to recover and absorb the gains from the previous days. When you get back on the bike after an easier day and you’re carrying less fatigue, you’ll feel unstoppable!
Don’t forget to have a bit of fun
Training camps can get all a bit serious. And while pushing your limits and dialling into the data can be great ‘type A’ fun. Don’t forget about the ‘type B’ fun, too! In a few years time, that time you spontaneously jumped in the sea still in your bib shorts or the ‘what happened on camp, stays on camp’ final evening antics that you remember most fondly.
Tell us about your adventures!
Have you got a training camp or another cycling adventure planned this year? Maybe you’ve been somewhere awesome already! Either way, we want to hear all about it (you never know, you might even get to feature here on the blog or in our much-loved newsletter). Click HERE to tell us about it.
Training Camp Essentials
Pack light, ride right. Here’s what we’d take: a couple of short-sleeve jerseys, a gilet for descents, and socks that actually last.
