Cycling Camp

[spindizzy]

I just got back from a women's cycling camp in Solvang, CA. (Solvang was the little town filmed in the movie "Sideways") DH had given me money 2 years ago for my birthday- I used it for this trip.

The camp was sponsored by Specialized, so if you signed up early enough, you got to ride a demo bike. I rode a Ruby, 51cm (mine Cannondale is 50) with handlebars wider than my bike. No issues except for a few saddle sores from increased contact time .

The camp was phenomenal. Of course, this is my first experience N=1....Support on rides was fantastic, coaches were awesome, food was great, mechanics were super, support during rides excellent..just well organized all around. We had a skills session prior to our ride on the 2nd day. Optional brief seminars: fix-a-flat, bike maintenance, Q & A session. We had a yoga session as well. It was a busy 4days.

Rides were beautiful, scenic, challenging (and windy). I sometimes felt like I was in a movie it was so gorgeous.

Now to get my pedals and saddle back on my bike, turn the furnace on (it's freezing here).

Solvang


Jalama Beach Ride


Happy Canyon Ride


Happy Canyon


Drum Canyon Ride

[bmccasland]

Looks like loads of fun!

Was the camp open to all levels of riders? Going to bike camp is one of the things I've thought about doing. Do they coach you, or are there just daily rides? I've thought I could improve my riding with some coaching (well, who couldn't? ) Back before i got hurt I was more of a middle-of-the-road cyclist. When I was in top form, I could do a sustained 20-22 mph on the flats. But that was before I messed up my knee. I have no idea what I could ride now.

[gabriellesca]

How beautiful and fun. I love the idea of a camp if there are beginner camps! Thanks for sharing.

[TrekTheKaty]

(jealous) Happy for you! That looks fun. I'm sure I could be a faster rider with training (yeah, right). Did you get coaching?

[carinapir]

Okay, cause I'm a dweeb, I looked this place up and now I really want to go, but they only do it once a year. Damn!

It's not too pricey and just about everything is included. Sounds fun!

http://www.solvangtriathloncamps.com/wcc.htm

[tctrek]

Carmichael has similar camps, I believe in Denver and Asheville. I went to a Women's Beginner Camp last year in Asheville. It was awesome and also reasonably priced. There were only 7 women in the camp and we had 3 coaches with us at all times. Completely supported rides with all the drinks, snacks provided. We definitely got "coaching"... climbing, downhill technique (they have some big hills in Asheville!), pacelining, etc. We also got some classroom training on bike maintenance, fixing flats, nutrition and training programs. I found that the camp gave me so much more confidence.

[spindizzy]

It is definitely not just a skills camp - I think CTS is probably better for that. But if you want to get some nice riding in and develop some skills- this may be the camp for you.

There were 15 of us. The first day, after bikes are ready, we had lunch, introductions, did some basic bike handling drills and then went on a 15 mile ride. That usually helps identify the groups and strengths of riders.

The second day, brief review of pacelining theory- then a ride- option of 35/44 miles. There will always be a killer climb (or two, or three ) Coaches will ride with a group. During the ride, you may get instruction on climbing (while your doing it- applying the theory immediately- we did a single paceline and a double paceline), shifting, descending skills or the coach may even stop and adjust your saddle if they think you aren't transferring your power efficiently. There is generally a coach with your "group" for a ride. Sometimes you get spread out in a group - the coach will always go back to the last person to make sure they're ok and help them if needed. I always felt very safe and cared for during the rides.

Longest ride was Saturday - again you have the option of 39/79.5 mile ride- this one has 4500 feet of climbing. You decide what you want to do, (set your goal for the day) and then the SAG vehicle will pick you up when you're done. There is no pressure from the coaches to ride beyond your ability. One person set her goal at 50 miles- she reached it and then she was done for the day.

The last day was a shorter ride with a very steep climb - "The Fig"- again optional if you wanted to do it- and some people didn't. Some only went up 1k, some did 2, some went a bit further than that.

This was a great way for me to get some mileage in on challenging (for me) hills, ride with others (I usually train alone) it helped push me a bit out of my comfort zone. My legs felt dead on Monday- a sure sign that my fitness is about to change - for the better.

They did have another women's camp last October - I think the weather was very warm! I guess you'll have to keep an eye on the website.

[kenyonchris]

I just got back from there!!! I wish I had been able to do the camp. DH and I stopped there and went for the "Happy Valley" ride. It was WINDY. After the serious mountain work we had done the weekend before in Sonoma, it was practically flat, but the wind made it feel way worse!
It was so beautiful, we actually are considering moving there.

[Jiffer]

I did the Solvang Century this year and last year. One of my favorite centuries, for sure. SO beautiful. This year was "less favorite" because, as you mentioned ... WIND. During the century there was TONS of wind during the entire ride. No matter which direction you turned ... more wind. Last year was not that way and crossing my fingers next year will be windless. We already have our hotel reserved and it just so happens it's the very one in your first picture! Ha ha!!!

I LOVE Solvang. Glad you had a great experience! Beautiful pics.

[Bike Chick]

That looks wonderful! I want to go now too. Maybe we should all plan for next year, huh?

[spindizzy]

KC - I guess it is all perspective..I wish I had hills like that round here. I was looking at real estate prices when I got home...tres expensive!

Jiffer- I remember your posting about your century. Funny- I looked at weather charts from the area while I was there- the wind does shift- so it was not likely in your (or my) imagination. That hotel was the main inn for participants to stay at. It is lovely. We ate outside a few times in the little gardens in the back and also in the front. I had signed up later- the rooms there were booked up. I stayed up the street at a cheaper place- for the amount of time I actually spent in it- worked for me.

Bike Chick- I am seriously considering going back next year. I have a few hills that I have a grudge with.