ABOUT TRAINING

Our intention with the training program is to achieve two major things with you:

1. Endurance Training rides get you out on your bike NOW so you are ready for the Ride. This will help build up your endurance so you can enjoy the big day.
2. Social Network Training rides offer the added benefit of helping you meet and learn from many other riders. With riders of all experience levels, you can learn a great deal from one another. You also make a lot of new friends, which makes ride-day much more enjoyable year after year. 

There are so many gifts you can get from the training rides.
Two primary gifts are:

1. You'll get in better shape and enjoy Ride day even more. Training rides get you out on your bike now to help you build up endurance - which happens a lot quicker than you expect!
2. You'll meet some of the best people you'll ever know. With riders of all experience levels, you can learn a lot from eachother. 

Getting in shape, making great friends, how could it get any better?

TRAINING RIDES: KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Responsibilities for Hill Country Riders

• HELMET - Bring your helmet. No one rides without one!
• MAPS - Print and bring a Map of the route – they are posted on the training schedule.
• WATER - Bring two filled water bottles with water or half water/half sports drink – Hydration is critically important!
• FOOD - Eat a good breakfast and bring a snack, such as a Clif Bar – Nutrition is also extremely important!
• TOOLS - Always bring a spare inner-tube and any tire-changing and bike repair tools. CO2 cartridges and dispensers work great instead of hand pumps.
• BIKE CONDITION - Make sure your bike is in good working order every week.
  -check your tires for adequate air pressure immediately before riding
  -both brakes must work
  -no broken spokes
  -tires must have some tread; wheels must be reasonably true
• GLASSES - Wear riding glasses or sunglasses to protect your eyes from road debris.
• START TIME - Arrive early to meet others and listen to our Beneficiaries. Rides leave according to schedule.
• SAFETY
  -Use appropriate hand signals
  -Call out passing vehicles and when passing other riders on the left
  -Ride SINGLE FILE
  -Stay alert to road conditions and vehicles and cyclists around you
• FUN - It’s a RIDE, not a RACE, so have FUN but be SAFE!

TRAINING PHOTOS & VIDEOS

Have photos and videos to share? Send them to us at info@hillcountryride.org!