Source: This article and many others on CVAC sessions first appeared on George Vargas’ site here.

50 miles 5,800 feet of climbing

Day 1 is designed to begin the altitude acclimation process. Today’s course was intended to be ridden at endurance pace. Keep in mind your power and heart rate can be down as much as 15% at elevation. I went fairly “easy” as far as my numbers appear but I assure you it felt more like medium intensity. I believe I am having an easier time acclimating to the altitude, relatively speaking, than the other campers because of my CVAC Sessions at Ascent – OC.

The scenery was amazing and the support by CCSD – Cycling Camps San Diego was right on the money. Rob Panzera, President of CCSD, provided coaching tips on descending before the ride. Later at Minaret Vista, 9,265 feet, Rob provided information on the affects of altitude on the body as it relates to heart rate and power.

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It’s either up or down 😉 data from Training Peaks WKO

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Data from Ride with GPS

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George “Red-Eyed Vireo” Vargas at Minaret Vista 9,265 feet

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USA Olympic Marathoner Meb Keflezighi or here still running at altitude just days before the London Olympics

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Devil’s Postpile

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A Geologic Wonder

Established in 1911 by presidential proclamation, Devils Postpile National Monument protects and preserves the Devils Postpile formation, the 101-foot high Rainbow Falls, and pristine mountain scenery. The formation is a rare sight in the geologic world and ranks as one of the world’s finest examples of columnar basalt. Its columns tower 60 feet high and display an unusual symmetry.

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From the Gate House adjacent Minaret Vista pictured below

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Minaret Vista Station Elevation 9,176

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Rob Panzera, President of CCSD – Cycling Camps San Diego, at Minaret Vista 9,265 Elevation

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Somehow even though I was riding easy I picked up a top ten on a Strava segment (unaware it existed) – go figure 😉