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Cycling Mount Teide: An Epic Journey from Sea to Summit

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Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, beckons with its sunny beaches and vibrant culture. But for cyclists seeking a different kind of adventure, the mighty Mount Teide awaits. Mount Teide is Spain’s highest peak, rising to an impressive 3,718 meters above sea level, and the journey to its summit is a thrilling challenge.

Introduction to Mount Teide’s Cycling Challenge

Unlike other famous climbs, such as the Col de L’Iseran in the French Alps, Mount Teide provides a rare opportunity: a continuous ascent from sea level to a staggering 2,100 meters. This feature alone sets it apart in Europe, creating a thrilling and unparalleled cycling experience.

The Starting Point: El Médano

Your journey begins in the picturesque fishing village of El Médano, known for its sunny beaches and vibrant culture. Here, cyclists gear up for the 51-kilometer route to the Teide plateau. Despite its shorter length compared to other climbs, don’t be fooled – the true test lies in the relentless ascent ahead.

As you pedal away from El Médano, the air fills with the scent of eucalyptus. The road ahead gracefully meanders through Granadilla, with a gradient maintaining a manageable 4-6%. This section allows you to savor the breathtaking scenery and prepare for the more challenging stretches ahead.

Vilaflor: A Mid-Ascent Haven

Halfway through your ascent lies Vilaflor, a quaint town perfect for a brief respite. Here, you can catch your breath and refuel before tackling the upcoming 11% gradient. The charm of Vilaflor, with its local cafes and stunning views, provides a welcome break in your epic climb. But don’t rest too long!

Post-Vilaflor, the real challenge begins as the gradient spikes. This section tests your strength and endurance, as you ascend above the clouds and enter the majestic Teide National Park. The park’s sheer scale and beauty, experienced after over 50 kilometers of cycling, are awe-inspiring.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site: Teide National Park

Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a unique blend of breathtaking scenery and rare flora. The environmental significance of this area adds an extra layer of wonder to your cycling adventure.

Cycling Mount Teide: A Test of Endurance and Skill

Cycling Mount Teide requires a blend of endurance, skill, and mental fortitude. The continuous climb challenges even the most experienced cyclists, making it a coveted achievement in the cycling community.

Reaching the Volcano’s Base

The road continues to climb to the volcano’s base at 2,325 meters. Here, you have the option to catch a cable car to the summit or simply enjoy the accomplishment of reaching this point. Many cyclists choose to end their journey here, basking in the achievement of conquering Mount Teide.

Guided Tours and Bike Rentals: Tenerife Bike Training

For those looking to enhance their cycling experience, Tenerife Bike Training offers world-class bike rentals and guided tours. Their expertise ensures you make the most of your Mount Teide adventure, whether you’re a novice or an experienced cyclist.

Preparing for the Mount Teide Cycling Challenge in 8 Steps

Preparing for this challenge involves more than just physical training. It’s crucial to have the right gear and to understand the route’s demands. Cyclists should focus on building endurance and familiarizing themselves with climbing techniques.

  1. Endurance Training: Since the climb to Mount Teide’s base is a long and steady ascent, building endurance is crucial. Long-distance cycling at a moderate intensity will help build the stamina needed for such a climb. Include long rides (3-5 hours) in your training plan, gradually increasing the distance over time.
  2. Hill Training: Incorporate hill training into your routine. Find local hills or inclines that mimic the gradient of Mount Teide. Practice climbing these hills repeatedly to build strength and get used to the sustained effort required for climbing.
  3. Interval Training: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can be beneficial. This involves short bursts of intense effort followed by periods of rest or low-intensity cycling. This type of training helps improve cardiovascular fitness and can increase your power output on the bike.
  4. Altitude Acclimatization: If possible, train at altitude to acclimatize your body to the thinner air you’ll experience at higher elevations. If training at altitude isn’t possible, consider using an altitude mask or training in conditions that challenge your breathing.
  5. Proper Nutrition and Hydration: Focus on a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. During long rides, ensure you’re consuming enough energy through food and drinks. Staying hydrated is equally important, especially in the warmer climate of Tenerife.
  6. Equipment Check: Ensure your bike is in excellent condition. Consider a professional service before the trip. Choose appropriate gear for the climb, including comfortable clothing and suitable tires.
  7. Route Familiarization: Study the route to Mount Teide. Knowing the route’s profile, including where the steepest sections are, will help you manage your effort effectively.
  8. Mental Preparation: Prepare mentally for the challenge. This could include visualization techniques, setting personal goals, and developing strategies to overcome tough sections of the climb.

