Arizona Training Camp Final Report

My time in Arizona has sadly come to an end.  It was an awesome 12 days and is without question going to help the season get off on the right foot.  The experience was absolutely incredible and it gave me a glimpse into a pro's life for a short time.  Your only reservations for the day are nutrition, train/ride, and rest.  Every morning becomes a new day on the bike and I looked forward to the next ride as soon as I finished my last.  It is the only thing you think about day in and day out.  I do enjoy riding my bike at home but it's hard to say that last statement after an 8 hour word day.  There is something to be said about a pro's life.  Although not easy it sure is an enjoyable life style.

The last days of riding were a great way to finish my trip.  Topher had to work early Friday so Jenema and I ventured out on our own that day.  It was nice to jump on the bike and let it take us where it wanted.  It happened to take us right into the Catalina Foothills along the mountains.  With the scenery an added advantage the ride ended up being just what we needed to prepare for the next days "Local Shootout."

The "Local Shootout" is a group ride that gathers every Saturday on the University of Arizona.  It's known for it's large group, pro riders, and fast pace.  We had all showed up to the shootout last week to see what it is all about and to prepare for the following week.  As every weekend, that first Saturday Topher ripped the pace with the front guys as Tyler and I wanted to see what the hype was.  We both tested the waters for awhile, with Tyler J. doing much better than me, but then settled in and dropped pace so that we could stick to our training schedule.  This was great because we now knew what to look for.

We all showed up again and although the group was smaller this week it still presented it's challenge.  Most the pro's were either at Redlands or Fontana for the pro road and MTB circuit.  With most of the pro's missing the pace was no doubtable going to be slower but as mentioned it still offered it's fair share of pain.  In short, you roll out for about 8 miles and then the hammer gets dropped for about an hour with the finish on top of a hill.  The pace slows for a bit before it's picked up again for about another 30 minutes to set up the flat sprint.  In the end the ride is about 3 hours and 63 miles.

The last shootout was an awesome experience and really helped with my confidence as it was the first time this year I felt my legs had some strength/snap.  Without knowing where the finish was I seen a group attack on a hill, feeling good I decided to go.  Come to find out it was the finish to the first sprint and I came in about 4th or so out of 20 or more that were left in the group from the 60 that had started.  We continued on at a leisurely pace and discussed the next sprint.  Knowing it was flat I didn't plan to take part but Jenema offered me a lead out and I accepted.  Unfortunately nobody knew where the sprint was, come to find out it's a random 45 MPH sign, and no one in the group participated in an all out sprint.  I have to mention, the best part of the ride was the point where during the hammer fest the front 4 guys were me, Tyler J., Topher, and Ty Schmidt.  I don't know if the others knew it but the pace was being pounded by 4 Midwest guys, Michigan guys at that.  Don't let the small U.P. fool you we have some awesome riders.

Arizona Training Camp Stats
33 hours - 561 miles - 25,245 feet of vertical climbing - 1 Mt. Lemmon climb - 2 Mt Lemmon climbs to mile 14

Next years training camp is already being discussed.  This just might have become an annual thing, with a blessing from the wife of course.  Maybe next year we can take more Culvers Racing team members!
          

Arizona Training Camp Part 2

My time is sadly coming to an end in Arizona.  I have taken advantage of everyday here in AZ and will continue to use my last two days to the fullest.  The last three days have been great training days.  I had 3 consecutive days of 3+ hours with two interval sessions, up Mt. Lemmon at that.  The back to back long days are starting to pay off as I'm finally starting to feel stronger on the bike.  The crew is still the same with myself, Tyler Jenema, and Chris Chase. 

After a day off on Monday we were back on the bike for 3 hours on Tuesday.  Tuesday was a good prep for what was to come, the first organized intervals of the year.  Anticipation grew for the next two days as we planned a Z4 on Wednesday and Z3 on Thursday, both up Mt. Lemmon.

I found out early that no matter what pace you go up Mt. Lemmon it offers so many benefits.  As you can see you can not escape its incline.

Both efforts were intense and were a great way to start organized intervals.  Wednesday offered 3 hours, 50 miles, and 4135 feet of vertical climbing and Thursday was 4 hours 64 miles, and 4007 feet of vertical climbing.  Mt. Lemmon is reat and I am sure going to miss this moutain.

I still have plenty of riding planned for the next two days and will top it off with the local shootout on Saturday morning.  With a week of good riding behind me my goal of sticking with the big guns should be more obtainable.  

Although we are out here for training we do find time to have some fun.  Training out here has not only increased my fitness but it has also giving me an incredible high pain threshold.  I totally dominated this cactus, he was crying for mercy.  Jenema thought it would be a good idea to show people how small he is.  Believe it or not that cacuts is only 4 feet tall.  (The one I was standing next to was like 100 feet, ok maybe not that big but let me tell you it was huge.)   

Arizona Training Camp

5 days into Arizona Training Camp and it is going very well.  This is truly the place to train.  Beautiful scenery, great roads, awesome weather, and a great bycling community.  It's cool to see that bikes are part of the road here.  Every road you travel has bike lanes and most cars respect your space.

When you're are here and your only reservation is to ride it makes for good days.  Wake up to the sun rising, the heat rising quickly and jump on your bike from your back door.  The first week offered some good base training and Chris Chase has showed us some great roads.  The daily crew consists of myself, Chris Chase, and Tyler Jenema.

This first week was exactly what I needed, miles and hours in the saddle.  Wednesday was 2:20, Thursday 3:20, Friday 2:20, Saturday 3:30 and Sunday was the first trek to the top of Mt. Lemmon.  Mt. Lemmon is quite the sight.  You start in the dessert, climb to the evergreens, and finish in the snow.  You would never know by this picture that I'm in Arizona.  You can find snow here in March you just have to climb 5000 ft to see it.

 
Every mile climbed, 27 to the very top, is worth it.  Not only for the sight seeing and training but because of the 40 minute descent that follows.  It's quite experience to ride 40 miles an hour down hill for 40 mintues while passing vehicles on the way.  By the end of the day it offered 5 hrs, 80 miles, and 6700 ft of climbing.  A solid effort on the bike was a awesome way to finish the week.  It also makes me look forward a scheduled off day.

It seems it is going to set me up for a great 2nd week with tempo training on tap.  I'll top it off with the local shootout which will no doubt offer it's fair share of pain regardless of where you are in the group and give me a good indication of how the legs are coming along.  It will for sure set up a great first block of training and a good way to start the season.

Culvers Racing Announces New Look

Culvers Racing has offically been added to the mountain bike scene for the 2010 season.  The team, Tyler Gauthier, Tim Palomaki, Tom Carpenter, Danny Hill, Glenn Lerlie, Ron Williams, and Justin Weber are proud to announce their new look for the 2010 season. 

CULVERS RACING TEAM KIT

Follow us all year as we compete in mountain bike and road events all over Michigan and Wisconsin.