CAT CAMP 2023!! 
Women's MidAtlantic Spring Cycling Weekend
March 30 – April 2, 2023

What is Cat Camp? A multi-day cycling experience for WTFNB (women, trans, femme, non-binary) riders of all ages, disciplines, and ability levels in the Catoctin Mountain Region of Maryland. Directed by Alex Forte Howell of Dirty Kitten Racing/Dirty Kitten Gravel and her crew, Cat Camp is designed specifically for those who are interested in road cycling and gravel riding with a side of mountain biking. This is an opportunity to "get away" from the hustle and bustle of daily life, spend a few days riding your bike, and meet new people. There are a variety of supported rides (road, gravel, mtb), skills clinics, and training sessions. This is a unique cycling experience you won't forget!

COVID-19 Policy: Proof of vaccination is required to attend Cat Camp. Anyone who experiences symptoms and receives a positive test within 1 week of arrival should contact Alex and cancel all travel plans. Masks and face coverings are optional. Proper hygiene and handwashing techniques are encouraged. Social distancing guidelines will be followed and participants are expected to respect one another's space both on and off the bike. 

LOCATION: Frederick, Maryland (various locations)

CAMP REGISTRATION – BikeReg

• Full Purrito (4 days): $300 – Thurs, Fri, Sat, and Sun
• Basic Purrito (3 days): $225 – Thurs, Fri, Sat OR Fri, Sat, Sun 
• Mini Purrito (2 days): $150 – Thurs & Fri/Fri & Sat/Sat & Sun
• MTB Clinic Only (1 day): $50 – TBA

*We are not offering a "Single Day" option this year as we don't believe it reflects the true purpose and mission of Cat Camp. We believe that participants will get the most out of this experience if they attend multiple days.

A non-refundable $50 deposit is due upon registration. The remaining balance can be made as either 1 full payment or 2 separate payments (see payment schedule below): 

– Payment #1 (50%) due by February 28 , 2023

– Payment #2 (50%) due by March 24, 2023

CAT CAMP PARTICIPANT EXPECTATIONS:

ALL Cat Camp Participants are expected to:

• Read the Event Notes and agree to all guidelines
• Present proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon arrival
• Schedule a bike tune-up before arriving at camp
• Understand the event outline and schedule
• Arrive on time and be prepared to ride each day
• Follow the rules of the road at all times when riding
• Act in a safe and respectful manner toward other participants
• Contact Alex with any questions, comments, or concerns prior to arrival
• Prepare a personal "meal plan" (unless otherwise specified)
• Carry basic bike repair equipment on every ride (flat pack, tubes, pump, etc)
• Make responsible choices in the weeks leading up to camp so as not to negatively affect other participants (i.e. take necessary health & safety precautions, schedule seasonal bike maintenance & repair, stay up-to-date with local news & events, etc)

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY:

*The $50 deposit is nonrefundable. Participants may receive a full refund (excluding the deposit and BikeReg service fee) before February 28, 2023 and a 50% refund (excluding the deposit and service fee) before March 24, 2023. There will be NO refunds issued after March 24, 2023. However, if the event is canceled prior to February 28, 2023 participants will receive a $50 BikeReg credit to be used for future Dirty Kitten Productions events. If the event is canceled within 1 month of the start date due to health, safety, weather, or other extenuating circumstances, participants will have the option to receive a 50% refund (excluding the deposit and service fee) or a 100% entry credit (excluding the deposit and service fee) to be used for a future Dirty Kitten Productions event. Please consider all of these options when registering for the event and carefully read through the BikeReg registration insurance policy before making your selection.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

– The total event cost includes insurance, bike safety & maintenance checks, daily ride support, clinics, training sessions, select nutrition items, swag, photos, and some additional services (TBD). 

– Accommodations are on your own. Visit the Cat Camp FB page or group, Frederick Tourism Department website (Visit Frederick), or contact Alex for information on places to stay in Frederick County.

– Meals are on your own (there may be pre-packaged lunch options available – TBA)

– Any bike services performed by our mechanics during camp other than the daily "Bike Safety Checks" (replacement parts or repairs) will require an added fee (parts + labor) that must be paid at the time of service. 

– For additional information or if you have any questions/comments/concerns, please contact Event Director, Alex Forte Howell (203-615-4459) camp@dirtykittengravel.com

PACKING LIST: 

– Equipment: Bike(s), helmet, shoes, sunglasses, bike seat bag & flat pack/tool kit (tube, tire levers, CO2 cartridges, pump), tail light, water bottles, GPS device, phone, mirrors (optional)

– Apparel: Jerseys, bibs, baselayers, arm & leg warmers, tights, vest, jacket, neck gaiter, socks, gloves, sports bra, shoe covers, rain gear (weather dependent)

*We will be riding in both the valley and mountains around the area. The temperature changes drastically depending on elevation and location so be prepared. Bring both cold & warm weather cycling apparel and be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. The lows can be in the 40s while the highs can be in the 60s. 

CAT CAMP TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

*All rides & activities are subject to change depending on weather. Participants may "opt out" of a group ride or activity if they wish, but any activities performed outside of the "official" event schedule are at-your-own-risk. 

THURSDAY – 3/30 (9am-6pm) tentative schedule

• 9:00am – Arrival, Check-in, Bike Safety Checks, Welcome, Introductions
• 11:00am – Clinic #1: Basic Bike Maintenance & Repair
• 12:00am – Break/Lunch (on your own)
• 2:00pm – Afternoon Road Ride (25-30 miles)
• 5:00pm – Stretching, Recovery, Wrap-Up 
• 6:00pm – Dinner (on your own)

FRIDAY – 3/31 (9am-6pm) tentative schedule

• 8:00am – Arrival, Check-in, Bike Safety Checks, Welcome, Introductions
• 9:00am – Morning Road Ride (25-30 miles)
• 12:00pm – Lunch (bring your own)
• 1:00pm – Clinic #2: TBA
• 2:00pm – Afternoon Road & Gravel Rides (30-40 miles) 
• 5:00pm – Stretching, Recovery, Wrap-Up
• 6:00pm – Dinner (on your own)

SATURDAY – 4/1 (8am-6pm)

• 8:00am – Arrival, Check-in, Bike Safety Checks, Welcome, Introductions
• 9:00am – Clinic #3: Road Cycling Skills & Drills Session; Training/Racing Q&A
• 12:00pm – Break/Lunch (on your own) 
• 2:00pm – Afternoon Road & Gravel Rides (35-40 miles)
• 5:00pm – Stretching, Recovery, Wrap-Up
• 6:00pm – Dinner (on your own)

SUNDAY – 4/2 (8am-5pm) 

*We will be eating along the ride route so plan to pack your own lunch or bring money to purchase something at one of the “rest stops” along the way.

• 8:00am – Arrival, Check-in, Bike Safety Check
• 9:00am – Clinic #4: TBA
• 10:00am – Morning/Afternoon Road Ride (50-60 miles)
• Lunch (along the route) TBD
• 3:00/4:00pm – Clinic #5: Yoga & Stretching
• 5:00pm – Recovery, Wrap-Up, Farewell

PARTNERS/SPONSORS: TBA

SUPPORTING BIKE SHOP: Bike Doctor Frederick (Frederick, MD) 301-620-8868

CONTACTS: Event Director – Alex Forte Howell (203-615-4459) camp@dirtykittengravel.com