2009 USAC Regional and National Camps
I need to start by acknowledging USA Cycling’s continued commitment to Junior Development. This shared vision has proven success measured by deep pools of high quality riders performing well at National and International events for the last several years now. I want to THANK Ben Sharp, Sam Callan, Clay Worthington, Jim Miller, Steve McCauley, Sean Petty, Steve Johnson, and the 12 Camp Directors for continuing to ask me back each year. It is a tremendous privilege, that I can practice my craft at this high level and be a part of the many athlete’s development. In 2009, I attended 3 Regional Camps during the summer and have been asked to assist at the National Camp, Oct. 8-12, 09.
The first USAC Regional Camp on my schedule is in Lubbock, TX. I have done this camp since 1998. This is the most relaxing camp for me, Tim Reedus and David Mayor-Oakes are two major influences and partners in the Junior Development arena. A great deal of the USAC Standardized “CAMP MODEL” is born from this long established camp and staff. Tim Reedus, Camp Manager, brought together a top shelf staff. Had a creative and challenging curriculum for the riders. And a severe storm experience that will be legendary for years. Other highlights include the additional MAD SKILLS (caravan feeding, etc…) we could incorporate into the week of activities. TIM had a great bunch of riders that were eligible for the UCI RRG and Tour de l’Abitibi Teams. I watched them race their hearts out for TIM at the UCI Red River Gorge in KY. Guys like Alex Battles-Wood, Tucker Gerald, Ethan Moorhead, Alex Parks, Patrick Davis, Steve Liguori… and Cody Foster.
My bike and I jet up to Portland for the second USAC Camp. I camped out in Jacob Rathe’s room for a couple nights… Thanks JAY and MEL. The Forrest Grove Camp is a first time event. JIM Anderson, Camp Manager, bravely embraces the task of coordinating the many duties and responsibilities for a safe and successful experience. He’s pretty good at it… he happened to have been promoting a very cool Criterium in downtown Portland, the weekend before the start of his Regional Camp. JIM’s expert attention to detail helped shape the camp with legendary staff like Russell Cree, Phil Sanders, Jeff/Jeannette Rose, and Butch Martin. The dorms at Pacific University were an amazing highlight, along with the weather and good roads. My ultimate goal at this camp, was to implement and assist the new staff with the USAC Standardized Camp Model. To help make the field testing protocol uniform and therefore fair for the athletes attending all the camps. For a first year USAC Regional Camp, this went fantastic. I met some new friends and I look forward to being asked back to build on the experience. Some notable riders to keep an eye on – Andrew Bennett, Kristo Jorgenson, Willy Zellmer, Joe Prettyman, Phelan Kostur, Colby WaitMolyneu, and Christina Norwich.
The final Regional Camp is awaiting my arrival in Flagstaff, AZ. I have been asked to attend this camp since 2004 by Barney King, Camp Manager. Barney King is one of the THREE major influences on my coaching experiences and success, and he always has fresh pretzels waiting for me. The Flagstaff Regional camp has a rich legacy and is regarded as the most competitive, attracting some very gifted riders from the entire western US. On the opening evening of the camp, it became apparent, during the introduction, that most of the riders had specific goals, “I want to make the TEAM and learn some skills”. The only minor challenge of the camp was the fact that the primary road we have used for years, was closed for renovation. As Barney said, “it made us think outside the box”. We had an outstanding camp and a very deep quality rider pool. As Barney will direct the National Junior Team, I have been able to direct the Arizona Select Team at the UCI Tour de l’Abitibi in Quebec, Canada 5 times and the 2009 UCI Red River Gorge Junior Elite. Some awesome talent from the camp included – Ian Moir, Connor McCutcheon, Connor Oleary, Tanner Putt, Griffin Easter, Ryan Morgan, Steve Leece, Erik Volotzky, (TJ)Taylor Eisenhart, and Ivie Crawford.
Next stop, National Camp in Colorado Springs, CO. Oct. 8-12, 09. It will be a short drive. But I plan on bringing it. See you guys and gals there.
FYI http://velonews.com/article/93993/not-all-us-rider-development-is-taught-in-belgium
Mike, Dude? where are you? It’s Redus (Tim). Hey do you have a good shot of me from camp I can use for my site? How’s the skiing going up there?
dmo