Trudging Buddies are living proof that recovery is possible.
And we don't do this alone. We do this together.
Over the past ten years, together we have raised over $3.5M to end AIDS.

In 2023-24, we plan to train hard and to and raise $500,000 or more by participating in AIDS/LifeCycle 2024.

Together we will train, we will travel and we will continue to carry the torch for those who can't.
Our 2024 season is in progress and we invite you to join our next adventure.
Get started by registering at https://www.aidslifecycle.org/
Together, we will continue to make a difference.

We'll see you on the road.

RIDER FAQ

• What to do before every training ride 

• Air: check air pressure before every ride - (clear valve, recommended range on sidewall vs. online tire pressure calculator)

• Brakes: (independent front + rear, visual cable inspection, wheel spins free, brakes apply evenly and powerfully with linear feel)

• Chain: when how to lubricate  (visual inspection for link ‘spread,’ proper lubrication, periodic measured length inspection)

• Attire and gear 

  • Bibs/shorts (no underwear – less chance of chafing)

  • Jersey (club vs race fit, rear pockets, safety/visibility) 

  • Helmet (MIPS, sizing for cycling cap) 

  • Spare tubes [make sure you have the right size for your specific tires], a multi-tool, and tire levers (you can ask for/about these at any bike shop)

  • 2 water bottles - one with water, one with electrolytes (check electrolyte products for caffeine content, and insulated bottles are recommended) 

  • Snacks (high protein w carbs)

  • Optional

    • Cleats (degrees of float, maintenance, SPD-SL, SPD, Speedplay, Crank bros) 

    • Saddle bag/Burrito bag 

    • Hand pump or CO2 cartridges

    • gloves, layers (for cool weather), sleeves, front and back lights

• Clipping in and Out

  • Here are a few YouTube videos to help you learn how to clip in and out:

    • Video 1

    • Video 2

    • How to clip in faster

• Apps to Download

  • Strava: It has been said that “if it’s not on Strava, it didn’t happen.” Strava records all of your cycling activity! You can also sync your smart watch to the app.  

  • Ride with GPS: This is an app that contains all of our routes and includes turn-by-turn navigation

    • Join Trudging Buddies club on Ride With GPS app to get free turn by turn navigation for all TB Rides: JOIN TB RIDEWGPS CLUB

• Fixing a Flat Tire

  • This is a necessary skill for all riders! You should always carry two extra tubes with you when you ride (there are different sized tubes depending on the size of your tires).

  • Here are some helpful videos about how to fix a flat:

    • Video 1

    • Video 2

• Shifting Gears 

  • Fundamentals (shifter familiarity, chain line, cross-chaining, cadence)

  • Shifting down when coming to a stop (leaving space, knowing which gear to start in, how to cheat when we forget)

  • Climbing (pacing effort, seated to standing)

  • Descents (pedaling is cornering stability, PEDAL STRIKE DANGER)

• Routes 

  • Choosing a route (distance and elevation): should match your level of skill and ability

  • Reading a route sheet

  • Ride With GPS (see app section above)

• Safety – our #1 priority on the ride!

  • ALC Safety pillars and information (e.g., Hand signals and call outs)

Training Tips

We want this FAQ to be helpful for you, so if your questions or concerns are not addressed here, please email Wole or Blake and we will add it!