Fitness Coaching

Mammoth Cycling Camp June 22-25, 2012

When: June 22 – June 25th, 2012 Registration opens February 7th, 2012
Registration Costs: $270 by March 1st, $290 after March 1st
Registration Details: This cycling camp is not open to the general public. You must know one of our teammates. This ensures a cohesive group of athletes.
Registration will be available in 3 Phases
Phase 1: Any 2012 Online Coached Athlete and any athlete who attended last year’s camp
Phase 2: Custom Training Plan Athletes who did not attend last year’s camp. – March 1st
Phase 3: Remaining spots will be available to any other athlete who has trained with our teammates in the past

Thanks for joining me in Mammoth

The first time I explored Mammoth on my road bike I distinctly remember how excited I was to ride empty roads with amazing views.  This excitement grew into a desire to share this experience with others and so I decided to start my own cycling camp.

When I asked all of you to join me up in Mammoth for my cycling camp there were a number of things I hoped to accomplish.  First, I wanted you to experience the amazing terrain, riding and views here in Mammoth.  Second, I wanted push your physical limits.  Third, I wanted the opportunity to spend more time and get to know each one of you better.

Daily rides
I approached each ride with anticipation and excitement.  I decided that I would be the sole support driver because this would allow me to see each of you experience the rides first hand.  I also wanted to document the daily rides with photos and video.  I can’t even begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this.  I think the most rewarding part was watching the “doubters” complete the ride with determination and purpose. There is something groundbreaking about doing something you previously thought was “unattainable”.   I also saw each of you pushing each other to new limits.   The look of accomplishment that each of you had every time we regrouped was priceless.

Afternoon Runs
Although the afternoon runs were not officially part of the camp, I was glad to see all of you come out for these optional workouts after a tough morning ride.  My favorite run was Mammoth Rock.  There are so many other amazing runs here in Mammoth, but I had to remind myself that this was a cycling camp and not a running camp.  Who knows, maybe I’ll incorporate some of these runs next year.

Dinner
Not only did I enjoy having all of you over for evening meals, but it was also nice to hang out and talk with you in a relaxed and informal environment.

Thank You
This camp would not be possible without you.  I believe that the culture of the group and camaraderie is a result of each one of you.  Getting people to show up for a cycling camp is not difficult.  The challenge is to get the right people to show up.   I believe this is even more important than the organization of the rides themselves.  Everyday had a positive tone and I know all of you encouraged, challenged and helped each other throughout the camp.

Your Feedback
Last year was the first year of the camp and this year I was able to implement a few things that I believe improved the experience.  Next year I already have a few modifications in mind that I hope will make next year even better than this year.  With that said, there may be some things that I missed and that’s where you come in.  If you have any suggestions, I would encourage you to share these with me.  Feel free to send me an email, phone call, or talk to me in person.  I value what each of you has to offer.

Sean Staymates – Mammoth Cycling Camp Thoughts

Second ride of the trip was Benton Crossing Road, or the green
church. What a beautiful road; open space, little to no traffic, and
plenty of scenery to take your mind off of your sore muscles from the
previous day’s climb.

It’s so nice to have such a friendly & helpful support person & coach
on the rides with you. While I’m working to fix a flat tire, Joby
drives up and immediately takes the tire & rim out of my hands and has
it changed for me in no time. He even put me and my bike in his truck
to leap frog me ahead of the group who had quickly gotten far ahead of
me. I was able to quickly get back into the pack and continue the ride.

I couldn’t ask for anything more during these rides

Lisa Quigley’s – Mammoth Cycling Camp Thoughts

Wow, we have just finished the 4th and last day of Joby’s Mammoth Cycling Camp.  Let me start out by saying I was a bit skeptical I could actually ride 4 days in a row, much less this altitude, and these hills!!!!  But I did, and it wasn’t half bad.  Honestly, it was pretty darn great!  The weather was perfect and the scenery SPECTACULAR!  Joby did an excellent job finding us routes that were within our capabilities, even though he did stretch the truth a bit with how much of a climb each day had and how we would have no problem getting up it.  Joby, it was hard!  Perhaps if you told the truth I might have whimped out….very smart of you I must say.  I always felt comfortable knowing you and Sam were there at any given moment in case we needed anything!

