Training Resources
Whether this is your first time preparing for a cycling event, or your tenth, figuring out the best training program for you is a great place to start.
Route Maps
Learn the route maps for each course.
- Learn your course
- View the Elevation Profile
- Print your Route Cue Sheet
Rider Safety
Review safety protocols and rules of the road.
- Learn to ride with a group
- Memorize the rules of the road
- Make sure your helmet is ready
Start Training
Find a training plan.
- Join or get inspired by the training rides below.
- See an example of 60 mi training plan here
- See an example of 30 mi training plan here
- Get your bike tuned up
- Ride! Ride! Ride!
Upcoming Training Rides
We will begin training rides for the 2023 Napa Valley Ride to Defeat ALS and Walk in the Spring.
Saturday, April 15 - Tax Relief Ride
Marin | China Camp Route (Clockwise) | approx. 30 miles, 1,260 ft climb
Easy to Moderate
Get some relief from preparing your taxes and join Team Viking Captain, Erlend B?. This training ride will meet at Equator Coffee in Larkspur at 8:30 am PDT, to head out on the ride at 9:00 am PDT sharp. After the ride, enjoy lunch at Perry's in Larkspur with the group. Parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. For more information check out this Strava route map.
Sunday, May 14 - Mother's day ride
Marin | Strawberry Point and Paradise Loop (counter-clockwise and returning via Corte Madera back to Mill Valley) | approx. 24 miles, 1,056 ft climb
Easy to Moderate
In memory of both the moms who we've lost to ALS and those who are currently battling this disease. Led by Team Captain of Team Viking, Erlend B?, this training ride will meet at Mill Valley Book Depot at 8:30 am PDT, to head out on the ride at 9:00 am PDT sharp. After the ride, enjoy lunch at Book Depot with the group. Parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. For more information, check out this Strava route map.
Saturday, June 3 - The Bay Trail Ride
East Bay | The Bay Trail Ride | approx. 30 miles, 500 ft climb
Easy to Moderate
There is nothing like a cool ride along the bay on a warm June day. In partnership with Event sponsor XL Construction and led by Event Chair, Bruce Friedricks, this training ride will meet at East Brothers Brewery in Pt. Richmond at 9:30 am PDT, to head out on the ride at 10:00 PDT sharp. After the ride, enjoy a beverage and lunch at East Brother's Brewery. The route is known for its scenic views of the bay, marinas, waterfronts, and birdlife. Park at the East Brothers Brewery. For more information, check out this Strava route map.
Saturday, July 1 - Bruce's 3rd Annual "Almost Birthday" Training Ride
North Bay | Pt. Reyes Station Loop | approx. 49 miles, 2,400 ft climb
Easy to Moderate
Our Napa Valley Ride to Defeat ALS and Walk event Co-chair, Bruce Fredericks, leads this training ride along this classic North Bay route that will take us out towards the coast through the bucolic hills and valleys of West Marin and loops back through the Redwood lined path of Samuel P. Taylor Park. We'll meet at Equator Coffees in downtown Larkspur at 8:00 am PDT and roll at 8:30 am PDT sharp. Lunch outside under the Redwoods at Perry's upon our return (a few steps from the Equator Coffees). Bring cash if possible. Park in surrounding neighborhoods, or cycle over from your abode. For more information, check out this Strava route map.
Saturday, August 19 - The Alpine Dam Ride and Seven Sisters (North Bay)
North Bay | Alpine Dam and Seven Sisters | 32 miles, 3518 ft climbing
Hard
The ultimate Marin classic road ride. Led by Team Viking Captain Erlend Bo. Start your ride in downtown Mill Valley at the Book Depot and roll through Larkspur, San Anselmo, and Fairfax before climbing up towards the Meadow Club and then down to Alpine Dam. From there, you climb up to the Seven Sisters, where you can enjoy gorgeous views of the Pacific and the North Bay. From Rock Springs, you have a super fun descent back to Mill Valley. After the ride, enjoy lunch and a cold beverage at the Book Depot. Parking the neighborhood. Wheels up at 9:30 am. For more information, check out this Strava route map.
Saturday, September 2nd - Hathaway-Dinwiddie sponsored Training Ride
East Bay | West Oakland and Alameda | 32 miles, 378 ft climbing
East to Moderate
With thanks to our longtime sponsors and top teams, we look forward to hitting the road again on another fun training ride, compliments of Hathaway-Dinwiddie and led by none other than Gerald "Chip" Hacket. Arrive at 8:30 AM. We'll take a group photo and then pedals push at 9 AM! Park at Ghost Town Brewing in West Oakland, ride the Bay Bridge and get some great views of Oakland Harbor. Ride down across the Southern end of Alamda and back up the Bay Trail along the Estuary to Lake Merritt. Pick up some tasty brews and lunch at Ghost Town Brewing when we're done. check out this Strava route map.
Saturday, September 9th - Lakeview Route "Preview Ride" Napa Valley (47 miles, 1,749 ft climb)
North Bay | Pope Valley | 32 miles, 3518 ft climbing
Moderate - only one short strenuous section; no drop ride
Led by Event Co-Chair, Bruce Friedricks. This magnificent route (slightly modified) which is part of the Napa Valley Ride to Defeat ALS, takes us up to and loops around gorgeous, hilly Pope Valley. Not to worry, Ink Grade is not part of this course. Rest stops at Lake Hennessey going out and upon return. We'll also stop for an outdoor lunch at R+D Kitchen rd-kitchen.com/yountville, a popular Napa Valley eatery, in Yountville with only five easy miles remaining in the ride. Meet at Maher Street at Justin-Siena High School in Napa at 8:00 AM. Roll out is at 8:30 AM sharp. Easy street parking in the parking alcove adjacent to Maher Street at the school's west entrance. Recommended for intermediate and more advanced riders. For more information, check out this Strava route map.