The Complete Book of Cyclocross, Skill Training & Racing

I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the people that supported me in teaching cyclocross to our up and coming juniors over the years. The first person who thrust me into a coaching position was Jim Copeland. Jim called me one day and said that they were conducting a cyclocross camp for juniors and thought that I should be a coach.  I told Jim that I don’t do the coaching thing and that all I do now is the skill aspect.  He quickly told me that that was perfect and I needed to show up Saturday morning at Camp Shady Brook in Deckers, Colorado.  He wanted me there Friday night but I could not make it.  So, Saturday morning I drive up and I find Jim.  I approached Jim with the intention of blending into the background to assist the other coaches with just a few kids to teach.  As soon as I found Jim, he said, “Ok, You’re in charge.”  And thus began my career as a cyclocross skill coach.  Thanks, Jim (I think)!

The other person I want to acknowledge is Beth-Wrenn Estes.  Beth was the Executive Director for the American Cycling Association and was in charge of putting all of the cycling camps together.  Beth has been an official for USAC and an international commissaire.  She has officiated races like the Milk Race, the Olympics, the Suntour of Australia and several other national and International races.   Beth has been in international cycling circles for most of her life.

Beth allowed me to be the head coach and program director (I don't remember you ever having this title only Head Coach) for the ACA Junior Cyclocross Camp.  After a few years, we moved the camp from Decker’s to Winter Park Colorado.  At one point during a day camp, I asked her why she wanted me to be the head coach.  After all I was just a no name guy from Oklahoma.   With a straight face she looked right at me and said “"You think cross in the same way the Belgians do" I asked what she meant by that.  She pointed out that all of the drills and games that I did were the same as those she had seen used by the world class Belgians during her commissaire days.  That was the biggest compliment that anyone has given me.

 

Next I would like to thank all of the coaches, volunteers, sponsors and parents that have given their time, energy and love to help the cyclocross camps.  I am really fortunate to have their help and support because without it, these camps would not be possible.  Thank you.