TheKillerPenguin

I just got an e-mail from USA Cycling that says "Based on your race results during the last 9 months, you are invited to attend a 2007 USA Cycling Regional Athlete Development Camp. ... These are invitation-only camps based on your previous performance, and the top performing riders from each camp will be invited to attend a National Development Camp in August at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs."

Has anyone done one of these before? Is it worth the money?

edit: the cost is $675, for a week of coaching, seminars, training rides, etc.

CastIron

Congratulations!
No.
Bet it is.

bdcheung

that's awesome

Enthalpic

Be proud, and more importantly go. Don’t spend your life wondering if you could have been a contender to save 700 bucks.

“What if I made the national level camp? Would a developmental team have signed me?”

cmh

Congratulations KP. I wouldn't hesitate to go to this camp. I am sure it will be worth the money.

ElJamoquio

Shoot, now you got to have donatemoneyforpenguinscyclingcamp.com.

Good luck, and find a way...

TheKillerPenguin

Heh, this is pretty damn cool. My dad says he's willing to pay for it if I decide I want to go.

Is this a mass e-mail USA Cycling sends out, or is it really only sent to guys with results? I'm feeling pretty damn flattered right now!

UT_Dude

I hate to kill you buzz, but they invite nearly everyone, as far as I can tell.

I got invited this year and last year. Hooray being young! I still want to go, but I can't swallow that kind of money for it.

TheKillerPenguin

Ah ha! I was wondering if this was simply a mass e-mail they send out.

More feedback people. I need to know if this is worth doing!

bdcheung

Well, I didn't get an invite, but none of my races were reported, so add that data point.

UT_Dude

I know a few guys who have done it. The response I got when I asked about it was kind of ... eh... If you can talk your parents into paying for it, then go for it.... May as well.

If you're paying for it, though, probably not.

UT_Dude

Hmm.... How old are you?

I was thinking about going this year, but decided to spend all of my cycling money to go to U23 TT nat's this year in Pennsylvania. Can't wait!

bdcheung

Almost 23

VosBike

I got invited last year and this year. Went last year. It was a really a good time. Good coaching, and got to train with some cool guys.

was it worth the money? I'm not sure, I coerceded money out of my school to help me pay for it. I wasn't able to take full advantage of the camp (I was one month into racing at the time and was still even slower than I am now).

But KP, I would agree with a previous poster; If there is any chance you'll regret it later, then GO. Enjoy it and learn a lot. Particularly if the parents are paying.

caloso

Go.

dl613

Go,
I skipped one for a different sport while a friend went and made some good contacts to further his development and if you kick a$$ you'll be on the map. He got a chance to play with some awesome guys, rate his skill and put it on the resume to market some other opportunities.

worst case scenario you go train in a different environment, get some coaching and see what your national competition looks like.

Good luck.

superdex

<grisled Paul Newman voice> You've got your shot, kid. Go.

patentcad

Just go KP.

Congrats my friend. That ROCKS.

UT_Dude

Yeah, I mean, if your parents are paying for it, you may as well go. To bdcheung: you have to be under 22.

Enthalpic

High school graduation can be thought of as a “mass e-mail invitation.” It is not a requirement and is open to almost everyone; but it is no doubt a stepping-stone. Doing well there is also a good place to show the world your stuff. The second camp can be thought of as university, an even better place to show your stuff.

ElJamoquio

Go. Kick ass.

Or, as Ryan might say:
1. measure thighs
2. go to camp
3. win

The_Convert

The USCF camps that you want to be in you don't have to pay for.

patentcad

There may be some truth to this, but still:

You are very young, a talented cyclist, and if I were you I'd be THERE Erik. If you get your head screwed on a little tighter about this bike racing stuff, you could be a successful Cat 1/2 rider. I think you have the Right Stuff. And if the USCF makes a little money coaching young amateur talent, so be it. Not for nothing but I don't see them starting any Hedge Funds @ $675 a pop. What's that, <$100 per day? That's a BARGAIN.

ElJamoquio

Yeah, like the National Development Camp (although I don't know if that's free or not).

He's guaranteed a shot here if he goes. Sure, he could wait a few years, and then MAYBE get noticed. Who knows, he might not get noticed if he goes to this one.

But what's the downside? $700. Upside? Possible recognition by a stepping-stone to the pros two or three years earlier; and some kick-ass riding in a kick-ass place.

skinny

Yea, it's similar to the coaching clinic announcements they send out that make it sound like they are offering you a special opportunity...to spend hundreds of dollars to attend one of their seminars.

I think you could probably learn as much on BF, er, then again, better go to the clinic.