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Old 10-20-13 | 08:34 PM
  #12  
eja_ bottecchia's Avatar
eja_ bottecchia
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Originally Posted by BikeWNC
I've not done a Carmichael camp but I did use their coaching service for several years with good results. I talked to my coach about the camps but never attended one. From what I was told, they, at least in the past, did a bike fit and Functional Threshold power profile for each rider. The FTP was used to formulate training zones and you put that data to use on the bike. There probably are technique sessions too which emphasize both climbing and descending position and efficiency. My impression is these camps tend to attract more weekend warrior well to do clients than super serious mega mile cyclists. That doesn't mean you won't get something out of the camp regardless of where you are in your training.

I had another coach unassociated with CT, that used to meet me on the road once a month for technique and conditioning drills. It was some of the best time I spent on the bike. I think anyone can benefit from having an experienced eye take a look at their cycling as a whole. Whether is is worth the time and expense will depend on expectations and how prepared you are to take advantage of what they have to offer.
Bike, I fall into the "weekend warrior" but not "well-to-do" middle-aged rider category. You are right, a training camp is only as good as how prepared I am to put to use the lessons learned there. I have a friend who lives in France and he attended a similar camp in France. He loved going through it and learned a lot about the "science of cycling." He feels that he is now a better rider for the experience.
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