Friends For Life Bike Rally - A Benefit for the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation

• Introduction
• About Training Routes
• Training Ride Maps
• Qualifying rides
• What you need to bring
• What else you need to know
• The role of the Sweep
• Cancellation policy
• Training Ride Calendar

Introduction

The training rides are developed and organized by returning riders and are a fantastic way to:

• tap into a training schedule to get in shape for the ride
• meet fellow riders and make new friends
• learn and practice safe and efficient riding
• help other riders by sharing your knowledge
• support and encourage all riders, especially new riders

More than half of the riders at training rides are new riders, so please don't worry that you don't know anyone or you're brand new to riding -- come out to the first few training rides and meet new riders like yourself and take advantage of the knowledge and support of returning riders.

If you are not registered with the Bike Rally, you are still welcome to join us provided you follow our rules outlined on this page.

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Training Routes

The first training ride is 34kms and then we gradually work up the distances from there. Get a sample of the routes here in the Training maps archive. When we start the season, the 2007 routes will be posted on this page one or two weeks in advance so you can download and print the map. We do expect you to bring a copy of the route map each week - if you forget, we do have a few extra. Departure points alternate between Kipling, Finch and Kennedy subway stations.

Qualifying rides

All riders must finish a qualifying 50k training ride (by Sunday, May 18), a 100k training ride (by Sunday, July 6) and Back to Back rides (by Sunday, July 20 - new). This is to ensure that all Riders get working on their distances early, and allow us to work with those who may be struggling to complete the rides.

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What you need to bring

It is mandatory that you WEAR A HELMET on all training rides. Bring some nutritious snacks on the longer rides, as there will be long stretches of country roads where there are no convenience stores. When the routes get longer than 35k, plan your own 5-10 minute break about the halfway point and stop to eat and drink. You don't need to stick around at the end of the ride, though people often do so to chat and welcome finishing riders.

Unless you really need to secure your bike somewhere, we don't recommend bringing a lock – they weigh a lot and will just slow you down. And don't forget to apply sunscreen – cycling is not a good way to develop a tanline, and even a short time in the saddle can expose you to a lot of UV rays.

Here's a list of what to bring on a ride:

Esential

• helmet (mandatory)
• cycling gloves
• portable tire pump, set to fit your valve type
• spare tube
• patch kit
• tire levers (plastic)
• water bottle(s) and/or a Camelback hydration system, filled with water and/or a fluid replacement drink
• banana, energy bar, fig newtons or some other snacks
• money, credit card, identification (also written on the inside of your helmet)
• sunglasses
• lightweight waterproof jacket if there is any chance of rain
• sunscreen to reapply on hot days

Optional

• multitool
• cell phone
• small section of wire (handy for fixing things)
• compass and/or Toronto map (just in case...)
• pressure gauge

What else you need to know

If you are unsure on how to fix a flat, please review and practice these instructions. Always perform a safety check, oil your chain and pump up your tires before riding. New Riders must attend one of the bike repair seminars before we leave for Montreal.

You must follow the rules of Safety and Cycling Etiquette on all training rides and on the ride to Montreal – Riders who who don't may be removed from the ride, for their own safety as well as that of others.

We encourage Riders to set up additional group training rides in our discussion forum. Crew members and the general public are welcome to bring their bikes and helmets and join us!

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The role of the Sweep

The very last rider is called the Sweep. The Sweep is the final fall-back person and is there to assist and encourage those riding at the back of the pack. Riders should be aware that having Sweeps on the rides is a courtesy - they will do their best to help you with technical and physical difficulties but they are not mechanics or doctors. They are volunteering their time to assist you in training. Ultimately, we want to foster an environment where all riders can learn to take care of themselves on the road.

Cancellation policy

We go unless there is snow on the ground, it is presently snowing or there is thunder and lightening. April may be iffy but last year we only cancelled one training ride the entire season. Please dress accordingly. It is good to get used to riding in the rain as it has always rained at least one day on the actual rally and if you're dressed properly for it, it is not that much of a bother!

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Upcoming Training Rides (1 month view)

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