RR, Camp report (long)

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Where to start....I was so happy that Des decided to come up
with me. Everyone was really nice, but having a buddy there
really is best.

Now you all know I went two years ago, to a similar camp,
some of the same coaches, similar structure, but there is a
new admin now, and they really have it together. The whole
program was awesome, and I would HIGHLY recommend it to any
gal... they do a coed in July or August I think,
www.devineride.com

The first night was a little get together at the LBS for
some mini-session, everything from how to change a tire, to
understanding suspension, disc brakes, fitting, and minor
maintenance.
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1410.jpg

But the real fun began Saturday morning.

We started each day with a little yoga session....
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1420.jpg and
then went on to skills work. The session was set up at an
elementary school, which had great features, in addition to
the various ramps, logs and jumps brought in by the camp. I
do have a lot of pics of the built stuff, if anyone wants
ideas I'd be happy to send them to you.

There were about 30 gals, divided by ability into 5 groups,
1 being beginner, 5 being rock star. I was thrilled to be in
4 with Tuffgrrl. We all the same skills, some of it was
refreshed, some if it was brand new, and then some was more
things that I was just "ready to learn" that I wasn't ready
for last time.

New skills included "west coast dismount" for jumping off of
skinnies, rear tailwhip, lots of balance work on the
skinnies - starting stopping and hops. This school location
was a blast, there were lots of staircases to ride, hills,
gravel slopes etc so it was perfect. I guess the little kids
bring their bikes and play here after school, no sue-
paranoid administration trying to shut them down. I rode two
sets of long stairs, one with a landing and a turn, the
other was enclosed, with walls on either side, that one was
a little tougher and I didn't get the corner real well.

Here's skills sessions shots from both days:

http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wP7256515.jpg Hot
grrl from Petition working on manuals/jumps

http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wP7256492.jpg Me
working on hops and start/stop in the skinnies section
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/P7256546w.jpg
They had two teeter totters set up.

We rotated through several stations in the mornings...
braking/descending, switchback, manuals & unweighting,
jumps, and skinnies. We had a break, did some more, and then
went of for lunch at a local pub.

I thought you all would appreciate this shot:
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1435.jpg
and, no: that was ice tea in the pitchers, not beer...
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1434.jpg

After lunch, it was the challenge yourself ride. We went out
to Snake, a short but steep ride with a lot of built up
items and tight steep switch backs. I found out that I
really have a hard time maintaining focus on the built
items... they are new and unfamiliar to me, and I have a
hard time committing to the line. I was very intimidated by
the elevated structure and log riding, a lot of it I just
watched. My rule, was try it three times. Coach Penny ( the
other one) demoing for us
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1440.jpg

Here's me trying an elevated thing, I was not successful at
maintaining and continuing my line after the first little
turn, but I gave it a shot. I would've like a lower,
straighter one to work on.
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1465.jpg

Then the big teeter totter. Here's a gal who just went for
it. http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1496.jpg

The trees made it a little intimidating:
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1505.jpg

Here's my first attempt
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1509.jpg And
my second attempt:
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1529.jpg

GOT IT ON MY THIRD TRY... just picked that line down the
center. Took a little jump off the end but hey I made it!
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1542.jpg
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1544.jpg

Ok. You can stop laughing now. I was infamous for that, and
earned the nickname tree hugger. We rode that portion of the
trail Sunday, and I'll have you know I cleaned it perfectly.

Lower down there were some other elements that were much
more familiar for me, and that I could be a rock star at:
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1582.jpg
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wP7256615.jpg

It was awesome for me to see I was really strong at this
kind of thing... but them again it's
familiar/comfortable for me.

There were tight steep switchbacks above all this. This is
another are where I need to really focus on committing...
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/P725660w.jpg
right before I gave into my lack of commitment to the turn.
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/P725684w.jpg I
did a little better where it wasn't quite so steep.

Sunday was great. You got to pick your skill session based
on what you wanted to work on. I picked skinnies and jumps,
since there were just going to be two session, and then a
short ride to put in into play. Well, gang, I jumped!!!!
Understand, I couldn't even jump off a curb before this. I
had to work the progression up through all the boxes, and
then was able to move up to the smaller ramp they set up. I
realize I work through some of this stuff a little slower
than some of my group members, but so what. As they moved
onto the biggest jump, I just tried to get really soled on
the next one down. If we'd had another half hour I think I
would've headed for the big one. OTOH, after seeing some
things here at camp, I'm pretty sure that "going real big"
is not for me. but who knows, now that I "get it", I will be
working on it....

We did a short ride back to Snake, and then after lunch was
fun time. I went on a more XC ride called technogrind. Fun
fast single track with some smoking climbs, a little more
rock, and great views. I got solid on my front wheel lift
over roots and up on racks while climbing. The ride wasn't
terrible challenging but it was real fun, and a great way to
finish up the camp. Great views from the top, too.
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1606.jpg

Awesome swag handouts at the end of the day. Tuffgrrl and I
have lots of generous invites to come on back to hang with
the locals, which is really cool.