Each day brought a new depth of exhaustion, but it sure felt good.  I loved being able to do this with Neal and I know he loved having Jeff up here with us.  And if riding with some of my best friends wasn’t good enough, each night we all got together and were served a terrific meal prepared by Mia.  All we had to do is ride, no other concerns, it just doesn’t get any better than this.  THANK YOU Joby and Mia.  You put a lot of work and effort into this and I want you both to know this will go down as one of my favorite trips.

Lisa and Neal Quigley


Mammoth Cycling Camp Thoughts – Bill Davis

Day 4
Final day of bike riding in paradise. The plan today was to ride up to the overlook above Twin Lakes. This ride had a long 4 mile climb that followed Lake Mary Rd. I started with the faster group and then when we caught up to Mindy I slowed down and rode with her. I enjoyed this part of the ride because I was able to take pictures and enjoy the views in all directions. After we reached the Twin Lakes Overlook area we all rode down and some of the riders went back to the condo and others went up towards the Mammoth Scenic Rd. I had fresh legs and decided to go up to the Minaret Lookout – Sean S and Brett joined me and we had a great ride up to the summit. We descended and Brett went back to the condo and Sean and I rode the Mammoth Scenic route, thus completing the entire planned route for the day – 35 miles and about 3800 ft of ascent. I capped this off with a 3.2 mile run. Great end to a great trip.

Day 3

Today we rode from Mammoth down the Lower Rock Creek Rd to Pine Creek. I decided to ride with Mindy today – most of the ride was downhill with a few rolling hills and climbs. We finished with a tough 3 mile climb on straight open road. The climb was tough and the whole family made it.

Day 2

Great cycling route today – it had everything – downhill, uphill, wind in the face, wind at the back, and great scenery. It was one of the hardest 60 mile bike rides that I have done. Very proud of my wife and son for doing this ride too. My son did his longest ride ever and I think he liked it.

Day 1

Spectacular ride with my family and friends. The weather was perfect temperature for riding. We basically did a 5 mile climb into a strong headwind and then another short climb up to a spectacular vista of the Minarets and other surrounding mountains. My wife, Mindy did her longest climb ever and my son, Eric did his first mountain ride. The mountains are packed with snow and the scenery is spectacular. Here is a photo of Mindy (way up ahead) as we rode back to Mammoth on 395. And another photo of Mindy and Eric having recovery lunch.

Katie McEwen’s Thoughts on Mammoth

Day 2

Awesome dinner last night with the team – Joby and Mia prepared yummy Mexican
food for us and a slide show of all the photos and movies that they had taken
so far. We all got a chance to catch up and visit as well as prepare for
tomorrow’s ride. Joby projected a map of the route for the next day and
answered questions. The group of 4 of us doing Ironman Canada stayed
afterwards and we chatted through some details about our upcoming rides and
how we will be doing some bonus miles, just to make sure we were getting in
the mileage necessary for IM training. We were even able to watch Adrienne’s
IM Canada video, showing the race from last year from beginning to end.
Inspiring and scary at the same time.

After finally getting a good night of sleep, we all got up and got ready for
the morning training. I was a little nervous about the ride today. Joby
warned us it would be very challenging and he wanted us to push hard today. I
felt terrible in our warmup ride yesterday, like I just couldn’t get enough
air. I was worried I’d feel that way again today, which thankfully didn’t
happen. My body has adjusted to being here now. I felt good today and pushed
hard – maybe a little too hard in the middle part of the ride. It was so fun
to go fast on the rollars we had out by Benton Crossing – the area was perfect
for speed on a time trial bike. I paid the price later though as I ran out of
gas with about 10 miles to go and had a very slow, painful spin back to the
condos. I had to keep coaching myself along, thinking that as bad as I felt,
I was getting stronger as a result of all this work and better prepared for
Ironman Canada (64 days until race day – yikes!). More to come – two more
days left and looking forward to all the activities.

Day 1

Today was my first day riding with Team FC in Mammoth. Beautiful weather and
fantastic views of snow capped mountains. Awesome team of fellow riders.
Great support from my coach, Joby, and Cassidy who were and will continue to
be our personal SAG wagon and photo-taker for all of our rides up here – not
to mention our cheerleaders as we huff and puff up these mountain roads. I’ve
never ridden at such high elevation before and though I was warned, I was a
little surprised at how exhausting our ride was for me today. My body is not
yet adapted to the lack of oxygen! I also have not ridden right alongside
snow banks and within sight of ski lifts – it was chilly, but not what you
would imagine at that elevation. Trees lining the road and reaching out as
far as you can see, wind rustling through the leaves, and the sound of the
rushing stream fills my senses and makes me feel glad to be alive. I need to
get out of my suburban bubble more often! A group run this afternoon (which I
will help support due to an injury) and a team dinner that my coach and his
wife Mia are organizing (we have one every night – we literally walk
downstairs from our condo to their condo and the food is ready – sooooo
wonderful -we are so lucky). I can’t wait to ride tomorrow – hopefully my
body will be more adapted to the elevation and I will be able to breathe more
freely!

