Bright Boot Camp

"The Bright Boot Camp is structured around either the serious recreational rider or club racing rider who is looking for a challenging four days of riding. Not intended to be an easy four days the Camp is focused on helping improve your fitness and general wellbeing as a cyclist. We provide informative lectures on improving cycling performance. Riders that have attended the camp regularly go up a racing grade soon after it." - Cycling Inform

Cathy and I packed up the Troopy on Friday and headed off to Bright. The weather forecast was fine, with some showers forecast for later in the long weekend.

Saturday 3rd November - 78km
7:15am start for 40 crazy cyclists, as we head up Mt Buffalo. Today is grading day, our results determine our groupings for the rest of the weekend.


I am graded into Group 3. Afternoon and evening lectures including body maintenance (apparently I need a new one) and altitude training.

Sunday 4th November - 136km
The longest and hardest day of the camp. Over Tawonga Gap and up to Falls Creek. David H. provided the pacing for our group. Lots of snow visible on the summit. It was a huge struggle to get back over Tawonga Gap on the way home but fortunately it's all downhill from there.

Monday 5th November - 124km
Probably, the toughest day - up Mt Hotham. I asked to move up to Group 2 as Group 3 were not going all the way to the top. The group gave me an easy tow to Harrietville where Michael and I got a head start on the rest of the group. It got very windy as we climbed higher. The views are amazing from above the snow line. Riding the descent was awesome - it's the reason I climb ;)

Tuesday 6th November (Cup Day) - 110km
At last an easier day. Some chose the shorter coffee ride to Mytleford , but I'd never ridden the loop so off I went. Lisa and Ollie looked after me in Group 2. As per yesterday, I took it easy during the early flatter sections to save some energy for the climbs. After some useful advice from Lisa, I set a PB up Tawonga Gap. Extremely happy after 3 days of very solid effort.

An amazing weekend - great company, highly organised, unbelievable weather and I learnt a lot from some very experienced cyclists. Now, to lose a few more kgs...

PS. And thanks to my beautiful wife who supplied the massages, coffee and a good laugh when required :)