Advanced Camps

Our race-proven professional coaches and special guests will guide riders through line choice, trail vision, energy conservation, and making a new trail ride fast and fun like an old favorite. Their years of valuable race experience will be consolidated and passed on to riders through skill sessions as well as conversations about the mental and psychological way of approaching bike racing. This week will incorporate some Enduro (pedal up, race down) and some DH (chairlift up, race down) days to cover the best variety of terrain available. Expect a mix of liftserve, pedal, and shuttle days.

Gravity Race Camp: Devo

This camp is designed for 14-18 year-old athletes competing in U15/16 and above categories in Enduro and/or Downhill in races such as Eastern States Cups, Enduro World Series and Junior 17/18 category in USA Cycling National Downhill Series.

SMBA and guest coaches will provide technical training, strength and conditioning in a structure deliberate to each athlete’s goals with training and racing strategically managed to aid athletic progression, avoid burnout and injury, and build camaraderie with peers and the greater race community.

Throughout the week, we will ride several different areas and get to know the trails better through guided trail analysis, skills practice, memory and trail landmark detection, and also lots of sessioning and repetition to lock in new skills. Skills covered will include: line choice, trail vision, cornering, braking, pressure control, and how to conserve energy and maximize speed and boost general fun on bikes.

What to Expect:

• Expert Instruction: Our highly experienced coaches will share their valuable knowledge and race-winning strategies to help you fine-tune your skills. We'll cover everything from bike setup and handling to efficient climbing (important in all Enduro race formates) and technical descents - including berms, jumps, drops, gaps, flat cornering and rocky terrain.

• Bike Setup and Repairs: Shop partners will walk through common bike repairs, what should be in our tool kits for race day, and our PT partner will review our bike setup to ensure a proper fit.

• Physical Conditioning: Racing requires a high level of fitness, and our camp includes comprehensive training plans and workouts tailored to improve your endurance, strength, and speed beyond your week with us. Our coaches will help you understand the importance of interval training for fitness, recovery, and building a solid foundation to optimize your race performance.

• Course Familiarization - line choice, trail vision: Knowing the racecourse is crucial for developing effective race strategies. Our coaches will share their techniques for reviewing a race course and how they chose and ride their line choice including cornering, braking, pressure and speed control.

• Race Simulation and Mental Performance Skills Training: To truly prepare yourself for the intense atmosphere of race day, we will recreate race scenarios during the camp. This will not only provide you with the opportunity to practice your skills but also help you manage the psychological pressures and decision-making required in high-pressure situations. Meet with our Partner - Ultimate Mental Edge - a Sports Psychology Consulting firm designed to help athletes improve their performance through mental preparation and skills training.

• Peer Support and Networking: This camp provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow riders who share your passion for mountain bike racing. The supportive environment will offer motivational camaraderie and the chance to exchange experiences, tips, and encouragement.