Safety First: Navigating Mount Teide’s Roads

Safety is paramount on Mount Teide’s roads. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and the winding roads demand careful navigation. Cyclists should be well-prepared with safety gear and have a clear understanding of the route.

Cultural Insights: Experiencing Tenerife’s Vibrant Culture

Beyond the bike path, Tenerife’s vibrant culture awaits. Local cuisine, traditions, and the warm hospitality of the Canary Islanders offer a rich cultural experience. Exploring local villages and engaging with residents adds depth to your cycling journey.

Capturing the Journey: Photography and Memories

Mount Teide’s breathtaking landscapes provide ample opportunities for photography. Capturing these moments not only preserves memories but also inspires others to embark on this journey.

Accommodations and Rest Stops Along the Route

Along the route, various accommodations and rest stops offer comfort and respite. From luxury hotels to quaint inns, there’s a place for every traveler to rest and rejuvenate.

Make it to the Top? Professional Cyclists’ Pit Stop: Parador de las Cañadas

At 2,152 meters, the Parador de las Cañadas hotel serves as a popular recovery spot for many professional cyclists, including the likes of Bradley Wiggins and Team Sky. The hotel offers a chance to soak in the view and reflect on your remarkable ascent.

Mount Teide Cycling: FAQs

What is the best time of year to cycle Mount Teide?
The best time to cycle Mount Teide is typically from April to October. During these months, the weather is more stable, with milder temperatures and less likelihood of extreme conditions. It’s important to note that even in these months, weather can be unpredictable at higher altitudes, so always check the forecast before your ride.

Are there any specific training tips for this climb?
Yes, specific training tips for this climb include:

  • Endurance Training: Long rides at a steady pace to build stamina.
  • Hill Climbs: Regularly train on hills to get accustomed to sustained climbing.
  • Interval Training: Incorporate high-intensity intervals to improve cardiovascular strength.
  • Altitude Preparation: If possible, train at higher altitudes to acclimatize to the thinner air.
  • Strength Training: Focus on core and leg strength, which are crucial for climbing.
  • Flexibility and Balance: Activities like yoga can improve flexibility and balance, aiding in overall cycling performance.

What kind of gear is recommended for the ascent?
Recommended gear for the ascent includes:

  • A Well-Serviced Road Bike: Preferably with gears suited for climbing.
  • Helmet: Always wear a helmet for safety.
  • Cycling Clothing: Breathable and moisture-wicking attire.
  • Layered Clothing: Include layers for changing weather conditions, especially at higher altitudes.
  • Gloves and Sunglasses: For grip and eye protection.
  • Sunscreen: High-altitude sun exposure can be intense.
  • Hydration Pack/Water Bottles: Staying hydrated is crucial.
  • Nutrition: Energy bars/gels for long rides.
  • Basic Repair Kit: Including a spare tube, pump, and multitool.


Can beginners attempt this route?
Excellent question. While the route to Mount Teide is challenging due to its length and elevation gain, beginners with a good level of fitness, determination, and proper preparation can attempt it with support. It’s important to train adequately, acclimatize to the altitude, and possibly consider starting with shorter or less challenging climbs.

Are guided tours available for cycling Mount Teide?
Yes, guided tours are available and are a great option, especially for those unfamiliar with the area or wanting additional support. Companies like Tenerife Bike Training offer guided tours, providing local knowledge, technical support, and often include bike rentals.

How can I ensure my safety while cycling the route?

  • Always wear a helmet and appropriate gear.
  • Carry a mobile phone for emergencies.
  • Inform someone of your route and expected return time.
  • Stay hydrated and nourished.
  • Be aware of weather conditions and prepare accordingly.
  • Understand your limits and don’t push beyond your comfort zone, especially on descents.
  • Carry a basic repair kit and know how to use it.
  • Follow road rules and be mindful of traffic and other cyclists.

