Let's say you're a road cyclist and you want to build up to 50 to 75 miles a day—possibly to prepare for the Sawtooth Century Tour Sept. 17 in the Stanley Basin. What to do?
Organizers of the Wood River Valley's new cycling club called Sawtooth Velo are suggesting that you sign up for this summer's "Secrets of Cycling Adult Cycling Program," an eight-week session for adults who enjoy cycling for fitness.
The program, running July 12 through Sept. 1 on Tuesday mornings or late Thursday afternoons, is designed to provide insights and expert instruction to ride farther, faster and more comfortably.
All ability levels are welcome, but generally intermediate through advanced cyclists may benefit the most, according to Mark Gilbreath of Sawtooth Velo. "It's the first product that Sawtooth Velo has offered for the general cyclist," he said.
Sawtooth Velo, a cycling club supported by the Foundation for Active Sports Training (FAST), intends to further recreational and pro cycling in the Wood River Valley. Sawtooth Velo offers a competitive adult cycling team, offers weekly cycling clinics and hosts educational programs for all adult cyclists.
Gilbreath said, "Sawtooth Velo is modeled after what Jon Engen and Muffy Ritz have done here with cross-country skiers to help prepare them for events like the Boulder Mountain Tour. It's hands-on."
Each weekly clinic in "Secrets of Cycling," will address a key technical and conditioning topic through a mix of stationary instruction, drills and group riding on a variety of terrain.
You'll get comfortable with drafting and riding in a group, and you'll learn to master cornering and braking. An efficient pedaling style and cadence are always important for a cyclist. Want to learn the best ways to climb and descend? Join up.
Gilbreath said that clinic participants will learn about core-strength conditioning and flexibility and tips for developing endurance. You'll be invited on two optional endurance rides (50 and 75 miles) in preparation for September's Century Ride.
Weekly two-and-a-half hour sessions are available Tuesdays at 9 a.m. or Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. starting July 12, all sessions meeting at Ketchum's Atkinson Park. Cost is $250 per person for eight weeks, with individual sessions priced at $40 each. But space is limited.
Clinic instructors include Claudia Hattrup, Muffy Ritz, Tom Campion, E.J. Harpham, Jon Engen, Mark Gilbreath, Brooke Bergdahl, Rebecca Rusch, Shannon Jackson and Joel Zellers. There will be special guest speakers as well.
The sponsors are Jensen Stern, Big Wood Bread, Croy Group, The Elephant's Perch, Sturtos, Formula Sports, Java and Associated Brokers (Darlene Young).
Download registration forms at sawtoothvelo.org/programs or call 726-0946 ext. 1. You can also e-mail for information at info@sawtoothvelo.org or mark_gilbreath@hotmail.com.
