PATAGONIA FALL GRAVEL CAMP
NOVEMBER X-XXth, 2023

Train Hard, recover, Sleep, Learn, Connect

Training for triathlon is hard. Improving at all three sports requires diligence, discipline, planning, proper fueling, excellent recovery, and motivation. Unlike single-sport athletes, who can step out the door before or after work, complete their workouts, and know they’re headed in the right direction, triathlon can be a logistical nightmare: when should I do each sport? When (and how much) should I eat to support that session? How do the best athletes in the world handle these exact same stressors? Also, how do I fit all of this stuff in and around, you know, the rest of my life? I’ve got kids, a job, a partner, all of which are deeply important to me.

When you come to the crown jewel of our camps, our yearly Bend Spring Training Camp, we take away nearly all of these concerns and allow you something that is rare these days: singular focus. For five days, the only thing on your mind will be training, eating, learning, sleeping, and recovering. Research shows that even short bouts of highly focused mono-tasking results in improvements for athletes of all levels. About two weeks after camp closes you’ll do something in training you haven’t been able to do before, either performance- or skill-based, and you’ll think “Whoa, camp rocks.”

CRUCIAL INFO ABOUT 2023 CAMP

We are changing camp a little bit for 2023, getting back to our roots a bit. Camp in 2023 will be, well, hard. Yeah, that is correct. Sure, it’s been hard over the past few years, but we are changing our focus a bit to make sure that the biggest takeaway from camp is more fitness and improved performance. To do that, we as staff are going to focus more on providing great training opportunities, and focusing slightly less on some of the iconic elements of camp. Don’t worry, we’re not changing everything, but you SHOULD know what is changing. The biggest changes are listed below:

• We are doing away with meals other than breakfast, which we will serve at Base Camp every morning. This allows us to get you high-quality meals that will support your training, but will allow us to focus more on your athlete experience during the rest of the day instead of basically running a catering company for five days (we’re good cooks, but our core competency is not in the kitchen). We will still provide in-workout nutrition and recovery mixes for after workouts, but outside of those resources and breakfast, we are freeing you to supply your own meals. Just that change alone has also allowed us to drop the cost of camp!

• Camp will be harder, and will be focused primarily on improving your fitness. Before attending, we require that you are able to:

  • Ride your bicycle outside on roads shared with vehicles, on terrain that includes climbing and descending

  • Ride at least 50 miles, self-supported, without stopping

  • Swim 1500m continuously at a moderately-hard effort for you

  • Run 50-60 minutes without stopping (injuries notwithstanding, of course)

  • If these requirements are outside of your current ability, we would urge you to reconsider camp!

Single occupancy $1849

Double Occupancy $1649

Expertly guided training

At all of our camps, we connect with athletes ahead of time to ask them what they want to get out of camp, and what their current strengths and weaknesses are. We tailor the group workouts to each athlete’s ability, resulting in the best possible training stimulus for you.

Amazing and supporting fuel

Garbage in, garbage out is as true in your fueling as it is in your training. We aim to provide incredible and nourishing breakfasts and in-training nutrition. After the work is done, we turn you loose to experience the excellent meals that Bend, Oregon, can provide.

Skills we teach

Triathlon isn’t simply swim, bike, and run as hard as you can. Technique is crucial to getting faster, and we address the skill side of the sport through video analysis of swim, bike, and run techniques, leading to greater economy of movement and improved performance.

Recovery at its best

At camp, we send athletes to bed at 9pm at the latest. Each workout concludes with some kind of recovery meal to get you started on the path to your next successful workout. We hire professional soigneurs to supply massage and support throughout camp, allowing you to recover faster, train better, and improve sooner.

Luxurious lodging

Campers will stay at the amazing LOGE Camps, just off SW Century and down the street from our normal BASE CAMP. Campers will be able to book either single (pictured) or double occupancy rooms, walk to Base Camp, and leave for workouts right from the comfort of your own space. Each room has its own shower, refrigerator, and rad amenities, such as hammocks.

a sample schedule

Friday

Meet and Greet: learn about each other and our goals
Swim or Run session: video capture and technique work
Camp Orientation

Saturday

Long Run (morning)
Endurance Swim (midday/afternoon)
Afternoon Massage
Recovery Ride On Your Own
Chat with the Pros: we have welcomed Heather Jackson, Linsey Corbin, Matt Lieto, Jesse Thomas, Jen Luebke, Ben Hoffman, and many other professionals to our camp for you to ask questions

Sunday

Long Ride (Prineville Reservoir, McKenzie Pass, Bachelor Loop)
Transition Runs off the bike
Afternoon Massage
Another Pro Visit!

Monday

Multi-brick (bike-run-bike-run-bike-run) Session
Afternoon Massage
Recovery Swim

Tuesday :(

Open Water Skills Swim
Optional Run
Goodbyes

Frequently Asked Questions

This seems like a lot—do I need to be a certain level of athlete to come to camp?

YES! We have welcomed many beginner athletes to our camps, but you should be able to do the following before attending camp:

• Be able to swim 1500 yards or meters without stopping

• Be able to ride 50 miles continuously, on outdoor roads shared with cars, on a variety of terrain

• Be able to run 50-60 minutes without stopping

Are all meals provided?

No, we provide breakfasts and training nutrition for workouts (drink mixes, bars, chews, gels), along with recovery drinks for mixing after workouts

I have some dietary restrictions: are those accommodated?

Yes! Breakfast will have non-dairy and non-gluten options, and if you have more restrictive dietary needs we ask for those at registration. We do ask that if you have very specific needs you come prepared with some your own supplies.

Do we all get our own rooms?

Housing is either single occupancy ($1849) or double occupancy ($1649), which you can choose at checkout.

What level of support is provided on the longer rides?

We always have at least two sag/support vehicles, and one coach out on bikes with the athletes. Those support vehicles provide food and fueling, and can provide a pickup if necessary. Athletes should still bring their own equipment to change a flat tire, and know how to do so, but all other needs such as navigable routes are provided to the athlete.

How does the video analysis work?

We shoot video at camp and then follow up in the week after camp with detailed videos and reports about your swimming and running form.

How do you plan for/deal with the COVID-19 pandemic?

We will be monitoring CDC and Oregon Health Authority guidelines in this ever-changing environment, aiming to create an experience that is as safe and inclusive as possible. Thanks in advance for your patience and compassion on this subject.