Conclusion: Embracing the Mount Teide Cycling Adventure

Cycling Mount Teide is more than just a physical challenge; it’s an adventure that tests your limits and rewards you with unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re seeking a rigorous test of endurance or a scenic ride through one of Spain’s most stunning landscapes, Mount Teide awaits. Ride safe, embrace the adventure, and relish the sense of accomplishment as you conquer this epic journey.

The Puig Climb

You Can’t Skip these Three Epic Cycling Destinations in Mallorca

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Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? If you’re a cycling enthusiast, Mallorca is the place to be! With its stunning views and challenging climbs, this Spanish island is a paradise for anyone looking to test their mettle on two wheels.

The following ride list is perfect for cyclists staying in the Port de Pollença or Alcudia areas. We have stayed here for our annual Mallorca Cycling Camp and recommend these options!

Can't Beat Sa Collabra

Sa Colabra

One of the most famous climbs on the island is Sa Calobra, a 9.5km ascent with an average gradient of 7%. It’s a road to nowhere, so the only reason to go down is to come back up! Try to get there early in the morning to avoid the buses and the crowds of tourists. Be prepared for a good workout… You can make the climb out as hard as you like! Be sure to smile for the photographer waiting close to the top.

Soller in Mallorca

Puig Major / Col de Soller

If you’re feeling ambitious, the Puig Major / Col de Soller loop is a great challenge. The Puig Major climb is 10.6km with an average grade of 6%, and the Col de Soller climb is 4.9km at 5%. Both offer stunning views and a satisfying descent.

Typically reserved for more intermediate level cyclist, both claims are accessible with proper planning. Interestingly enough, the towns in this part of the island are just the right size for a group of cycles looking for something different than just a café.

Cap de Formentor

If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, the ride to Cap de Formentor is a great option. Also known as the lighthouse ride, it’s not as challenging as some of the other climbs on the island. For sure, you have two distinct, climbs, but both come with plenty of recovery. The views are absolutely breathtaking, and there’s a small cafe at the top where you can rest and refuel.

Bike to Earn Your Beverage!

Active Recovery Day

And if you’re really looking to take it easy, the ride from Port de Pollença or Alcudia to Petra is mostly flat, making it a great option for a more social ride or even a skills training day. For sure, they’ll be some wind off of the water, but nothing that a well-organized group in a peloton can’t overcome.

Pack your bags and get ready to hit the road in Mallorca. It’s the adventure of a lifetime! We hope you can join us on an April trip sometime for our annual cycling camp.

Coach Patrick’s 2022 UltraMay Recap

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OK, here is my official report from the 2022 UltraMay event. This is our third year, and my third time through the process. I made a big remix, according to the official event rules of UltraMay. Even though it was a little bit unorthodox, I was able to achieve the goal of serious suffering within 48 hours. If you didn’t join us this year, click that link above and join in for next year. Everyone is welcome to suffer!  

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I just wanted to get this started before the weekend was over. I have a feeling that Tuesday is going to hit me like a ton of bricks, and I’m worried that I won’t even write this report! In case you didn’t know, I decided to modify my UltraMay game and have a brand new gravel bike.  

That’s right, after two years of talking about it, I finally pulled the trigger. I have a Cannondale Super Six EVO courtesy of the folks at Belmont, MA Wheelworks and I love love love being outside. Hard to get bored on the trails. Let’s gooooooooooooo!

Day One: All the Ups [6:27 + 0:39 moving time] 

Part One was crazy and at the end of the day I had to cut this ride short. Super ambitious to start, but it turns out that some of the smaller sections were real mountain bike style. Super hard to navigate and plenty of smaller than single track if that’s a thing. Let’s just say I am intimately familiar with thorns, roots, and unclipping.

The Element died again, so turned to strava to take me back home…and then Google Maps to get me to a post-ride shake!!

Day Two: Freetown Revenge  [3:40 moving time]

The first day got a little out of control. I think I was gone for 8 1/2 hours, that couldn’t happen again! 😱 So this time I went closer to home and made a route that I felt was a little more manageable. It still worked out to be pretty tough with a few big rock sections, but I was able to force my way through it thanks to some surplus pavement at the end. 

This left me with 1:15 ish to do. I did kayak for under an hour this afternoon, but no tracking…I am on track to run Tuesday AM to get that time complete, but keep your eyes on me to make sure I don’t fade away!

