Bright Boot Camp Testimonials

Here is a list of testimonials from the Bright Boot camp from the people that have attended.

John
Your helper Damien was VERY good, they ALL were. I’m disappointed with myself for not asking more climbing questions and getting feedback to help improve, too engrossed in doing the daily rides!

I think for me the Free Speed will come only if I lose more weight, 78kg now, too heavy.

Thanks to you & David for having me, I would never have attempted the last 4 days BBC on my own!

Garry

I just like to say what a great 4 days I had. David and you put on a great event.
I would like to say a special thanks to Rohan what a fantastic job he did, he made the rides so enjoyable and funny he went out of his way to make everyone keep in a group he climbed Mt Hotham 3 times I reckon going back to get other people so well done Rohan.

So thanks again Jodie for a great event and thanks a lot

John
I was unsure of what to expect BUT I had a great time.  I only wish I had done more climbing fitness- I do love the hills.(ask Creighton)

The Bright region is really fantastic. I had never travelled through this region but I will be back.

I was asked by Creighton to join him on this Camp and I am very glad I did.

I would like to thank you & David and all the crew. I think I spent time with them all- Super Team !!

I have already told many other cyclists how good it was, and while we had the weather gods looking after us, I think we still would have had a great experience if things turned…. (I had the gear ready)

I would like to say I will be back, as I hate being beaten and Tawonga GAP beat me twice. (and Mt Hotham awaits…)

All the best and thank you both, it was truly a great experience for me.

Marty
Had a top time. Met great people in our group and will be catching up with some of them when they come over for the TDU, may even bump into you guys.

Great weekend and I can understand why some have come back to do it again.

Carl L
Had a fantastic time on your Boot Camp. I missed out on the November one last year, so was very glad to do this one. Have already requested Cup Day Off next year.

All the Support Riders, Vehicles (and their drivers, much enthusiasm & encouragement) and the Terrain were excellent.

This all made life incredibly easier, safer and much more enjoyable.

It’s great to learn new skills and get to practise them straight away in such a fantastic location and the superb weather was an absolute bonus.

Have left Bright very motivated and  keen to train harder and hopefully smarter.

My wife Karen and eight Year old son Toby had a great time up at Bright as well, which is a big bonus has a Happy Wife is a Happy life.

Having strongly recommended your Bright Boot Camp to many of my cycling friends.

Thanks Again

Ross
Thanks for organising such a great four days of cycling. I have a wonderful time and even raced on the Tuesday night feeling great. We really lucked in with the weather too. Considering it was forecast for snow on the mountains.

Using the Buffalo climb as a way to seed the riders was great and great to see riders in the group waiting before heading off again.

Once again had lots of fun and am looking forward to my next cycling adventure.

Carl R
Thanks heaps for the recent Boot Camp in Bright. I had a great experience and it’s given me new found confidence to tackle the 3 Peaks next March.

Dominique
thanks for the great riding over the four days, although at times I felt out of my depth being surrounded by such talented cyclists it was very enjoyable.  My favourite days riding were Sunday to Falls Creek as no matter what level people were at no one was made to feel they were holding us up or going to slow, yourself and Karin managed everyone very well.

Tuesday was also great Tim and myself having our very own domestique’s to help us out to the climb at Tawonga Gap, ensuring we were well looked after in the bunch.

A special thanks must go to Karin she was extremely kind and helpful when I was having a crisis of confidence after Monday ride, her tips and hints on where to stay in the bunch and what to do on Tuesday were very helpful.  I shall hope to return next year and bring some more people along as I think they are ready to now tell me to shut up they are sick of hearing about how good it was

Les
Dear David and Jodie

I just wanted to say thank you for organising and conducting such a wonderful camp. The experience and challenges that you provide me were to me very life changing.
A BIG special thank you to you Jodie for without your coaching and urging I would never been able to make it to the top of Falls Creek, I can not thank you enough.

