10th Annual Near Death Experience

June 4-7, 2009

(Also Available- "Into Thin Air" Camp
June 11-14 Click here for details.)

This is the official web site of Kirkwood Mountain Resort 10th annual Near Death Experience (NDE) focusing on preparation for the 2009 Tour of the California Alps (a.k.a Markleeville Death Ride).

The NDE includes guaranteed entry to the Death Ride; Professional Coaching by elite coach Robert Panzera and coaching associates; Event Jersey; Altitude-Climbing-EnduranceTM Training Manual authored by Arnie Baker, MD; All Meals; Camp Photo; SAG Support; and more!

The NDE is the premiere camp to prepare riders for the Death Ride (or any long distance, climbing ride you have planned this summer).  Entering its 10th Anniversary, the NDE will continue, and build upon, the level of excellence set forth in its previous nine editions. Under the guidance of Rob Panzera and his coaching associates, campers will be provided the knowledge and hands-on training necessary to prepare them for an excellent experience at the Death Ride.

New for the 10th Edition:

• Optional clinic on power meters and heart rate monitors
• Optional clinic on quick mechanical fixes
• Shorter, more focused talks on Death Ride preparation specifics
• More on-the-road coaching, with daily goals for each camper
• More mid-ride clinics to improve bike handling, climbing, and descending skills

Depending on ability and inclination, campers will have a chance to experience all passes in the Tour broken out among the 3-days of the camp—including a chance to climb 10,000 feet over two of the Death Ride passes in one day!

The tentative ride schedule is as follows:
Friday: Carson Pass
Saturday: Monitor and Ebbetts Passes
Sunday: Ebbetts Pass

All rides will be SAG supported, meaning campers will be treated to lunch, snacks, and water on the road along with mechanical assistance, as it may arise.

Riding along each day, campers can expect on-the-road coaching, which may include: cycling safety, bike fit (as necessary), descending skills, climbing skills, nutrition tips, Death Ride tips, etc. Exclusively developed for the 10th edition, the 2009 NDE will include optional clinics on using power meters and heart rate monitors, and quick mechanical fixes.

In addition, each morning during breakfast, campers will be giving daily riding goals and targets, and the information needed to achieve them. At lunch stops and in the evening, campers will be treated to brief talks concerning various preparations for the Death Ride.

An example tentative daily talk schedule is as follows:
Thursday: Welcome, General Tour Knowledge, Safety, Descending, On-the-Road Nutrition
Friday: General Training Nutrition, Pacing, Climbing, General Physical Training
Saturday: Secrets of the Death Ride, Power Meters, Heart Rate Monitors

Come ride with us at Kirkwood Mountain Resort to gain valuable insight and proper training to prepare you for an improved experience and performance at the Tour of the California Alps!

"I just returned from a six day advanced ride in the Appennines in Italy.  The Near Death Experience's excellent coaching on pacing, breathing, nutrition and downhill riding made the trip most enjoyable and safe.  This 2 1/2 day camp is a must for any serious rider who wants to get more out of their riding experiences." - Charlie Michaels, NDE 2008 participant

For more information call (209) 258-7359 or e-mail jchranowski@kirkwood.com.
For a .pdf of frequently asked questions, click here.
For information on the Death Ride, visit www.deathride.com