To camp or to hotel. That is the question! Anyone from last year have any suggestions? Did the camp work out okay? Did you sleep okay? Were there huge lineups for the showers, toilets, food, etc? If we decide to stay at a hotel, what will we be missing by not staying in camp? If you stayed in a hotel last year, were they located fairly close to camp so as not to add too much distance to that 260 ride? Just can't decide! Thanks for any comments or suggestions.
I've done the Weekend to End Breast Cancer walk twice, same setup, same deal and I wouldn't have missed camp for the world. Camp is part of the experience and the journey, if that's what you're into.
Sure, if I had my druthers, I would rather not sleep on the ground and wait for a shower stall, but....the people were amazing, the food was awesome, fab entertainment at the after show...lots of dancing (I chair-danced, legs were trashed..;) )
I can stay in a hotel any day of the year, but camp is special. Practically no lineup for meals or toilets, yes, lineups for the showers but it was worth it and everyone is so positive and upbeat, no one complained...the lineups aren't hard...cancer is hard. I was amazed at the shower facilities on site, everything you needed to primp yourself.
Tips for tent time: get organized for bedtime and the next morning...your stuff, your needs, etc. bedtime is at 9:30...lights out and shhhhh... wear earplugs if you have to, I'm going to because my tent was near the port-a-potty's and the trucks may come at night to empty them, plus the doors slam on them. bring a pillow case to stuff clothes into or small pillow a good sleeping pad small flashlight (optional) don't drape your clothes or shoes outside overnight, you'll wake up to dew-soaked stuff (trust me :( ) flip-flops for the shower, walking around, etc., towel you're allowed one bag...including your sleeping bag and sleeping pad. I bungee corded the sleeping pad to the outside of the bag, and labelled my stuff with tape. I took Advil before bed and that helped settle down my crampy legs.
The night goes by before you know it, you're up, dressed, packed, gear back on the truck, good breakfast and on your bike again. Camp I've mastered, the training for 260km...now that's a whole new ballgame!
I did the ride last year. Line ups were long for the showers massage shut down before I got to the front of the line there were people everywhere. IT WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!The ride itself was a great experience but camp made it so much more hearing stories talking with other riders made me sign up again right there in camp!!! Bring a sleeping mat or air mattress remember you don't have to carry it as it goes down on a truck. Yes camp was a truly amazing experience one I am sure most people won't want to miss!!!
