Mountain Bikes · Public discussion

RR, Camp report (long)

Pas · 2004-06-28T18:30:45+00:00

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... fun weekend penny

Started by Pas · 28 June 2004 · Last activity 30 June 2004 · 16 posts · 1,477 views

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Original section: Mountain Bikes
Published: 28 June 2004
Last activity: 30 June 2004
Original author: Pas
Posts: 16
Discussion status: Public discussion
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Topics: Disc brakes

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Original post
Pas
Archived post

28 June 2004, 18:30 UTC #1

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.
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 1410.jpg
But the real fun began Saturday morning.
We started each day with a little yoga session....
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 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:
specialtyoutdoors.comwP7256515.jpg Hot
grrl from Petition working on manuals/jumps
specialtyoutdoors.comwP7256492.jpg Me
working on hops and start/stop in the skinnies section
specialtyoutdoors.comP7256546w.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:
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 1435.jpg
and, no: that was ice tea in the pitchers, not beer...
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 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
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 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.
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 1465.jpg
Then the big teeter totter. Here's a gal who just went for
it. specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 1496.jpg
The trees made it a little intimidating:
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 1505.jpg
Here's my first attempt
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 1509.jpg And
my second attempt:
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 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!
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 1542.jpg
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 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:
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 1582.jpg
specialtyoutdoors.comwP7256615.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...
specialtyoutdoors.comP725660w.jpg
right before I gave into my lack of commitment to the turn.
specialtyoutdoors.comP725684w.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.
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 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

Report
Pas
Archived post

28 June 2004, 19:15 UTC #2

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...
specialtyoutdoors.comP7256602w.jpg
right before I gave into my lack of commitment to the turn.
specialtyoutdoors.comP7256584w.jpg I
did a little better where it wasn't quite so steep.

Report
Bb
Archived post

28 June 2004, 19:15 UTC #3

pas said:
New skills included "west coast dismount" for jumping off
of skinnies
So now the west coast has their own dismount?!?!
Quoted message said:
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 1542.jpg
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 1544.jpg
Gonna make a north-shore trickster out of you yet!
Quoted message said:
specialtyoutdoors.comP725660w.jpg
right before I gave into my lack of commitment to the
turn.
specialtyoutdoors.comP725684w.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)

Report
Jimbo(san)
Archived post

28 June 2004, 19:35 UTC #4

<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)

Report
Monique Y. Muda
Archived post

28 June 2004, 20:00 UTC #5

On 2004-06-28, pas penned:
Quoted message said:
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

Report
Pas
Archived post

28 June 2004, 20:00 UTC #6

Monique Y. Mudama said:
On 2004-06-28, pas penned:
Quoted message said:
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.

Report
Pas
Archived post

28 June 2004, 20:00 UTC #7

BB said:
pas said:
New skills included "west coast dismount" for jumping off
of skinnies
So now the west coast has their own dismount?!?!
Quoted message said:
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 1542.jpg
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 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.

Report
Pas
Archived post

28 June 2004, 20:15 UTC #8

Jimbo (san) said:
<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

Report
Monique Y. Muda
Archived post

28 June 2004, 20:15 UTC #9

On 2004-06-28, pas penned:
Quoted message said:

There's one in Sept, too.
No money or time. Next year is much more feasible (I hope).
--
monique

Report
Christian D. Br
Archived post

28 June 2004, 21:00 UTC #10

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"
<[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
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
Quoted message said:
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.
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 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

Report
Mojo Deluxe
Archived post

28 June 2004, 21:15 UTC #11

"pas" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]... <snip great
story>
Quoted message said:
Here's my first attempt
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 1509.jpg
And my second attempt:
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 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!
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 1542.jpg
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 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?
Quoted message said:

Lower down there were some other elements that were much
more familiar

for
Quoted message said:
me, and that I could be a rock star at:
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 1582.jpg
specialtyoutdoors.comwP7256615.jpg

Ok, this would mess with my head. I've ridden similar, but
it was dirt, and roots. We have no rocks here.

Report
Bb
Archived post

28 June 2004, 22:00 UTC #12

pas said:
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)

Report
Pas
Archived post

28 June 2004, 23:45 UTC #13

Christian D. Brown said:
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

Report
Pas
Archived post

29 June 2004, 00:00 UTC #14

BB said:
pas said:
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.

Report
Mattb
Archived post

29 June 2004, 03:45 UTC #15

pas wrote: <snip>
Quoted message said:
Here's my first attempt
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 1509.jpg
And my second attempt:
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 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!
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 1542.jpg
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 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.
Quoted message said:

Lower down there were some other elements that were much
more familiar for me, and that I could be a rock star at:
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 1582.jpg
specialtyoutdoors.comwP7256615.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>
Quoted message said:
<sigh> fun weekend
penny
Looks like a great time. Thanks for sharing. I had to
forward it to the Mrs.
Matt

Report
Slacker
Archived post

30 June 2004, 04:00 UTC #16

pas said:
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.
specialtyoutdoors.comwIMG 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>
you want to go potty *before* tackling the trails/obstacles.
This way you can better concentrate on the task at hand :-)
--
Slacker

Report

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