Just got out of the three day camp. If you'd seen me ride before and you watch me ride now, you'll probably think I'm a worse rider now than three days ago. For example, I now stall at some easy switchbacks that I did not have any problems with before. That's only because now I'm so conscious about my bad ol' habits and am trying so hard to do the right thing that my riding is a bit awkward. But I'm confident that I'll be a better rider in a couple of months.
I think that's what his camp is about. You walk away with the knowledge what the most efficient way of riding should be, and even though you can't execute the correct way perfectly yet, you are equipped with the knowledge how to practice to get there. The rest is on you -- practice.
I've been to a couple of rock climbing camps and a very short mountain biking clinic with some world famous athletes. I had a blast every time. But now when I look back, I realize that those camps have focused on creating a ____ (fill in with the famous name) experience. The moment you walk away from the camp, the experience ends right there. Imagine you are in a forest not knowing the way out. Those camps put someone you have always worshiped right next to you to walk with you for a little while. They are nice and their ease at navigation is very impressive. But then they disappear, and you are still lost. Gene would walk with you and give you the well thought-out and well articulated directions on how to get out of the forest. The rest of the way, you still have to walk, but you know if you follow the directions, you can get out on your own.
I strongly recommend his camps to everyone.
[note: I don't get incentives by saying nice words about his camps.
]