Mammoth Cycling Camp Day 1 – Vicki Potts

I must say – I’m having fun. This is the most difficult and highest elevation I have riden in.  There were times I wanted to and surely could have gotten off my bike and walked up, but I didn’t.  Remembering to stay focused, maintain my endurance, maintain good form provided me with the power I needed to get to the top.   The support of my coach and my teammates is priceless!  Today I did feel like I accomplished something in my training and I am pleased with my efforts.  I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s ride and becoming a stronger hill climber and rider.  Thank you  TEAMFC.

Vicki

Mammoth Day 1 – Mindy Davis

I came to the Mammoth cycling camp knowing I would be one of the weekest cyclers at the camp.  This worried me a lot along with  not knowing how the alttude would effect me.  The first day ride is done and I had a wonderful experience.  I was able to concentrate on doing the best I could with the abilities I possess and enjoy my accomplishment and at the same time enjoy the beautiful scenery.  I am also fortunate enough to have my husband and son riding at the camp with me which makes a “special family experience” that will last forever.  I’m excited for tomorrow’s adventure.

Mindy Davis

Jillian Chaney’s Mammoth Post

Day 2
Today was a mental training day (at least that what Joby told me). The ride was absolutely beautiful and I pushed myself to the threshold a couple of times. The roads were empty and it felt like we had the whole area to ourselves. A HUGE thanks to Brett, Sean, Keith, Katie, Bill, Adrienne, and Matt for teaching me how to ride in a pace line and for keeping me going those last 10 miles. I still have a ways to go, but it was so nice being with people who were patient while I tried to figure it out. Transition run (if you can even call it a run) was slow. Fatigue from the ride and elevation set in, but found a bit of a groove about 3 miles in. All in all, an exhausting, but amazing day.

Day 1
After my run yesterday, I was a little nervous about riding at elevation.  Huffed and puffed up some of the hills but it was a great ride.  The scenery was breathtaking and it was awesome to be riding parallel to people going up the mountain on ski lifts.  So excited for the rest of the week.

Great Spot for Lunch

If you can hold out until Bishop for lunch, this place is worth the wait.  Great sandwiches.

Erik Shat’s Bakery
763 N. Main Street, Bishop California
(760) 873-7156
Toll Free (866) 323-5854

http://www.erickschatsbakery.com/

Swimming While in Mammoth

Whitmore pool is the best option for lap swimming.  I believe they only offer AM lap swim and then it’s recreational swimming the rest of the day.  Not sure if they have a lane or two open during recreational swim.  Give them a call.

Whitmore Pool 760-935-4222

http://www.cityconcierge.com/mammoth-lakes/summer/swimming.asp

Who’s Going for the King of the Mountains Award in Mammoth?

Those who complete the last ride of our 2011 Mammoth Cycling Camp earn the right to call themselves  ”King of the Mountains” and walk away with this nice mug. The climb as an independent ride is not too bad, but when you add 3600 feet of climbing in under 30 miles and after 3 days of intense cycling, even the most seasoned veteran will be challenged.

2011 Mammoth Cycling Camp Dates Are Set

June 24th – June 27th, 2011

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to cycle on some of the most beautiful and traffic free roads in and around Mammoth Lakes. Mark your calendars. Registration opens January 6th, 2011.

Each day riders will cycle distances ranging from 30 – 60 miles. All rides include vehicle support. We will follow our entire ride, providing basic bike maintenance, food storage, and clothing caddy. You can always cut a ride short and jump in the support vehicle or add some more miles on your own once the ride ends.

Check out the comments from a few of last year’s participants.

First Annual Mammoth Cycling Camp is a Huge Success

In total, we rode about 165 miles over some of the most scenic and cycling friendly roads that California has to offer. Next year we will be at it again. This is what some participants had to say about their experience.