I thought you might like to see what I wrote to a friend and without the supports of you guys and your team I would never been able to achieve it

If you ever think of the hardest thing you have every done, add a bit more and make that go on for one and a half hours, that is it. But saying that when you get to the top all that pain and mental anguish just fades away and is replaced with such jubilation

Thank you again for a wonderful camp

Mark
Hi Jodie and David

First time at boot camp this year and thoroughly enjoyed the four days, you both put in so much effort and combined with the support team made the whole experience fantastic.

Planning to return next year hopefully with a few others.
All the best
Mark

Kelly
Thanks Jodie for a fabulous camp – I had a blast and learned so much.
I could hardly wait to cycle my favourite Kinglake circuits after the camp, and wow, what a difference.

New found confidence has me prepared to put more power through the pedals and I’m zipping up to Kinglake with spare gears these days, which feels awesome.

I’ve also learned to eat more before getting on the bike, and while on it. Hopefully I’ll never have one of those food flats again!

Thanks again for the great atmosphere, support and tips – I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

A special thanks to you and Pip for the extra help, and Fran for ferrying me down Falls while I tried desperately not to throw up in her lovely car.

All the best, Kelly

Rob
Hi Jodie and David,
Thank you for a fantastic camp. Well organised, the rides were very enjoyable and of course the weather was perfect.

Laurie
I had a great Boot Camp it was great to be back amongst everyone & riding my bike. I missed saying goodbye & thank you very much for all your help it really made for a great camp.

Pip
Hi Jodie,

I want to extend a big thanks to yourself, David, Pip, Fran, Neale, Harry and Co., for a fabulous weekend. I gained some really great knowledge that I know will hold me in good stead for my cycling challenges ahead (which include trying to do rolling turns with those feisty chicks on the Thursday morning SKCC ride).

I found the camp really well organised, everyone was friendly and supportive, and you can’t ask for much more than that. I’m definitely keen to attend next year’s camp.

Thanks once again. I will definitely tell my friends what a great camp it was.

Jenny
Hi Jodie and David,
I’m so glad you picked the right dates for Bright Boot Camp, last weekend would have been interesting. I hope the weather will be dry and the roads safe for the Three Peaks ride.

I had a great time at Boot Camp, the riding and scenery is spectacular. It was so well organised, such fantastic support and expertise on and off the road and it was a wonderful experience. I had a ball. Hard work, challenging but great fun being way out of my comfort zone.
I might have to come back and do it again…. Falls Creek still awaits.

Many thanks for organising such a wonderful camp.
It must be very difficult trying to cater for all our varied riding standards and capabilities, but you all did it with ease and patience.

A special thank you to Sheridan, Marlena, Pip and Jodie. What a great bunch you have David! All the best.

Trey (13yrs – special attendee as gardian present and coached by Cycling-Inform)
Hi David,
I just thought I would drop you a quick note about how I enjoyed the Bright boot camp. The things I liked the most are, the great rides i did, the people i met, the interesting seminars, i aslo enjoyed going on the high altitude machine and the great advice from everyone. Thank you so much for letting me join in the camp. It was a great experience and I would love to do it again. hopefully i will get great result at Alp de buffulo from this great training.
thank you again.

Darren
Hi Dave,

Thanks again.  Despite the weather I enjoyed the Boot Camp.  For me its an opportunity to refocus on those things that help my cycling in an environment that is pretty much all about cycling.

Ive been for a couple of rides since coming back to Melbourne and I feel pretty good.  Maybe I did blow the cobwebs out a bit.

Paul
I really enjoyed the bike camp.  It is the first time I have ridden mountains.

Jodie does an outstanding job and the whole 4 days went like clockwork.  I also want to thank Sheridan and Marlena for helping me get back to the camp on Sunday and then Monday.

Michael
A great big thanks for the experience of Boot Camp. After only learning to ride more efficiently only 4 months ago, under the tutelage of David, I found for my skill level you provided fantastic support and a great opportunity. When I have further developed my Fitness I will be coming back to conquer all of the peaks without mechanical breakdowns.

