THE CYCLING HOUSE NEWS

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Jess Cerra of Fit Food Joins The Cycling House

We are excited to announce that Jess Cerra, founder of Fit Food by Jess, will be joining The Cycling House as head chef for an extended period of time this winter.

When she's not riding bikes, running or swimming, you can find Jess in the kitchen (and in her element).

Jess (originally from Whitefish, MT) prepares fresh, healthy, seasonal food customized for busy families and athletes alike.  Jess started Fit Food by Jess in 2009 as a small private chef and catering company in San Diego.  In just three years Fit Food has grown to specialize in tailoring meals for professional athletes as well as local triathlon and cycling camps in the San Diego area. Having Jess at The Cycling House is a real privilege and we looking forward to working with her.

Fresh fruits are a staple at The Cycling House

In 2007, while finishing her M.S. in Exercise Physiology, a professor introduced Jess to competitive mountain biking.  This inspired Jess to try her first triathlon in 2008, an XTERRA off-road triathlon.  In 2010, during Jess’s third year racing XTERRA, she won the USA Championship amateur title.  She then turned professional in 2011, finishing  the season with a 6th place ranking on the XTERRA USA Tour and top 10 at both XTERRA USA and World Championships.

Persimmon Salad

As a professional athlete, Jess is able to understand the challenges athletes face nutritionally.  Combining her knowledge of training and competing with her knowledge of physiology and nutrition, allows Jess to make the perfect meals for The Cycling House.  The food is wholesome, flavorful, and geared towards fueling all realms of training and recovery.  You can also check out Fit Food by Jess in Triathlete magazine, where Jess writes a recipe and cooking column bi-monthly.

Jess, racing an Xterra

Athletic Career Highlights:
USAT Elite Off-Road License, 2011
USA Cycling Cat 1 License (MTB), 2009-present
2011 XTERRA World Championship, 10th, pro female
2011 XTERRA USA Championship, 10th, pro female
2011 XTERRA America Tour, 6th, pro female
2011 XTERRA East Championship, 5th, pro female
2011 Kenda-Specialized MTB Marathon Invitational, 2nd, pro female
2011/2010/2009 Glacier Challenge Multisport Race, 1st/2nd/1st, solo female
2010 XTERRA USA Championship, 1st female amateur
2010/2009 XTERR World Championship, 3rd, AG 25-29
2010 San Diego Winter MTB XC Invitational, 1st, pro female
2009 Kenda West Cup, 3rd, Cat 1 female

Andy Schultz to Head Up Mountain Bike Camp Development

The Cycling House is proud to announce the hiring of long-time professional mountain bike racer and TCH staffer, Andy Schultz, as the head of Mountain Bike Camp Development.

Andy Schultz

Andy joined The Cycling House in its second year, 2006, and eventually became the head cook for the house. In addition to his work for The Cycling House, Andy is a professional mountain bike racer.

Andy Schultz enjoying the high country of Colorado. Photo by Alison Sylvester

Andy grew up in Missoula, MT (a hot bed for TCH staffers) riding his mountain bike. He started racing in 2000 and quickly moved up the ranks, attaining professional status in 2003. He currently races all over the country in Cross Country and Marathon length bike races for the Kenda-Felt Mountain Bike Team.

Andy will bring his extensive experience with both The Cycling House and mountain biking to the job as head of Mountain Bike Camp Development. His main objective going forward will be the first annual TCH Mountain Bike Camp in Crested Butte, CO in mid September. Andy had this to say about this new position and upcoming camp: “I’ve ridden my bike all over the country and there honestly isn’t a place I would rather be in September. Moist trail, perfect weather, yellow aspens, and no crowds. To have the opportunity to host a camp there and share that with people is incredible.”

Stay tuned for more info on this camp as it comes together. If you are interested in attending or have questions feel free to email Andy at andy@thecyclinghouse.com.

Tri Magazine’s “Camp Life at The Cycling House” By AJ Johnson

The Cycling House was recently featured in the December issue of Tri Magazine. The article is called, “Camp Life at The Cycling House” by AJ Johnson. Starts on page 58. You can download the magazine for free here.

 

"Camp Life at The Cycling House" By AJ Johnson | Photo by Tom Robertson

 

"Camp Life at The Cycling House" By AJ Johnson | Photo by Tom Robertson

 

"Camp Life at The Cycling House" By AJ Johnson | Photo by Tom Robertson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rolling Thunder and The Crow’s Nest

If you’ve spent time at The Cycling House over the past few years then you’ve probably heard about Rolling Thunder. The cyclocross race that happens under the cover of darkness in Missoula, MT, where fans are crazy and the course gives riders goosebumps. For the folks that take part in the event, whether they are spectators, volunteers or racers, Rolling Thunder is an annual highlight. And for some, it’s the best weekend of the year.

