November 16th, 2024 | by Tina Hart
Tina Hart is a cyclist based in Boulder, CO, the Director of Marketing and Events at BaseCamp Endurance Coaching, and a cycling coach. She‘s equally happy turning the pedals solo in a 24hr gravel ultra as riding the short, action-packed miles in cyclocross. Her goal is to help empower other riders to explore, adventure, and try new things. Her favorite days out involve big climbs, dirt paths, good coffee, and a slice of cake.
Until 2020 I’d always considered myself a multi-sport athlete, inasmuch as I’d considered myself an athlete at all. I climbed (rocks and mountains), backpacked, skied (uphill and back down), paddled, and cycled. Jack of all trades, master of none.
But the COVID pandemic changed everything. Ski resorts shut down, climbing gyms closed, and the trails were overwhelmingly crowded. Along with baking and completing weird Instagram challenges, cycling quickly became my social distance activity of choice. That first summer and fall of lockdown, I spent a lot of hours riding my bike, exploring my new home in Colorado, and ticking off a lot of miles in the mountains.
Tina Hart is a cyclist based in Boulder, CO, the Director of Marketing and Events at BaseCamp Endurance Coaching, and a cycling coach. She‘s equally happy turning the pedals solo in a 24hr gravel ultra as riding the short, action-packed miles in cyclocross. Her goal is to help empower other riders to explore, adventure, and try new things. Her favorite days out involve big climbs, dirt paths, good coffee, and a slice of cake.
Until 2020 I’d always considered myself a multi-sport athlete, inasmuch as I’d considered myself an athlete at all. I climbed (rocks and mountains), backpacked, skied (uphill and back down), paddled, and cycled. Jack of all trades, master of none.
But the COVID pandemic changed everything. Ski resorts shut down, climbing gyms closed, and the trails were overwhelmingly crowded. Along with baking and completing weird Instagram challenges, cycling quickly became my social distance activity of choice. That first summer and fall of lockdown, I spent a lot of hours riding my bike, exploring my new home in Colorado, and ticking off a lot of miles in the mountains.
In mid-October 2020 I picked up a used bike trainer from my local bike shop and joined Zwift. A few days later, scrolling on social media, I discovered BaseCamp Cycling’s Winter Group Coaching Program. It was a 16-week, virtual training program that promised on-the-bike training, a full strength program, nutrition guidance, an entire team of coaches to support you, and a virtual community of athletes to train with.
Mostly I was just looking for a training plan and a way to get a bit stronger. I was extremely hesitant about riding indoors, and I wasn’t necessarily looking for a cycling community. However, over those 16-weeks, a lot changed.
Yes, I definitely got stronger on the bike, stronger in the gym, and better at fueling my rides and races. However, having access to an entire team of coaches who chatted daily with all the athletes in the program was incredible. They shared more education on training than I had time to consume. There were weekly athlete workout reviews, in-depth instructional videos, and webinars on training topics ranging from fatigue resistance to FTP to fueling, and everything in between. There was also an entire community of other cyclists who shared their knowledge, talked about their favorite races and events, and cheered each other on.
Despite my hesitations, I ended up riding indoors quite a lot. But very quickly I went from dreading indoor sessions to looking forward to them. Every Tuesday and Thursday I’d join the public group Zwift rides. The coaching team would share the why behind the training and provide tips for executing the workout as we rode. The athletes on the ride would all chat with one another, sharing motivation, telling stories, and making jokes. We were based in all different parts of the world, riding in our garages or living rooms or basements, but we were doing it together. Every weekend we’d have private meetups where we’d knock off long trainer sessions, talking about movies, books, recipes, sports, families - everything and nothing - while it snowed or rained or hailed outside. And once a month we’d join together for a ‘challenge event’, followed by a Zoom happy hour.
In mid-October 2020 I picked up a used bike trainer from my local bike shop and joined Zwift. A few days later, scrolling on social media, I discovered BaseCamp Cycling’s Winter Group Coaching Program. It was a 16-week, virtual training program that promised on-the-bike training, a full strength program, nutrition guidance, an entire team of coaches to support you, and a virtual community of athletes to train with.
Mostly I was just looking for a training plan and a way to get a bit stronger. I was extremely hesitant about riding indoors, and I wasn’t necessarily looking for a cycling community. However, over those 16-weeks, a lot changed.
