STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Now that pedal pushers are hitting the bike path and the dirt trails around Sun Valley, it’s time to think ahead to the Rusch Academy.

Mountain bike champion Rebecca Rusch, who has called Ketchum her home for years, is offering a Rusch Academy Jun 20-23.

It’s an opportunity to learn gravel biking skills in an awe-inspiring area from the world’s best riders, while enjoying four full days on a ranch nestled in the Pioneer Mountains of Idaho.

“It’s not every day you have an opportunity to ride alongside a seven-time world champion adventure athlete, two Gravel Hall of Famers and a licensed mental health professional focused on movement being key to connecting the mind and body,” said Rusch Academy Founder Rebecca Rusch. “You can be the best version of yourself backed by 40 years of experience, knowledge and athleticism while enjoying the beauty and terrain in one of Idaho’s most desired gravel riding locations.”

The rides will take place in the Copper Basin on top of Trail Creek Summit. Beds will be provided at the rustic Wild Horse Creek Ranch; there also will be camping nearby with access to lodge amenities. Healthy gourmet meals will be served.

Coaches including Yuri Hauswald, two-time solo winner of the 24-Hours of Adrenaline, winner of 2015 Unbound 200 and ninth-place finisher at the 2006 24-Hour Solo world Championships. Also, Jay Petervary, who has dominated the world of ultra-endurance cycling for decades with victories in the Tour Divide, Iditarod Trail Invitational and Silk Road Mountain Race.

Dave Jones, a certified mindfulness meditation teacher and adjunct professor at Boise State University, will provide a wellness component, along with Rusch, seven-time world champion athlete, Gravel and MTB Hall of Fame inductee and Emmy Award winner.

The academy will kick off with a welcome session Wednesday evening at Sturtevants in Ketchum, followed by a 25-mile ride from Ketchum to the Wild Horse Creek Ranch the next day. Friday and Saturday will include full days in the saddle following yoga and breakfast.

Each day features various ride options followed by lunch, mindfulness practices and goal setting sessions, dinner and evening entertainment. Come Sunday riders will  zip back down the hill in Ketchum for some singletrack before a late farewell lunch.

Attendees will receive GU nutrition, mechanic and ride support opportunities to ride in small groups designated intermediate and advanced. There also is guaranteed, discounted entry to Rebecca’s Private Idaho 2024 over Labor Day Weekend.

To learn more about training with Rusch, visit https://www.rebeccarusch.com/.