Thacker Reeves - Boulder Camp

Monday, 15 February 2010 13:47

My first reaction to a training camp in Boulder was 'Alright! Mountains!'. After waking up the morning after my arrival to about half a foot of fresh powder I realized the dilemma with trying to ride your bike in February at the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains. It all worked out though-the first day we did some skate skiing (which is a killer workout if you've never done it) and a little trainer work while watching the Super Bowl. The next two days consisted of a couple hour long trainer rides. By the end of those days everyone was itching to be outside for some real riding. Luckily by Wednesday the sun had melted most of the snow and the temperature was not frigid. For the rest of the week we were able to put it nice long, hard days out on the road. The climbs were epic and the efforts plus the lack of oxygen compared to east Texas left me gasping for breath. Overall I felt strong, and I can tell my hard work over the off season has prepared me well for the upcoming season.

Training camp for cycling teams is so much more than getting in good training. While the training is important, meeting your new teammates and staff as well as receiving team equipment are priorities as well. The team is a great bunch of guys. I'm really looking forward to riding with and for them. The staff is amazing as well, and did a great job keeping both the camp and the riders running smoothly. Although Boulder is cold this time of year, it is a very cool town with many coffee shops to feed my caffeine frenzy and delicious restaurants to fuel the large pack we traveled in.

With training camp done I'm heading back to Texas for some more training and Texas style racing. I'm hoping to be back in the Boulder area for some good altitude training, but before that I'll be in California racing in the San Dimas stage race.

Ride safe but hard everyone! The racing season is upon us!

Thacker