Northern California - Anyone up for a group class?

UPDATE 4/8/08

Looks like June 28th is the soonest he can do the class for us.

I was thinking along the lines of a Climbing and Descending class combined with some Speed stuff since he said he would customize classes for us.

As of right now it's $70/person unless I can muster some kind of discount if there is a lot of people interested. He said a minimum of 6-7 people are needed. But if we get more he'll get us another coach so he can make sure we get enough individual attention. Judging from the response so far we'll have a decent sized class. Now we'll have to see who can make the 28th...

So who's in for June 28th?

List:
Me
kster
Ty.S (maybe)
ifox
Owner
?
?
?

Thanks!
Gary

_______________________________________________________________

Last year I took a Climbing and Descending class with Matt McNamara of Sterling Sports in the Palo Alto. I believe he is also on the Alto Velo team.

The class was very informative and helpful and I think people of all levels can benefit from his classes. I learned a ton of stuff and he even gave each of us individual help, and that was with about 20 people in the class. The class was worth it's weight in gold, imo! Plus, he sponsored our BF NorCal MS Waves to Wine ride by giving away a free class and a Vo2 max testing session that I raffled off to two members of the team.

This year he has a list of classes ranging from the Climbing and Descending class to a Speed Camp. I wasn't able to do any of the early season ones so I asked him if we could get a class together that he can lead later on in the season, pending his schedule.

He said that if we can get 6-7 people together he could do a class for us and tailor it to fit our needs. Currently, the cost is about $70/person, but again, it is well worth the money. And with the classes so small he can give each of us specific help and guidance. (Although I'll still ask if we can get a group discount, but I won't hold my breathe)

Here's his list of classes he does: http://www.sterlingwins.com/camps.php

So if anyone is interested in setting up a class later this year please let me know. Personally, I don't mind the Climbing and Decending class again, but the Speed Camp sounds pretty cool too.

Thanks!
Gary

(and no, I'm not associated with Sterling Sports. I'm just interested in doing a class again since I learned a lot from him and it'd be more fun riding with friends.)

I'd be very interested in such class.

EDIT: Deleted, as I posted in the wrong thread. Sorry

I'm interested. Feel free to PM or e-mail.

This kind of stuff is pretty common out here in the suburbs. Often town town will have lanes that dump you into the next town in a place you don't want to be, or lanes that just end.
Suh is life
Around here the trails just end, but you find them picking up around the corner, down a block.

I should video some for this guy.


I think Curtis meant to post this in the "stupid bike lanes" thread! hehe!

Although Tricia won the V02 max testing certificate from Matt. So I'd be interested to know if she (or Curtis) used it yet! [or gave it to someone else to use since they live pretty far from the Palo Alto area.] :)

With the two responses I've got about 4-5 people so far, including myself. So if I can get one or two more I can start contacting Matt to see when he has time to set up a class for us.

Thanks for the responses so far! I'll keep y'all posted!
Gary

Hi, if this is an open invitation, then I am interested too.

I think Curtis meant to post this in the "stupid bike lanes" thread! hehe!

Although Tricia won the V02 max testing certificate from Matt. So I'd be interested to know if she (or Curtis) used it yet! [or gave it to someone else to use since they live pretty far from the Palo Alto area.] :)

With the two responses I've got about 4-5 people so far, including myself. So if I can get one or two more I can start contacting Matt to see when he has time to set up a class for us.

Thanks for the responses so far! I'll keep y'all posted!
Gary

Tricia won, and I'm not sure she knew how to follow up. I'll ask her tonight and report back.

I'd be interested in the class IF it were a day I could make it.

Interested ...

Interested ...

I'd be interested in the time trial class. Oh and also a class on posing...I need more work!;)

I'd be interested in the time trial class. Oh and also a class on posing...I need more work!;)

time trial class ---> pedal fast. don't stop.

i could go for Climbing and Decending class & or the Speed Camp . Just would have to find a way out to where ever the class is ...

I'd be interested in the time trial class. Oh and also a class on posing...I need more work!;)

Just don't spill your coffee when posing ... :p

This sounds cool. I'll take a class on anything, since I pretty much need work everywhere, including my spending habits. Is there a class that teaches you "No, you don't NEED that.."?

Pete, if a TT class starts I'd most certainly try and rock that one with you.

This sounds cool. I'll take a class on anything, since I pretty much need work everywhere, including my spending habits. Is there a class that teaches you "No, you don't NEED that.."?

Pete, if a TT class starts I'd most certainly try and rock that one with you.

I believe the class is called marriage.

You'd think.. but I'm already enrolled in that one.. been in it for 7years.

