BB  Camp Day 3: Clinic With Sir Brad and TJ

BB Camp Day 2:  Conquering the “Yips”

BB Camp Day 1: Point AND Sweep

Run Up; Walk Down + Dog Walk

Lunch Ride

While I’m happy to report progress on fitness for the ‘Ol Hot Rod, today’s ride truly was a triumph of will. Two years ago at this camp I went into a violent “speed wobble” entering the steep and technical top turns of Portrero Road. With most of the field and Andrew Talansky on my wheel I found myself unable to control the wild wobbles as I entered a hairpin turn with oncoming traffic. Somehow I  got the rig under control and had to stop. With more than 48 years of cycling and countless mishaps, mistakes and crashes, THAT incident nearly ended my cycling and my livelihood. Other incidents followed. Consultations with such mechanics as Christopher  Zigmont, pro riders, friends did help … a bit. Research showed I was not alone, including a great article by THE Leonard Zinn. The problem - it turned out - was multi—faceted. A number of adjustments  to fit, equipment, and descending positions helped. But honestly…. I had developed a bad case of the “Yips.” I had to re—learn how to descend. Fortunately my move to Western Mass and the amazing network of roads with climbs and descents afforded me the opportunity to “session” technical and steep descents. 
Today I led the way down that same descent, riding safely but on the front. After the rollout, a group came by with some studs: Cameron Wurf , THE Alberto Contador Velasco and Sir Bradley Wiggins…..and a handful of customers. BAM…we were off the front. It felt FANTASTIC. After spending 25 miles in the “Engine Room”, I returned to my delightful duties working with great campers in our B Group. We safely drained down Decker Canyon Road to the PCH, climbed Encinal (1.5x) working with customers, and then we calmly railed down Westlake Blvd. Fitness? Great, I finished fresh.  But the big win? Conquering those Yips over the last 18 months and NOT quitting. Sorry for the long report.

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Richard Fries - Best Buddies

BB Camp Day 2: Conquering the “Yips”

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BB Camp Day 3: Clinic With Sir Brad and TJ

BB Camp Day 2: Conquering the “Yips”

BB Camp Day 1: Point AND Sweep

Run Up; Walk Down + Dog Walk

Lunch Ride

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