Bright Boot Camp Report – February 2010

Our Summer Boot Camp is getting more popular every year. This camp we had 41 participants and support riders; including a bike mechanic.

All participants as registration received a Cycling-Inform backpack and a bunch of sample products provided by Shotz and Everest Sports.

Day 1 – Mt Buffalo
The riders headed off in groups from the camp base to tackle their first climb for the weekend. There were encouraging words from the support riders not to go too hard as there were still plenty of days of riding ahead. The first rider to the top was Chris who was chasing support rider Harry. All riders climbed really well and all but one rider made it to the top some with some encouragement from our support driver Mick. One rider had the wrong gearing on the back and turned about ½ way up.

At the top riders enjoyed clear skies and sunshine. Most of the riders then took advantage of the descending skills session from David, Harry and David Sturt. They then continued to practice throughout the rest of the camp. At the evening seminar at the Star Hotel there was an inspirational talk from Nigel on the journey he has been through and achieving his goal of riding to the top of Mt Buffalo. David presented on ‘Cycling Skills and safety’ and ‘Optimising your training techniques’.

KOM & QOM
Group 1 – Chris & Pip
Group 2 – Jon & Ayllie
Group 3 – Bill & Genevieve

Day 2 – Falls Creek or Mt Beauty
By the time we headed past Bright and started climbing Tawonga Gap it had started raining. The descent down to Mt Beauty was cautious for all groups. By the time the groups were at Mt Beauty it was torrential rain riders ducking for cover and jackets at the water stop. But cleared as quickly as it came.

The café rider turned at Mt Beauty – Five riders took this option which is still a fair day’s effort crossing to Mt Beauty and back to Bright. These riders were supported by Peter and all stopped in Bright of coffee on returning.

All other riders made it up to the top of Falls Creek. The weather was sunny up the climb and was dry for the descent and return to Bright.

Once we were all off the road a massive storm came through on Sunday afternoon. Heaps of rain and strong winds. The weather reports were being constantly checked to see what was in store for the next few days. Before we went to bed quite a few of the participants had dropped by to check if we were riding the next day.

KOM & QOM
Group 1 – Aaron & Pip
Group 2 – Darryl & Ayllie
Group 3 – Bill & Glenda

Day 3 – Tawonga Gap Loop or Myrtleford
After checking the weather report early the ride was changed – today we rode the Loop rather than heading up Mt Hotham.

All groups headed towards Ovens with a couple then riding through to Myrtleford for the café ride supported by Tony.

Those that did the Loop were dry for most of the day with the roads wet once they crossed over Tawonga gap heading back to Bright. With some petrol and tree debris on the road this called for rider caution descending.

The evening seminar was presented by Tony on bike maintenance followed a massive bunch of give aways with every participant receiving something new for there bike including a pair of Vittoria Roubaix Pro tyres, saddle bags, tyre levers, speed/cadence monitors and more!

KOM & QOM
Group 1 – Chris & Pip
Group 2 – Darryl & Ayllie
Group 3 – Gary & Glenda

Day 4 – Mt Hotham or Harrietville
The weather was looking better for the climb to Mt Hotham today, although it was not going to be warm up the top. A few more riders opted for the café ride with a combination of tired legs and a long drive home or flights to catch. The riders rode out with the rest of the group and turned at Harrietville and then coffee back in Bright supported by Tony.

After a quick water bottle fill-up at Harrietville those that were going to tackle Mt Hotham continued on. At the toll booth the winds were very strong. Only group one continued past this point due to safety concerns. David Sturt the support rider and Aaron were about 5km from the village and had to turn around – it was simply not safe enough to continue. All of group one then turned back to the toll gates for a regroup and refuel before descending and team time trialling back to Bright for coffee.

Thanks to all those that attend the November Bright Boot Camp, including the support riders – David Sturt, Danny Kah, Harry Hanley, Chris Ludman, Carly Williams, Olof Szymczak, Tony Doncovski, Peter Horman, David Heatley and myself (Jodie). Plus our fantastic support driver Mick and then Carly & me. We hope that you had a fantastic and memorable camp.