I would also ask you to mention Wes at West End Bike Hub in Wangaratta (25 Muntz St, ph 03 57 214 519) for the expert and prompt assistance he gave in repairing my Bike when it failed. He was not expensive and was very professional in the advice and help he gave me.

Over all I am excited that I went and the psychological issues that I overcame with the assistance of your team I hope will stay with me for the rest of my cycling days. I look forward to attending the next Bright Bootcamp. I would love to get a Bright Bootcamp Jersey next time.

Sue
Although the weather was not so kind, the camp was great.
The support riders were awesome, especially the girls, Marlena, Sheridan, Lisa and the unstoppable Pip! They were very happy to give you points and tips to make the trip uphill easier!

Very professional, the seminars were very worthwhile and provided alot of information that one could use to get the most out their level of cycling.

We had a great bunch of riders, everyone with different cycling goals, and the camp allowed everyone to benefit from the rides, instruction and workshops.

Ben
Hi Jodie,
Thank you for a great Bright Boot Camp. I had a great time and got a lot out of it.
Please pass on my thanks to David and to the support riders, especially David S. and Peter Barnett who were great to me.

Thanks again,
Ben

Westly
Hi Jodie  and David.

Sorry to miss you on Tuesday but with a river running outside our accommodation and rain looking unstoppable at 7AM we decide to call it a weekend and left quite early.

It was all good fun and some topping up experience in descending in the rain on wet roads, next time I will put on all weather tyres instead of dry racers.

Bill
“Just thought I would drop you a note to say thank you for a great camp. It was very well run and organised and even for someone who has been around a while I gained a lot from the seminars”.

Brett
Hi David,
Thanks to Jodie and yourself putting together such a great event. I would love to provide some recommendations to improve future camps, however, the four days delivered exactly what i’d hoped for. Both support riders in my group provided vaulable tips for training and racing which I look forward to putting to practice.

Definately keen to come to the camp again and meet some more great people.

Thanks.
Brett

Andrew
Michelle and I thoroughly enjoyed our recent visit over to the Alpine Region, especially coming from flat old Perth.

Firstly I would like to thank both of yourselves for organising such a fantastic training environment.    The location was perfect for accessibility to all the big climbs of the region.

Every day was very well organised with the briefings beforehand and ended perfectly with a faster ride on the relatively flatter loop on day 4, which us big guys appreciate the most, dishing out some pain back to the track work jockeys!!     My only thought, perhaps starting earlier?    Without DLS over here in Perth, we often leave the house at 4.30am so that our rides are done and dusted before the missus wakes up, leaving us the whole day to explore the area after a quick recovery nap.    But hey, I know that its not everyones cup of tea when catering for the masses.

I couldnt fault the system you guys have devised regarding the group seeding with the first climb up Buffalo.    Riding with people of your ability (and slightly better) gave me the competitive kick that I needed to make the sessions that little more competitive than riding solo, but that much more enjoyable with the sense of achievement that comes at the end of pushing a hard session.    I cant wait for the improvements of power from all that strength endurance training to really kick in, I can feel its slowly coming.

A HUGE thanks to our support riders (David, Andy, Andrew & Harry from memory) for pacing the rides just perfectly and the lovely lady in the Subaru who directed traffic and sat very, very patiently hour after hour driving at low speeds behind the pack making sure we had our supplies at the top, and beforehand if needed.    That was the biggest mental effort of the weekend in my opinion!!!!

We couldnt fault the accommodation nor the optional information sessions you conducted either.    Its either for you, or not.

All in all, very well done guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!..i have told all my mates back here and would recommend it to anyone looking to improve their cycling level, solid base miles, or just wanting an epic riding challenge with like-minded people and a certificate (maybe a finishers shirt..us triathletes love those..) to say you have been smashed.    My only disappointment was that nobody seemed to be equally as thirsty as me after riding for 5hrs and I that had to drink a carton of beer solo  ;-)

Fingers crossed, and with a bit of luck, we are hoping to make it back again next year depending on our work commitments..thats unless the boss insists on going skiing up there instead.    Which case I might pack the MTB.

