Cycling Camps: What to look for, what to expect and what it will cost
Regardless of your particular riding interest there is no better way to start the season than several days of full immersion, laser beam focused time in training camp. Pro teams hold pre-season training camps every year to introduce the new riders and staff to the system and help everyone start the season on the same page. For us mere mortals, organized cycling camps are fast becoming a very popular way to learn about the benefits of structured training and how the application of modern sports science can improve our development. In addition to learning camp also provides many hours of the pure joy and fun of just riding your bike and being looked after by a professional staff. Training camps come in all shapes and sizes and price ranges. Depending on what you are looking and how much money you want to spend there is a camp program out there for you.
There are road camps, MTB camps for the racers and recreational riders, ultra distance camps for the hardcore cross country riders and even racing camps in Italy, France and Belgium for riders looking to try their luck racing across the pond. Many famous names from our sport like Phinney, Carmichael, Kelly, and Lemond, Indurain are associated with cycling camps in the US and abroad. These programs often feature the training philosophy of the camp director delivered in an organized program of group rides, skills workouts and lectures. However, not all of these camps are instructional in nature. Many camps are merely opportunities to ride and hang out with a famous rider and enjoy many hours of great riding in a beautiful setting. If you are looking for instruction and serious coaching you need to do your homework and ask the right questions.
With all the choices out there where does an aspiring camper start? The first consideration for most riders is cost. Instructional training camps that offer group riding, coaching and staff support seem to be offered in three different categories based on price. As you might imagine the higher the cost the more amenities there will be. Training camps can range in cost from $500-$1000 for a 3-5 day camp right up to several thousand dollars for the full on, pro team training camp experience. The cycling camp marketplace is growing fast and there is a camp experience for every type of rider. So, what do you get for you money?
The 3-5 day cycling camps are very popular with the amateur racer and recreational cyclist. Costing up to $1000 (travel not included) these camps provide lots of quality group riding, supervision and group coaching, cafeteria style meals and relaxed, comfortable accommodations. These are great camps for those more concerned about the riding and training than about the plush amenities and pampering. These camps are usually held at a resident camp or retreat type facility and offer comfortable living quarters, a relaxed atmosphere and facilities for the staff and campers to congregate for meals, social time and lectures. These types of facilities are usually located in rural areas and make for a very focused and enjoyable camp experience.
The coaching staff is generally elite level athletes who lead the rides, provide some coaching assistance and answer camper’s questions. They are also a great source of entertainment during group activities and meals with tall tales of races won and lost and stories of their travels. Training rides might be supported and campers will likely be responsible for their own bike maintenance but most camps will have a mechanical area set up for convenience. The meals are simple and nutritious served cafeteria style. Snacks and ride food are often included. Daily massage might be available but at an extra charge paid to the attending therapist.
Attendance will range from 25-50 riders with a ratio of about 10-12 riders per coach so one on one attention is unlikely. The first camp I ever attended, The Mike Walden School of Cycling, in Plymouth Florida, was of this variety and I had one of the most memorable cycling experiences of my life. The staff was great, the routine was simple and the training was very high quality. For a first time experience you can’t go wrong with this type of camp.
The next range of camps will take the cost up to $2500. The camps are designed to cater to the more well off riders who want a taste of the pro team camp experience. Again, travel cost to and from camp is the rider’s responsibility. Attendance is usually limited to 25-30 riders with a ratio of 6-8 riders per coach. This allows for higher quality individual attention and supervision. These camps are often located in rural surroundings and headquartered at a nice hotel offering single and double rooms and more creature comforts.
The staff will include professional coaches, full time mechanics and massage therapists. Meals are often served buffet style in the hotel dinning room. These camps will have support and sag for the rides with spare wheels, food, drinks and first aid. This is a huge bonus since you can put whatever you might need in the follow car and the group is never left alone on the road. The mechanics will wash and prep the bikes for the next days training and make necessary repairs and adjustments. This leaves the athletes with lots of extra time to socialize, relax and recover. Massage is available in 30min blocks before the evening meal and should be included in the cost of the camp.
Training activities will feature everything from 4-6 hours endurance sessions to structured workouts with individual instruction and a focus on teaching specific skills and training methods. There will be evening lectures on various topics. These camps are very well organized and offer an experience very similar that of a pro team camp. It is common for the camp director to bring in famous name riders to join the rides and mingle with the campers, adding to the overall experience. It is not uncommon to have former pro riders on the coaching staff. These camps are a major expense but the experience is well worth the investment.
If you want to spend a bunch of money, train with and not like the pros and get totally pampered there are camps offered by private coaching organizations that cater to smaller groups, and even individuals, with very high expectations. Look to spend up to $10000 for a week of one on one coaching, full mechanical support, the attention of a professional soigneur, the best food and luxury accommodations. These camps are generally held in the fall and will be joined by well-known professional riders and legends of the sport to complete the experience. This price range also includes group travel packages that follow the major tour races in Europe and have the luxury camp experience. Imagine spending a week riding, having meals and hanging out with Greg Lemond, Stephen Roche or Sean Kelly. For those who can afford this once in a lifetime experience these dream camps and group tour packages are available.
Regardless of what type of camp you choose there a several things that you should be sure to look for. Find out how long the organization has been in the camp business. The companies who have been around for several years are obviously doing something right. But don’t discount the newcomers. Like I said, the marketplace is growing and there are very good organizations just starting out that offer top quality camps. Ask specific questions about the qualifications of the staff and coaches. The coach to rider ratio is very important. If the staff is spread too thin you will likely to get minimal personal instruction.
A small staff can also pose a safety problem if the riding groups are too large for one coach to handle. How much quality coaching time can you expect from the staff? Remote locations always make for a great camp and epic riding but there will be extra travel costs getting there and back. Does the camp provide airport transportation to and from the camp facility or will you have to rent a car? Will there be daily instruction and nightly lectures? Are there any manuals or other printed learning materials included? These are important questions and you will likely have some of your own. The quality camp organizations want to provide the best experience possible and will tell you up front what to expect.
I strongly suggest you get feedback and references from riders you know who have gone to camp before. The more established programs place adds in the major cycling magazines and many can be found on the web. A travel agent that specializes in sporting vacations might also be a good resource. Advertised prices will usually include everything except travel expense to and from the camp facility and whatever non-camp expenses, know as incidentals, your might incur. If you shop around and get some references you will find a camp and staff that will provide a very valuable and memorable experience.
If you have never been to an organized cycling camp you are really missing out on a memorable cycling experience. It is a terrific way to spend a week by yourself, with your team or just a couple training partners. Do your homework, set your budget and go shopping. Happy camping.