Update —> Day Three: The Microwave

After a few gorgeous days, the humidity locked in like a laser beam making today’s final session pretty brutal.

Of course, finishing with a run as the last hour of a 12-hour block is less than ideal. I only had an hour to go but it took more out of me than I imagined. https://strava.app.link/A5WrZ2MPtqb

Overall

Certainly a little more unconventional than what I have done in the past. That said, subcontractor and adventure levels are off the charts! While an eight-hour day was not exactly in the cards, I’m glad I survived it. Along the way, I learned a great deal about how to plan for rides from supplies, timing, and mapping.

Now it’s time for some rest and recovery to see if I can absorb all of this work! Congratulations again to everyone, hope to see you next year

~ Coach Patrick

Mallorca Miles Maketh Fitness

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On the way back from the cycling heaven that is Mallorca, and wanted to share out my explorations on the island – including some camp highlights. Also these notes are a good reminder for when I return in 2023 (oh yes, we will be back!). 

First up, the stats – 536 miles ridden and 29,950 ft climbed in 7 days. 💀 That’s an average of 76.5 miles and 4,200 feet every day. This involved a lot of independent riding – pre-camp, post-daily rides, and even on the rest day. Thankfully Mallorca makes riding easy to do!

While the climbs are my own, I relied heavily on my fellow campers on the flats. This included our incredible guides who keep us on the right path, well-fed and highly caffeinated (the last one is optional). And of course, good fortune that saved our campers from lost luggage, broken chains, and potential downhill disasters. 

Day 0 – A Great First Test

I landed midday and raced over to the hotel as quickly as possible. The first order of business was to unpack and get myself over to the Pinarello store. Super fast bike in hand, it was time to plan the route. We lost a little time getting my bicycle fit sorted out, but then it was off to the open road. There’s nothing like getting off a plane and being on a bicycle in less than 2 hours in Paradise! We planned to ride about 50 miles, but ended up focusing on the fun instead.

Day 1 – Orientation

The first official day of camp is all about getting organized. There is a lot of friction between people who travel with bikes, people who rent with bikes, and people who have never ridden together before. to make things easier, our guides sort the group by ability and for safety purposes — smaller groups are safer on the road.  the first day is a small test of all the things we will face this week. Traffic circles, other groups, rolling Terrain, and variable winds. it is the perfect opportunity for campers to practice riding in a group and learning how our guides will run the daily experience. A group lunch in Petra Was well X in terms of calories and the bringing all of the groups back together again.

Day 2 – Sa Collabra

With the first day of firmly in our rearview mirror, it was time to explore. With the weather looking honest in the coming days, we made the decision to head over to one of the most epic climbs on the planet. it is worth noting that even getting there requires climbing the Col du Feminia. Which is no small task. We refueled at a cafe station at the top before making the descent down the winding roads to the bottom. Even going down this climb is an adventure — there are more hairpin turn than you think is possible. It’s no surprise to learn this road was originally built by hand. I’m not sure how they would even get machinery there in the first place!

The Climb from the bottom to the top can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on your goals and ability. This is a perfect early Camp test and a chance to stack yourself against tens of thousands of riders. It wasn’t my day, but I certainly enjoyed the chance to tackle these climbs in earnest.

At the top the group continued on to lunch and home. Matt and I made a right turn for adventure. There is a running joke on the island between me and a fellow Zwifter from England. He gave me coordinates for a gift that he had hidden at the top of a nearby climb, the Puig. With Matt in tow, or rather, with Matt towing me, we were off to find the prize. Coke collected, we continued to on the other side. We made an epic loop that took in 4 climbs add a total of 10,200 ft of climbing in just under six and a half hours of ride time. We made sure not to crack 100 miles just to drive everyone on the team crazy!

Day 3 – Recovery Ride

Regardless of the route people took on Monday, we were all tired by Tuesday. Given the chance of rain, this is the perfect day to spin over to the beach for photos and cake. Once again we gathered as a group for lunch to hang out and relax. After lunch the group split up on the way back with my group opting for some extra miles out towards Sineu. It is here that I ate the largest pastry of my life and managed to avoid the rain just like the other group.