I believe the class is called marriage.

hahaha :beer:

You'd think.. but I'm already enrolled in that one.. been in it for 7years.

Me too, for 9 years! That's why I get a small allowance and my own seperate account. That way I don't get tempted to spend all the money. (read: she can track my horrible spending habits!) haha!

Wow, looks like there is pretty good interest. I'll contact him and see what his schedule will look like. Hopefully you can wait for me until about late May or June since I am pretty swamped until then.

But so you get an idea of where we went when I joined his climbing and descending class, we went up and down Stevens Canyon, Mt. Eden and Montebello. Although I didn't make it up Montebello. My legs went on strike and protested loudly!

I don't recall the name of the area but there was a short section we took on one of the mts. that was in the 12% grade area. That was tough. But he watched each of us climb and critiqued how we climbed sitting, got out of our saddle, position over the bike out of the saddle, if our arms were too stiff, etc. as we struggled up this short section. It was tough but very helpful.

I'll let everyone know what he says when I hear back from him. Since he can tailor a class for us maybe we can do a little bit of climbing, speed and TT stuff... :)

Thanks for the interest.

Gary

..., we went up and down Stevens Canyon, Mt. Eden and Montebello. ...

I don't recall the name of the area but there was a short section we took on one of the mts. that was in the 12% grade area. That was tough. ...

If I had to guess, I'd say Redwood Gulch.

You guys should "graduate" to Bohlman/On Orbit and do a day of repeats on that. :)

I believe the class is called marriage.

I've had a 31 year "marriage" class and I don't think either of us has learned S*** :rolleyes:
I want the time trial class so I can get away from her quickly after I buy my Felt TT bike!:D

I've had a 31 year "marriage" class and I don't think either of us has learned S*** :rolleyes:
I want the time trial class so I can get away from her quickly after I by my Felt TT bike!:D

!!!!!!!!!OWW!!!!!!!!! She just punched me really hard....:mad:

Being single has its perks.

Being single has its perks.

Lower percentage of injuries for saying something stupid :p

I might be interested if it works with schedule, etc. Climbing and Speed:>

I'd be interested in a "gettin' off my ass and logging some miles on my bike class". I'm afraid the climbing and descending class is too advanced for me right now.

If I had to guess, I'd say Redwood Gulch.

You guys should "graduate" to Bohlman/On Orbit and do a day of repeats on that. :)

Yup, that was it!!!

cantdrv55 - don't worry about it being too advanced, it's really not. When I did it last year I had barely been back on the bike more than 12 miles at a time... And it's been pretty much the same this year! Doh!! So I'll hang back with ya! (mostly because I suck at climbing still! My stamina and lung capacity are not exactly going to win me any races! haha!) But it is a very helpful and fun class!

Gary

I'd be interested in a "gettin' off my ass and logging some miles on my bike class". I'm afraid the climbing and descending class is too advanced for me right now.

Well its not like they'll take away your scholarship if you don't complete the class. :p. If anything just look at it as a source of information. I'm sure its too advanced for me as well, but hey, if I can learn something from it, and apply it at my own learning rate on my own time, then I'd consider it a positive.

OK, if the timing is right I'll join you guys.

OK, if the timing is right I'll join you guys.

Me too although it'd be tough... I'd be interested in the climbing/descending class :rolleyes:

Quick update... Matt said he is going to look at his calendar and see what dates he can do. As soon as I hear back from him I will let you guys know.

He also said that if we get more the 6-8 people he'll bring another coach along to, as he put it, "help keep the interaction high and the service awesome."

Thanks for everyone's interest!

BTW, the class I took was meant as a beginner's course. (eg - for Montebello they only went up about half way to practice climbing and descending) Ty.S has the right attitude... That's exactly how I felt. I took a lot away from the class even though I was probably one of the weaker riders there.

So hopefully the scheduling works out for everyone! :)

Gary

Okay, I spoke with Matt and the soonest he can do it is June 28th...

He had May 11th and the 25th open but that's Mother's Day weekend and Memorial Day weekend. So those are not good weekends for most people.

Soooo... if everyone is up for June 28th let me know so I can get a list together. Plus, it's so far in advance that you should be able to clear your schedules to be able to make it.

Also, I was thinking maybe a combo climbing and descending class with some Speed stuff mixed in. I think those topics should cover most everyone. I hesitate on TT since I think only a couple people actually do TT stuff or were interested.

Let me know if you are up for it.

Thanks!
Gary

I can do June 28th.

June 28th is the Giro di Peninsula is it not??

