Tour Divide Training Camp
4 days of supported bikepacking & workshops

NOTE: This training camp has been put on hold as we have had requests and more interest in a January camp. So please see our 2017 Tucson Endurance Training Camp (January 11-15) for details on our newest event.

This 4-day training camp is designed to help give future Tour Divide riders the knowledge and tools to have a successful run, whether the plan is race the event in 2017 or later. Here's what the camp looks like:

• A 4-day bikepacking adventure in the Central Highlands of Arizona. The majority of riding will be on dirt roads and good jeep trails. The route is structured to mimic the demands of Tour Divide style riding; for each day's ride, there will be a GPX file provided.
  • During the day, riders will be self-supported (including navigation, food/water resupplies at services along the way, and bike maintenance). Upon reaching camp, professionally prepared backcountry dinners and breakfasts will be provided for riders.
  • Daily route distances will be ~45-70 miles
  • Participants should be prepared to ride for 5 to 8 hours per day at elevations from 4000 to 7000' in temperatures that may range from 40 to 75 degrees.
• Evening workshops will focus on training, preparation, gear, nutrition, injury prevention, and more with an focus specifically on the Tour Divide race and the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route
  
  

Training Camp cost is $1000 and includes . . .

• Accommodations in Prescott for the night before (October 5) and night after (October 9) the bikepacking trip and at established camping facilities.
• Food! Morning and evening meals at camp will be provided to meet the nutritional needs of endurance cyclists, and we will accommodate any dietary restrictions. A variety of our favorite healthy ride foods will also be available for during the day. Mid-ride resupply options will be available in towns most days.
• Tour Divide preparation packet
• Tour Divide starter kit

Space will be limited to 10 participants. Reserve your spot with a $500 deposit using the Paypal button at the bottom of this page. Full payment is due by September 12. Deposits will be partially refundable until September 12. Participants are also required to have USA Cycling licenses for insurance purposes (stay tuned for details on this; the cost is ~$40 for one-day licenses if you do not already have a license).

Tentative Itinerary

Wednesday

• Late afternoon arrival to Prescott; assemble bikes if needed
  
• Drinks, appetizers, introductions, and camp overview at 5:30 pm MST
  
• Dinner
  
• Settle in to mountain cabin accommodations; pack bikepacking setups

Thursday

• Breakfast
• Morning workshop - General Tour Divide overview
• Depart for Cherry, climbing over the high point of the Bradshaw Mountains
• Late afternoon arrival at camp: Hydrate, refuel, stretch
  
• Evening workshop - Gear
• Dinner
• Casual conversation and consulting around the fire

Friday

• Breakfast
• Depart for Mingus Mountain Summit via the scenic Verde Valley
• Mid-afternoon arrival at camp: Hydrate, refuel, stretch
  
• Evening workshop - Nutrition
• Dinner
• Casual conversation and consulting around the fire

Saturday

• Breakfast
• Depart for Walnut Creek Station in the Santa Maria Mountains
• Mid-afternoon arrival at camp: Hydrate, refuel, stretch
  
• Evening workshop - Training for the Tour Divide
  
• Dinner
• Casual conversation an consulting around the fire

Sunday

• Breakfast
• Depart for Prescott via high desert valleys and pine forests
• Mid-afternoon arrival at camp: Hydrate, refuel, stretch
  
• Evening workshops - Injury prevention, race strategy/execution, common mistakes
• Dinner and camp wrap-up
• Participants are welcome to spend the night at the cabin
  
  

Monday (optional)

• Simple breakfast
• Depart by 9 am

Participants are responsible for transportation to and from accommodations in Prescott, bicycles, and personal riding gear (including repair items, sleeping bag/pad, etc.).

Tour Divide Training Camp is fully insured as a non-competitive event under the auspices of U.S.A. Cycling. Participants must have a valid 2016 U.S.A. Cycling license or must purchase one-day licenses for each day of the camp. License purchase details will be provided to camp participants.