Camp pictures

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Camp Chopper Victory

Last year I got the idea of putting on a winter cycling camp. The idea was to create a destination camp similar to the ones the pros ride each winter in preparation for race season.

This last weekend Camp Chopper went off without a hitch. The roads around the Paso Robles area delivered killer rides as promised. The group of 25 got in 235 miles over the 4 days.

The first ride was an acclimation to Paso 35 miler. The ride took in the hills of Peachy Canyon, Vineyard and Lake Nacimento Road. That ride was followed by a private tasting at Mitchella and a welcome dinner at Berry Hill Bistro for 30.

On Friday we headed out towards the coast. A 75 mile loop that featured the climb up Old River road from Cayucos. This was the only day we saw rain. The ride was fully supported by Honey Stinger and Victoria. Team masseuse was available upon our return and one more private tasting for the campers at Adelaida.

Saturday morning started like the others with the wicked good free breakfast at LaQuinta. Fuel was on everyone mind as the Grand Chopper loomed. A 90 mile ride that included the climb up Santa Rosa Creek Road. Amgen tour of Cal had to remove this climb from last years race. We beat that road like a rented mule. Back at the hotel we were hooked up with Domino's from Vic and Free beer from Trek.

On Sunday we concluded with a recovery 35 miler featuring the east side rollers of Paso. The rest of the Camp Chopper family members joined us for the ride. The crew rolled back in and the first inaugural Camp Chopper was in the books.

Paso delivered on all fronts. The routes, miles, climbs, support, weather, hotel, meals, wine, scenery and killer swag. Thanks to all sponsors, wineries and riders who contributed to Camp Chopper.

PS: Anyone who was unable to attend this years camp is free to help the Camp Chopper beneficiary this year by making a donation to LiveStrong on the link located on this web site.

Camp opens tomorrow !

Camp Chopper Itinerary

Here is The Official Camp Chopper Itinerary:

January 19th Thursday
1:00 check in LaQuinta Inns and Suites
2:00 Peachy Canyon loop 35 mile ride
5:00 Private group wine tasting at Mitchella Vineyards (meet in lobby at 4:45
for carpool ) then head over to ....
6:30 Berry Hill Bistro Welcome night Group Dinner

January 20th Friday
9:00 am Cambria 46 West loop 80 mile ride
3:30 pm Adelaida Cellars private group wine tasting.

January 21st Saturday
9:00am Grand Chopper 90 mile ride
Pizza Party at hotel in lobby waiting for us when we finish the Grand Chopper.

January 22nd Sunday
9:00 Nacimiento Road loop 35 mile ride
12:00 check out and see who's up for a little more tasting

Notes:

The hotel is on 46 East just a few minutes from downtown. Paso Robles is a
classic central coast town. The city has a large city park in the center of
town. The restaurants, shops, bars etc are all located downtown in this area.

To get downtown from the hotel you simply go west on 46. This road becomes 24th
street. Turn left on Spring Street. Turn left on 12th street and you are at the
city park and all of Paso Robles.

Each of you will be receiving a Paso Robles Wine Country map. The guide has an
A-Z listing of all the area wineries and restaurants. It's a very handy guide
and it will be given to you in your Camp Chopper welcome gift.

FYI below are some suggested wineries:

Peachy Canyon , Edward Cellars, Austin Hope, Rotta , Turley , Hunt,
Chronic Cellars, Mondo, La Aventure, Ecluse, Opolo , Four Vines, Calcareous,
Penman Springs and Tablas Creek if you prefer white wine.