I've done the ride from Marin to Santa Monica twice on my own with a road bike and backpack but in a group and supported setting this sounds phenomenal.
Trying to get my buddy to join me on this but he said he has to check his prenup first ; )
We've done Monterrey or Big Sur to Naciemento Furgeson Road or Morro Bay a couple times for the Tour. We also had an epic day one year riding off the course in Giant Sequoia National Forest (I'll post some pics). This is a great ride for roadie-types.
I am super interested. the logistics of getting all the way there and back from here seem a bit daunting though. When would we know where the we will start?
I am super interested. the logistics of getting all the way there and back from here seem a bit daunting though. When would we know where the we will start?
We'll know as soon as the organizers announce the stage host cities for the race. I can about 90% guarantee that the race will start in either the SFO or Sacramento areas (ie, those would be the airports you'd fly into).
The logistics are pretty easy on your end:
I will tell you when you need to have your bike to me. But plan for no later than that Thursday, so I can assemble all the bikes Thurs and Friday.
I'll also give you a gear list of stuff you need to have the ride: tubes, tires, stuff like that.
You fly into wherever we're starting from on Saturday while I and the support crew drive the vans with all of the bikes up on Saturday. For example, for a couple years the Tour started in Sacramento-ish and we had everyone assemble at a bike shop on Saturday about 3p --> you fly in and take a cab to the bike shop, we pick you up.
You ride, ride, ride. The last ride is on Saturday, typically, with us staying in the LA area on either Thursday and/or Friday night. If Friday night, I put everyone up in a hotel about a half mile from my house and we BBQ outside and swap lies over a fire.
We finish with enough time on Saturday for everyone to jet back to my place, box up the bikes, and then I use the vans to get everyone to LAX for the last flight out.
If you don't want to fly with your bike I can ship it out for you on Monday (you still box it up ) and just pay me back for the shipping costs
I got to experience "cagey" Rich racing him up GMR at the '11 ToC Camp. He was watching the watts on my Garmin and attacked me right when I let off a bit. By the time I could respond he was gone.
That camp was the funnest week I've spent on a bike. I'm really trying to make it to this one but I'll be relocating across the country right about that time, so my available free time and funds are pretty limited.
Ok that doesn't seem so bad. I don't have a bike box, only a soft case, so I assume I can't ship the bike in that?
I'm going to float the idea to the missus tonight. wish me luck.
I would ask around and see if people have experience with shipping a soft case. I know people have flown with a softcase, don't know about shipping it.
I got to experience "cagey" Rich racing him up GMR at the '11 ToC Camp. He was watching the watts on my Garmin and attacked me right when I let off a bit. By the time I could respond he was gone.
That camp was the funnest week I've spent on a bike. I'm really trying to make it to this one but I'll be relocating across the country right about that time, so my available free time and funds are pretty limited.
Actually, I noticed that you weren't paying attention to the camber of the road in the switchbacks. So I dove from the outside to the inside of a turn, using the camber to accelerate . I've only done this climb about a bazillion times though
For the local socal people is there an option to ride up north in a van? I don't mind driving a van if needed.
Yep, we did that also. About the half the campers would fly to LA on Friday or meet us at my house on Saturday. We load everything up Sat AM and drive about 8hrs to either SFO or Sac. The other half would meet us up there.
I just signed up for the TOC Camp. I thought that I better do this before I am not able to physically do these kinds of things any more. I have not done a camp in years but love the fact that you can live the dream for one week. Some adults do a baseball camp or a rock and roll fantasy camp. Mine is a bike camp exploring California with EN off the front of the peloton!!
I just signed up for the TOC Camp. I thought that I better do this before I am not able to physically do these kinds of things any more. I have not done a camp in years but love the fact that you can live the dream for one week. Some adults do a baseball camp or a rock and roll fantasy camp. Mine is a bike camp exploring California with EN off the front of the peloton!!
for future reference:::: I would drive from Washington state to the Sacramento start. would I leave my van in Sacramento? how could I get back to Sacramento after the week done?
for future reference:::: I would drive from Washington state to the Sacramento start. would I leave my van in Sacramento? how could I get back to Sacramento after the week done?
can you post an updated list and spots left as this fills? I have to work out kid coverage with the Ex, as you know, this is something I have wanted to do for a few years. thanks!
all else, anyone looking for a training partner/ roommate?
can you post an updated list and spots left as this fills? I have to work out kid coverage with the Ex, as you know, this is something I have wanted to do for a few years. thanks!
all else, anyone looking for a training partner/ roommate?
Yep, I'm doing that. See the second or third post in this thread.
- Climbing. Might take me 9 days to do the rides. LOL I know it said "all levels" but I know most EN'rs are much better/faster so 7 days of "Independent Group Rides" might be less fun than I bargained for.
- I'm doing IMChoo this year so I had planned on doing that camp. Now I know you don't HAVE to ride the course, but not a bad idea right. I'm sure I can only swing one camp for $$ and SAU reasons, so given the choice, what Camp would you reco?
Thanks!