Day 4 – Orient-eering

Another day of potential rain lay ahead, but it didn’t stop either group from making adventurous plans. My group decided to head over to the climb in the Sleepy town of Orient. hey picturesque Village nestled at the base of a Time where the road is covered in moss and is apparently deadly with any form of moisture on it! Good fortune kept the faith with several Mechanicals that forced us to slow down and keep Safety First. This resulted and I much longer day than planned oh, and we missed our fellow Riders after world’s greatest take place in Santa Maria. thankfully they had given us some leftovers which we devoured. as you’ll see in the map, we decided to take a more direct path home due to time constraints.

Day 5 – Off Day

After four straight days of 5 to 6 hours a day on the bike, it was time for rest. It was also time for some serious rain, which is always the right car on the island. The Limestone roads are not safe when they get wet despite what you see other Riders doing well you are staying dry.

Of course, I was there to ride and convinced Matt to go out for a quick 40-mile loop. Truth be told, we were rolling the dice from the start with the rain coming in over the mountains. We split the difference, cruising the flats to warm up and then hitting the Sa Batalla climb for a coffee break before heading home. We had to take shelter from the rain at the top, and this was where I realized I didn’t have gear for wet weather (it was all in my hotel room!). I did however have a plastic bag, also known as a packet in Europe, that I put under the front of my jersey. While it certainly didn’t make up for the vest and arm warmers that everyone else was wearing, it was a lifesaver. descending in the rain flights pretty terrifying and I think my shoulders are still tight from how hard I was gripping the bars.

Day 6 – Three Out of Four Ain’t Bad

Our final ride day of the camp saw both groups opting for a more epic day. We set off early and plans to rent accordingly so that everyone can get maximum distance on the bike. One group was able to hit the local velodrome for some fun laps in addition to logging 85 miles. My group went a little wider around the island to find a few new monasteries to climb. Both groups found some solid headwinds for the first half of the day oh, the remnants of the storm from the day before. While we all suffered mightily to start, the winds hung around long enough to help push us all home.

It’s never easy to say goodbye to cycling paradise, but after a day like Friday I was happy to say goodbye to my two-wheeled dream machine.

Planning for 2023

We will be back in April 2023 for another year of adventure. You can learn more and make your deposit online here. You won’t regret it!

Suffering Up

HOW I PR’D MY SLEEP AND NAILED THE 4 KEYS OUTSIDE OF TRIATHLON

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OK team, time for an update! After much back-and-forth, I’m pleased to report that we were able to attend and complete an off-road team event.

The logistics for this type of event or challenging because there are so many distributed across the United States. And there are so many different ability levels and specific cycling interests inside the team.

The Alpine Loop Gran Fondo fits the bill simply because it has different distances of events and different terrain options. Something for everyone! And just 2h drive from IAD Dulles Airport makes is pretty accessible as well.





The Team

EB (Emily Brinkley) helped me lock in MOOSE, my trusty NC-resident bike…and all relevant cycling supplies. That plus mojo, friend time and all the smiles made for a great weekend.

Matt Limbert surprised my by jumping into the event. We spent 3-ish days together in all manner of cycling situations…and it made the event itself 10x more fun.





Thursday Night Arrival

This is a total debacle. From a three hour delayed flight to a ridiculous hybrid rental car that had no trunk space, what was intended to be a 12 midnight arrival time into Harrisonburg turned into us getting there at 3 AM. 

Matt Limbert and I have agreed that we shall not speak of the food that we purchased and ate at the 24 hour convenience store on the way to our hotel.

Snitches eat burritos. I slept in until 9:45am!!!




Friday Ride

Given the late start, we modified the day. Instead of doing a full 70 mile loop, we opted to do an out and back I’m a climb known as Reddish Knob. Seems pretty straightforward, until we started climbing.

What started out as a gentle grade quickly kicked up and made for 30 minutes of really tough work. \

Thankfully it was shaded, a theme that persisted with our climbs all weekend.

The majority of this road was paved but it was not easy. Approx 140 TSS.


Saturday Ride

Opted to travel out to hang with EB (Emily Brinkley) because EB! We get to meet some of her friends and had a great time catching up over coffee.

We took that opportunity to ride from Bryce resort, which resulted in another fantastic session.

We took a loop with some single track on it and added on some more gravel riding.

