Alberta riders are preparing for Canada Summer Games and have wrapped up a successful training camp in Tucson, Arizona.

Arriving just before the New Year, our group of juniors and espoirs spent nine days putting in the miles to build a strong base for the upcoming race season.  Coaches Phil Abbott and Cameron Jennings ensured everyone finished with tired legs.

Tucson riding proved to be varied with plenty of hills and wind to contend with; the weather was a great break from our Alberta winter.  The group worked together well and things went smoothly (although we were the unlucky recipients of 10 flats on the second day).  Halfway through the camp, we went head to head with the snowy Mt. Lemmon. A long but steady climb of 26 miles, we were treated to spectacular views and a fast but chilly descent . . . and ended up at an great coffee shop to refuel.  Rest, a trip to the Air and Space Museum (which was awesome), as well as some good food and food we cooked ourselves, helped to pass the time when we were off our bikes.

Some of us had crazy flight delays returning from Tucson and did not arrive home until the next day.  Of course, now that we are a bit more rested most of us wish we were back in Tucson cycling again.  We are all looking forward to the upcoming race season.