Bright Boot Camp - November 2008

As David and I headed off for this year's November Bright Boot Camp we had a detour to the airport to pick up Rene, a Dutchman currently working in Singapore who had come to Australia for his first time just for the Boot Camp - these cyclists really are committed!

This year at registration all the participants received a Cycling-Inform backpack that had a bunch of sample products inside and also came in useful for stowing gear in the support vans.

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 Rene (obviously no jet lag!) closely followed by Frank. All riders climbed really well and everyone made it to the top, some with some encouragement from our support driver Mick. At the top riders enjoyed clear skys and sunshine. Olof who has done the ride many times was with me in the lead car as chief photographer for the day and ensured all riders got at least a few photos of them climbing. Some of the riders then took some descending skills from David and Brendan that they continued to practice throughout the camp. Most riders enjoyed the new pool at the camp base post ride, getting those legs chilled and ready for the days ahead. The evening seminar was presented by David on 'Cycling Skills and safety' and 'Optimising your training techniques'.

KOM
Group 1 - Rene
Group 2 - Wayne 'Chicken'
Group 3 - Paul

Day 2 - Falls Creek or Mt Beauty
This is a long ride, however there were a few very keen riders that really wanted to complete this climb so they set off early with their own support rider to get ahead of the rest of the camp. These riders achieved their goal and made it to the top - a fantastic effort.

The cafe ride turned at Mt Beauty - only 2 riders took this option, a few others thought about turning but I encouraged them to go on to Bogong Village, I mentioned it was a nice day and to seize the opportunity (little did I know the next day would be wet). The 2 riders that came back from Mt Beauty with me stayed together and set a nice tempo on the climb, we had a few nice cool breezes on the way up Tawonga and Paul certainly seemed to be doing it fairly easy chatting to me on the way.

Other groups either turned at Bogong Village or made it to the top of Falls. It was a steady climb with the support riders and vans working hard supporting the riders all the way to the top. The KOM was hotly contested in all groups. The decent was done in great conditions with fantastic scenery. Then riders were then face with another climb of the steep side of Tawonga gap just to finish off a really big day of climbing on the bike. From there it was a flat ride back to base camp at Porepunkah.

The evening seminar was presented by Marcus Speed a palates instructor who covered the importance of core strength and how it relates to cycling, then he demonstrated quite a few great stretches and strength exercises.

KOM
Group 1 - Frank
Group 2 - Darren
Group 3 - Mark T

Day 3 - Mt Hotham or Harrietville
The day started out nice and turned very wet! Those that did the 'cafe' ride with me to Harrietville return, remained dry for the entire ride. I got a call from one of the support riders that they had reached the top of Hotham but conditions were not favourable and they were not going to descend. We dispatched vans and extra cars to get all those riders off the mountain. On the way down Mick "rescued" a rider (not part of our camp) that had been riding with another group. The riders that had reached the toll booth by the time the weather came in, choose to turn around and descend (some taking shelter in the the van). All came away wet and happy. A very eventful day that will provide many stories to be told at cafe stops on future rides.

The evening seminar was presented by David on 'how to effectively use your heart rate monitor' and Brendan Rowbotham talked about his Melbourne to Warrnambool race which he had completed the week prior and is the longest one day race at 299km. After the seminar many gathered for the optional camp dinner at a local pub and sat back to watch a cycling DVD on the big screen projector while discussing the excitement of the day.

KOM
Group 1 - Rene
Group 2 - Wayne 'Chicken'
Group 3 - Neil

Day 4 - Tawonga Gap Loop or Myrtleford
There were a few more riders on the cafe ride today, either tired from the 3 climbs or riders wanting to get away early. Once we got to Myrtleford my usual cafe was not yet open so we rolled through town and found a bakery that suited us just fine. Jay was even able to tell me the name of every cake in the shop.

Everyone took a second look at Rene turning up in a polka dot helmet loaned by Frank. These boys were certainly enjoying challenging each other over the climbs - I am just surprised that someone came with a polka dot helmet.

Those riders that did Tawonga gap loop enjoyed a fantastic day of sunshine.

Thanks to all those that attend the November Bright Boot Camp, including the support riders - Andy, Brendan, Danny, Harry, David and myself (Jodie). Plus our fantastic support drivers Olof and Mick. We hope that you had a fantastic and memorable camp.