Has anyone tried Basecamp by Tim Cusick? I was thinking of mixing up my usual base training this winter and thought this sounded like a step above a prebuilt plan since you have access to coaches and they modify the plan to your level at the beginning . Just wondering if its good for people experienced at training, our if they focus too much on newer riders.
Thanks for any info
I dont see a single reference on their site to âbeginnersâ - not sure why youâd think it might only be suited to that?
I think what theyâre trying to do is sell coaching around a fairly cookie-cutter programme. I dont see much reference to upfront assessment or testing, so suspect the plans might be fairly standardised and its the feedback, communication and support which will add value, if you want that? My guess it will work really well for anyone that wants that, regardless of experience.
its here:
https://www.joinbasecamp.com/gettingstartedwithpowertraining
you can download the presentation and see its somewhat standard testing across the power curve:
Received a couple emails over last 3 weeks and your post triggered taking a look at the website.
Looks to be for anyone, a 2 week sample is here: https://www.joinbasecamp.com/training
And demographics from last year:
After watching all the WKO webinars, and being a student of my own training, I have a very positive view of Tim Cusickâs approach to coaching. I own his masters full season plan. If you havenât tried coaching and are looking for something without a long-term commitment then it seems interesting.
Like everything, it seems like itâs what you make of it. Iâm following a friend in Strava, he started with 241w in his 1st FTP test x 20min, and last week 271w x 20minâŚ.Heâs been doing 6-10h x week.
I actually signed up for it and am super impressed⌠In my experience, it been better than one on one coaching experiences that Ive had with both Fascat and CTS. The plans are solid, and the support you get from Tim Cusick and Amber Neben is so much more that expected. They are extremely dedicated and pretty much are ready to assist you via FB all day long. Have a question on doing a workout, a problem you have, or how to adjust so,ething, they reply fast. They also give great pre workout prep posts, then review peoples workouts via videos posted after each key workout. The goal of the program is to make you faster AND understand all the training principles so you know why you are doing what youâre doing AND learn how to review your program as needed by the end. 5 stars! Best training money Ive ever spent
*************** Disclaimer: I am a BaseCamp Coached Athlete, but I also use TrainerRoad
Last winter (Northern Hemisphere) I did BaseCamp Winter Group Coaching program and I had a great experience. Subsequently I signed up for BaseCamp Coaching.
If you are interested / thinking of signing up this year for Winter BaseCamp Group Coaching:
If you are thinking of doing this:
This question is specifically for anyone who has done a Tim Cusick plan.
I will be doing my first âBasecamp Classic FTP Testâ. Iâve done several tests in the past, but never one that combined a 5 minute test AND a 20 minute test in the same workout. The instructions say âThis 5-minute effort should be done at maximumâŚReally hammer out the last 45 seconds. The goal is to generate a max 5-minute test while really opening up the legs for the test and really dispense the initial freshness to help produce more accurate power in the 20-minute test. Once complete, spin easily for 15-20 minutes of recovery, working back into your Endurance zone, then go on to MS2.â
Before I do this, I want to be sure it really means âMAXIMUMâ on the 5 minute test. Is that correct? I consider Maximum to be canât breathe, want to get off the bike and die, can barely turn the pedals at 50 watts, etc. In my brain, there is no way I can then do a 20 minute test shortly thereafter with a decent result, but Iâm also wondering if my brain is just being chicken!
For anyone whoâs done this test/protocol before, whatâs your advice? Should I go all out for the 5?
Note: I wrote them, but itâs only been a day and they havenât replied yet, so Iâm hoping you can share what youâve learned. The test is tomorrow.
I have tried it both ways. I did a maximal, I failed the 20 minute after 5 minutes. I then did a normal 5 min test based on current ftp, then did the 20 minute just fine. FWIW. I donât know what they will say.
The BaseCamp is now recommending the Zwift Standard FTP (if you use Zwift) which has a hard 5 minute effort, but I donât think this is an all out effort.
I have a BaseCamp coach, so I have an alternate test format I use with TR that doesnât include the 5-min effort
Thanks guys. I was thinking I might be missing out because the 5 minute maximal effort number would be used for something later in the program. Sounds like thatâs not the case and itâs just trying to make sure youâre not too fresh and fully warmed up for a normal 20 min test. That being the case, I think Iâm just going to do my normal Kolie Moore test.
I am not a fan of doing the 5m clearance effort on a 20m test, especially so for athletes with a high anaerobic capacity.
If you look at a large sample of these tests people with higher anaerobic capacity can go really really deep on that 5m effort and then struggle to do threshold or even sweet spot watts for 20m afterwards.
At least from what I have seen the 5m effort tends to reduce the accuracy of the 20m test. I do have some athletes who prefer to do this rather than a longer test but they donât do the 5m effort and instead have a % of that 20m effort that we know gets them very close to FTP and then we can adjust workout to workout based on RPE.
I believe 5-minute clearing effort came from âTraining and Racing with a Powermeterâ, but it may predate that. I like the 73-minute test in Zwift because itâs a good workout. I would say use whatever test you prefer but keep it consistent while in BaseCamp.
Yeah, except that teat doesnt use 95% of a 20 min effort, it is a variable percentage based on the sprint. So 20 mim effort, but since no 5 min, the calc is different
Yes, it was a hunter thing, i belive.
The point of the 5 minute max effort is to reduce or empty as best as you can the anaerobic energy system as your FTP effort should be aerobic.
For me, I perform the Kolie Moore test and this has given me a more realistic number to base my zones on.
What did basecamp end up saying about your question?
âDuring the 5 minute section donât kill yourself⌠go hard but not record breaking hard.â
If anyone is interested in BaseCamp for next Winter, hereâs a referral link. If youâd like to know more / have any questions, ask them here, as Iâve done BaseCamp winter coaching the last two years