**EDIT**

http://www.festafoundation.org/giro.html

June 28th is the Giro, which normally has a good BF representation. I'll play it by ear, the Giro was fun, but the class would probably be more beneficial

I think I am out for Jne 28th. That is the first day of a school vacation week so we'll be busy somewhere.

I'm in for June 28th.

Oh... the Giro... I wanted to ride the Giro but I'm committed to this class.

And I think the benefits of the class outweigh the ride, for me at least. :)

Thanks for the responses so far!

Gary

Sorry, I've been really busy at work so I haven't been keeping up with the post...

Just wanting to see who else would like to join a climbing and descending and maybe some speed class on June 28th?

Spingeneer? tprevost? you guys still interested? Bueller, Bueller? Anyone?

I know the Giro is on the same day but you guys ride so much that missing a ride to gain handling and riding skills might seem more appealing. :D

If I can't get anymore interest I'll go with who I have so far on the first post.

Thanks again for everyone's interest!
Gary

Can you post more details on what exactly will be covered in that class, and for what level it will be oriented. I will be back in Bay Area by then, so I might do it.

Thanks.

I have to do the Giro charity event. It's a personal thing for my family and I.

Sorry, I've been really busy at work so I haven't been keeping up with the post...

Just wanting to see who else would like to join a climbing and descending and maybe some speed class on June 28th?

Spingeneer? tprevost? you guys still interested? Bueller, Bueller? Anyone?

I know the Giro is on the same day but you guys ride so much that missing a ride to gain handling and riding skills might seem more appealing. :D

If I can't get anymore interest I'll go with who I have so far on the first post.

Thanks again for everyone's interest!
Gary

Sorry, I'm already committed to Giro. Damn scheduling ....

There's no other dates the guy can do the class?

I can do the class on the 28th if that's the date we settle on. Otherwise, I'll see if there are any spots left for the Giro. Is the class all day?

Now there's an idea, a PM class would free up your AM for the Giro.

I might be interested (correction, I AM interested, but a couple questions).

First, what kind of shape do you need to be in? I'm not a complete newbie, but I'm not in race form by any means (the best ride I've managed was from my house up to the Junction of Southgate and Northgate roads on Mt. Diablo - 40 miles round trip and I was whupped by the time I got home).

Second, where would the class be? I'm in the East Bay, but wouldn't mind coming over to the peninsula if that's where it's at.

Thanks for coordinating this and hopefully I'll be able to make it.

Lance

Can you post more details on what exactly will be covered in that class, and for what level it will be oriented. I will be back in Bay Area by then, so I might do it.

Thanks.



I might be interested (correction, I AM interested, but a couple questions).

First, what kind of shape do you need to be in? I'm not a complete newbie, but I'm not in race form by any means (the best ride I've managed was from my house up to the Junction of Southgate and Northgate roads on Mt. Diablo - 40 miles round trip and I was whupped by the time I got home).

Second, where would the class be? I'm in the East Bay, but wouldn't mind coming over to the peninsula if that's where it's at.

Thanks for coordinating this and hopefully I'll be able to make it.

Lance

Cool, let me ftry to answer the questions...

As for what will be covered... we can tailor the class to whatever we want. But basically I wanted him to go over climbing and descending and some speed techniques, skills, tips, etc...

Here is a quote from his webpage on the climbing and descending class:
This course is designed for riders looking to improve the basics of climbing and descending. We'll climb some great local climbs like Montebello and Redwood Gulch while practicing a variety of skills like pacing, body position, and balance - then we'll turn around and go down 'em while practicing selecting good lines, braking efficiently and staying safe! This class is designed to help you feel more comfortable, safe, and fast on either terrain.

And I'd like to mix in the Speed Clinic Level 1 as well:
Speed Camp is the perfect combination of skills, tactics and training to help you ride faster. Level 1 tackles essentials like low/high speed handling, cornering, braking, sprinting, and group riding situations. Perfect for beginners and those looking for a refresher as the season gets rolling.

So, as you can see it's planned for newbies and seasoned riders. Which means you don't have to be in race form to take the class. When I took it last year I had only been riding a 12 mile loop once a week for a few weeks. So I was far from any type of shape except for round!! And FYI, we had members of the Alta Velo cycling team take the class with us and even they had received instructions from Matt on technique and stuff. So it was a good class for all levels, imo.

The class will most likely start in the Los Altos area. When I took the class it started at the Pete's Coffee shop near the Chain Reaction bike shop.

And Henry, as for a date change... I'll ask him to see what other dates he has open. Hopefully he can change the date and fit us in his busy schedule.

I'll let you guys know!

Thanks again for the interest!
Gary


For more info or background on Sterling Sports check out: http://www.sterlingwins.com/camps.php