February 06, 2007 - Slipstream Sports powered by Chipotle took the “apple pie” capital of the world, Julian, California by storm. The team set up operations at Angel’s Landing, about a mile from downtown Julian, and some riders were initially a little surprised to discover the lack of TV, internet and cell phone reception. But the riders and staff soon discovered the delights that the Julian Pie Company offered: Apple Cherry, Apple Berry, Apple Crumb, Apple Flake and, of course, the only WI-FI for miles.

Local residents were excited to be part of the team’s camp, frequently asking the riders about their training programs and marveling over the team’s special argyle wrapped fleet of vehicles. A few days into the camp, the proprietors’ of Angels Landing brought in a TV for the common area. A few poker games and more than a few DVDs helped pass the evening hours. They were even able to catch the AFC/NFC championships after some fancy coat hanger turned antennae adjustments by Danny Pate.

Of course, training camp is more hard work than fun and games and the riders had long training days, two a day training rides and even their rest day schedules were pretty full with photo shoots, interviews, administrative procedures, sponsor presentations and new ACE drug testing procedures. The riders experienced a variety of weather conditions from light snow to sunny afternoons and scenes varying from dessert vistas to sweeping mountains overlooking pine covered valleys.

The riders received all their new team equipment and were thrilled with their new steeds, state of the art Felt Carbon DA-1 race bikes. Timmy Duggan, who has ridden for the team since 2004, stated, “We were having a blast pushing our new bikes in the corners, playing around, seeing what they could do. We just kept going faster and faster with smiles on our faces. I wasn’t even thinking about the new bike or how it felt, everything was just natural and I could devote everything to the thrill of simply flying down the mountain on my shiny new bike with my best friends.”

All training camps have their share of logistic challenges and the morning of the group photo shoot was certainly not an exception as staff and riders alike waited with bated breath for the new argyle clothing to arrive! The riders lined up outside and the staff practically lynched the DHL driver when he drove up the driveway.

Busy schedules aside, the training camp was a great success and the team was ready to take over the world as they left training camp for all corners of the globe, with squads heading to Tour of Lanqkawi, Grand Prix of the Bahamas and to local San Diego races.