Racers' view on the start line just before the gun. Photo by Tom Robertson

Shaun Radley and Friends

One of the best things about this race is how Shaun Radley, founder and promoter of Rolling Thunder, gets his friends, local businesses and the whole cycling community involved. One example of this is during the race course design and building process. The course changes every year and one of Shaun’s go-to guys since day one is Doug Schryock of Wild Rockies Landscaping. Doug lives in his Bobcat tractor all year doing high-end landscaping so when it comes to moving dirt, building berms and mowing down the weeds, he’s all over it.

Sam Schultz is legendary at Rolling Thunder. Hitting kickers, taking a beer feed now and then, and throwing down on his home turf.

The Cycling House Beer Tent

Last year The Cycling House wanted to find a unique way to sponsor Rolling Thunder so we came up with what is now known as The Cycling House Beer Tent.  We provide a great spot to view the race, handout beer from Big Sky Brewing, add some tiki torches, a heat lamp, one couch and Christmas lights and we’re in business.  The beer is free but we take donations and every penny that we raise during this race goes to the men’s final podium. last year we raised nearly $800. This year the goal is $1000.

Sam Schultz hopping the barriers in front The Cycling House Beer Tent. Photo by Tom Robertson

The Crow’s Nest

One of the most exciting additions to our sponsorship is the Crow’s Nest. Perched on top of the big white van, the crows nest give spectators a unobscured 360 degree view of the race. It’s like stopping for a glance at one of the vistas on Mount Lemmon… beautiful.

The Crow's Nest under construction

If you find yourself in Missoula, MT this weekend, come check it out. Racing starts at 11am on Saturday. The Grand Finale starts at 8pm. Here are all the details.

Owen Gue grabs a dollar at the top of the run-up.

Check out our Facebook page here.

Wisconsin Camp confirmed for 2012

We’re adding a sweet camp in June- Wisconsin. This is going to be a great opportunity for athletes to check out the Ironman Wisconsin course before they race it, get some solid race training in for other summer races, and experience hilly midwest forest roads before it gets too hot. Plus, Coach Jim Bruskewitz of Endurance Performance and Brendan Halpin will be there helping athletes refine their training plans.

Click HERE for more information and to book for this exciting new camp.

Wrapping up our fall California camp

Once again, our California camp was a huge success. But honestly, it’s hard not to have a good time here. The network of beautiful farm and canyon roads is so plentiful it looks like someone dropped a strainer of spaghetti noodles onto the map and put a road everywhere a noodle fell.

 

Cycling House California Camp

A lone rider on Prefumo canyon road outside of San Luis Obispo. Photo Tom Robertson

On top of the epic riding, there’s great surfing nearby, which Brendan thinks is better than swimming for triathlon training. It’s definitely quite a bit more fun than swimming laps, we think. We even got out for a mountain bike ride on our “recovery day.”

Brendan Halpin at The Cycling House Cali camp on the beach

Brendan considers his options. Photo Tom Robertson

 

We picked a few apples from the orchards while on our rides, drank a bit of local wine, and ate great food like seared duck breast with local fig compote, chive risotto, and grilled asparagus.

Bill Nicolai earns his dinner on the climb up Prefumo Canyon before descending into orchards and vineyards. Photo Tom Robertson

 

Photographer Tom Robertson  was on assignment during camp and he captured tons of amazing images- including this candid shot of Brendan about to lose the plank competition during our trademark “Core on Shore” event. Andy claims he was trying to help by keeping the sun of his back. Kim Helgans of Cal fame took home the gold.

Brendan battles to stay up

 

Stay tuned as we’ll be posting more great pictures from Tom.

Linsey Corbin Triathlon Camp

January 31st-February 5th, 2012

The Cycling House will be playing host to the very best triathletes, and you’re invited to join. Your training partners will be pro triathletes Linsey Corbin and Brendan Halpin.

