Specialists in training camp vacations for Triathletes and Cyclists HOME :: CONTACT US

ABOUT US    TRIATHLON CAMPS    CYCLING CAMPS    CUSTOM CAMPS    TESTIMONIALS    PHOTO GALLERY    ABOUT SOLVANG    RESOURCES

TESTIMONIALS This training camp was first class. The cycling and running terrain were both beautiful! The number of low-traffic roads for cycling was astonishing. The participants and the coaches were great. As soon as the dates are set for next year, I'm going to block my calendar. Can't wait! Andrea Devrome, Flagstaff, AZ - Half Ironman Athlete (Spring Fling Camp 2010) Wonderful, well-organized camp! This camp provides a great way to get a jump on outdoor riding. I enjoyed swimming and running with new groups of people. A year ago the Jalama Beach 82 mile ride was a lifetime distance record for me. I came to camp that year to get started on Ironman training. after doing 2 Ironman races in '09, this year Jalama ride was pure joy. Deb Stevens, Naperville, IL - Ironman Athlete (Endure It Camp Athlete 2009, 2010) "Beautiful cycling and challenging riding that pushed me to the max. To have great meals prepared promptly in a simple setting was ideal..... It allowed for conversation, reflection and laughter." Derek Case, Calgary, Canada - Ironman Athlete (Spring Fling Camp 2004) "Staying, riding and eating together were the highlights of the week for me. The wide range of abilities at camp was a positive thing too - being kind of in the 'middle' gave me an opportunity to learn from both the beginners and the fast crew." Rob Aitken, Kenora, Canada - Ironman Triathlete and Advernture Racer, (Spring Fling Camp 2004, 2005) "Charlie, thanks for a wonderful camp experience -- I loved it! I particularly enjoyed the massive volume of cycling." John Hernandez, San Jose, California - Ironman Athlete(Spring Fling Athlete 2006) "I loved the casualness of the entire thing. We are all there to get in some serious training, but it’s run so well that it doesn’t feel like a boot camp. Many groups, many speeds, and support at every turn. Of course the meals are always great and the terrain is perfect." Tom Gruver, Seattle, Washington - Multiple Ironman Finisher (Spring Fling Camp 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010) "This was one of the best weeks of my life. It was great to ride with other srong athletes. I learned a lot about my bike handling skills and my ability to handle volume. It was fantastic because all we worried about was eating, sleeping training and socializing. No meals to make or things to clean up! Very stress free!" Ben Peotter, Lodi Wisconsin, two time Ironman Wisconsin finisher (Spring Fling Camp 2004, 2005) "Both 'Dawn and I would like to thank you for the wonderful camp you put on in Solvang!!! You have found a very good chemistry, “structure, venue, fun and hard work”. Keep up the great work!!!" (2004) "Once again I loved the camp. The wine tasting and dinner at the Winery was a real nice addition, 'Bravo'. The routes, the organization, the sag... excellent. The dinner on the lawn, some beer/wine and visiting with who ever you wanted was probably the most enjoyable for me." (2007) Tim Johnson, Calgary, Canada - Multiple Ironman Finisher (Spring Fling Camp 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009) "I'm very sorry I can't help you out with improving on the camp because I really honestly can't come up with anything that I'd change. To quote Mr. Rogers 'I like you just the way you are'. I liked best the other campers, the rides, the campfires, the great food, the runs, the swim, the scenery, and of course most of all you guys." Barb Hillier, Penticton, Canada – Ironman Athlete (Spring Fling Camp 2006) "Social and semi competitive aspects of the rides. Great location and variety of riding. You guys are all awesome to be around and the Meadowlark Inn is a wonderful location and setup." Dave Walsh, Seattle, Washington - Cyclist, Adventurer (Spring Fling Camp 2007, 2008, 2009) "Just wanted to thank you for last week's awesome experience! It was a hooooooot... from an athlete's point of view. The camp has helped my cycling enormously, I feel so strong now and putting in a 120k bike ride seems like nothing anymore! Super!" Yoeri Geerits, Calgary, Canada - Ironman Canada Finisher 2005 (Spring Fling Camp 2005) "I got everything out the camp I wanted. Donn and I raced April 1 in Virginia Beach. We were both happy with our races and qualified for Du Worlds in Hungary. We attribute our early season fitness to the Spring Fling Camp." Anne Viviani, Arlington, Virginia (Spring Fling Camp 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010) This was my third year of the Endure It Camp and I can't wait for my fourth. I look forward to getting out of Chicago during a winter week and enjoying some great workouts with fellow triathletes in a very beautiful part of southern California. I haven't been disappointed yet! I loved the fact that the pro triathlete, Michael Lovato, has such a great attitude and doesn't look down upon us amateurs. He has so much knowledge about the sport that he loves to share and everyone enjoys listening to his stories (funny and serious).The fireside chats are the best!! Kathleen Weisman, Naperville, IL - Triathlete (Endure It Camp Athlete 2008, 2009, 2010) "I loved the coaches, the support team, the dinners, the people, the scenery, and the challenge of the cycling, everything! Having never done a camp before, this