Back in the Saddle Again: Charity Ride Training Part 2

In part one, I spoke about being prepared for the embarkment of your charity ride.   Now I want to talk about the actual training component.  If you are actively training and preparing for your ride, it shows commitment on your behalf, not only for yourself, but also to those in support of you.  Your sponsors want to know you will succeed in raising funds.  They also want to know you will be able to complete the ride.  Sponsors will feel confident in you and may be inclined to give more as a result.

Now that the days are getting longer and warmer, there are more hours available for riding your bike.  A 220 km bike ride is like running a marathon.  The best way to succeed is to start NOW, one baby step at a time.  You could attempt riding it all at once, in two days, but it will be challenging, especially if you haven't trained at all.  And believe me, I met many people along the way who didn't prepare and train.

Whether it's a 20, 50 or 220 km ride, the key to training is moderation.  You want to be able to gradually work yourself up to be able to do 220 km in a weekend, not only physically but mentally as well.  It takes 2 days to ride the 220 km for the RCC ride.  We need to get you in the saddle now, so that when the day comes to do your charity ride, it's just another ride in the country for you. 

No matter what your current level of fitness is, we can assist you in preparing for your charity ride experience.  If your desire is to be physically prepared for your ride, the sooner you start, the better prepared you will be.  You can try to do it alone or you can work with someone who will support you in your goals and in accomplishing them.  Why do it alone?  Unfortunately, very few people have enough self-discipline to make sure they get out on their bikes everyday. What if you had someone coaching you along and keeping you to your commitments?  Wouldn't that be exciting?  What if, as a result, you started to really love cycling too?

We have teamed up with a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer who can provide you with a fitness assessment and develop a personalized program just for you.  This will ensure you get the most out of your ride and that you train in a safe manner.  We will ride along with you as you increasingly go on longer and longer rides.  You can look forward to the day of the ride because you are prepared and you will have some fun along the way!!

Enjoy the Calgary and Alberta countryside as you train and prepare for the big event.  You will be part of a group training towards the same goal.

Start today!  If you are ready to commit to the physical component of your charity ride and wish to get some exercise while enjoying the many health benefits, contact us and we will get you started today. 

We will systematically get you into the physical condition you need to be in order to comfortably and securely do your charity ride.  Our goal is for you to enjoy your experience.

Let's talk about the three packages available:  All packages include a bike fit session and a physical fitness assessment.  Please read this article on proper bike fit.

1.  "The Virgin Rider":  You have your first "real" bike and have somehow found yourself signed up for a charity ride.  Yikes!  What do I do now?

Maybe you are completely new to the world of cycling and you don't know where or how to start.  You need guidance on a training program; a definite road map for you to follow.  We will design a map and a gameplan and then ride along with you.  We provide you with a coach to guide and keep you motivated.  We will start where you are at and gradually assist and support you in increasing your abilities week to week.  For some riders, we will have to start right at the beginning: bike fit and set up, proper gear shifting technique for mechanical advantage, nutrition and diet, to name a few.  Remember:  you are the engine and you must be properly fueled.  We will custom design a training program based on your current level of fitness and experience.  We will start on the local bike path system.  Then gradually take you to the street and out on the open road.

2. "The Hobby Rider":  The somewhat experienced rider who goes out from time to time but really hasn't done any type of long distance riding before. 

You are a "recreational cyclist" that goes for casual rides in the evening or on weekends but have never done any formal type of training.  You ride around in areas you are "familiar" with and at much shorter distances than what it requires to ride daily on a charity ride.  You're concerned or may doubt if you can go on a long distance ride.  We will take you to the next level by leading you on longer and longer rides until you can comfortably go on rides of a 100kms a day or more.  We will show you how to fuel your body for long rides and how to get the most from your bike with proper bike fit and riding technique.

3.  "The Experienced Rider":  You cycle regularly but would enjoy cycling with someone or a small group of other experienced riders.  You are able to go fairly long distances.

You are a recreational rider that already has the ability to go the distance but would like to go out on training rides and get additional instruction so that you get the best from your machine (your bike) and your engine (your body).  We will do a bike fit session to ensure you are getting the most from your bike.  We will teach you how to fuel your body correctly to maximize your time spent training on your bike and riding long distances.  Come on rides with other experienced riders that are at your more advanced level.


Whether you are completely new to cycling, are intermediate or are a seasoned veteran cyclist, we will custom design a training package specific to your needs and abilities.  We will ride right along with you to ensure that when the day comes for you to embark on your charity ride, you will be fully prepared and looking forward to what could be a life changing experience.  After all, the reason for charity rides is to have a positive impact on peoples lives.

Contact us via email by clicking on "View my complete profile" at the top left of this page, write "charity ride training" in the subject line.  Look forward to hearing from you!