Any of you go to Pinkbike? There was a gal there from
Pinkbike on sat, if you see here write up let me know...

<sigh> fun weekend

penny

dang I thought I had them all!!!sheesh

There were tight steep switchbacks above all this. This is
another are where I need to really focus on committing...
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/P7256602w.jpg
right before I gave into my lack of commitment to the turn.
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/P7256584w.jpg I
did a little better where it wasn't quite so steep.

On Mon, 28 Jun 2004 11:20:27 -0700, pas wrote:

> New skills included "west coast dismount" for jumping off
> of skinnies

So now the west coast has their own dismount?!?!

> http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1542.jpg
> http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1544.jpg

Gonna make a north-shore trickster out of you yet!

> http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/P725660w.jpg
> right before I gave into my lack of commitment to the
> turn.
> http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/P725684w.jpg I
> did a little better where it wasn't quite so steep.

No luck with those links.

Sounds like fun!

--
-BB- To reply to me, drop the attitude (from my e-mail
address, at least)

<Originally posted by Pas
Where to start....I was so happy that Des decided to come up
with me. Everyone was really nice, but having a buddy there
really is best. <snip some awesom reporting>


<sigh> fun weekend

penny >

I really enjoyed that!
I totally respect you for your tenacity... Truly Skokum!!! ;-D


Jimbo(san)

On 2004-06-28, pas penned:
> Where to start....I was so happy that Des decided to come
> up with me. Everyone was really nice, but having a buddy
> there really is best.
>

Wow. Way out of my league. You say they have a beginner
section, though? Hrmmm ... Maybe next year. I always wanted
to visit Canadia.

--
monique

Monique Y. Mudama wrote:
> On 2004-06-28, pas penned:
>> Where to start....I was so happy that Des decided to come
>> up with me. Everyone was really nice, but having a buddy
>> there really is best.
>>
>
> Wow. Way out of my league. You say they have a beginner
> section, though? Hrmmm ... Maybe next year. I always
> wanted to visit Canadia.

five grades, from super novice to super start. Really. There
is a two page long skills and interest questionairre they
put you in to place you. While we were working on going off
the boxes, the beginners were rolling over "noodles"

There's one in Sept, too.

BB wrote:
> On Mon, 28 Jun 2004 11:20:27 -0700, pas wrote:
>
>> New skills included "west coast dismount" for jumping off
>> of skinnies
>
> So now the west coast has their own dismount?!?!
>
>> http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1542.jpg
>> http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1544.jpg
>
> Gonna make a north-shore trickster out of you yet!
>

mmm...dunno know about that, those skinny things off the
ground are very intimidating. I forgot to mention the
stroking I got from the coaches:.... nice body position
( most of the time<g>) and that I was really trusting of
the bike on rocky descents.... that felt pretty awesome
because I was really struggling with some things.

Jimbo (san) wrote:
> <Originally posted by Pas Where to start....I was so happy
> that Des decided to come up with me. Everyone was really
> nice, but having a buddy there really is best. <snip some
> awesom reporting>
>
>
> <sigh> fun weekend
>
> penny >
>
> I really enjoyed that! I totally respect you for your
> tenacity... Truly Skokum!!! ;-D
>
>
> Jimbo(san)

I have lots more pictures of me falling off stuff if you
want to see them ;-)

penny

On 2004-06-28, pas penned:
>
> There's one in Sept, too.

No money or time. Next year is much more feasible (I hope).

--
monique

You're the coolest mom in Spokane. Way to go out there and
do it. So what is the conventional wisdom on tight, steep
switchbacks? Like we had going down to the Secesh River?
Stutter? Tail whip? Other?

I've heard that the ramp stuff is kinda psychologically
intimidating at first. But way to hang in there and hug the
tree! Trees need love too =D

CB (paladin, whatever) top posting in Boise. "pas"
<pennysinvalid@cetinvalid.com> wrote in message
news:10e0obvg0ije366@news.supernews.com...
> Where to start....I was so happy that Des decided to come
> up with me. Everyone was really nice, but having a buddy
> there really is best.
>
> Now you all know I went two years ago, to a similar camp,
> some of the same coaches, similar structure, but there is
> a new admin now, and they really have it together. The
> whole program was awesome, and I would HIGHLY recommend it
> to any gal... they do a coed in July or August I think,
> www.devineride.comlunch was fun time. I went on a more XC
> ride called technogrind. Fun fast single track with some
> smoking climbs, a little more rock, and great views. I got
> solid on my
front
> wheel lift over roots and up on racks while climbing. The
> ride wasn't terrible challenging but it was real fun, and
> a great way to finish up the camp. Great views from the
> top, too.
> http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1606.jpg
>
>
> Awesome swag handouts at the end of the day. Tuffgrrl and
> I have lots of generous invites to come on back to hang
> with the locals, which is really cool.
>
> Any of you go to Pinkbike? There was a gal there from
> Pinkbike on sat, if you see here write up let me know...
>
> <sigh> fun weekend
>
> penny

"pas" <pennysinvalid@cetinvalid.com> wrote in message
news:10e0obvg0ije366@news.supernews.com... <snip great
story>

> Here's my first attempt
> http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1509.jpg
> And my second attempt:
> http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1529.jpg
>
> GOT IT ON MY THIRD TRY... just picked that line down the
> center. Took a little jump off the end but hey I made it!
> http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1542.jpg
> http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1544.jpg
>
> Ok. You can stop laughing now. I was infamous for that,
> and earned the nickname tree hugger. We rode that portion
> of the trail Sunday, and I'll have you know I cleaned it
> perfectly.
>
Way to go. Why would I laugh at someone willing to pick
themself up, and try it again?