was absolutely perfect. I look forward to seeing you again. I also liked the entertainment you guys put together, that was fun. Thank you, thank you." Tami Prock, Seattle, Washington Ironman Finisher (Spring Fling Camp 2006, 2007, 2008) The Solvang Camp challenged my fitness, increased my confidence, lifted my spirits and exceeded expectations in every way. I doubt you could find a more organized, dynamic, professional group of coaches and camp directors in the business. The incredible terrain and scenery is just icing on this camping treat. Julee Bartell, Lisle, IL - Triathlete/Cyclist (Endure It Camp Athlete 2010) "The location (scenery, "rolling" hills, lack of cars) and the camp leadership was great. I'm in serious withdrawal from the weather, exercise and camaraderie!" Jeannie Kalikowski, Chicago, Illinois – Triathlete (Endure It Solvang Camp 2007) Everything about the camp was excellent! The cycling was exceptional, the camp was well organized, the food was delicious and plentiful, and the staff was accommodating. I'll definitely be back! Mark Richier, Naperville, IL - Cyclist (Endure It Camp Athlete 2010) "This was probably one of the most fun I have had since I started the world of triathlon 8 years ago. The oganization was phenomenal and the variety of each day kept me excited and enthusiatic. (I have been sleeping since I got home though - it finally caught up with me) I always felt safe and cared for. The coaches were all wonderful and willing to answer any questions I had. The orientations prior to the rides were perfect. Cristi did a great job stretching us out with her yoga/pilates work outs. Please sign me up for next year! I can't wait and I hope my husband, Phil, will come with me. I met some great people and made some friendships that I know will continue on into the future. I can't thank you enough for all the hard work I know you put into the planning of this camp. It really showed!" Cindy Rach: Seattle, Washington –Ironman Athlete (Spring Fling Camp 2007, 2008, 2009) The atmosphere was terrific and the support of the much better athletes was encouraging. Anytime you can spend a week with great people riding your bike through some of the most beautiful countryside in America - life can't be too bad. Barry Sopinsky, Aurora, CO - Cyclist and aspiring Triathlete (Endure It Camp Athlete 2010) "Thanks for the great time-the biking was beautiful (landscape), challenging, fun, fast, painful at times (that's a good pain), the run at the top of Refugio was hard and the swims were cool to be outside in a heated pool. The food was really good and I truly enjoyed it. It was nice to have a 5-star restaurant meal each night. Please don't change that." Jay Labonne, Wisonsin – Ironman Athlete and Triathlon Coach (Spring Fling Athlete 2006) I had an amazing time at the Solvang Women's Cycling Camp. I met tons of great women, rode my bike in a gorgeous area, and had a fabulous time!! Barb Blakley, Denver, CO - Triathlete (Women's Camp Athlete 2010) "You guys were awesome to work with, the camp exceeded my expectations, and I've already been talking it up to cycling friends up here for next year. I can't wait for next year. Toby Suhm, Seattle, Washington - Cyclist (Spring Fling Camp 2007, 2008, 2009) The training this camp provides, in terms of coaching, volume, support, and setting, is unmatched. IÕve done other Ironman training camps and this one is hard to beat. The support provided by the staff is simply amazing. When the coaches say, ÒMake this YOUR training campÓ, they werenÕt kidding. You can do as much or as little as you want and more importantly, at the pace that you want to do it in. The staff is here to support you. I feel taken care of at this camp. I never feel forced to go beyond my abilities in order to stay with the group. If I fall behind, a coach/staff or SAG will make sure that IÕm ok. I also love the camaraderie at the camp. IÕve met many great people and formed great friendships at these camps. Su Chang, Woodinville, WA - Ironman Athlete (Spring Fling Camp Athlete, 2008, 2009, 2010) "Most enjoyable for me was The FIG. Great ride. Dinner was great every night and I liked the wine tasting at the winery." Sean O'Neill, Denver, Colorado - Triathlete (Spring Fling Camp 2007) My week spent in Solvang is the BEST week of the entire year! I look forward to the fantastic company of extraordinary athletes in the perfect setting to challenge my athletic abilities! Anna Brozick, Houston, TX - Triathlete (Spring Fling Camp Athlete 2009, 2010) "I particularly liked how it was a cycling-intensive camp, which I felt was probably the point since we weren't going to be able to ride outdoors back in the Midwest during the winter. Lodging and food were first-rate, the location was excellent, Solvang was beautiful -- basically, it was perfect. And I really enjoyed the company, the campers and coaches were all incredible, I thought we had a wonderful group of people. I personally felt the camp was well-organized too and I liked how cycling around the Solvang area enabled us to take in the breathtaking sights while getting a great training session in." Feng Yi Chew, Chicago/Singapore - First year of Triathlon (Endure It Solvang camp 2007) I enjoyed the environment- this includes the remarkable beauty of the landscape as well as the people. To be in such an incredible place with such terrific athletes was just awesome! This was my first year at Solvang and I