Carefree in A[ero]zona
Training Camp Trailer
Kms: 460+ kms
Elevation: 13,100
– 19,250m
Accommodations:
Carefree ;)
F&B: diverse
and delish!
Who needs a beach when you’ve got a bike?!
Training camp is a great way to break up the winter and train
with a group of fit and fabulous like-minded people! There are many reasons to head south in the
bitter winter; amongst them: to continue to build your base in miles, to build
confidence, to hit the hills or to learn more about skills and tactics. Rest, relaxation and training are a
byproduct the adventure!
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| The crew- a mix of Morning Glory and ECC at the bottom of Bartlett Lake (22km climb back up :) |
The Carefree Cycling Retreat kicked off on Friday March 6th with the arrival of the group. We waited
a while for the bike boxes and after my day-long delay of getting my bags and
bike; Ryan and I were a tad worried that the guys wouldn't get their bikes; but they did! Back
to the Carefree resort to assemble the bikes, refuel and hit the road riding
for a [light] spin out.
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| Bikes and Athletes arrive in Phoenix for a week of damage! |
The week was packed with tons of good memories on the road
and some valuable tips and tricks shared and practiced with the group such as:
- Body Position & Climbing: your body and weight play a large role in your ability to control your bike and preserve energy while climbing. When you get out of your saddle to stand, it’s key to keep you body/ chest low to avoid acting like a kite and catching the wind, keep your arms bent to allow for this and grip relaxed – focus on your breathing and try to get into a rhythm breathing in through your nose and out your mouth.
- Pedaling & Descending: coasting can cost you; don’t fall into the trap of coasting/ stop pedaling while riding downhill. It’s key to stay fluid, keep exercising (no, it’s not a respite) use higher cadence to keep your muscles warm and to avoid cramping when you hit another hill and have to hit the gears!
- Fuelling & Flexibility: after a long ride when you’re away, it’s tempting to pack it in and put your feet up and grab a frothy drink to sip by the pool…not to fast though!! It’s important to finish off a ride with some stretching and rolling and a recovery drink (i.e. Hammer’s Recoverite is fail-proof) or balanced meal of carbs and protein and lots of H2O to help your muscles kick start their recovery. After a few days of riding it’s normal to feel a bit gassed and sore; but to help delay the onset and maximize the next day’s ride; all rides should include a proper cool down and recovery.
It’s always great to practice some bike handling skills and
drills when it’s the first time off the trainer all winter for many and pack
riding skills may be a bit rusty. S-turns around cones to simulate steering
and reacting quickly road-side debris, bumping wheels with other riders in a
pace line and recovering calmly and, leaning into another rider and shoulder checking
are all valuable skills that are great to run through.
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| Cycling Clinic - bike handling skills & drills. |
The week included some epic rides such as the infamous:
It wouldn’t be a rodeo without Bull riding, BBQ and Black
Mountain! Between all the fun had on the bike there was plenty of time to
explore the area and hike, run, and ride the bulls at the Buffalo Chip.
- Carefree - Cave Creek and Scottsdale with a bit of a push for the first ride of the week. ROUTE
- New River – Time Trial-like stretches of fantastic pavement post biker bar (no not the ‘cyclist’ version; we looked a little out of place in our spandex next to the leader-clad bikers). ROUTE
- Bartlett Lake – great view descending and equally as great a 22km+ climb back to the top! ROUTE
- Fountain Hills – some punchy and pointy hills, great road conditions and a very scenic route to ride with sparkly neighbourhoods and terrain to traverse. ROUTE
- Tortilla Flat – gosh, what a great climb…up up up upupupupupup and away! Not sure what type of tortillas you eat, but this route was not flat but a great challenge and dynamic to keep you on your toes. ROUTE
- Prescot to Jerome – the prettiest little mountain town in the clouds; keeping the cadence on the Canadiana stretch of mountain. ROUTE
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| Bikes lined up outside of the Mile High restaurant in Jerome, AZ. |
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| Early morning Hot Air Balloons en route to Prescot for the start of a ride. |
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| Machines! Yehaw - that LIV Giant Envie can fly! |
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| Checkin' out the rodeo; contemplating joining in on the amateur night of bull riding? |
Undoubtedly a train-cation allows you to relax, explore and
challenge yourself - mind and body. Get after it!
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