We wouldn't ask you to ride 30, 100 or 150 miles if we weren't prepared to help you do it. This section includes information to help you train for the
Bay to Bay Tour, including training programs and recommended rides to get
you out on the road.

Besides the materials included on this website, our Official Bike Shops are a great resource as you train and prepare for the Tour. Visit one of these shops leading up to the Tour to make sure you have everything you need to be safe
and comfortable on the ride.
           
Most importantly: Always consult your physician before
starting any training program.

GETTING STARTED

FIRST TIME RIDER INFO

TRAINING RIDE CALENDAR AND RECOMMENDED RIDES

SAMPLE TRAINING SCHEDULES

ASK COACH DAVE

• Have all the correct and necessary equipment, including a properly fitted and capable bicycle, an ANSI/Snell approved helmet, comfortable apparel and shoes. Visit your local bike shop or our Official Bike Shops to make sure you are ready.
• Eating and drinking right is just as much a key element of training for and riding in the Bike MS Tour as the number of miles a rider spends on a bike.
  It is important to be well-hydrated before, during and after a ride. Dehydration can result in nausea, muscle cramps, chills and a lack of motivation. Dehydration could also lead to heat stroke, a serious medical condition. To prevent dehydration, we recommend you use the following general guidelines: 
  • On all rides, drink 4 to 8 ounces of water or carbohydrate drinks every 15 to 30 minutes. Drink more if it's hot, humid, or you're really riding hard.
  • On rides longer than two hours, increase the total amount you drink to 5 to 10 ounces every 15 to 30 minutes. Carbohydrate replacement drinks empty more slowly from the stomach and will help increase your performance, reduce cramps and lessen the possibility of heat stroke.

In addition, eating something before, during and after your ride is equally important. Fruits, breads and energy bars will help you avoid the famous "BONK" (or sudden feeling of fatigue) that many cyclists experience on longer rides. Be sure to pack at least 1-2 bars per 20 miles.

Irvine to San Diego is a beautiful, relatively short drive. The Bike MS Tour, however, is a long-distance bike ride. It is 30, 100 or 150 miles on a paved surface; training and preparation will make the ride easier and more enjoyable.  Click below and read about some simple steps to bicycling success:

• A list of training rides hosted by our Official Bike Shoppartners and participating teams will be posted online and are a great way to meet other cyclists, get comfortable on your bike, and learn how to ride safely in large groups.
• Visit the Tour's Official Bike Shops. They?re a great source of information regarding your bike, equipment, training and general cycling information.
• Check the website often, and read your newsletters and final event instructions carefully. These resources are full of information for cyclists, friends, family and clients, and provide updated information and information on any last-minute changes.

Recruit family, friends, and coworkers and unite toward a world free of MS.  A team consists of four or more riders and is a great way to bond with others and demonstrate community involvement while having a ton of fun!  To learn more about the benefits and special perks if you ride as a team, please contact our Teams Manager.

Enjoy yourself on the ride! Remember, this is a Tour to create awareness and raise money for MS, not a race. There will be cyclists of all levels on their bikes. You will never be alone. Have fun and make this a memory of a lifetime!

Participate in other organized cycling events prior to the Bike MS Tour. You'll have a much safer and enjoyable experience after you've spent time in the saddle during organized rides, learning the ins and outs of group cycling.

Here are some suggested training schedules for all of our mile routes

30-mile route participants
Click here for PDF

100-mile route participants
Click here for PDF

150-mile route participants
Click here for PDF

USA Cycling Licensed Coach Dave Jordaan specializes in Road, Time Trial and XC Mt. Bike racing. Besides his structured training programs he also provides nutritional guidelines and recommendations including body composition profile and analysis. Athletes travel from around the USA for his professional bike fits where he is a recognized "biomechanical power train improvement" leader. Dave trains his athletes in the use of race preparation, tactics and strategy as well as the critically important mental toughness process.

Dave's "Sports Performance Panel" includes Registered Dietitians, Sports Psychologists, Physical Therapists, Strength & Conditioning Coaches plus Medical and Pharmaceutical experts, all leaders in their own field.

Dave rides locally in Irvine (So. Cal) area and all of his athletes participate in his hands-on coaching program in the winter (Oct - Feb). On these training rides around Orange County, California they have the opportunity to train with national and international professional champion athletes.

"My programs will identify your endurance, strength and speed limit frontiers. These are frontiers that
many athletes will never experience. I broaden your athletic vision so that you can achieve the best that
you can be."

Ask Coach Dave all your training and nutrition questions.