From Flippers To Finish Line............: The Cycling House

April 3-8, 2012
Tuscon, Arizona

www.thecyclinghouse.com

My first ever camp, and first every traveling / cycling experience was a complete success. I've traveled in the US for foot races before, but never for a bike trip.
By recommendation of a friend, one of the perks of being a Chicago Tri Club member is that you can rent travel bike boxes for free with your membership- you just need to put down a deposit of $25. I was initially going to rent a bike, but am SO glad I decided to bring the bike. Get a Grip was great with the packing and Southwest is even better with carrying it on board- only $50 each way, compared to other airlines who carge $200+ each way for oversized luggage / bikes.

When I arrived I felt a bit odd traveling alone, and joining a camp where I did not know anybody else, but was instantly made to feel comfortable by the crew. The staff has an incredible amount of experience, athletic ability, knowledge, and overall spirit for fun.

The week I went, the group happened to be particularly small, with only 7 clients so the staff to client ratio was great :) I am a triathlete and the in house pro triathlete and coach with especially great.

Tuesday Day 1 everybody was settling in- the house was nothing shy of spectacular.
We went for a fun couple of hour spin, then I was able to get a good short hilly brick in.

We get back and dinner was an impressive spread of nutritious, tasty selections. Everybody was extra considerate to help me with my gluten free / soy free/ dairy free requests.

Wednesday - 45-65 mile ride (option to add or shorten, I did not add or shorten- just rode as is) nice 7 mile climb from San Manuel back to Tucson. Probably one of the best roads I've ever ridden on- I felt like I was in the middle of a magazine shoot. Another great day in the sun (oh yeah, also got incredibly sun burnt on this trip with some crazy tan lines- ouch)

Thursday - Gates Pass. 65 miles, hilly, options to shorten up if needed, Matis's Mexican

restaurant for Mexican food

Super fun, tough climb- some good grades in there, felt great to get the blood flowing. One of those rides where on some of the climbs you want to unclip and walk, but know you won't so just push to the top, out of breath and all. Beautiful view.

Throughout the week we were also able to go to the local beautiful outdoor pool to get drill work and laps in. Made going back to an indoor pool pretty terrible!

Friday - Mount Lemmon- one of those rides you have to do if out in the Tuscon area. 21 miles of climbing. The grades weren't terrible, but with patches of wind, and steady climbing around 5% or so for 20 miles, you felt it, and then feel great when you're done! The view were spectacular, changing from desert to pine as you increased in elevation and decreased in temperature. Unforgettable.

Saturday - Madera Canyon 50 miles, big climb at the end.

Last big ride of the week- Another epic ride with no easy grades- Super fun- Spencer let me hug his wheel the whole way back and we FLEW. Awesome. Followed by a stubborn brick in the heat after.But then a lovely welcome back to the house. Our swim time ended up being playing in the pool at the house :)