Kim- (and any other EN Chica L'il Peeps) You absolutely CAN do this camp. All the logistics are all worked out so you only really ride what you can on a given day and the guys have it figured out so you get to ride the best parts of the course each day (generally by either using the van to leap frog you up the course to the really cool spots, or having the van pick folks up before the roads are closed and the pros roll through. You really get to appreciate what kinda riding the pros are doing each day because you are riding the same course (well, part of it anyway) on that same day. And the camaraderie with other EN folks in the vans and at the hotels is just as much part of the fun. Oh- and it's one heck of a great big bike week to put in your spring schedule too! Plus, knowing you have the camp coming up keeps you motivated during the OS season. Lots of great reasons to do it.
This camp is simply awesome for all ENers- I have done it twice and I wish I could do it again this year (scheduling this year won't permit, grrrrrrrrr).
^^^ what, what what?!? Vans to cherry pick the best parts? I spiritually have problem with that. It hurts my soul. You gotta get fit and show up to ride. This is about fitness, not execution. It's only the other way around on race day.
I have done camps before and the vans are a fire extinguisher to used in case of emergency. Not bandaid for weak bike fitness. HTFU.
Dino, Dino, Dino... You well know part of the EN ethos is that we're a team for all ages, genders, and speeds. I'm sure there will be a balls to the wall crew of 6-8 who will try to stay ahead of the CHP lead car every day, but others may not have that ability. As I drift into that category with each passing year, I'm glad we have a coach who understands that, and tries to make it a good experience for every one of is on the trip.
Comments
Who wants to be my roommate? I am usually the little spoon.
Oh my goodness! I just chocked laughing.
We've done Monterrey or Big Sur to Naciemento Furgeson Road or Morro Bay a couple times for the Tour. We also had an epic day one year riding off the course in Giant Sequoia National Forest (I'll post some pics). This is a great ride for roadie-types.
Cool! JR signed up also so I'll give you and him the training partner rate
I am super interested. the logistics of getting all the way there and back from here seem a bit daunting though. When would we know where the we will start?
We'll know as soon as the organizers announce the stage host cities for the race. I can about 90% guarantee that the race will start in either the SFO or Sacramento areas (ie, those would be the airports you'd fly into).
The logistics are pretty easy on your end:
Ok that doesn't seem so bad. I don't have a bike box, only a soft case, so I assume I can't ship the bike in that?
I'm going to float the idea to the missus tonight. wish me luck.
I got to experience "cagey" Rich racing him up GMR at the '11 ToC Camp. He was watching the watts on my Garmin and attacked me right when I let off a bit. By the time I could respond he was gone.
That camp was the funnest week I've spent on a bike. I'm really trying to make it to this one but I'll be relocating across the country right about that time, so my available free time and funds are pretty limited.
I would ask around and see if people have experience with shipping a soft case. I know people have flown with a softcase, don't know about shipping it.
Actually, I noticed that you weren't paying attention to the camber of the road in the switchbacks. So I dove from the outside to the inside of a turn, using the camber to accelerate
. I've only done this climb about a bazillion times though 
Everybody wait! Everybody hold up!
Attila was nice enough to bring to my attention the true market value of this camp so I've got some math to do...I'll be right back.
I also need to order that diamond collar that Riley has been asking about for years
Ok I'm in ( that was easier than I thought it would be )....heaven help me trying to keep up with you 'roadies'.
Yep, we did that also. About the half the campers would fly to LA on Friday or meet us at my house on Saturday. We load everything up Sat AM and drive about 8hrs to either SFO or Sac. The other half would meet us up there.
Great! Good to have you on board!
Great! We have time to figure it out.
Cities announced!
http://velonews.competitor.com/2014...015_349943
Awesome! Welcome aboard!
would love to do.
unfortunately have the Iron Texas thing.
maybe in 2016 if I do CDA instead.
for future reference:::: I would drive from Washington state to the Sacramento start. would I leave my van in Sacramento? how could I get back to Sacramento after the week done?
One way flight / car rental back to Sac?
can you post an updated list and spots left as this fills? I have to work out kid coverage with the Ex, as you know, this is something I have wanted to do for a few years. thanks!
all else, anyone looking for a training partner/ roommate?
Yep, I'm doing that. See the second or third post in this thread.
Kim- (and any other EN Chica L'il Peeps) You absolutely CAN do this camp. All the logistics are all worked out so you only really ride what you can on a given day and the guys have it figured out so you get to ride the best parts of the course each day (generally by either using the van to leap frog you up the course to the really cool spots, or having the van pick folks up before the roads are closed and the pros roll through. You really get to appreciate what kinda riding the pros are doing each day because you are riding the same course (well, part of it anyway) on that same day. And the camaraderie with other EN folks in the vans and at the hotels is just as much part of the fun. Oh- and it's one heck of a great big bike week to put in your spring schedule too! Plus, knowing you have the camp coming up keeps you motivated during the OS season. Lots of great reasons to do it.
This camp is simply awesome for all ENers- I have done it twice and I wish I could do it again this year (scheduling this year won't permit, grrrrrrrrr).
I have done camps before and the vans are a fire extinguisher to used in case of emergency. Not bandaid for weak bike fitness. HTFU.
As you were...