Join Rebecca for 4 days of accelerated learning and unrivaled adventure.
​
The next Rusch Academy is slated for Summer of 2022.
Be sure to sign up for the newsletter so you will be first to know when registration opens.
​
Rusch Academy has the goods to motivate and reward your colleagues or valued clients with a spectacular team building experience. Imagine an inspirational, tailor-made program led by Rebecca but personalized by you, incorporating all the assets of a Gravel Less Traveled camp and adapted to your group's unique specifications. Whatever your goals or dreams, let us deliver results.
​
A topnotch, comprehensive approach to supercharging your athletic evolution, held on the world-class training ground of a world champion cyclist. Rebecca and her marvelous team make this so much more than just another gravel ride camp.
Over four days of epic endurance riding at altitude, you'll hone skills and focus while pushing mind and body to elevated levels. With some of the most experienced coaches and industry leaders in cycling, Rebecca holistically addresses the entire performance spectrum: fitness, skills, training tricks, gear, mental strength, mobility tips, recovery, nutrition, and most of all having fun in incredibly scenic surroundings.
Unplug and tune in.
If you're ready for learning, laughs, inspiration, and perspiration that'll sharpen your edge and take your performance and health to eleven, Rusch Academy is for you.
​
Private, Customizable Camp
$1,950 - $2,450 per person
Perfect for your friends, organization, business and so much more!
Contact us to get the conversation going!
AVG DAILY
MILEAGE
35 - 85 Miles
depending on ride group
AVG DAILY
ELEVATION GAIN
1,400 - 4,250 FT
depending on ride group
AVG DAILY
TYPE OF TERRAIN
Gravel Backroads
"Knowledge is power. Come share my home training grounds and build confidence and skills for your next adventure." - Rebecca Rusch
IS ACADEMY FOR ME?
Whether you're a competent MTBer or roadie committed to exploring gravel, or a gravel convert seeking to build skills and experience, we welcome riders from intermediate to expert. We break into groups to provide the most favorable rider/coach interactions so you’ll be nudged to the edge of your comfort zone (and hopefully beyond), and also surprise yourself with the mastery of new skills. There will be plenty of challenge to go around! Campers and coaches alike will benefit from your candid self assessment. Our recommendation for getting the most out of Academy is that riders possess, at minimum, intermediate skills and fitness. Here’s what we mean by that:
SKILLS: INTERMEDIATE, 4 out of 8
​
Think of a scale from 1 to 8, where 1 = you can stay upright while peddling, and 8 = you’re a pro. At level 4, you're comfortable with “pack etiquette” riding in small groups, you're not afraid of washboards or steep climbs, and you're at least curious if not giddy about navigating MTB terrain with your gravel bike. You can execute:
​
-
Controlled one-finger braking, front independent from rear and vice versa
-
Anticipation of terrain changes and shifting accordingly, even if your timing isn’t perfect
-
Standing & coasting on 50/50 pedals; enough balance to maintain level pedals on descents
-
Scanning ahead to choose/maintain your line and cornering techniques such as looking through turns
-
Negotiating bumpy, uneven terrain with confidence
FITNESS: STRONG INTERMEDIATE, 5 out of 8
Similarly, consider your fitness level separate from your skills with the same 1-8 scale, where 1 = coming off the couch and 30 minutes of sustained exercise is your max, and 8 = professional or elite athlete. At level 5, you're comfortable with 3-hour rides 3 days in a row, averaging 15 mph on various terrain (mixed surface, flats, hills). You can and do execute:
​
-
Sustained medium-exertion rides multiple days in a row at a moderate pace for an average of about 3 hours
-
5- to 6-hour duration rides once in a while
-
1,000 feet of elevation gain in a single ride
-
Cycling or activity of similar exertion at least 2 times a week
-
At least 3-4 hours of exercise per week of exercise
Any questions about whether Academy is right for you? Just ask!
WHAT'S INCLUDED
-
4 full days of breathtaking, mind-expanding riding
-
3 nights at a remote, cozy guest ranch
-
Daily skills/education clinics
-
Daily wellness sessions
-
Rusch Academy coaches and pros
-
Guaranteed, discounted entry to RPI 2020
-
12-week training plan for RPI
-
Assorted GU nutrition supplied throughout camp
-
Fueling/hydration tips for training and racing
-
Healthy gourmet meals (vegan/vegetarian options)
-
The Feed Zone Cookbook: delicious food for athletes
-
Professional mechanic & ride support
-
Small ride groups for intermediate to advanced riders
-
Rebecca's favorite gear giveaways
-
Fireside relaxation, conversation and general unwinding
SUPREME LOCATION
Ketchum/Sun Valley is a popular adventure destination – you may want to add extra days on either side of camp to explore. With over 60% of Idaho designated as public land, it's easy to leave civilization behind, embrace the open spaces and fully give yourself over to the #GravelLessTraveled in the heart of southern Idaho.
We'll be riding in the Copper Basin in the Challis National Forest, capped by the iconic Pioneer Mountains. Riders rave over the stunning scenery and rewarding terrain.
COACHING & SUPPORT
It's not every day you have an opportunity ride alongside a 7-time world champion adventure athlete and MTB Hall of Famer. And Rebecca has assembled a crew of athletes, nutritionists and other specialists with years of experience, stoke and knowledge they can't wait to share with you.
​
​Local guides, world class pros and logistics mavens will take care of the details, so you can focus completely on riding and enjoying your Academy experience to the fullest.
OH THE FOOD!
You will be well fed. We promise. Our menu is curated with regionally sourced ingredients, designed for performance and prepared with love and care. Fuel is serious business and half the fun! To carry on the good habits post-Academy, every camper will take home The Feed Zone cookbook full of recipes optimizing flavor, convenience and nutrient value.
LODGING
Rusch Academy includes three nights at the rustic Wild Horse Creek Ranch. Surrounded by expansive wilderness and nationally designated land, this will be our private, unplugged basecamp. Lodging options and price points vary among private or shared rooms with "en suite" bathrooms; shared bunk rooms; or primitive tipis (unheated/no indoor plumbing) for those who prefer a rugged camping--not glamping!--experience. Or, you may request that we supply you with a tent/camping gear, or bring your own.
Sun Valley Mountain Guides operates under special use permits from the following agencies; the United States Bureau of Land Management, Sawtooth National Forest, Salmon-Challis National Forest, and the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board.
THE SCHEDULE
​Wednesday- 5 PM, Limelight Hotel. Welcome session, packet pickup, overview, Q & A. Dinner & lodging is on your own, but we can suggest great local spots if you need tips.
​
Thursday- Camp begins with a 25 mile ride from Ketchum up and over Trail Creek Summit into Wild Horse Creek Ranch. An afternoon ride is optional for those seeking more mileage.
​
Friday & Saturday- Yoga, breakfast, and full days in the saddle. Each day features ride options of varying distance/elevation followed by afternoon lunch, clinics, and goal setting. Evening entertainment, more clinics + relaxation and recovery.
​
Sunday- Enjoy a ripping (but safe) descent from Trail Creek Summit and some sweet singletrack before a late farewell lunch with the crew. (Estimated wrap-up time: 2-3 PM)
