Know-How, Training -

MTB training with enduro legend, Cedric Gracia

Being taught the fundamentals of being a gnarly mountain biker, like Jordi Bago or Downhill and Enduro riding legend Cedric Gracia, is a dream for the vast majority of us. Learning how to ride berms, shred roost and get out of sketchy situations whilst going a mind-boggling, eye blurring speed from the pro’s who do it for a living should be an experience all of us would love to endure.

In collaboration with FirenzeFreeride, the camp aptly named ‘CG Fun Camp’ took it’s first riders of the season among the beautiful hills of Florence in Northern Italy. A huge mix of potential shredders took part in the first camp of the season with the eldest rider hitting the ripe old age of 70!

Fattoria di Maiano was the trail area of choice for the CG Fun Camp in Florence, Italy.
Fattoria di Maiano was the trail area of choice for the CG Fun Camp in Florence, Italy.
Cedric Gracia, downhill and enduro legend, is the face behind the Fun Camps...If you didn't make the link between 'CG' and Cedric Gracia that is.
Cedric Gracia, downhill and enduro legend, is the face behind the Fun Camps…If you didn’t make the link between ‘CG’ and Cedric Gracia that is.

The camp encompasses the fundamental aspects of enduro, from skills and balance to technique and proper set up of the bike, along with a full recording and playback of your trail runs with one to one tuition to improve your riding style. Reasonably priced at €100 per day, you get a lot of bang for your buck. As well as getting to ride with the pro’s, a limited edition Kenny Racing T-shirt with the Andorra flag, Lezyne tools and CG Fun Camps Calendar t-shirt is awarded to anyone who takes part. Now that’s rad.

Proper set up is incredibly important for proper riding. If you're running the incorrect pressure for your riding ability, you're not getting the most of the ride
Proper set up is incredibly important for proper riding. If you’re running the incorrect pressure for your riding ability, you’re not getting the most of the ride
Teaching the fundamental aspects, from jumping technique to balance, the camps cover all the basics
Teaching the fundamental aspects, from jumping technique to balance, the camps cover all the basics
One-to-one tuition is available throughout the day, with everything filmed, photographed and played back for analysis.
One-to-one tuition is available throughout the day, with everything filmed, photographed and played back for analysis.

Jordi stated, “We really had fun time riding with everyone and having a nice lunch with all groups!” It’s not all about riding (as you may be led to believe), the camp is to envisage how social and interactive the sport can be. You see a lot of photographs in the magazine with high fives and fist bumps? That’s because we just put a dent into our fastest times with our best friends following close behind.

Jordi stated, "We had
Jordi stated, ““We really had fun time riding with everyone and having a nice lunch with all groups!”

Although this is the first camp in Florence, it’s sure not to be the last, with a promising return from Cedric and Jordi in 2016, hopefully pushing the boat out and getting more riders to take part over a longer period. The next CG Fun Camp is set to take place in Andorra between 27th and 28th June.

For more info, visit: CGFunCamps

Words & Photos: Jordi Bago

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