Linsey started 2011 with a 1st place finish at the Pucon 70.3 in Chile and has racked up top ten finishes all year. She has her sights set on the podium at Kona this October. Pro triathlete Brendan Halpin posted top 20 finishes in all but one of his races in 2010 and has been racing well this season. The camp will focus on cycling, but it wouldn’t be a tri camp without running and swimming. So, we’ll have some great trail runs lined up and a few swim sessions on tap. After dinner you’ll have the chance to get answers for all the questions you’ve ever had about what’s the best way to fuel for an Ironman or how does one plan their season to peak at important races. Of course, all of this knowledge and hard work adds up to make you faster and more competitive comerace day.

Finally, you’ll get the litany of TCH services as well- like great food, fully supported rides, bike assembly, airport shuttles, and lots of fun! Come join us for a pre-Valentine’s day gift to your love of sport.

5 nights/6 days
All Great TCH Services Included
Rate: $1795

Contact us here for more information or to reserve your spot at camp.

Check out the official brochure here: Linsey Corbin Camp Flyer

Cycling House Makes Front Page News

“Missoula-based cycling training business goes international, adds triathlons.”  Article by Betsy Cohen of the Missoulian. 

Tearing up the streets of Missoula. Photo by Michael Gallacher - Missoulian

Born in Missoula and raised to love and appreciate outdoor recreation and adventure, Gue turned away from a work-a-day full-time job that might tie him to things he loved far less than biking and exploring stunning landscapes with like-minded people… Read full article here.

 

 

 

 

TCH Gearing up for second annual California cycling camp

The Cycling House has been running camps in Tucson during the winter for six years. Last year we decided to offer our clients more options by adding a fall camp on the Central California coast. The camp was a huge success! The area has great road riding, surfing, wine vineyards nearby, and excellent trails for running and mountain biking with a view of the Pacific Ocean below.

We're looking forward to the climb up from the ocean's edge onto these untrafficked roads. Photo Tom Robertson

When we hosted this camp last year we had our all star staff that included Owen, Brendan, Sam and Andy Schultz, and Ty. This made it easy for us to provide fantastic ride support, options to surf or mountain bike on several occasions, and of course, lots of great meals with local produce and seafood. This year we’ll have the same staff and we’re very excited to be running this camp again.

Owen will lend a helping hand to anyone...even if they don't really need it. Photo Tom Robertson

Brendan looks right at home in a wetsuit. His board skills could use some work though. Photo Tom Robertson

Andy carves a turn in hot pursuit. Photo Tom Robertson

The September camp is ideal for those training for cyclocross or folks who want to experience some of America’s most scenic and challenging riding. Plus a chance to surf and soak up the California sun during the famed Indian Summers that coastal California is  famous for.

The group gathers at the summit before descending back to the cool ocean breeze of the Pacific coast. Photo Tom Robertson

If you’d like to join us next month the camp will run from September 19th to the 25th, with an option to add two more days of riding, departing on the 27th. We’ve got a few spots left and we’d love to have you join us. You can contact us here to make your reservation. See you in California!

 

 

September Cycling in California – 7 lucky reasons why it’s awesome

September is a great time to be a cyclist, especially in California. The Cycling House California will be based just outside of San Luis Obispo on the Central California Coast. This is one of the premier places in America to ride a bike…..and surf, and run, and eat, and drink wine. To drive this point home we’ve compiled a list of things we think make it a fantastic place to be riding your bike this September. Check out the list, then come join us for the real thing.

 

#7 – Amazing Farmers Market. San Luis Obispo, CA has one of greatest farmers markets in the US.  It’s a place where you can get fresh produce, listen to great music, and experience some serious local flavor. TCH Chef Ty Brookhart will be preparing delicious seasonal meals using products from this huge market. Yummm..

Fresh Produce from the Market

 

#6 – Our Staff. Pro mountain biker Andy “The Buffalo” Schultz is coming out of Cycling House retirement to join the staff roster at this camp. Plus, TCH veteran, pro triathlete, and burgeoning coach Brendan Halpin will be there.

Andy Schultz

Ride Guide, Coach, and the world's best dishwasher

 

#5 – Great time to build fitness for Cyclocross or a late season triathlon race.

Cyclocross in the old days

#4 – Epic roads to ride. European style riding.

Wide Open Roads

 

#3 – Core on Shore – Nothing tops off a morning like a core workout after a surf session with a bunch of cyclists and triathletes.

Core on Shore. Photo by Tom Robertson

 

#2 – Vino. Great wine tasting in the heart of wine country.

California Wine Vineyard

 

#1 – Sam “The Wet Cat” Schultz. He’ll be at camp telling racing stories but most importantly, riding the waves…

Sam is hot off a big win in Missoula. He'll be sharing racing stories as well as showing off his surfing skills. Photo by Tom Robertson