The goals for the SVTC cycling program are to provide improved biking techniques and skills such: pedaling technique, hand positioning, seat position, maneuvering corners, up-hills, down-hills, braking and heart rate pacing for biking. Some time trials practice sessions will be held to focus on "On the Bike" skills and fitness training based on heart rate. The program will encourage pack riding skills and teamwork. While these skills do not directly improve triathlon performance, the ability to ride comfortably and fast with other people will increase individual opportunity to ride with better and better riders in the SF Bay Area.

Workouts:

SVTC offers two weekly group rides led by members. The workouts will be described in detail with e-mail messages at “interactive-svtc” several days before the actual workout session.

Saturday Ride

Who:               Warren Mine, Member led workout

When:             Saturdays, time of the day is announced via “announce-svtc”

Where:           Starting point and route is announced via “announce-svtc”

The Saturday ride will focus on improving your bike endurance and group riding skills. The workouts will be defined by RPM, Heart rate, pedaling technique and other technical factors. The workout has several options for the length of the ride, which are suitable for people training for Olympic distance races up to Ironman distances. Although it is a non sweep ride there are usually has several regroups along the way and no one will be left behind. The workout is meant to offer a challenging bike workout with the company of other SVTC members. Look for the announcements on “interactive-svtc” for more details on the ride.

Thursday Night Hill Ride (2011 rides begin on April 7)

Who:               Garry, Member led workout

When:             Thursdays at 6pm

Where:           Starting point is usually Lucky’s parking lot on Foothill and Arboretum. Details of the ride is announced via “announce-svtc”

The Thursday Night ride is a challenging hill and tempo workout with only one or two regroups. The ride focuses on bike handling skills, group riding, up hill and down hill techniques and pace-line riding. The ride will work your aerobic and anaerobic engine and help improve your power on the bike and your ability to recover after the hills. The ride usually splits in several groups and there are ride leaders for several abilities so no one will be left behind. The ride alternates a challenging hilly route with a faster flatter route.

Fast route: Click here for map

Hill Route: Click here for map Long   Medium   Short

Click here for a useful glossary of bike-specific terms.

Road Rules:

1. You must wear a helmet on all club rides.
2. You must obey all traffic laws, including coming to a full stop at all stop signs.
3. Point out hazards, traffic and other obstacles to fellow riders.
4. In addition to what individuals call out, look out for yourself before you GO.
5. Stay off your aerobars while riding in a pack.
6. Always pass on the left, and only when safe to do so.
   
7. Work together.
8. Have fun.

 Click here for more etiquette rules for riding in packs...

The SVTC Cycling Program is funded by club dues and is a benefit of membership. Non-members are welcome to attend one cycling workout for free, although you must sign a one-time Liability Waiver. Members need to bring their membership cards to show when checking in for the workout.

* Note additional info: restrooms available, water available, bring your own fluids and food, minimal stops, bring bike pump and spare tubes, no whining, etc. HAPPY TRAINING!