South Carolina Camp

South Carolina Camp - 2024

Dates: March 10-16

Ride starts: Typically about 9-10 am.

Location: Based out of The Rock Golf Club and Resort

Google Location: 171 Sliding Rock Rd, Pickens, SC 29671, United States

Accommodations:

Self-arranged. There are a lot of Air B&B rentals in the area that are well priced to share. In the past some have stayed at Table Rock State park as well. They have small and large cabins and are about 5 km from where we start rides.

Link to Air B&B

In the past. Most houses and cabins did meal prep sharing where cabins would take turns making meals for each other. This way you only have to make dinner every other night. This worked very well and saves money and energy.

Groups:

The plan will be 2-3 groups riding on most days based on ability. Rides will vary between 3-5 hours except for recovery days. Each group will have a designated ride leader. There will be detailed training and route planning. The multiple groups will allow athletes to find a group that suits their needs. There will be a base level of fitness to sustain the groups.

There will be limits for numbers of attendees and I need some people to step up to lead groups within their riding limits. Hope is to have a max of 10/group.

Traveling:

Typically people drive down and we have seen lots of carpooling. It is about a 11-12 hour drive.

Routes:

See below. We do adjust as needed. 

Must have:

LCW membership in good standing

Travel Medical Insurance

What to bring:

Bike in working order, Basic repair kit (you need to be self-sufficient on rides for repairs),  Spare tire, GPS head unit with basic navigation, cycling kit for weather between near freezing to 20c.

Interested or you are in?

You need to email me, Chris Pollett, to have your name added so I can send details as they come. I like to know who is coming by March 1. 

Plan

Rides are Zone 2 out with a rotating paceline. Efforts on the major hills(s) of the day and regrouping. Leader will give an over view at the start of the ride with details as to where the efforts are. 

Climbs of the day are at self selected pace. Regroup at the top. 

A Group

Day 1 - Paris Mountain - Route  - 93km, 1330m - Single climb day. Rolling terrain out and back. 

Climb of the day - Paris Mountain - Segment

Day 2 - Clemson - Route - 100km, 1545m - Rolling terrain with a coffee stop half way. 

Rolling - no notable climbs.  Does add up

Day 3 - Caesars Mountain - Route - 122km, 2368m - Single major climb plus rolling terrain and secondary climb

Climb of the day - Caesar's Head - Segment

Day 4 - Recover - Goat Loop - Route - 53km, 805m - Fun loop...there are goats

Day 5 - Saluda - Route - 144km, 2385m - Long shallow climb then 3 steeper climbs with rewarding descents

Climbs of the day

Watershed - Segment 

Highway Climb into Saluda - Segment

Green River Cove Road - Segment

   Fork Creek Road - Segment 

Day 6 - Blue Ridge - Route - 128km, 2882m - Secondary climb, big climb, secondary climb 

Rocky Bottom - Segment

   215 Blueridge - Segment 

B Group

Day 1 - Paris Mountain - Route - 93km, 1330m - Single climb day. Rolling terrain out and back.

Climb of the day - Paris Mountain - Segment

Day 2 - Clemson - Route - 93km, 1392m - Rolling terrain with a coffee stop half way. 

Rolling - no notable climbs.  Does add up

Day 3 - Caesars Mountain - Route - 78km, 1609m - Single major climb plus rolling terrain 

Climb of the day - Caesar's Head - Segment

Day 4 - Recover - Goat Loop - Route - 37km, 565m - Fun loop...there are goats

Day 5 - Saluda - Route - 112km, 1415m - Long shallow climb

Climb of the day - Watershed - Segment 

Day 6 - Blue Ridge - Route - 114km, 2465m - Secondary climb, big climb, secondary climb.  May ride out with A 

Rocky Bottom - Segment

    215 Blueridge - Segment 

C Group - TBD (depending on leader and interest)

Day 1 - Paris Mountain - Route - 93km, 1330m - Single climb day. Rolling terrain out and back.

Day 2 -   

Day 3 -  Caesars Mountain - Route - 57km, 1104m - Single major climb plus rolling terrain

Day 4 - Recover - Goat Loop - Route - 37km, 565m - Fun loop...there are goats

Day 5 -  Saluda - Route - 70km, 993m - Long shallow climb

Day 6 -  

FAQ: Will be added as they are asked

1.     What is the weather like?

a. Typically start and it is chilly some days. Rides have historically started about 8-10c and warm up. Some of the days the hills will cause weather to cool off and plan to have and wear layers to shed and climb and put them back on. Some years it is cool, some it is warm.

2. How do I find people to share accommodations?

a. Facebook and email. If you want to rent or looking for a room, post and ask in the group

3. What is the closest town?

a. Pickens is where most do the shopping. Typically the recovery day most head to Greenville. It is a cool little city and has lots to do

4. Who can attend camp?

a. Great news is for 2024 you need to be a member of LCW.

5. What kind of fitness do I need to participate?

a. The goal is to have 3 groups to support differing levels of fitness. There is a base level of fitness to attend the C group to ensure you can complete the days and keep the event rewarding for all. Be honest with yourself and you should be getting volume in starting in January. The rides will seem a bit shorter but the climbing adds up as well as the fatigue for the week.

                                                    i. A group is targeted to racers typically Cat 1/2/3 and Masters 1/2

                                                  ii. B Group is targeted to racers typically Cat 3/4 and Masters 3

                                                 iii. C Group is targeted to beginner racers and enthusiast tourers (we need a lead to make this happen)