Yes, I definitely got stronger on the bike, stronger in the gym, and better at fueling my rides and races. However, having access to an entire team of coaches who chatted daily with all the athletes in the program was incredible. They shared more education on training than I had time to consume. There were weekly athlete workout reviews, in-depth instructional videos, and webinars on training topics ranging from fatigue resistance to FTP to fueling, and everything in between. There was also an entire community of other cyclists who shared their knowledge, talked about their favorite races and events, and cheered each other on.
Despite my hesitations, I ended up riding indoors quite a lot. But very quickly I went from dreading indoor sessions to looking forward to them. Every Tuesday and Thursday I’d join the public group Zwift rides. The coaching team would share the why behind the training and provide tips for executing the workout as we rode. The athletes on the ride would all chat with one another, sharing motivation, telling stories, and making jokes. We were based in all different parts of the world, riding in our garages or living rooms or basements, but we were doing it together. Every weekend we’d have private meetups where we’d knock off long trainer sessions, talking about movies, books, recipes, sports, families - everything and nothing - while it snowed or rained or hailed outside. And once a month we’d join together for a ‘challenge event’, followed by a Zoom happy hour.
When March 2021 rolled around and the 16-weeks were up, I was sincerely disappointed that the program was ending. I had certainly improved my cycling power, and I had way more knowledge about training overall. But I also now had an entire new community of incredible people I was connected to in that special way that only really happens when you spend a lot of time pushing your limits alongside one another for hours on end. It didn’t matter that we were doing it virtually – the challenges, the laughter, the jokes, the frustration, the celebration was all there.
That first winter program changed everything for me. I switched from the multi-sport approach to spend a lot more time on the bike riding and racing. And in 2023, after continuing to stay deeply involved, I was looking for a new job and I ended up actually working for BaseCamp as the Director of Marketing and Events!. I now get to spend my time with an incredible team helping both newer cyclists and experienced racers push their limits, connect with each other virtually and in-person, and create a community that focuses on the whole athlete (not just the number of watts you can do on any given day).
When March 2021 rolled around and the 16-weeks were up, I was sincerely disappointed that the program was ending. I had certainly improved my cycling power, and I had way more knowledge about training overall. But I also now had an entire new community of incredible people I was connected to in that special way that only really happens when you spend a lot of time pushing your limits alongside one another for hours on end. It didn’t matter that we were doing it virtually – the challenges, the laughter, the jokes, the frustration, the celebration was all there.
That first winter program changed everything for me. I switched from the multi-sport approach to spend a lot more time on the bike riding and racing. And in 2023, after continuing to stay deeply involved, I was looking for a new job and I ended up actually working for BaseCamp as the Director of Marketing and Events!. I now get to spend my time with an incredible team helping both newer cyclists and experienced racers push their limits, connect with each other virtually and in-person, and create a community that focuses on the whole athlete (not just the number of watts you can do on any given day).
Base Camp Gravel Camp Oct. 2024 Group Shot - Photo Credit Ken Carl.
Base Camp Gravel Camp Oct. 2024 Group Shot - Photo Credit Ken Carl.
I’ve been privileged to both see athletes get physically and mentally stronger as well as witness incredible connections be formed year after year. There are so many amazing stories, but here are three of my favorites from this year:
I’ve been privileged to both see athletes get physically and mentally stronger as well as witness incredible connections be formed year after year. There are so many amazing stories, but here are three of my favorites from this year:
In 2023 Marcie and Ali, two of our Winter Group Coaching athletes, both happened to register for our in-person fall gravel camp in Pennsylvania. They had not met in person, but ended up rooming together and got to chatting. Marcie mentioned she was signed up to do Iceland’s Westfjords Way Stage Race and before long, Ali had decided to sign up too. This summer they met up again in Iceland to cheer each other on through five challenging days of pedaling. Marcie completed her first stage race, and Ali took home second place! As Marcie said, “The whole experience was made so much better by sharing it with a member of the BaseCamp community and her husband. Thank you, BaseCamp community!”
In 2023 Marcie and Ali, two of our Winter Group Coaching athletes, both happened to register for our in-person fall gravel camp in Pennsylvania. They had not met in person, but ended up rooming together and got to chatting. Marcie mentioned she was signed up to do Iceland’s Westfjords Way Stage Race and before long, Ali had decided to sign up too. This summer they met up again in Iceland to cheer each other on through five challenging days of pedaling. Marcie completed her first stage race, and Ali took home second place! As Marcie said, “The whole experience was made so much better by sharing it with a member of the BaseCamp community and her husband. Thank you, BaseCamp community!”