Regards,
Andrew & Michelle.

Lachlan
Thanks David. I thought the boot camp was very well organised. The ride info sheets with contact numbers on them were reassuring from a safety point of view and contrasted with experiences I have had elsewhere. The support riders were excellent. I got some good tips from them.

Best wishes,
Lachlan Brown

Kent
Hi David,

Thanks for the email! I really enjoyed the camp and I really got a lot out of it. My descending skills have greatly improved and by the time I got to the top of Tawonga on the last day I could tell that although I was tired I had definitely developed some climbing legs. I will definitely do the camp again.

After the camp I flew to Hawaii and think all the fatigue and travel has caught up with me, as I have been a bit crook for the past few days, so unfortunately I haven’t had a chance to test fitness improvement and have been resting instead. Although, there are probably worse places to be resting!

I want to thank Jodie, yourself and the support people for putting together a great camp! As mentioned previously I will definitely be back, and will use the camp for event preparation rather than going on holidays for a couple of weeks after!!

All the best!
Kent.

Rebecca
Hi David,

Thanks for an great Bright Boot Camp experience last weekend!!! It was certainly very memorable especially the beautiful day we got for Mount Hotham!

I got a lot personally from the camp; I was using it as a tester for the 3 Peaks Challenge next year and it was great to be able to get a feel for the mountains before putting it all together in one day!

It would be great if Cycling Inform ran a boot camp aimed at the 3 Peaks Challenge as I would have loved to have been able to climb the back road of Falls Creek before the big day. I will probably make my way up there on my own one day before March just so I have climbed it as it looks like its going to be pretty challenging after 200ks!

The camp has also inspired me to get into some more competitive cycling. I think it made me realise that I am more capable than I thought I was I am currently only able to get out on my bike for about 150ks a week if Im lucky, so it has given me the confidence to know that with some extra training I could hopefully do okay!

The camp was SO well organised, the support from bike and ground crew was great and the general operational organisation was far beyond what I was expecting. I will say it would have been even better if I had received more coaching from the support riders as that was something I was definitely expecting more of. I am the type of person that loves the feedback and advice and I think I would have got so much more out of it if I had been given it, as I am sure there is a whole heap of things I could do better to improve my cycling!

In saying that, I must mention that Pip was great! Even on the first day up Mount Buffalo as she rode past me, she gave me a few little tips straight away to help me on the climb. As she was then one of my groups support riders I got to chat to her a bit more and she was always really positive and encouraging.

Overall, I had a great experience on the Boot Camp and would certainly consider coming again in the future.

Thanks again!
Bec

Trina
Hi David,
I did enjoy the boot camp. My expectations were more focused around being coached because Barney was originally going to go for the full four days. I did get personal satisfaction doing the long rides. Simon originally only was going because of me but he loved it so much he wants to do another one.

I recovered not so bad because I just dawdled up the climbs. Simon is still really smashed. He didn’t last 1km in Sundays A grade road race.

One minor thing that annoyed both Simon and I was that we each had a rider in our respective groups that would stand up up the hills and lose so much speed such that it caused Simon to clip wheels twice despite giving the rider a lot of room. Maybe it could just be mentioned at the start of the rides because I am sure people are unaware that they do it.

Thanks
Trina

Westly
Thank you David and Jodie,
Yes I enjoyed the four day alpine ride camp very much and have returned home safely as I also did from Falls Creek on the Sunday but was unsure if I would make it back down the mountain in those conditions. I must be a fair weather rider.

No complaints but one thing that I will mention is that the name ‘Boot Camp’ does not aptly describe the weekends activities as I would understand the term. I think I had been expecting some serious pushing e.g. hill reps . sprint reps. and even pushups and squats etc. However I have to admit that whilst I managed everything I was very tired on Wednesday right through to Sunday when the ride to Strathewan from Eltham was harder than going up Tawonga Gap.

