Fall in New England means crisp mornings, golden leaves, and smooth, winding gravel—and there's no better place to experience it than Vermont's Mad River Valley. Join us for a few days of unforgettable riding, coaching, and connection at our new gravel and mountain bike camp: a festival-style adventure where bikes meet waterfalls, wood-fired saunas, and fun. It's perfect for gravel and mountain riders who want more than a training block. If you're craving adventure, connection, and a chance to ride hard and chill harder, this week was built for you.
This camp takes place at Madbush Falls Rider's Outpost, a custom-built cycling retreat with direct access to 60+ miles of singletrack and hundreds of miles of iconic Vermont gravel. The location is a dream for adventurous riders: beautiful climbs, low-dust roads, covered bridges, swimming holes, and fast, flowing dirt.
After the ride, the celebration continues. Cool off in the waterfall-fed plunge pool, relax in wood-fired saunas overlooking the river, and gather around the fire pit with friends old and new. This camp blends the best of BaseCamp coaching with the spirit of a festival: it's laid back, communal, and all about the joy of riding bikes. Whether you're looking to sharpen your gravel skills, explore new terrain, or just hang out with awesome people, this camp delivers.
We're keeping this camp intentionally small to protect the experience and preserve the intimate, community-focused feel. Once it fills, it's full.
Registration opens soon! Join the list and be first in line when we go live.
The Experience
World-Class Riding
Explore 60+ miles of singletrack and hundreds of miles of scenic Vermont gravel. Ride fast, flowy roads, pass through small towns and covered bridges, and climb forested hills with panoramic views.
Expert Coaching
Join daily rides and skill sessions led by the BaseCamp coaching team to build confidence, improve technique, and learn how to optimize your gravel and mountain performance.
Festival Atmosphere
This camp features group events, fireside hangouts, local food, and a community of riders who love adventure. Come for the riding; stay for the vibe.
Community and Connection
What makes a BaseCamp camp special is the mix of performance and play. Our team of experienced coaches will guide you through progressive training, provide hands-on tips and support, and help you ride stronger and smarter, all while keeping the mood relaxed and the focus on fun. Between the rides, you'll have space to breathe, recover, and enjoy.
Meet the Camp Coaches
Tim Cusick
BaseCamp Founder and Head Coach
Brian Hammond
BaseCamp Elite Coach
Namrita Brooke
BaseCamp Head Coach and Nutritionist
Greg Waggoner
BaseCamp Elite Coach
Tina Hart
Camp Coordinator, BaseCamp Elite Coach
The Details
What's Included
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Six days, five nights in the Vermont mountains
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Daily gravel and mountain rides with BaseCamp coaches
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Hands-on skills coaching and ride support
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Access to Madbush Falls plunge pool and Savu saunas
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Full meal service with locally sourced, rider-focused menus
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Boutique lodging or luxury canvas tent accommodations
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Welcome gift and BaseCamp swag
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Fireside chats, optional workshops, and community events
What's Not Included
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Airfare or other travel expenses
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Transportation
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Coach tips
Pricing
Pricing will be announced soon! Your deposit is due at registration, with the remaining balance due 6 weeks before camp.
Please note that there is an additional 2.5% fee if paying final camp balances with a credit card; to avoid the additional fee, you can simply pay the final balance with ACH transfer or by mailing a check.
Cancelation Policy
All camp deposits are fully or partially refundable as follows:
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Before March 22, 2026: Your deposit is fully refundable, minus a $50 processing fee.
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Before June 20, 2026: Your deposit is 50% refundable.
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After June 20, 2026: Your deposit is not refundable.
Camp Itinerary
Thursday, Oct 2
3:30-5:00 p.m.
Camp checkin and cabin assignment
5:30-7:00 p.m.
Welcome BBQ dinner
7:00 p.m.
Campfire and social fun
Friday, Oct 3
7:30-8:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m. Riders Meeting
9:30-11:30 a.m. Skills and Drills Practice
11:30 a.m. Lunch
12:30-5:00 p.m. Group Rides
3-4 route options available
6:00 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m. Social Activities
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Saturday, Oct 4
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m. Rider meeting
9:30-11:00 a.m. Skills and Drills Practice
11:00 a.m. Lunch
12:00 p.m. Riders Meeting
12:30-5:00 p.m. Group Rides
2-3 route options available
6:00 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m. Social Activities
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Sunday, Oct 5
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m. Riders Meeting
9:00-11:30 a.m. Group Rides
11:30 a.m. Snacks and Cleanup
1:00 p.m. Departure
Camp FAQs
What is a bunkhouse?
Camp Thompson features ten bunkhouse cabins, each with six bunkbeds (we are using floor-level beds only), heating, and electricity. There are no private bathrooms. Linens are not included in lodging.
Are there bathrooms and showers?
The bunkhouses are conveniently located around two communal, heated bathhouses featuring full showers and facilities.
Can I bring my RV or tent?
RVs and tents are not allowed at Camp Thompson, but you can grab a site at Pine Grove Furnace Campgrounds, which is connected to Camp Thompson via bike and walking paths. If you're going with this option, sign up above for the "training only" option.
Is there a hotel nearby?
The best hotel is in downtown Carlisle at the Comfort Suites, 13 miles away from Camp Thompson, but they are likely sold out. Other hotels nearby (15 miles from camp) are MainStay Suites Carlisle - Harrisburg, Fairfield Inn and Suites Carlisle, and Holiday Inn Express Carlisle Southwest.
Can we bring our pets?
Sorry, pets are not allowed at Camp Thompson.
What is the food like?
Our catered meals will be prepared in the dining hall. The food will not be fancy, but it is our goal to provide healthy options for all.