THE CYCLING HOUSE NEWS

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.

Our Inaugural Ben Hoffman Triathlon Camp

Exciting news! Ben Hoffman will be teaming up with The Cycling House to host an awesome “kick off the new year” Tri camp!

The Cycling House is inviting you to train with 2x Ironman National Champion triathlete Ben Hoffman. Ben has been tearing up the race course of late: Ironman Champion Lake Placid 2010, Ironman Boise 70.3 Champion 2011, Ironman Muncie 70.3 Champion 2011 Ben will be a top podium contender this year at Worlds Championships in Kona. Check out www.benhoffmanracing.com for more. Cycling will be the focus of the camp, and we’ll have several great trail runs lined up and a few swim sessions on tap. Ben will answer questions like– how to fuel for an ironman or what’s the best training plan for someone racing more than once in a month? Of course, all of this knowledge and hard work adds up to make you faster and more competitive come race day. Finally, you’ll get the litany of TCH services as well- great food, fully supported rides, bike assembly, airport shuttles, and lots of fun! Come join TCH and Ben in Tucson and see what makes a pro. Check out the Hoffman camp flyer.

5 Nights/6 Days
All Great TCH Services Included
$1795

Contact us for more information or to book your spot today.

 

 

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

 

Le Tour de France & Riding in the Alps

We’ve had an amazing first week in France. The weather has been a little too rainy at times but that hasn’t slowed us down. The highlights so far have been our Col du Menee and Col du Roullette ride (85 miles with two big mountain climbs) and watching stage 19 on Alpe d’Huez and Stage 20 in Vizille.

Cadel Evans and the Shleck brothers riding past The Cycling House crew flying the Montana flag. Photo by Brendan Halpin

The Tour de France is an absolutely spectacular event to see in person.  Alpe d’Huez was the biggest party we’ve ever been to.

 

Our spot on Alp d'Huez was just past the Dutch corner. Huge party!

 

Brendan and the front group starting their way up the Col du Rousett. Checkout the Lavender!

 

Ty driving support and doubling as the days photographer.

 

We were all smiles at this cool little "hike-in only" restaurant just a few minutes from The Cycling House.

 

This poppy field is just down the road from The Cycling House France.

More photos and news coming soon. We are off to ride the Col du Galibier!

Cheers from The Cycling House Crew.

Heading over to the French Alps!

It’s July. The high mountain passes are open, the Tour has started, and we’re headed over to France to ride bikes and watch the tour.

Col de la Croix de Fer- Day 3, 65 miles, 5,500 feet

You can check out our ride schedule for the first week right here! ~250 miles and 20,000 feet of climbing.


View France camp Week 1 in a larger map

We’ll be doing our best to keep up with the US Cup MTB race in Missoula. We’ll also do all we can to answer your questions about other camps, store inquiries, etc, but our priority will be riding bikes, eating great food, taking in the alps, and experiencing the TDF first hand.

Montana Triathletes – Ironman Coeur d’Alene

The Cycling House was delighted to have been present at the 2011 Ironman Coeur d’Alene. Congrats to all Ironman CDA competitors! IM CDA truly is an amazing race for both spectators and athletes.  The 38 year old Craig Alexander absolutely flew through the course to finish with a time of 8:19:48. Missoula, MT triathletes have repeatedly brought their A-game to this race and last weekend was no exception. Here is how the race played out for friends and staff of TCH:

Adam Jensen (Team Zoot Sports) of Missoula had a phenomenal race and finished 5th overall with a time of 9:05:42! Adam Jensen loves pain.

Adam Jensen digging deep on the run to finish in 5th place overall! (photo by Phil Grove)

The Cycling House head coach, ride guide and all-around badass, Brendan Halpin (Zoot Sports) also had an amazing Ironman.  Tendonitis, the flu and food poisoning can’t keep Halpin from competing. He finished 11th overall in the pro mens field with a time of 9:34:19.  Every time brendan rode by the Missoula cheer squad on the bike leg of the race he had a smile on his face. Nice work halpin!

Brendan Halpin finished his Ironman with a time of 9:34:19

Matt Shryock (French interpreter for TCH) also of Missoula, MT finished 15th overall in the mens field.

Matt Shryock at the Couer d'Alene Ironman (photo by Phil Grove)

Ironman CDA was Graham Meng’s first ever full distance Ironman. He graduated from dental school just days before this race and must have figured that the perfect graduation gift for himself would be a 10.5 hour suffer fest. He loved it!

Graham Meng (DDS) racing for the Meng dynasty and Hammer Nutrition (photo by Phil Grove)

Couer d’Alene is about a 2 hour drive from Missoula so there are copious amounts of Montanans cheering on the racers.

Most likely the fastest fans around: Linsey Corbin, Joel Brown, Ryan Payne and Jeff Cincoski. Linsey Corbin dominated this race last year and set a women's course record. When she isn't racing she on the sidelines cheering her guts out.

 

This is the group of Montanans that put their effort in the night before IM to support the local CDA economy. (mainly the businesses that don't close until 2am)

The legendary Ironfan, Phil Grove

If you competed in last weekends race please drop us a line! We would love to hear how it went. – The Cycling House

 

Crested Butte recon is hard work!

The Cycling House is planning a mountain bike camp for the summer of 2012 in Crested Butte, Colorado. To make this happen takes some serious leg work (pun intended). You can’t host a camp without intimate knowledge of the trails…. So, right now Ty Brookhart is riding trails as fast as the snow is melting in the high country. Many of the more iconic CB trails like the 401 are still snowed in, but as you’ll see, it could be worse.

Crested Butte from the Upper Loop trail

The Mountain States Cup is part of the Crested Butte Fat Tire Bike Week (starting this Thursday). Racers from all over will come to race XC, dual slalom, and downhill on some of the best trails in Colorado.

The Mountain States Cup is this weekend- they've marked the course for the 40 mile XC course

The course for the XC race is just spectacular! So much singletrack and a few dirt roads too. But, as you can see, it’s not the worst situation.

If you must ride the road with your knobbies, this isn't so bad....

The singletrack around CB is everywhere and the descent on Strand Hill is so fast and flowy it’s hard to believe it’s right out the back door.

The beginning of the Strand Hill descent. UNBELIEVABLY FUN!

Ugghh. Not more singletrack through aspen forests...

With the race this weekend several friends will be coming into town, including Bryce Daviess -a part time TCH staffer and Moots welder, and formally of Missoula fame. Check back as we’ll post an update after the long weekend.