My thanks go also to Phillipa, our group leader, who sometimes was far too good for us but very caring for our safety and to the fun filled van drivers they made all the difference between worrying about food and drink and getting that little break we needed but not hanging around too long.

John
Hi David,
Both Boot Camps I have attended have been very positive experiences. My expectations have been far exceeded by the level of professional organisation and welcoming atmosphere in general and, in particular, by the patient instruction, encouragement and support of the coaches and support riders. ( Surely coming back again so soon is in itself a testimonial).

Cycling is vital to the maintenance of my physical and mental well-being and while I now have to reassess my immediate priorities and aspirations, further participation in the Bright Boot Camp will be a top priority.

Best wishes to you and Jodie,
Regards,
JDS

Heather
Hello Jodie,
We are now  back to the real world  after a really great time at Bright. I must say it was one of the best “holidays” Steve and I have had, right there in our own back yard!

thank you
Heather

Darren Sayers
Hi Jodie/David,

I just wanted to send a quick message to let you know that I really enjoyed the Bright Boot Camp.  You can always tell a well organised event when it runs smoothly.  Having a fresh change of kit, water and food at the key points along the ride made a huge difference.  It would have been a much tougher 4 days without the support.

I also found the seminars interesting, in particular I am looking forward to seeing the analysis software that Harry is working on.  A while ago I looked for a piece of software to take my Garmin files but nothing really stood out as being ideal.  For now I just upload to Garmin Connect and use various rides to measure my improvement (ie. average power up 1 in 20).

As a final point, having Dave Sturt coach me is a huge bonus.  Its early days but I feel like I am going to get some real benefit from his guidance and be able to recreate myself as a better rider.

I hope to do the November camp as well.
Darren

Peter Smith
Just want to say … SUPER JOB GUYS.  You each have different skills and attributes that combine so well togther.  The camp lived up to everything I hoped for and more.  I got great help and generous advice from each of you, Pip, Tony, Mick and Jess.  The organization of the rides was flawless with safety 1,2 and 3.

I learned heaps, achieved more vertical meters and pushed up higher gradients than ever before. A new world of pain awaits!  I’ve got some hot new goals including moving up a grade and nailing Buffalo in less than 75 mins on my next Boot Camp.

Well done, cheers
Peter

Mark Jasper
Hi David and Jodie,

just a quick note to say thanks for a great few days on the bike.  In- spite of my “the only way is up form”, I was made to feel very welcome.  The effort that Chis and Mike put in on Saturday assisting me in achieving my best result possible was above and beyond the call and greatly appreciated.  All the support staff I had anything to do with showed a real passion for cycling and assisting me in improving.

It is easy to see why your camps are so successful.

The last thing I did while driving away was snap a photo of Mt Buffalo,  it now sits as the background on my computer and soon my ipad, as a reminder of my unfinished business!

Finally a personal thank you to you both.  I would have understood after Saturday if I had been seen as a bit of a nuisance, but instead you assisted me in making it a very positive, fun and motivational 4 days.

Thanks
Mark

Daniel McKenzie (Lexus of Brighton MD, Cycling-Inform Sponser)
Hi David

This is just a quick note to say thank you to yourself and the entire Cycling-Inform Team for looking after us so well at the recent Bright Boot Camp. Everything from the planned routes, matched groups to skills, safety measures and Jodie and the driver support teams fantastic on road support was first class.

We are very happy to have an association with Cycling Inform and I would have no hesitation in recommending the boot camp to anybody who is interested in cycling.

Please pass our thanks on to all involved and we look forward to an ongoing association.

Dean Jones
I am responding  because in most instances people have a lot to say when they are not pleased with something but generally dont give a compliment when it is due.

Even though I live in the hilly north eastern edge of  Melbourne and have done the Alpine Classic 200 and ACE 250 I am not a quick climber and know that I will never be one. Give me a flat, undulating or power hill type of course and I am at my best. The long climbs do not suit me but they are a challenge. It was therefore with some trepidation that I allowed Leigh (and my wife) to convince me to register. I then convinced Kevin to register.