Then in June a whole group of BaseCampers traveled from around the country to race the Cow Pie Classic in Michigan together. They had trained together virtually during the winter program, and decided to put their fitness to the test together. Several of them shared an Airbnb, and they all came together to enjoy a pre-race potluck dinner! Although they raced different distances and age categories, they made a point to cheer each other on whenever they could. And at the end of the day they came together to celebrate several podium finishes among the group!
Then in June a whole group of BaseCampers traveled from around the country to race the Cow Pie Classic in Michigan together. They had trained together virtually during the winter program, and decided to put their fitness to the test together. Several of them shared an Airbnb, and they all came together to enjoy a pre-race potluck dinner! Although they raced different distances and age categories, they made a point to cheer each other on whenever they could. And at the end of the day they came together to celebrate several podium finishes among the group!
And, just a couple months ago, longtime BaseCamp athlete Joe raced Gravel Nationals. Joe is a para athlete, and was looking for a ‘shadow rider’ to help grab aid station snacks and assist if he had a mechanical. He put a call out to our BaseCamp alum group where a fellow rider, Dan, gladly agreed to help. Joe lives in South Carolina while Dan’s Iowa based, so they met up for the first time in Nebraska for the race. It was a huge success, with Joe taking the win and taking home the USA jersey! They even ran into a couple additional BaseCampers and celebrated together. As Joe shared, “This bike "weekend" was my best of 2024 for sure. Not because I got a cool new jersey but the time spent with Daniel, Lorri, and Natalie made it extra special. The BaseCamp community is like no other.”
And, just a couple months ago, longtime BaseCamp athlete Joe raced Gravel Nationals. Joe is a para athlete, and was looking for a ‘shadow rider’ to help grab aid station snacks and assist if he had a mechanical. He put a call out to our BaseCamp alum group where a fellow rider, Dan, gladly agreed to help. Joe lives in South Carolina while Dan’s Iowa based, so they met up for the first time in Nebraska for the race. It was a huge success, with Joe taking the win and taking home the USA jersey! They even ran into a couple additional BaseCampers and celebrated together. As Joe shared, “This bike "weekend" was my best of 2024 for sure. Not because I got a cool new jersey but the time spent with Daniel, Lorri, and Natalie made it extra special. The BaseCamp community is like no other.”
Top: Marcie and Ali ready to ride in Iceland, summer 2024 - Photo Credit Ali Knutson, Ali and Marcie enjoying a meal in Iceland - Photo Credit Marcie Cook
Middle: Cow Pie Crew Potluck Race Night Dinner, summer 2024 - Photo Credit Nancy Mizak, Cow Pie Crew Ready to Race - Photo Credit Nancy Mizak
Bottom: Joe and Daniel at Gravel Nationals in Nebraska, summer 2024 - Photo Credit Joe Pomeroy
Top: Marcie and Ali ready to ride in Iceland, summer 2024 - Photo Credit Ali Knutson, Ali and Marcie enjoying a meal in Iceland - Photo Credit Marcie Cook
Middle: Cow Pie Crew Potluck Race Night Dinner, summer 2024 - Photo Credit Nancy Mizak, Cow Pie Crew Ready to Race - Photo Credit Nancy Mizak
Bottom: Joe and Daniel at Gravel Nationals in Nebraska, summer 2024 - Photo Credit Joe Pomeroy
Excellent training is for everyone. It doesn’t matter whether your goal is to be a professional athlete, to hang strong during your local group rides, or to be a fit, healthy, happy human who never does a single race or event. I’m so happy that I get to work with BaseCamp to help deliver high quality programs like our virtual group coaching programs, our live camps, and everything else we do. I can’t wait to start our next 16-week virtual group coaching program, and to train together with both BaseCamp alumni and all the new cyclists!
For anyone who struggles with indoor training and motivation (all of us at Bivo sure do!) or are looking for a community of riders, BaseCamp is launching this year’s 16-week training program on Dec. 2. Check out BaseCamp here: https://www.joinbasecamp.com/foundation
Excellent training is for everyone. It doesn’t matter whether your goal is to be a professional athlete, to hang strong during your local group rides, or to be a fit, healthy, happy human who never does a single race or event. I’m so happy that I get to work with BaseCamp to help deliver high quality programs like our virtual group coaching programs, our live camps, and everything else we do. I can’t wait to start our next 16-week virtual group coaching program, and to train together with both BaseCamp alumni and all the new cyclists!
For anyone who struggles with indoor training and motivation (all of us at Bivo sure do!) or are looking for a community of riders, BaseCamp is launching this year’s 16-week training program on Dec. 2. Check out BaseCamp here: https://www.joinbasecamp.com/foundation
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