Oct 13, 2013 at 03:01 AM
I'm super interested!
Training Camps
Oct 13, 2013 at 11:25 AM
Ive got Liz listening...
Oct 13, 2013 at 12:16 PM
^Holy cow
Oct 14, 2013 at 02:30 AM
Oh man not sure if I have the cash, but definitely interested. This sounds like the perfect reason to get out of dreary NY in Feb.
Oct 14, 2013 at 04:20 PM
I'd love to join you guys on those glorious climbs! Not being as serious a cyclist when I was living in CA is one of my biggest regrets. Request submitted and now officially under consideration at chez Tarte.
Do folks usually travel with their bikes or rent?
Do folks usually travel with their bikes or rent?
Oct 14, 2013 at 04:39 PM
@ Erika - I think pretty much everyone travels with their bike for a trip like this.
Dec 11, 2013 at 05:52 PM
OK, I just hit 158 on the scale today so I'm in for this again.
Ryan J said:It's that time of year again...
I am excited to announce the third iteration of Kissena's (informal and not too serious) California Training Camp.
This is four days of hard work and fun in the Los Angeles area from Thursday February 20, 2014 through Sunday February 23, 2014.
Last year, most riders flew in on the Wednesday before and left on the Monday after. That's the best way to do it if you can.
Some background for those who don't know: I lived in Los Angeles for seven years, so I'm closely familiar with the Santa Monica Mountains - truly some of the greatest riding in the country. I will lead some epic rides with long, solitary mountain climbs and sweeping, fast descents with glorious, shimmering ocean views.
The last two years we've had a blast. It has truly been a highlight of my season, and I am thrilled to be doing it again. All are welcome, however, the following notes are very important:
(1) This is an informal thing and while I will be helpful, I will not play organizer or chaperone except to a limited extent. So, while I'm happy to make suggestions as to where to stay, maybe help find a team house, answer unlimited questions, and so on, riders will have to get themselves there, make their own arrangements, keep themselves fed, and show up at the ride jump-off points at the scheduled times.
(2) All are welcome. However, everyone should know that this will be a very challenging long weekend. Lots of miles, lots of mountains, and the standard no-drop policy will not be in place except on climbs. And even then, if you are WAY behind (some of these climbs are an hour long) we may not wait.
BUT - and this is a BIG BUT (har har):
If you are new or not in great shape **do not be deterred**. I will create cue sheets and ride maps so no one has to worry about getting lost. And really, its not hard to find your way around with a fancy cell phone and/or a decent sense of direction. It's basically North to South on PCH, and either up a mountain or down it back towards the ocean.
So bottom line: even if you're worried about being able to stay with the group, we'll make sure you are taken care of and get you back safe and there will be lots of team hanging out and learning time. In fact, the more people who come the more likely it is we can organize "hard" and "easier" rides.
So that's it. Let me know if you are interested so we can start to get an idea of numbers. We already have a great group of return campers, and some first-time ones as well, even before this official announcement.
Dec 12, 2013 at 12:56 PM
Dec 12, 2013 at 01:16 PM
Great, Hubbs!
All, flights are pretty cheap right now - I just booked on Virgin America for $315.
Dec 12, 2013 at 01:20 PM
All, help me track who we've got - this is the list of those who are confirmed:
Me, Stokes, Mueller, Hubbs, Whitey, Wojciech, Perlberg
Am I forgetting anyone? I've heard interest from others, but I believe these are the "for sures," right?
Also, for those thinking of coming please read the description carefully to make sure its for you. I try hard to make sure there's something for everyone, but it requires a degree of independence, and since its a big commitment to get yourself out there, I just want people's expectations to be appropriately managed.
Dec 12, 2013 at 01:54 PM
@Ryan- what airport to book into?
Dec 12, 2013 at 01:58 PM
I'm still interested but currently in negotiations w/ the wife. I'll know "for sures" within the next week!