>
> Lower down there were some other elements that were much
> more familiar
for
> me, and that I could be a rock star at:
> http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1582.jpg
> http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wP7256615.jpg
>
Ok, this would mess with my head. I've ridden similar, but
it was dirt, and roots. We have no rocks here.

On Mon, 28 Jun 2004 12:58:08 -0700, pas wrote:

> five grades, from super novice to super start. Really.
> There is a two page long skills and interest questionairre
> they put you in to place you. While we were working on
> going off the boxes, the beginners were rolling over
> "noodles"

What grade involved riding over skinny boards a few feet off
the ground!?!?

--
-BB- To reply to me, drop the attitude (from my e-mail
address, at least)

Christian D. Brown wrote:
> You're the coolest mom in Spokane. Way to go out there and
> do it. So what is the conventional wisdom on tight, steep
> switchbacks? Like we had going down to the Secesh River?
> Stutter? Tail whip? Other?
>
> I've heard that the ramp stuff is kinda psychologically
> intimidating at first. But way to hang in there and hug
> the tree! Trees need love too =D
>

keep in mind that this is not my strong point, and I
didn't take notes this time. Pedals level, neutral
position, start wide and then cut in, and then they had us
work a lot on racheting, or what they called a "quarter
pedal turn". We'd have to ride slow in really tight little
circles, controlling the bike with this movement: rachet
back a 1/4 turn, the pedal just a bit. I need to work on
this a lot more.

penny

BB wrote:
> On Mon, 28 Jun 2004 12:58:08 -0700, pas wrote:
>
>> five grades, from super novice to super star. Really.
>> There is a two page long skills and interest
>> questionairre they put you in to place you. While we were
>> working on going off the boxes, the beginners were
>> rolling over "noodles"
>
> What grade involved riding over skinny boards a few feet
> off the ground!?!?

The low skinnies were part of our "4" skill set and one of
sunday's options that I did ( a repeat session). On the
trail we rode on there were logs about 8" off the ground,
and structures. The moves were demonstrated, and then
whether you wanted to try it or not was up to you. It you
wanted to try something, you were very carefully coached and
spotted, and if they didn't think you were ready they would
say so. On sunday when I did my second run down lower Snake
with the 3's they were also given the option for that turny
one that I tried the day before. One gal tried it and did a
big superman off of it..

P.

pas wrote: <snip>
> Here's my first attempt
> http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1509.jpg
> And my second attempt:
> http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1529.jpg
>
> GOT IT ON MY THIRD TRY... just picked that line down the
> center. Took a little jump off the end but hey I made it!
> http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1542.jpg
> http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1544.jpg
>
> Ok. You can stop laughing now. I was infamous for that,
> and earned the nickname tree hugger. We rode that portion
> of the trail Sunday, and I'll have you know I cleaned it
> perfectly.
>

Nice! Way to persist.

>
> Lower down there were some other elements that were much
> more familiar for me, and that I could be a rock star at:
> http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1582.jpg
> http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wP7256615.jpg
>
> It was awesome for me to see I was really strong at this
> kind of thing... but them again it's
> familiar/comfortable for me.
>

You look very comfortable on that. Lots of that kind of
stuff around here... <snip>
> <sigh> fun weekend
>
> penny

Looks like a great time. Thanks for sharing. I had to
forward it to the Mrs.

Matt

pas wrote:
> Where to start....I was so happy that Des decided to come
> up with me. Everyone was really nice, but having a buddy
> there really is best.
>
> Now you all know I went two years ago, to a similar camp,
> some of the same coaches, similar structure, but there is
> a new admin now, and they really have it together. The
> whole program was awesome, and I would HIGHLY recommend it
> to any gal... they do a coed in July or August I think,
> www.devineride.com
>
> The first night was a little get together at the LBS for
> some mini-session, everything from how to change a tire,
> to understanding suspension, disc brakes, fitting, and
> minor maintenance.
> http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wIMG_1410.jpg
>
> But the real fun began Saturday morning.
>
> <sigh> fun weekend
>
> penny
>
>
Looks fun and edifying.

But just a tip from one rider to another
<http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wP7256492.jpg> (http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/camp/wP7256492.jpg)
you want to go potty *before* tackling the trails/obstacles.
This way you can better concentrate on the task at hand :-)

--
Slacker