Training Camps: Experiences and what you'd like to see?

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Permalink Reply by JTO on June 5, 2013 at 10:01am

I have never attended a CX camp (though I probably should).  However, given my experiences in my rookie year, here's my take:

• Day Sessions:
  • Mounts / dismounts.  From both the left and right sides of the bike (learned this one the hard way.  At least the mob was entertained).
  • Obstacle avoidance.  Lots of riders hit things they shouldn't.
  • How and when to bunny-hop.  And when not to even try.
  • Barrier management.
  • Handling off-camber turns.
  • Riding sand vs. mud vs. wet grass.
  • Dealing with maladies.  Broken RD hanger, mud build-up, sandy cleats/pedals, etc.
  • Lots of riding!
• Evening Sessions:
  • Intro to Heckling.  How to heckle and be heckled, a labor of love.
  • Advanced Heckling.  Personalizing your heckles and the reverse-heckle.
  • Nutrition Management.  Beer is okay, Malort is not.  How much bacon should one eat at max. HR?
  • Wheelies and Endos.  Because they're awesome.

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Permalink Reply by seth lincoln on June 5, 2013 at 10:06am

I did a training camp last year and it was good, my only complaint was that the teacher assumed everyone was fast/competitive. I asked for advice on racing the Gloucester course as it was my 'one big race' for the year, and her advice was to 'get the holeshot'.  Well, even if I quit my job and did nothing but practice cross for a year, my chances of 'getting the holeshot' are basically nonexistent.  Know your audience, I guess.  If you have to, split the newbs/people who haven't raced before into a separate group.  The advice that I can put to use doesn't necessarily apply to a cat3 who's looking for an early season refresher.

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Permalink Reply by Dugafola on June 5, 2013 at 10:08am

we have one coming up later this month.

we are renting a house near Tomales Bay and riding from SF to the house with a sag.  it'll basically be base building and team camaraderie building.  and beer drinking.

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