The OTC @ Chula Vista

Alisha Says: So a couple of weeks ago I got one of the coolest emails I have ever received inviting me to attend the US Women's Talent Identification Camp at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California. I was super excited and a little nervous. This was the first time that I have ever had to fly with a bike. I borrowed a bike box and Dave explained what bolts he was undoing and parts he was taking off to fit it in the box. I tried to remember everything because I would have to be the one to put it back together all by myself when I got there.

I made it to San Diego and waited impatiently for my bike to be delivered to the baggage claim area. Finally it came and I found my shuttle which was a van with a big USA with the Olympic rings under it on the side. I was transported by a cool guy who volunteers at the center. When I got there I found several other girls unpacking and building their bikes and so I went over and joined them. I was happy that I was able to put my bike back together all by myself. We checked in and met everyone. It was a super small camp, only five super neat girls (Elspeth, Kendee, Yasmin, Mary, and myself) and two staff (Corey and Clay). That afternoon we went for a ride. I was really hoping that my bike would stay in one piece and that I didn't accidentally not tighten a bolt or something but it did! You can practically see the border from the center (I think it is only like three miles away) and while were were riding were passed by at least seven border patrol vehicles which continued to be a trend on all of our rides. That night after a delish dinner at the dining hall (lots of healthy choices) we had Kristen a sports psychologist talk to us. It was such good information.

Day 2: We went for a 3:30 group spin out and around Coronado Island. We rode on a bike path for quite a long time. It was a little questionable because it involved passing countless people and animals. One time we passed a lady being pushed in a wheelchair and I think that we scared her from the noise that she made. Another crazy lady yelled at us both times that we passed her for going to fast. It was a fun ride and I got to talk with Kristen and ask her lots of questions which was cool. That afternoon we met with a nutritionist followed by Corey talking about power and explaining the field tests that we would be doing. The dinner break was followed by a really interesting talk by the USADA (US Anti Doping Association) because sadly this has been a problem in our sport of cycling.

Day 3: Field test #1. This was the short test, it sounds easy but it was not. A simple 2K all out on a medium incline. Think all out sprint. After lunch Clay talked to us about track riding and racing in Europe. After dinner we played a mean game of Mad Gab where team Clay, Mary, Yasmin, Alisha took home the gold! Then Clay entertained us for quite some time with his many great stories from traveling abroad with a bunch of cyclists!

Day 4: Field test #2. This was the long test, it sounds hard, and it was. It was a 20 minute time trial up a pretty good climb. I love climbing but it still hurts, especially when you want to do well. I felt okay and really focused on not going too hard at first. I still think I went a little too hard and the last couple of minutes when I really wanted to be flying I was hurtin'!! On the ride back Mary, Corey and I started attacking each other, it was really fun. After dinner we met individually with the Coaches and they told us the results of our field tests. The tests were to figure out your watts per kilo for certain amounts of time which they can compare to other cyclists. My results were good and the coaches said that I have potential.

Day 5: We got up early today, ate breakfast, loaded our bikes in the van and drove to Torrey Pines for a nice three hour ride. We had an incident where we were riding on a four lane road that wasn't very busy and had a bike lane. Clay and I were riding double and chatting when a guy came up along side us and not so kindly and using numerous profanities to ride single file. Clay told him that there were two lanes and he could drive in the other one. Words were exchanged and the guy slammed on his brakes. I thought that he was getting out of his car. Clay got out his phone to take a picture of his license plate and then he sped off running a stop sign and into the curb. Ummm, good times. After lunch Mari Holden, a national, world, and Olympic medalist came and talked to us. She was super stylish and gave us tonnns of good advice. That night we went to the movies and saw Julie and Julie, super lame, don't waste your time or money.

Day 6: Nothing much happened on this day. Everyone left at varying times to catch their flights. Elspeth and I had a couple of hours to kill in the morning so we went and watched the BMX athletes practice. I recognized a few of them, like Mike Day, from watching the Beijing Olympics on TV. My flight home was nice and I was able to find the car that Dave had left for me at the airport. The camp was a super neat-o experience and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to go!!!