Approx TSS 140 again, with 50% of ride time climbing! 

We did get a little lost…

But we found EB during her charity golf tournament…



Alpine Gran Fondo

With 90 miles and 9,000 ft of climbing in two days, we were clearly completely tapered for the Fondo itself. The Fondo is 110 miles with approximately 10,000 feet of climbing.

There were five categorized KOM’s and plenty of places to work and have fun along the way. I captured a video to sum up my experience across the aid stations:

The Highlights

Matt Limbert “told the story” of the ride .. instead of straight data … End it really worked!

I thought the narrative model was really effective at helping to set expectations to across what was going to be a long day.

The main themes of the story were that we were going to ride our specific numbers, not over-reach, and be really quick through the aid stations. 

The Food

As you undoubtedly noticed in the video food saved my day.

There were plenty of places across the road where things got hard very quickly.

Seemingly flat and fun sections turned into time trial drag races.

Quick detours through the forest turned into dirt roads with 22% inclines. This is not a long ride for the weak of mind or spirit.

The Pacing

This was the real game-changer. Our ability to work within our limits meant we could recover…but it wasn’t easy.

There was plenty of carnage out there on display, it took a great deal of savvy and patience to make sure we didn’t end up similarly. 

The Results

While it’s not a race in the traditional sense, the Alpine Loop Gran Fondo does have a cumulative timed section format that allows for competition. Surpisingly, I did fairly well overall and in the “top 5” range of my category! #plottingfor2022

2021 ALGF Mini Results

We Will Be Back! 

This was a great event in a world-class location. Aid stations were great, Harrisonburg had all the things, and there are multiple ride options (road vs gravel) as well as distances. This could become an end-of-season fixture, I won’t lie!


Thanks for reading!

~ Patrick

ps – the Sleep PR? That was 8 hours for two consecutive nights after my red-eye flight home. Yep….8 hours ride time + 2 hour drive + 2 hour flight had me home at 12:30am!  Zzzzzzzzzz

Gravel Camp: Day One Dirt Adventures

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All the Colors at Camp!

Note: This is the first of three updates from our first annual Gravel Adventure Camp. Early Registration for 2022 is open, and camp space is limited. Learn more on the 2022 event page.

After much planning, scheming, and dreaming we finally held our first official gravel camp! Camper consensus was unanimous — the wait was 100% worth it. Every day had rides ranging from 5 to 6 hours (that’s just ride time!) and adventures galore.

We’ll be back in 2022, and if you can handle six hours on the bike and grades ranging up to 18% at times, you should consider grabbing one of our limited spots with a 100% refundable deposit.

The View of Grandfather Mountain from Gravel Camp HQ

Settling In

The first order of business after the drive out to Linville was assembling bikes and making new friends. We took care of the friends part on Wednesday night with a pit stop in Banner Elk at the Kettell Brewery. Then it was on to Gravel Camp HQ for bike assembly and unpacking.

The Overly Ambitious Route for Day One
The River Road to Valle Crucis

Off the Beaten Path

Mast Gap General Store

Mast Gap General Store Pit Stop

Ouch. No really.

When Hard Becomes Gravel 

As if sneaking up the backside of Beech Mountain wasn’t enough, we decided to add a few additional gravel sections for some fun.

One of these was Philips Branch Road (above), where a punishingly steep straight shot gives way to gravel and switchbacks. Add a random pickup truck pulling a bobcat and you’ve got the recipe for total suffering.

This was only topped by a second, equally strong segment up by Bob’s Adventure. A little shorter this time wasn’t much solace as we were all hurting from the prior climb. We did get to meet “Bob” in his John Deere mobile, and he even offered us a beer. Unfortunately, oxygen was our top priority at the time! 🤣

Friendliness Wins

Heading back to Beech after this “bonus” loop, we realized just how low on water we were. Lucky for us, we came across a small church, a very nice gentleman and a spigot with endless cold water!

Shortly thereafter, our adventure was derailed by a dead end road (and a 10 foot high fence covered with signs). Google maps, it would seem, hadn’t exactly captured the nuances associated with this particular dirt road in the middle of nowhere!

Lesser of Two Evils

Sitting on the side of Beech Mountain, we had to make the call. Push onwards or start the journey home.

