This picture was taken in the pouring rain Tuesday evening. Everyone is happy because we love to ride up big hills. Right? Or the class is almost over? I forget.Anyway...
Several readers have inquired privately about the Cycle U Road Climbing Boot Camp that I mentioned a while back.
The course meets twice a week and covers pedaling technique, posture and hand placement, visualization and focusing, descending, standing up while climbing, gear selection and cadence. This "semester" there are usually 2-3 coaches and 5-6 students. This ratio -- and the overall structure of the class -- allows everyone to get personal attention from the coaches. Students come with a wide range of experience and include relative beginners, racers and experienced endurance cyclists. Everyone has a different story and different goals.
We meet at Magnuson Park at 6 PM, usually spend some time in the park discussing and practicing specific techniques, and then take off to a short loop with hills (different each session) where we get coached as we do multiple laps. By 8 PM, we have a great workout behind us and are ready to go home.
My main goal in taking these classes was to become a stronger climber so that I wouldn't always be dropped on the hills. I've learned a lot: My uphill cadence has improved, and I now know when (and how) to stand up on a climb. Always fearless on the downhills anyway, I now know much more about the correct way to handle my bike at high speeds. The classes run as scheduled no matter what the weather, so I have also picked up lots of tips on how to handle my bike in different conditions.
The course meets twice a week and covers pedaling technique, posture and hand placement, visualization and focusing, descending, standing up while climbing, gear selection and cadence. This "semester" there are usually 2-3 coaches and 5-6 students. This ratio -- and the overall structure of the class -- allows everyone to get personal attention from the coaches. Students come with a wide range of experience and include relative beginners, racers and experienced endurance cyclists. Everyone has a different story and different goals.
We meet at Magnuson Park at 6 PM, usually spend some time in the park discussing and practicing specific techniques, and then take off to a short loop with hills (different each session) where we get coached as we do multiple laps. By 8 PM, we have a great workout behind us and are ready to go home.
My main goal in taking these classes was to become a stronger climber so that I wouldn't always be dropped on the hills. I've learned a lot: My uphill cadence has improved, and I now know when (and how) to stand up on a climb. Always fearless on the downhills anyway, I now know much more about the correct way to handle my bike at high speeds. The classes run as scheduled no matter what the weather, so I have also picked up lots of tips on how to handle my bike in different conditions.
At $350 for eight sessions (ask about Cascade member discounts), this course is no small investment. For me it has been worth it to get a really good workout and great coaching all at once. As it turned out, I’ve had very little time this spring to get rides in on my own, and this has motivated me to get at least two excellent workouts a week in preparation for Big Ride Alaska.
Next week is our “final exam.” I expect to have improved my time on the hill we climbed the first week of class. Stay tuned... Big Ride Alaska starts in 32 days!
Next week is our “final exam.” I expect to have improved my time on the hill we climbed the first week of class. Stay tuned... Big Ride Alaska starts in 32 days!
1 comment:
Wow Court.. what a great write-up! Mind if we "borrow" this for the CU blog/newsletter and link back to you? Thanks for the great pic, too!
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