Dec 12, 2013 at 02:54 PM
I may be out in SoCal for work Jan/Feb/March and might be able to integrate one of the weekends into the travel schedule.
Dec 12, 2013 at 03:32 PM
Dec 12, 2013 at 04:22 PM
oh man!!!! I would love to be a part of this, I grew up in S.Cal -- Sorry, I have to show off these pictures that i took very recent. I was on a helicopter (scouting job) over Malibu/ Palisades mountains. The pictures don't do it justice, but just beautiful in those Mt. Ranges. I'm going to try my hardest to make this! I may not know until we're closer to the date. Fingers crossed!
Dec 12, 2013 at 07:07 PM
Awesome shots Joel!
Dec 13, 2013 at 02:11 AM
Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes made of ticky tacky...
Dec 13, 2013 at 07:04 AM
I'm definitely coming for at least Fri, Sat, Sun.
Woop it up!
Dec 13, 2013 at 12:58 PM
Those of you looking for housing should coordinate here. Several have asked me where to stay. In the past its been a combo of people renting air b and b, staying with friends, and hotels.
Dec 16, 2013 at 02:34 AM
I just got back from the party, and my wife has decided to give me this trip for Christmas (couple of more glasses of wine and maybe she would have let me go race the Giro!) Does anyone have a travel case that can accommodate a bike with an integrated seatpost?? If not, suggestions, to rent?
Dec 16, 2013 at 03:56 AM
look up 'Rome bike bags'. I have one and it is taller than necessary.
it will be great to have you in LA!
it will be great to have you in LA!
Dec 16, 2013 at 01:24 PM
Last night a few at the party asked me where to stay for the training camp. The rides meet up and finish every day at Ocean and San Vicente in Santa Monica. Here is a link to a Google map:
From here, the rides are out and back, heading north up PCH, entering the mountains at various points, and returning south on PCH to get home.
If you are staying more than a few miles from here, you'll almost certainly want a car to drive in. The rides themselves are all in the 70-90 range, and hard as nails, the extra miles won't likely serve you very well.
You'll have the best overall experience if you can stay in Santa Monica or Venice.
And as more get interested, I remind everyone again to read carefully the description of this event. Its designed to let every person get out of it whatever they want to get, but it does require a degree of self-sufficiency.
Dec 16, 2013 at 01:37 PM
To give everyone an idea of what the rides are like, attached are the profiles and cue sheets for last year's camp. This year will likely be a little different, but no less challenging.
Dec 16, 2013 at 05:34 PM
Also, plan ahead to bring your tough training tires. PCH can have some road debris and in the past we've had to stop there probably more than necessary. (Not that we don't stop -- it's just that the Rock Store is a much nicer place to take a breather than the side of the PCH.)
Dec 16, 2013 at 05:38 PM
This is a really good point; make sure your bike is in good working order beforehand.Jeffrey White said:Also, plan ahead to bring your tough training tires. PCH can have some road debris and in the past we've had to stop there probably more than necessary. (Not that we don't stop -- it's just that the Rock Store is a much nicer place to take a breather than the side of the PCH.)
"The will to succeed is the will to prepare."
Dec 16, 2013 at 08:57 PM
Dogggggzzzzzzzzz!!!!!!!!!! Call me 80% fo sho for this. Will confirm if I book flight tonight.
CAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dec 16, 2013 at 10:21 PM
Holy crap this group is getting nuts! (And strong - sheesh!)
Dec 16, 2013 at 10:31 PM
Thanks for the advice on the travel bag. I checked it out on line. Any opinions on bag v hard case?
Dec 16, 2013 at 10:37 PM
Bag more convenient. Hard case safer.
Dec 16, 2013 at 11:18 PM
Negotiations on the domestic front were successful! I'm looking to book a flight tonight. On the work front, I can only take off Thursday and Friday, so... looks like I'll be arriving super late on Wednesday evening, and taking the redeye back on Sunday. I'll just have to keep time in mind on the Sunday ride. Woohoo!!!!