March 25, 2011 (Rocky Bottom, SC) – Read the final report from the OCA SPF Spring Endurance Camp that took place in Rocky Bottom, SC. Cayley Brooks wrote the recap, which includes camp award winners for most improved, best attitude, leadership and happiest rider.

Day 9
by Cayley Brooks

Sunday morning we sadly prepared for our last ride. We met in the theatre for the morning meeting and got to enjoy a slideshow of all the great photos from the week, courtesy of Rob “Special F X” Fex. The good memories put us all in a better mood for the start of our ride.

The sky was overcast so we all packed rain jackets just in case (we didn’t need them). The rides varied in distance from 95 to 145 km and all included the “Whitewater Falls” climb. From there the groups headed to Highlands, Cashiers or back towards camp. The longer groups took a much-needed break at a coffee shop to refuel. It wasn’t the warmest day so we were all a little chilly when we started off again. For the way home we were happy to find nice new pavement on the decent down to Rosman which has been known to be a little sketchy in past years. In Sarge’s group we had another excessively long Continental Divide sprint to finish off the ride.

Once back at camp the clean-up began. Everyone went to work packing and sweeping before the cabins were inspected. At our evening meeting awards were given out for most improved, best attitude, leadership and happiest rider. The rest of the night was spent eating leftover food until we all felt sick, and then heading to bed for a couple hours of sleep before the long haul home.

Overall the camp was a huge success. The skills and drills and the mini Olympics added some different training in with the long endurance rides. It was obvious all week that everyone was having a great time meeting new people and hanging out with old friends.

Thank you to all the coaches that made this camp the best one yet!