“I learned more in three days of riding at the Mammoth cycling camp than I would have in three months of riding at home. The scenery was amazing and the roads were smooth and safe, but most of all it was the support of the group that inspired me to push harder on a bike than I ever had before – and allowed me to actually enjoy it. The well-designed routes and the support vehicle made it possible for riders of all levels to safely challenge themselves at their own pace. I knew only a couple other participants prior to arrival, but Joby instilled such a mood of camaraderie and inclusiveness that attendees from all walks of life were soon one big family. I came for the biking, but the trail runs, group dinners, and evening hot tub sessions were great fun as well. I will definitely be back next year.” - Matt

“I had the privilege of attending the 1st Annual Team FC’s Mammoth Cycling trip. Coach Joby and his wife Mia spent many hours planning and organizing this trip, and it showed! Everything ran smoothly without a single glitch. Joby had route guides for us explaining in detail every turn of our journey. A support vehicle followed us every day making sure we were safe, providing us extra water, and took super-cool action photos! Team FC is a unique group filled with amazing people who are all positive, motivating and FUN! The camaraderie of the group is unmatched! We had all levels of riders in Mammoth and everyone was out to build confidence in each other and accomplish our goals as a team. I am so thankful to be a part of Team FC and look forward to many more trips to Mammoth!” - Carol

“The thought of a cycling camp in Mammoth was quite intimidating to me… all I can say now is WOW! Our group included ages from 14-50yrs old, all levels of experience – Joby planned each ride perfectly, so we all finished together – no pressure, no stress… you pushed yourself each and every day at your own pace… and it felt amazing!! Never once did I feel out of place. The support on the road and off was beyond words… from a support vehicle, to teamwork on the road, to group dinners each night together, I didn’t want this experience to end! It was like being on vacation with your closest friends… sharing the same common interest! What a well dreamt, well planned, and well executed cycling camp! I am so thankful I was able to be a part of such a great group of riders. Next year I will definitely be back, and I will bring the family.” - Jenny

“Attending your high altitude Mammoth Cycling Camp was definitely one of the best experiences I’ve had. The routes were challenging but beautiful; from the awesome view at the top of Minaret Vista at 9,300 feet, to the grassy farmland on the way to Bishop. The planning you put in for these rides made it so every cyclist at every level was able to do the same ride. This led to everyone having the same sense of accomplishment and bringing us all together. Having a support vehicle was definitely an added bonus. Seeing your truck pull alongside was a welcoming sight as I was the first one to get a flat tire on the second day, all alone on the 395.
In addition to the cycling in the morning, there were plenty of other activates from walking around the downtown village to sight seeing and even the mountain itself. The evening run/walks were great to bring everyone together and explore some different trails you wouldn’t be able to do on a road bike.
Of course I can’t leave out dinner at the condo. Thank you Mia, for putting together the best food in town. Being able to talk about the day while looking at pictures and planning for the next ride was a highlight. As for next year? Count me in!” - Sean

“I had never been to Mammoth before until I attended Team FC’s Cycling Camp. It was AMAZING!!! Everyone on Team FC is very encouraging and full of positive energy. The bike rides were awesome! I never thought I could have accomplished so many miles and hills in 4 days! The dinners that were organized for us were a great way to end a wonderful day of cycling. Sitting around talking about how much fun we were having and looking at pictures from our previous ride was great. It was a great experience for my first time being in Mammoth. I will definitely return next year for some more riding and good times.” - Jennifer

“Well, Mammoth Cycling Camp was great! I came in worrying about how I was going to manage to keep up with the great demand of power that was needed to climb though the beautiful mountains of Mammoth Lakes… If there was a day when we didn’t feel 100%, we had our support vehicle waiting around the corner and they weren’t at judgmental but understanding. Joby and Ralph did a great job making sure we felt good on the road and made sure that nobody was dropped. The pre-route instructions were great The
rides were amazing and they were the right amount of distance – not too far not too short. The climbing was manageable and it all payed off when we reached the peak and took in the amazing scenery that only mammoth has to offer! Thinking about it I say its a no brainer – just sign up, you will not regret it!”
– Willie

“I had an amazing experience as a beginning cyclist with Team FC in Mammoth. The rides were well planned out so that everyone started and ended together, and you were able to go at your own pace. And the scenery along the way was breathtaking! The people in Team FC are so caring and supportive of you everyday. They make you feel like you are apart of the family. I cannot wait for next year! I will definitely be going back.” - Maddie