loved it! Michele Ahlman, Naperville, IL - Runner/Olympic Distance Triathlete (Endure It Camp Athlete 2010) I arrived in Solvang for the Endure It training camp March 2010 with the objective of putting in base miles on my bike and mixing in swim and run workouts. the camp is ideally suited to these goals. There is flexibility in the schedule and the camp attracts a wide level of athletes which allowed me to work at my optimal pace. Seminars are scheduled throughout the camp with pro triathletes and coaches, all of whom are readily available for questions and advice. David Fix and Michael Lovato are top level athletes and skilled coaches. Charlie and her staff provide top level van support during rides including all manner of nutrition products, all which is critical on long rides or if the weather changes. Most meals are included in the camp registration fees and are excellent in quality. The cycling in the area around Solvang is challenging and beautiful. The Endure It campers were a diverse group of athletes, and we bonded easily. I was always grateful for the encouragement offered by the camp staff and the other athletes. I look forward to cycling, running, and swimming in Solvang again in the future. Arne Michalson, Hayden ID, Ironman Athlete (Endure It Camp Athlete 2010) "I really enjoyed the bike rides, the endless challenges, and the town. Heck... i loved it all." Rusty Pruden, Seattle, Washington – Triathlete/Runner (Spring Fling Camp 2007) My first camp experienceÉincredible! Training in Solvang was breathtaking (in more ways than one!) The food was excellent. I canÕt say enough about the coaches and support staff. Solvang and this camp, is a gem- I plan to be back! Audrey Bell-Peter, Toronto ON - Duathlete (Women's Camp Athlete 2010) "Thanks a million for offering me the fantastic opportunity to attend the Spring Fling Camp. I can truly say that it has really made things seem a bit clearer. I am focus on putting the miles in on the bike and getting my running fast now. Hopefully I can qualify for the Europeans in 2 weeks time." Tom Swift - UK/Portugal - Now riding as a professional cyclist with a Portuguese team. (Spring Fling Camp 2005) The best time I've ever had on two wheels, Thanks Charlie! Mike Phillips, Naperville, IL - Triathlete/Cyclist (Endure It Camp Athlete 2010) "YOU GUYS ARE GREAT!!!!!!! I had the most amazing time ever. The additional century option was wonderful. The timing of all the rides, rest days was perfect. Everything was awesome! Angela Naeth, Canada - ITU specialist, Elite Athlete (Spring Fling Camp 2007) "I totally enjoyed the scenery, our fearless leaders (that’s you) & fellow campers; the laid back setup at the Meadowlark Inn was perfect and there was plenty of food." Steve Essig, Chicago, Illinois - Triathlete (Endure It Solvang camp 2007) "I achieved new level of fitness! There were plenty of challenges with many levels to choose from each day. Attention to the details was great; route planning, sag vehicles, care of athletes, massages, yoga, nobody got left behind!!" Jenelle Cobb, Seattle, Washington - Half Ironman Athlete (Spring Fling Camp 2007, 2008, 2009) As a hopeful AZ Ironman age group contender, the EndureIt/Solvang Tri-Camp exceeded all of my expectations (people, organization, workouts, scenery, etc). Charlie Woodcock's meticulous and apparent effortless management of camp logistics and support made a monster training week fun, and totally doable. Santa Barbara County is the perfect backdrop for the challenging daily schedule - with beauty beyond description. And for "net gain", in the words of David Fix, "99% of my competitors aren't doing this volume or quality of work at this stage of the year."....which inspires confidence and motivation to up the ante toward a significantly improved new PR! Michael Main, Naperville, IL - Ironman Athlete (Endure It Camp Athlete 2010) "What I enjoyed most about the camp was; the expertise of the coaches, the wonderful humor and lightheartedness, the super-helpfulness of all the staff, the incredible wealth of athletic accomplishments and knowledge, the layout of the Meadowlark (supported the “camp” feel of the whole week), the itinerary—lots of riding & plenty of opportunity to "customize" each day to suit one’s own training needs, the length of camp (I was pooped by the end—it would have started to fizzle for me if it had gone on much longer), the cost, the great bike & run routes, the swim workouts, the incredible food, the 24X7 availability of massage. I loved EVERYTHING! YOU GUYS ROCK! I’ve been to many organized events over the years, and this is one of the BEST EVER. Cindy and I volunteered to be bumped from our flight on Sunday (got home 3 hours later than originally scheduled, routed through LAX) in return for a free airline ticket. So we’ve already got our tickets for next year’s event! SIGN US UP!" Lola Jacobsen, Seattle, Washington - Multiple Ironman Finisher (Spring Fling Camp 2007, 2008, 2009) It was very well-organized with a good mix of "seminars," cycling and wine tasting. The Specialized gals were fantastic. I never felt that any of us had to go a specifc pace -- I knew the SAG car would find me if I needed it ...! The routes were fantastic ... a good mix of beauty and work. Marjorie Strayer, New York, NY - Cyclist (Women's Camp Athlete 2008)

ABOUT US :: TRIATHLON CAMPS :: CYCLING CAMPS :: CUSTOM CAMPS :: TESTIMONIALS :: PHOTO GALLERY :: ABOUT SOLVANG :: RESOURCES