I have been wanting to go to a winter base training cammp for years, but the price has been an issue. I live in upstate new york, so I want to go somewhere warm for a week in january and ride, in a structured way. I've thought about just doing it on my own, but I know it would be better with some guidace, especially since I won't know the area when I get there. Any suggestions On a decent camp that is relatively cheap?

Figure out a spot you want to go. I imagine just about anywhere south of Alaska will be warmer for you.:rolleyes:

Then start a thread in the, for instance, Southeast forums, asking for guidance. With any luck someone there will hook you up.

No kidding. I did a cyclocross race yesterday and it was 36 degrees, and it's only november!

We did a training camp in Tucson, AZ last February. It was beautiful. The weather in Chicago was dreadful that week. The worst of the winter. Meanwhile, I was riding three or four hours every morning in shorts and short sleeves and playing in the pool with my family in the afternoon.

We are thinking of going back this spring as well. There is a huge cycling population in Tucson and in February you'll find pros and semi-pros in residence. We met Tom Danielson on our first day in town on Mt. Lemmon. You can get route maps from this website- http://www.bikegaba.org/ or here http://psy1.psych.arizona.edu/cgi-bin/megahurtz.

If Tucson is a bit out of reach from NY you might consider Orlando. Flights should be plentiful and there are quite a few clubs in the area with websites and links to rides. Flights and lodging options are good and if you have a family you'll be buying huge brownie points for the rest of the season. Here is a link to one Orlando club- http://www.orcracing.com/exponent/index.php?section=32

Got a passport? Several companies go to Mallorca. Spanish island in the Mediterranean. Where many pros do winter miles. I know a guy whose day job is to organize bike trips to Europe, he's been everywhere 5 times... says Mallorca is the best bike riding on Earth.


I'm saving up. They have a one week deal for $2,950.

The exchange rate sucks right now so if you want affordable you'll have to stay in the North American continent. I've got quite a few mates who ride in Mallorca every spring and they do like it.

I did a week in Lanzarote a couple of years ago. That is nice to. Neither are as warm as Florida or Tucson in February or March. Just check the latitudes on a map and you'll quickly see why.

This place worked out great for our spring training camp. Extremely affordable with great amenities. I imagine it's warmer than where you live, but it's still pretty durn cold in January, especially on a mountain. But that 10 mile climb will warm you right up (we learned)! It's in Lost River, WV.

http://lostriverbarn.com/

Got a passport? Several companies go to Mallorca. Spanish island in the Mediterranean. Where many pros do winter miles. I know a guy whose day job is to organize bike trips to Europe, he's been everywhere 5 times... says Mallorca is the best bike riding on Earth.


I'm saving up. They have a one week deal for $2,950.

I think you will really enjoy Mallorca. I would love to go. That $3K would last for three weeks in Tucson though. More a comment on the economy than the best place to ride.

+1 on Tucson. The weather is probably as predictable as it gets (worst thing is to spend all that money then ride in the rain for a week etc). There are a lot in the area--google cycling training camps tucson and you'll see some. Cyclingpeaks, Gord Fraser and others.

One that uses power would be great if you are interested in power-based training. It would be the sort of expertise that would help justify the expense (beyond getting a group together and just renting some rooms for a week or so).

TJ Woodruff is a pro mountain biker/coach based out of Tucson. Since its a smaller operation, he could probably customize a camp to your budget.

http://momentumendurance.com/?page_id=18