On the Saturday night, after the Buffalo and back rain ride, I noticed that almost everyone, including myself, was grinning and happy. Despite the hills, that didnt change for the rest of the camp. I had a fantastic time as did everyone else I spoke with. The organisation and operation of the camp left nothing to be desired.

The support riders and support drivers were outstanding but I would like to give a special mention to Barney for his sense of humour and his willingness to share his cycling knowledge with those of us that are basically just weekend warriors.

Congratulations to both David and yourself for running such a great weekend.

Sue Horne
I just wanted to say a huge thank-you for a fabulous learning experience at the Bright Boot Camp. As a recreational cyclist but with huge aspirations, I could not have picked a better way to gain motivation, skills and positive feedback to pursue my cycling goals. I plan to return next year to see how much I can improve in 12 months.
Many thanks again- your organisation and co-ordination of the event was fabulous.
Best Wishes Sue

John Eltakchi
It was a different camp this year WET in BRIGHT, but it was fantastic.
Its great to see some of the old faces and the support crew which were very helpful and funny.
I had a different mind set when I saw Lucinda (from Singapore) climbing Mount Buffalo solo I said to my self I want to help her reach the top no matter what. About half the way she started to cramp up in one leg so we stopped, Mick in the support van pulled up and asked her if she was ok and she replied my leg is cramping, well if you know Mick he replied in a funny way its nice to know your alive so we were on our way. We reached the top of Buffalo in the pouring rain, shivering and cold. It was a blessing to see Dave and Jodie and the RAV4 for the trip back.

For me climbing up the mountains in the rain and the cold was an experience on its own, different than 2009 when we had 32 degree days climbing up Tawonga Gap out of the saddle doing 5 km/ and watching the sweat drip on to the bike and thinking to my self its either  me or the mountain, I chose me.

The 2010 November camp was wet and cold but it was a bright boot camp
Look  forward to next November camp. David and Jodie and the support crew you are an inspiration to all.

Thank you – John Eltakchi

Neil Baird-Watson
The November 2010 Boot Camp will be etched in my mind as delivering more intensity than is probably acceptable in one long weekend.  A full suite of; riding conditions, challenges, fun, exhilaration and fatigue   ………. and loving it!

Typically a beach road woos when it come to rain, Buffalo on the first day was, a revelation.  I never knew how motivating the thought of a hot shower back at the Porpunka Caravan park could be. I’d never been up Buffalo as fast, yet the conditions were, to the casual observer, appalling.  The hour and a bit of “up” was nothing compared to the descent amidst the clouds, giant road crossing worms and driving rain coming down.  However, once showered and dry I could bearly remember what all the consternation was about! …. a profound sense of satisfaction descended as my core temperature rose.

Over the ensuing 3 days the level of fatigue steadily continued to rise as did the vertical metres attained with each new climb; Tawonga x 3, Falls Creek, Hotham and Rosewhite. With deep fatigue lurking, especially on the “easy” last day, a mental commitment to the climb became as taxing as maintaining the 77rpm cadence that my Garmin had indicated was my sweet spot, albeit now somewhat “sticky” in the gaze of the bright sunshine and cow heaven paddocked country roads.

If this was cycling nirvana then I was a mere endorphin, just along for the glorious ride!

Congratulations to Jodie and David on delivering a “Boot Camp” replete with a level of professionalism, support and planning that seemed to make the whole experience effortless, metaphorically speaking and pedaling excepted.

The support cars were omnipresent and stocked with sustenance and encouragement..

A special thanks to the support riders.  Danny for going slow enough to allow me to savour his awesome down hill line, Barney for his relentless metronomic pace setting and Ollie for his enthusiastic banter.  The inclusion of a team mechanic proved invaluable and well utilised.

I ask you, what sort of a person would you be, if you couldn’t get hyper actively ensconced, thoroughly motivated and semi delirious about spending a long weekend immersed in the delights of a Boot Camp and 4,000 vertical metres?

