The 2009 Training Program
Congratulations on joining B2B. Let me just say how much you are going to enjoy the ride this year. I have designed two programs this year for Bike to the Beach Participants: One program for the occasional biker AND one program for the those who can ride every day.
The program itself is selective. This means you can do all or just one of the training day rides. As a beginner I want you to train within your means and know your limits. Cycling is a great sport and a great way to stay in shape. Start slow and build. Concentrate on technique and the repetitious act of riding a bike and you will get better. The key, of course, is to be ready to bike 100 miles this summer. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, anyone can do it.
As Eddy Merckx (5 Time Tour de France Champion and the winner of over 500 races in 11 years) once said, "Ride as little or as much, as short or as long ... just ride."
There will be a series of rides and events we would like you to attend. These will include fitness sessions at our gym partner (Balance Gym), bike maintenance training, group rides and happy hours where you can meet your fellow participants. The rides are a great way to get some exercise, get in shape for bike to the beach, and meet some of the other Bike to the Beachers! Take a casual ride or race against your friends: its up to you! Like all B2B events, the bottom-line is fun!
See below for our group training ride schedule:
| 2009 TRAINING RIDE SCHEDULE | ||||
| Date | Trail/Route | Distance | ||
| June 20th | Georgetown to Old Town OR Mt. Vernon | 24-45 miles | ||
| June 27th | Georgetown to Viena or Reston | 24-50 miles | ||
| July 4th | No Ride | 0 miles | ||
| July 11th | Balance Gym (starting place) Rock Creek Loop | 20 miles | ||
| July 18th | Georgetown to the end of MacArthur Blvd (Hill workout) | 30 miles | ||
| July 25th | Cyclelife USA in Georgetown to RappFest in Kensington, MD | 28 miles |
*** There are also weekly training ride being hosted by Tommy Schmitz EVERY THURSDAY at 6:00 AM. The ride leaves from Little Flower Parking lot (5601 Massachusetts Ave, Bethesda, MD), by the field. The group will ride out McArthur, past brickyard, up the big hill, looping back around. It is just under 20 miles total, and takes a little over an hour.
In addition to our training rides, we encourage each rider to ride on their own and get used to riding and changing gears. Please start to ride and enjoy this sport and we will see you on July 31st.
Nil Volentibus Arduum,
John Blomstrom, Training Coordinator
Click below to see the "Standard" and "advanced" training programs:
| Standard Training Program | Advanced Training Program |
Suggested trails and routes for Bike to the Beach training:
| Ride | Trail/Route | Distance | ||
| Ride A | Dupont to Bethesda | 9 miles | ||
| Ride B | Capital Crescent/Rock Creek Loop | 26 miles | ||
| Ride C | Wolfpack Route 1 | 28 miles | ||
| Ride D | Washington DC to Mount Vernon | 27 miles | ||
| Ride E | Bethesda - DC - Potomac | 25 miles | ||
| Ride F | Mount Pleasant - NIH | 9 miles | ||
| Ride G | Bike DC Route | 16 miles | ||
| Ride H | Crescent - Rock Creek via Georgetown | 20 miles | ||
| Ride I | DC - Great Falls | 12 miles | ||
| Ride J | DC Scenic Ride Route | 20 miles | ||
| Ride K | Mohican Hills | 21 miles | ||
| Ride L | Georgetown - Alexandria | 12 miles |