After many turns and stops, the truth of about riding gravel really sunk in: it takes time to enjoy this level of awesome!

So, we made the right call and ended up having our official lunch at roughly 4pm in Banner Elk! It was amazing and just in time. The climb home wasn’t any easier, but at least we weren’t starving!

Dinner at Lost Province

We wrapped the day with Dinner in Boone, NC. First for the delicious pizzas at Lost Province Brewing. Second for a proper late-night supermarket so we could stock up on provisions for tomorrow night’s dinner.

With the help of many calories, we mapped out our adventure(s) for the second day!

The Official 2021 Phoenix Challenge Report

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The first annual Phoenix Challenge Ride is officially in the books! After months of planning and strategery, it’s hard to believe I’m sitting here on a Monday morning writing this post. Congratulations to all of the riders, whether you took the Half or the Full challenge. 

Our motto: We Ride. We Rise. The Phoenix Challenge is here to push your limits. To challenge what you think is possible. To help you unlock fitness and mental strength. Our handpicked route is a one-way ticket; with only two-wheels to get back you have your own personal mission. 

It was a total blast, the perfect combination of social time, cycling, and suffering. We certainly hope that you will join us again for another adventure soon! Follow along at www.weridewerise.com for future Phoenix Challenge updates. 

DCA Reagan International Airport

Pre-Ride in Front Royal

After weeks of training and final ride preparations, it was time to go and find elevation to make us fitter and stronger. The hotel was approximately a 90-minute drive from Reagan international airport. Totally easy to get there, and right off the highway. Lots of stores and places to get food, so we opted for Chipotle for some fresh calories. Paul from Black Bear Adventures rolled in at 9pm and was ready to go — he’s so prepared 24/7!

Riders continued to arrive on their own schedule, and checked in online. The only issues we had the morning of our folks who decided to drive in that day. If possible, staying overnight the day before makes a big difference and relieves a lot of stress. 

Day One: Dickie’s Ridge to Waynesboro

The admin team was up bright and early, on site for a check in around 7 AM. Lots of coffee was needed!

This is our first chance to meet many of the riders, and hear their stories. It was great to see new friends and old connecting as they strategized for the day. 

The official ride start time was 9 AM, but many opted to leave early according to their fitness and ride expectations. The wet weather meant extra layers were in order, as well as flashing lights on the front and back of every bike. Given the nature of Skyline Drive being on a ridge, the weather is highly variable. 

Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast.

Most riders headed South, aiming for a 104-mile ride. A select few decided to ride back to the park entrance, adding another 8 miles and a few hundred feet to the equation — why not!?

There are three stops along the ways with stocked stores and shelter: Elk Wallow, Big Meadows and Loft Mountain Wayside. Each approximately 30 miles apart. 

Taking those into account, we were able to stage support as needed along the road and use Big Meadows as a more extended lunch break. We needed it; if only because the wet weather meant we were burning extra calories from a healthy amount of shivering! 

Lunch at Big Meadows was the perfect pit stop; more than one person opted for some hot chocolate / coffee! The yummy handmade bars were also amaze; pretty sure I personally at about a shopping basket’s worth!

The further we went the more the weather added a degree of difficulty to the equation. Wet roads are one thing, but the fog really made for some dramatic riding! 

By the time we got to Loft Mountain, we were ready for a coke and some solid downhills. The draw of Basic City Brewery kept us laser focused, and I have to be honest a beer never tasted better.  

We Survived Day One!

We ate our fair share of salad, pizza and nachos before retiring to clean bikes and prepare for the early start on Day Two. No rest for the wicked!

The Official Data

Day Two: Waynesboro to Dickie’s Ridge

We woke slightly earlier on the second day to pack up and have all of our gear ready for pick up. Rolling out to Basic City Brewing parking lot, the group met up and began the climb out of Waynesboro to Skyline Drive. 

While a few early departing folks skipped ahead, everyone had to deal with the challenging terrain from yesterday – in reverse! 

Personally I was tired, but my legs actually felt better on Day Two. I think there is a little more variety in the early terrain that made it easier to get into a rhythm than the strong challenge of the first day.

There were no skipping stops this time, as calories were in high demand. In fact, almost all the SAG food was gone by the time we finished the day. 

