The Trans Andes Challenge was the most fun of all the Epic Endurance Bucket List events I’ve done. The race is very hard, but the scenery and the trails are so amazing that you want to keep pedaling so you can see what’s around the next corner! And as a race contested by two-person teams, there are new challenges, new strategies, and a whole new dynamic to think about.
Another thing to keep in mind is that there are more stages in Trans Andes (6) than in La Ruta (3-4), but the individual stages are shorter. The riding is difficult, but you’re crossing the finish line after 5-6 hours each day rather than 9+ hours each day. In January 2012, I went down to Patagonia with 16 athletes and coaches, including 3x World Champion Rebecca Rusch as my teammate, and we had an absolute blast! Rebecca and I even won the Mixed 80+ Category!
The details on the 2013 CTS Trans Andes Experience are described below, and you’ll also find details on the application process. If you think you’re tough enough to handle the training and rigors of a 6-day mountain bike stage race through the Andes Mountains, then get "Bucket List Qualified" and sign up for the experience of a lifetime!
Sincerely,
Chris Carmichael
TRANS ANDES VIDEO SYNOPSIS
APPLY TO BE "BUCKET LIST QUALIFIED"
Due to the demanding nature of the events on the Epic Endurance Bucket List, we utilize a rigorous selection process to make sure athletes are “Bucket List Qualified”. Chris Carmichael and the CTS Coaching Staff examine your training history, current performance markers, skill level, and a variety of other factors, and only athletes whose applications are accepted can register for Bucket List Events. If you believe you have what it takes, click on the button below to start the application process. You will be taken to an online application administered through SurveyMonkey.com.
“CTS has a wealth of knowledge and individuals willing to share what they know to help you achieve your goals. I wouldn’t hesitate to be involved in another "Bucket List " event with CTS.
I learned in 8 months what I missed in 30 years of doing it myself."
- La Ruta de los Conquistadores Finisher, 2010
PRICE & OVERVIEW
This life-changing experience will cost each athlete $9,500 and includes entry into the 2013 Trans Andes Challenge, a December training boot camp in Tucson, Arizona; and comprehensive race support during Trans Andes. A non-refundable deposit of $3,500 with two additional installments of $3,000 (collected October 1 and December 1). Attendance at the December training boot camp in Tucson is mandatory. See below for details about each component of this unique experience.
The route have yet to be determined by the race director but will be 6 stages in the Chilean Andes from January 21-26, 2013. Race web site http://www.transandeschallenge.com/
The Trans Andes Challenge is one of the most grueling mountain bike stage races in the world, and as a result Chris Carmichael and the CTS Coaching Staff will hand-select the team of up to 20 riders who will join CTS for this ultimate race experience. You can compete as a solo athlete, as part of 2-person team, or CTS will help you find a teammate from our pool of athletes if you’d prefer to race as part of a pair. We will do our best to pair you with an athlete who has similar fitness, goals, personality, etc. Racing with your CTS coach is also an option.
TRANS ANDES TRAINING BOOT CAMP
This 3.5-day training boot camp (December 5-8) will bring the team together in the warmth of the Arizona desert for a series of long mountain bike training sessions. The camp will focus on endurance training, climbing, and honing technical skills. This camp will also give the coaches a chance to evaluate your conditioning, and provide enough time for us to optimize your training and see results before the Trans Andes race.
Athletes are responsible for their own transportation, accommodations, and some meals.
TRANS ANDES RACE SUPPORT
When you’re close to your breaking point, predictable and reliable support from professional coaches can be the difference between staying in the race and tossing in the towel. When you race Trans Andes, CTS will be there every step of the way, from the hotels to the aid stations to the stage finishes. Whether it’s food, fluids, a kick in the pants or a shoulder to cry on, we’ll be there. This support package includes ground transportation within Chile, all your meals, hotel accommodations before the race and after each stage, complete mechanical and nutrition/hydration support.
Athletes are responsible for their own transportation to and from Chile.
RECOMMENDED ADD-ON: TRANS ANDES COACHING PACKAGE (Optional)
Benefit from the combination of our proven coaching methodology and our hands-on knowledge of Trans Andes. Our coaches will make sure your physically prepared for the challenges you’ll face in Chile, and they’ll prepare you with inside information about the course, optimal racing strategies, and race-specific nutritional advice.
1. Racing Options:
a. Solo Competitor: you can race Trans Andes as a solo racer
b. 2-Person Team: you can race as part of a 2-person team. Each team member must be Bucket List Qualified. Please indicate the name of your potential teammate when you’re registering.
c. Single-In-Search-of-a-Teammate: If you want to race as part of a two-person team but don’t have a teammate, we will do our best to be your match-maker.
2. Each athlete is responsible for paying the $9,500 fee for this package of race support, travel, and training camp.
3. Each athlete must attend the training camp (Trans Andes Training Camp in Tucson (December 5-8)). Athletes are responsible for costs of travel to and from camp.
4. Each athlete must be willing to compete at Trans Andes wearing a CTS cycling jersey. Shorts/bibs can be CTS apparel or your team/club/sponsor.
5. Each athlete must be willing to be filmed/photographed/interviewed/recorded by CTS and other media and allow that content to be used for marketing and entertainment purposes.
6. Cancellation
If you have to cancel for any reason, your deposit and additional fees depending on your cancellation date will not be refunded. Exceptions to this policy will not be made for any reason, including weather or personal emergencies and balances cannot be transferred. For the purposes of this cancellation policy below, [camp] refers the Trans Andes Challenge.
Deposit is non-refundable
31-60 days prior: Cancellation Fee of 75% of original camp price
0-30 days prior: Cancellation fee of 100% of original camp price
There are no discounts, refunds or exchanges associated with a Member skipping or missing any portion of a camp and/or class including, without limitation, meals, lectures or rides.
CTS reserves the right to cancel a camp and/or class at any time. In this event, Member will be issued a full refund for the camp and/or class registration fee. CTS is not responsible for expenses associated with planning Member’s trip including, without limitation, airfare, lodging, meals, transportation, etc., (collectively, “Member Expenses”) to attend any camp and/or class.
Camp will be conducted based on the schedule posted prior to the camp, but CTS reserves the right to modify the camp schedule based on, without limitation, weather and the number or skill level of athletes in attendance.
All fees will be applied to the camp and/or class for which you are registered. If you have to cancel for any reason, your deposit and all subsequent payments will be applied to the camp and/or class for which you have registered and cannot be transferred to an alternate camp and/or class or any other Service or product offered by CTS.
For information please contact Camp Manager at camps@trainright.com or 1-866-355-0645
