Kirkwood to host annual 'Near Death Experience' Bike Camp

Riding 129 miles and climbing 15,000-plus feet all in one day demands a rigorous training schedule and Kirkwood’s annual “Near Death Experience” bike camp can give riders the inside edge they need to complete such a challenging task.

The annual Near Death Experience will take place at Kirkwood Mountain Resort from June 6-9, 2013. Entering its 15th year, the Near Death Experience is the premier training camp for riders preparing for the Death Ride, the grueling 129-mile bike tour of the California Alps on July 13, 2013. Kirkwood’s Near Death Experience Bike Camp is designed to take riders to the next level, providing them with the knowledge and hands-on training necessary to prepare them for an improved cycling and event experience.

“Entering its 15th year, the Near Death Experience is the ideal way to prepare for the Death Ride, or any other endurance cycling event. Being able to train on three passes of the Death Ride the month before the event is empowering, and the way we attack them during three days is a healthy approach,” said Frederick Newberry, Kirkwood’s health and safety manager. “The riders, mentors and coaches at this camp are all very inspiring, and Kirkwood’s location and elevation create the ideal launch pad for adventurers and endurance athletes.”

Led by elite coach Robert Panzera from Cycling Camp San Diego, campers will be provided the knowledge and hands-on training necessary to conquer the 2013 Death Ride with confidence. Each day consists of on-the-road coaching focused on climbing, descending, bike fit/position and instruction in pacing, breathing and focus. Also included are evening clinics and seminars, covering topics such as nutrition, altitude, performance drills, quick mechanical fixes, strength and conditioning and more. As an added bonus, interested participants have the option of arriving early on Wednesday or Thursday to gain some additional riding time and coaching from Panzera and the CCSD Mentors.

“The CCSD is pleased to partner with Kirkwood once again to host the Near Death Experience cycling camp. No other cycling training camp for the Death Ride, or similar event, offers the unparalleled combination of service, support, coaching, and experience that this camp does,” said Panzera. “For those new to the event, the experience of being able to ride all, or part, of the course under similar event day conditions will be invaluable. For those who are new or returning to the Death Ride, the on-the-road support, on-the-road coaching, and evening workshops will take their Death Ride performance to the next level. It is impossible to attend without learning something new, improving your performance, or enjoying the camaraderie and atmosphere.”

Riders will also have a chance to experience all three mountain passes of the Death Ride tour, depending on ability and inclination. Broken out among the three days of camp, riders can get a feel for the route by riding over Monitor Pass (8,314’), Ebbetts Pass (8,730’), and Carson Pass (8,573’). The first 60 participants to register for the camp are also guaranteed entry into the 2013 Death Ride, for which open registration is now closed.

Discounted lodging is available for participants through Kirkwood Vacations, call 800-967-7500. To register for the camp click here. For further information, contact Expedition: Kirkwood at 209-258-7360 or expeditionkirkwood@vailresorts.com. For more about coaching and curriculum, contact robert@ccsd.com.

Kirkwood features one of the most scenic, yet challenging mountain bike parks in the Sierras. The Kirkwood Mountain Bike Park is accessible via Chairlifts 1 and 2 on weekends from July 6-September 1, 2013, from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, trail conditions permitting. The network of roads and single tracks lead riders through spectacular terrain high in the Sierra. Advanced riders looking for a challenging cross country ride should check out the Sentinels Trail, intermediate riders should try the Robey Wolfe trail, and casual riders should take an enjoyable, scenic ride through Devil’s Corral.

About Kirkwood
Kirkwood Mountain Resort is one of the nation's top destination resorts. Located just 177 miles from the Bay Area along scenic Highway 88, its base elevation of 7,800-feet, assures skiers more annual snowfall than any other resort in North America. Kirkwood is recognized by winter purists and national media alike for the quality of its snow and terrain variety and is a true skier’s destination. Known for its pristine beauty and action-packed expeditions and events, winter fun includes skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, sled dog tours, and backcountry expeditions. An ideal location for weddings and corporate meetings, the Kirkwood Village includes boutique shopping, live music and dining. For more information about Kirkwood Mountain Resort, visit www.kirkwood.com or call 209.258.6000.