CTS Camps?

[AnnieBikes]

I just talked to my friend who has been twice, once before she started actively doing TRI's and once a few years ago just for climbing camp.

PRO's She really learned alot. It was really fun and they did all kinds of training activities, were watched on the hills and got many tips for climbing and descending. The have all kinds of snacks and drinks (they are PowerBar sponsored, so many are from there) and even mix the drinks for you and have them ready when you are out on a ride. THey have a SAG van out with you at all times. They were divided into small groups of 6 for the week based on abilities, and they assessed that right at the beginning. They service your bike at night, and take care of it if you have a mechanical problem when you are riding, flats included. The technique tips were "great". She learned how to train, different drills, and how to schedule training, etc. There were lectures at night on various things like nutrition before and after hard rides, etc. "They treated us like royalty!"

CON's: They are in the business of selling post camp coaching services and pushed that VERY hard to her. They want to sell you a PowerTap as well. She said that there was a "special" for their camp (which is probably at every one) for $$ off their coaching services. At the evening lectures, they all end up with the "why you need a coach" etc. She found that part very hard...the pressure to buy their services. Much of it is "cookbook" she thought and not very individualized. She actually did the coaching thing because her husband gave it to her as a gift after the course but she was WAY less than thrilled with the "personalized" service and did not continue it after the designated time, six months, I think. My friend is nearly 60 and she felt that she needed more than one rest day per week but the coach insisted that one day (and it had to be Friday) was all she needed. Well, it rains here on other days of the week, so then what?!!!

Don't get me wrong....she loved the camp and learned tons of great stuff. If you can resist the "coaching services" ...unless that is what you want, then you will love the camp. Just be advised that you will get the hard sell from them for "after services."

Have fun and learn a ton! We definitely want to hear about it.

[susan.wells]

I have attended three camps. Two of their standard women's specific (one was the beginner and the other not) training camps. Additionally I attended a private weekend camp for a friend and I (same type of service but no sales pitch). Anniebikes' description is accurate - both pros and cons. Tips and techniques were the best thing for me. My descending skills improved dramatically (although I will always be a chicken at speeds over 40 mph careening down a mountain). The camaraderie that developed among the women was a pleasant surprise. I would do it again just for that. I still exchange email with a few of the other ladies.

Anniebikes ... reading your blog concerning your husband's tour. I did the GAP & C&O in 2007. I start Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway on Sunday.

ETA: I actually forgot ... My avatar is a cropped photo from the private camp. If you look ever so closely you can see that I am riding while touching the rear tire of my partner's bike with my front tire. Her tire is red. Hence my somewhat strained looking position. You practice bumping skills and how to react without (hopefully) going down!

[ilima]

I knew a woman that went to one in California. Like AnnieBikes said, they pushed the services & the PowerTap wheel, which I think she said everybody who didn't have one bought one at the camp.

She really enjoyed the camp and said she spent one whole afternoon riding and chatting with Chris Carmichael himself and said he was generally hands on during the week. She felt she got her money's worth.

[li10up]

How "good" where the people, especially the women, in the climbing camps. I wouldn't want to get there and then completely embarrass myself. I ride flat roads for the most-part - hence needing climbing skills.

I thought of another question....if you aren't really looking for a training plan but just ideas on how to climb better, learn what I'm doing right or wrong would this camp be helpful?

[susan.wells]

The women's beginner camp had all levels. I learned lots even though I didn't consider myself a novice by any means. The women's camp says intermediate/advanced. I would say most of the people in that class were on the upper end of ability. All in all - a very driven bunch of women. I would recommend either one if you want to improve your road handling and climbing skills.

[tctrek]

Glad to hear the PROS and CONS. I'm not intimidated at all my sales pitches for coaching. I'm a 58 year old recreational rider and not looking for a coach. But if I like the camp, I will go again -- they have another one in the fall and Asheville, NC is gorgeous when the leaves are turning.

Thanks for the info! I'll post when I finish the camp in June.

[li10up]

Glad to hear the PROS and CONS. I'm not intimidated at all my sales pitches for coaching. I'm a 58 year old recreational rider and not looking for a coach. But if I like the camp, I will go again -- they have another one in the fall and Asheville, NC is gorgeous when the leaves are turning.

Thanks for the info! I'll post when I finish the camp in June.

Did you go to the camp? Can we get an update?

[tctrek]

I knew a woman that went to one in California. Like AnnieBikes said, they pushed the services & the PowerTap wheel, which I think she said everybody who didn't have one bought one at the camp.

Funny, 'cause there was never any mention at all of purchasing a PowerTap at the camp I went to in Asheville, NC. I didn't even know they sold PowerTaps and I've been training with them for almost 2 months.