I’ll be back
Cheers Neil

Anthony McIntosh
I have to say that I was really impressed with last year’s Bootcamp.
Staying with other riders at the base caravan park in Porepunkah was terrific, the rider support was great (even if I did frustrate a couple of them with my numerous flat tyres – a few lessons learned on my behalf there!), I managed to make it to all the seminars, which was terrific, and the organisation of the rides, briefings etc was first rate.

I tend to only undertake activities if I can see them improving me in some way, so, accordingly, Nov 2010 will be my fourth Bootcamp.  It has helped enormously with my cycling in the directions I’ve taken it.  For example, goals that I have hit, or have been aiming for in recent/current years:
Audax Alpine Classic 2009 200km (completed); Audax Alpine Classic Extreme 2010 250km (completed); 2010 commence track racing (done); 2010 Masters Cycling Ballarat (Sept forthcoming).

Looking forward to November and hope once again we get a great bunch of riders and glorious weather!

Cheers, Anthony

Jon Wilson
I went for a ride yesterday to Mordy and back and I’ve never gone up ricketts point hill so well (without a tail wind!). I feel stronger on the hills now and I seem to last longer on the flat – so something good must have happened. My legs feel fine also. I’ve told a few of my business acquaintances  about the boot camp, however they look at me a little strangely and wonder why on earth anyone would want to do such a thing! I suppose its hard to explain the enjoyment I get from being out in the open and stretching my self physically?, or possibly you do have to be a bit crazy!  Thanks again.

Laurie Paltridge
Just wanted to let you know the boot camp has had very positive results with me in my past three of races. All the coaching on descending, cornering & bunch riding plus the added strength let me get into the Pink jersey as the leader in the Sth West series goes from MT Gambier across to Colac. This weekend the courses were quiet hard with plenty of up & downs & around corners at the bottom of descents which where the Boot Camp really kicked in. Really looking forward to Racing Right camp, as there is a great feeling in getting better! There has been a fair bit of talk about me doing the camp & my improvement. Thanks also for the cycling tips each week they are a big help. See you at the Tour of Coleraine.

Josh Goodall
David,

I thought the camp was fantastic – exactly what I wanted, well managed, and intelligently structured for riders of all abilities – even accommodating a big bloke like myself, born more to play rugby than climb mountains on two wheels!

I was inspired enough to tackle the Three Peaks Challenge. The whole distance. I know, I know, Jodie was suggesting your novice racing clinic for that day, but I had the Alpine itch now and had to scratch it. Most of all, I wanted to see the top of Mount Hotham! You’ll recall that on camp we turned around at the gates as the weather closed in.

Well, the weather for the 3PC was horrific, but the peak of Hotham I did indeed reach. I recalled your comment about the climb (“sometimes when I’m going up here I wonder to myself – ‘why was I doing this again?'”). That exposed summit in driving rain, hail and 50km/h crosswinds was a thorough test of mind, body, bicycle maintenance and quality thermal clothing. But there I was. I raised a fist to the mountain and the elements and then hurried along to Dinner Plain as briskly as seemed sensible.

You might remember that I’m a climber of the slow-but-stubborn variety. And after Mt Hotham nothing could faze me again, so I just kept going and going until dark (rain still bucketing down) when the marshals stopped anyone lacking Audax-scale lighting. According to my HRM this was at 209.3km after 9.5h of riding, 11h elapsed. Pleased to say that I didn’t walk any of it, unlike many who got off for CRB Hill and for the Mt-Baw-Baw-style horror that is the start of the Bogong High Plains Road.

On that last bus we were pretty happy (albeit slightly resentful) to have been forced to halt rather than sagging off!

Without the inspiration, guidance, and most certainly the power-endurance training of the Bright Boot Camp, I’d never even have tried. I plan to be back next year*, both for another edition of the Boot Camp and to complete my unfinished business with the 3PC!

So thanks to you and Jodie (and your crew) for a marvellous and truly inspirational four days in riding heaven.

All the very best.