The weather was once again very dynamic. There were bouts of sunshine and stunning views interspersed with fog so thick, finding the food at Big Meadows required a better sense of smell than eyesight! 

The final push was as tough as advertised. If not for a Coke and Twix at Elk Wallow, I might not have made it. Rolling up to Dickie’s Ridge and my car was pretty darn satisfying. Mission accomplished, and it was time to cheer in the other finishers as they completed the route. 

The Official Data

Half and Full Finishers

Not everyone was able to do the full two-day tour. The course is tough, and these folks earned Half Phoenix honors. For those able to go the distance, the Full Phoenix recognition is theirs. Stay tuned for our Hall of Fame page on the website at www.weridewerise.com by the end of June. 

That Sock Game

Virtual Finishers, Too!

That’s right, there we even a handful of riders in the UK who decided to take the Virtual Phoenix Challenge. They charted their own two-day adventure to earn the right to be a Phoenix finisher. They even had better weather than we did; we might have to go abroad next year!

The Final Numbers

My two-day totals were 226 miles and 21,000 feet in 12 hours ride time. Add in 20+ new friends plus countless memories and it’s clear the event was a great success. 

We can’t wait to do this ride again in 2022, so be sure to join the Mile18 newsletter list to get early bird sign up links, discounts and regular training advice. 

Happy riding!

~ Patrick, Chief Phoenix

Long Ride Preparation for Your Next Cycling Challenge

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Get Ready for a Century Ride

It’s almost time for that first long bike ride of the season. Before you roll out on a massive bike ride or gran fondo, here are a couple of key things that you should be thinking about so you have the ride you want instead of the ride you want to forget.

Know the Route

We use the route as the box within which we’re going to operate simply because it determines a couple of key things. How long it’s going to take you, what the conditions are going to be like when you get there and how hard it’s going to be in terms of elevation and logistics. Those three elements combine to create the experience of what that long ride is.

Bonus Resource: How to Plan a Route Online Using Strava, Ride with GPS, and Google Maps

Solve for the Ride Not for Your Fitness

If we know that the long ride that you’ve planned to do is going to take you four hours or five hours or eight hours — you have a duration of time that you need to solve for. Here are the key elements to consider. 

Nutrition. What are you going to eat and drink across this bike ride to make sure you can be successful? And more importantly, will there be opportunities on that ride for you to refuel and stay on point second?

Pacing. How are you going to pace this century ride? Is this a gran fondo that’s going to be competitive with friends or is it a long ride you’re out for just picture-taking and loving nature? Or is it a long ride with a time goal? Are you going for a fastest known time or something similar?

Those elements determine the effort at which you’re working.  For this to work correctly,  the nutrition and the effort must intersect. 

Safety. The route that you’re taking — is it a lot of main roads? Is it completely off the beaten path? How can you ensure that you will be safe as you compete or complete this event? 

This is a huge part of the equation. We think about long rides. It’s one of those background, subconscious kind of stress level things. And we’re not so worried about. If you’re in a sort of well-developed or well-populated area, but as you head off the beaten path you have to be prepared. 

Get Equipment Ready 

In addition to those key elements above, you also need to make sure that your equipment is ready to go. Give your bike a once-over, making sure all your devices are charged – from your bike computer to your electronic shifting! 

Now you can move on to the supplies. The first long ride of the year just takes a lot of mental power. You want to make sure that the tubes you have for your tires are the right stem length. You want make sure that you’ve got that extra sealant if you’re tubeless. ‘ 

You should make sure that you’ve got the lights and all the flashy things on top of your bike. Don’t forget the new tires in case your trainer wore them down. 

Schedule a Fake First Long Ride

One of my key tips to you is just to schedule a fake long ride the week before your real one. This way you can go through the process of what it would be like to pack everything together, to go out for that ride. 

I literally walk around my garage with my helmet upside down like a shopping basket, filling it with all the items I need. CO2 cartridges, food, salt pills, a copy of my driver’s license in a Ziploc bag, my backup a battery, my sunglasses. All of this goes into my helmet. 

I now have seven days to fix any missing or broken things, as opposed to trying to fix it in the morning of your long ride!

What Is Your Early Season Long Ride Preparation?

If you have ideas or thoughts for us, please leave comments here or on the YouTube channel.Â