Josh Goodall

* “ten percent lighter, ten percent stronger: twenty-one percent faster!”

p.s. I encountered Bill from the same boot camp on the Hotham climb! He was going strong toward the summit. Please pass on to him my best regards.

Lisa Karu
David, Jodie & Support riders,

Thank-you all for a fantastic four days of cycling.  This was my first boot camp experience but definitely not my last.  I have ridden the mountains in Bright before (such as the Alpine Classic) but this boot camp took the whole experience to another level.  The combination of challenging rides in small groups, beautiful scenery, excellent support, friendly fellow cyclists and informative lectures was perfect – I would recommend this camp to anyone who loves cycling and wants to improve their performance -be warned, you need to be fit!   I learnt so much on this camp from both the lectures, support riders and fellow cyclists.    A big thank-you to all those in Group 3 who provided me with laughs and conversation along the way.  Oh and big thank-you to Mick for your generosity and humour in the support van, you were unreal and also to Marina (your massage was more painful than the rides).   The camp has given me a lot more confidence as a rider and I am determined to come back faster and stronger next time!

Laurie Paltridge
Hi David & Jodie

I had a fantastic time! It was a shock to me climbing Mt Buffalo & I must admit I thought I was an idiot for doing something as hard as this especially when Buffalo is supposedly the easy climb. If Id been on my own Im sure I wouldve stopped halfway up but with all the encouragement from the support crew I made it & then what a sense of achievement & satisfaction. Mentally its the toughest hour & quarter Ive ever done. The new knowledge I got about my body & mind was amazing. Patience is one thing I didnt have a lot of but have now. From then on the rides just got better & better with the skills ,knowledge, help &encouragement we received from you & the support staff. When I got home & down loaded all my data it truly amazed me what I had achieved, coming from flat windy Port Fairy with one hill 1km long to doing these great climbs. Meeting like minded people was great, as they came from all over Australia. I shared a cabin with 2 repeat Boot Camp riders which was truly a great experience. I will be back again.

Thanks again. See you at the Tour of Coleraine

Regards Laurie

Peter Coulson
Thanks for a great camp.  I’ll most certainly come back next feb. Had a great time and loved those hills.

I’ll leave Chris behind next time but would guess he will be racing with Radioshack by then anyway.  ha

Top time. Loved it.

Pencil me in for the double bed in the house next time.

Jon Wilson
Hi David and Jodie

I would like to thank you very much for a great 4 days of cycling, i throughly enjoyed my self, learnt alot more about hill climbing and descending, fitness and bicycle maintenance, plus I met a wonderful group people.

You have assembled a great bunch of people for your support staff (who truely earnt their “support” title). A special thanks has to go to Chris for helping me up Tawonga gap on the return journey –  although I was just about knackered he taught me alot about hill climbing and I think I imporved after that – ceratinly monday and tuesday were much better for me. Thanks to Mikey for making me laugh even on the climbs.

Also a special thanks to you David fo helping me up the Falls Hill, I was just about to give up a couple of times (you might remember I let go a couple of expeletives!), but your steady support beside me was just fantastic – you were always willing to let me have a go and support me – so thank you again.

Jodie you did a fantastic job with the minutiae of the organisation for the 4 days and it was very much appreciated.

Once again, congratulations on following your dream and bringing the event to reality. In the modern vernacular – “it was an awesome 4 days”.

Kind regards, Jon Wilson

PS: I don’t know how I did it on that first day, but I’ve already stuck my “King of the Mountain” name tag up on the office wall – every dog must have its day, and guess that’s my cycling day!

Genevieve Southerland
Thanks once again for a great Boot Camp. I knew what I was in for and have recovered much better this time. The support and accommodation was terrific. Thanks for the extra freebies and your encouragement gift to me acknowledging my improvement since last camp. Also ‘tickled pink’ with my poka dot name tag for QOM this time. Them there mountains will call me back again for another Boot Camp I’m sure.

Many Thanks Genevieve

Gary
Hi David,

Very much in recovery mode this week. Had a easy E2 trainer ride last night, only upped the pace once to coincide with a stage finish on dvd