UPCOMING EVENTS

Stay tuned for updates! Join us for group rides, happy hours and other meet-ups throughout the season.

Wednesday Weekly Ride

Wednesdays @ 6:30 AM sharp!
Equator Coffee | Fort Mason
2 Marina Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94123
Coffee Pace | All levels
Preview the route: 21.7 miles 1,000 ft elevation

Please note: A properly functioning road bicycle and helmet are required for this ride. We highly recommend clipless pedals and shoes. Ride times are subject to change.

Questions? Email us at HCcoach@bestsbuddies.org.

East Bay Fun Ride

Fridays @ 3:00 PM
R&A Cycles
2099 Mt Diablo Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Talking pace | All levels
Route: 22.8 miles, 827 ft elevation

Join us for a casual no-drop ride on Fridays starting and finishing at R&A Cycles in Walnut Creek. Stick around for a socially distant beer after!

May Strava Challenge

Record 20 cycling activities this month for the chance to win BBC swag! Best Buddies Challenge Strava Club members that complete the Challenge will be automatically entered into a drawing at the end of the month. Two winners will be selected at random and will receive a Best Buddies Challenge swag.

Here’s how to enter:

Follow @bestbuddieschallenge on Instagram and join our Strava club here.

Record 20 cycling activities in May

Comment “Done” on our May Strava Challenge Instagram post once you’ve done 20 activities, both indoor and outdoor count!

That’s it! Two winners will be selected at random and announced at the end of the month.

Don’t forget to tag us in any social media posts and stories you create while you’re getting active and use hashtag #bestbuddieschallenge. We’ll repost our favorites!

The Fine Print: Winners must be following the Best Buddies Challenge on Instagram and Strava to be eligible win. Activity totals will be recorded at the end of each week to verify eligibility. You must be a member of the BBC Strava Club in order for activities to count towards the month’s total. Not a member? Join today!

Virtual Training Rides on Zwift 

Best Buddies Challenge – TGIF Ride
Fridays @ 7:00AM EST | 4:00AM PST | 12:00PM UTC/GMT

For full event details, see https://www.zwift.com/events/tag/bestbuddies

Our Virtual Training Rides are open to anyone and everyone, regardless of cycling ability. Jump on Zwift, join one of our group rides, and let’s knock out some miles together!

Riders from Team TIBCO Silicon Valley Bank will be logging on when they can to keep us moving! They have a Midweek Motivation Ride that you can jump on each Wednesday. Those rides are at 9:05AM EST | 6:05AM PST

Join a Ride

Getting Started on Zwift

There are a few things you’ll need to have in order to get set up on Zwift. Download our Zwift 101 guide here. Don’t forget to follow us on Zwift! 

You will need:

1. Indoor Trainer: Zwift supports a variety of makes and models but you can verify that your trainer is compatible at https://zwift.com/hardware

Don’t have a trainer? There are a few different places where you can purchase one:
From Your local bike shop
Directly from Zwift

2. Bike: Any bike will do! Just make sure that it’s compatible with your trainer. If you’re unsure, give us a shout at coach@bestbuddies.org and we’ll be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

3. Computer

4. Nice to Haves:
Fan
Yoga Mat
Side Table
Heart Rate Monitor
HDMI cable & monitor

5. Don’t Forget:
Computer charger
Turn on your fan
Water and nutrition
Headphones if you need them

Best Buddies Challenge DIY Routes

We’ve put together some amazing routes should you choose to ride for the Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle! Please follow all local and state guidelines, practice social distancing, wear a helmet, observe the rules of the road, and have fun! There’s a lot of great information below, so read on and get ready to celebrate Best Buddies and your commitment to inclusion!

Five Star DIY Route Scale

★ (Novice) – For riders new to cycling – welcome! We think you’ll like it here.

★★ (Beginner) – For riders that have been on a bike in the last few years and are comfortable pedaling for around an hour.

★★★ (Intermediate) – For riders that cycle regularly and are looking for something a bit more challenging than your everyday cruise.

★★★★ (Advanced) – For riders that cycle regularly and understand how to approach different terrains, changing grades, and other cycling challenges.

★★★★★ (Expert) – For the most seasoned of cyclists. Epic climbs and leg-shredding distances await. Don’t forget to smile!

SAN FRANCISCO

Route: San Francisco Loop
Distance: 21 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,876 ft
Difficulty: *-** (Novice – Beginner)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31834184

This route is the classic San Francisco loop that everyone should do when they come to visit.  It starts and finishes at the Rapha Café in the Marina and features all the pivotal views of the city.  Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge should never get old!

Route: Alpine Dam -> Tam
Distance: 65.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 7,112 ft
Difficulty: *** (Advanced)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34224158

Another classic route, but slightly more advanced, the Alpine Dam to Tam ride is one you can’t miss.  Roll through the quaint streets of Marin County on your way to Alpine then hit the Seven Sisters as you climb up to Tam.  With some staggering views of the ocean and one of the most fun descents in the Bay Area, this ride is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Route: Paradise to Hawk
Distance: 45.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,894 ft
Difficulty: **-*** (Beginner – Advanced)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34214711

This relatively “flat” loop is an essential training tool.  While going around Paradise Drive you’ll have to keep the pressure on the pedals, but you’ll feel great doing it as you can usually keep good speed going through.  Take a few friends and trade off in the wind to ensure a PR on your way.  Finish off with a backside Hawk Hill climb and a view of the city.

Route: Marin Loop
Distance: 87.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 5,758ft
Difficulty: **** (Advanced)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34214759

This is a big kid ride.  Be sure to pack lots of snacks and prepare for some long stretches along the coast.  The beginning of the ride gives a little bit of respite as your cruise through the small Marin towns, but the climbs are tough and the wind is brutal.  Worth every pedal stroke.

Route: Diablo Summit Loop
Distance: 43.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,556 ft
Difficulty: **-*** (Beginner – Advanced)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34224110

The Mt. Diablo hillside has some of the most sought-after views in the Bay.  Get to the top and you’ll know why.  Take your time on the way up as some parts can be steep, then enjoy the descent with big sweeping faces that are easy to navigate.

Route: East Bay Loop
Distance: 30.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,851 ft
Difficulty: ** (Beginner)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31834171

This loop starts and finishes at CaliCraft brewery, which is a must visit brewery in the East Bay.  Bring a few friends and the ride along the ridge road will be a speedy one.  Be sure to make a pitstop at Grizzly Peak for a group photo!

Route: The Popsicle Ride
Distance: 72.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,427 ft
Difficulty: ***-****(Advanced – Expert)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34214790

Aptly named, this ride features a rest stop suggestion at the Sunol Corner Little Market Popsicle Stand.  Be sure to get a delicious treat on the way out and back.  If you’re out there riding, you deserve it!  Take in the beautiful views of Sunol Regional Wilderness and the Calaveras Watershed.

Route: Calistoga Leg Burner
Distance: 51.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,087 ft
Difficulty: *** (Advanced)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31834202

This route starts and finishes at one of our favorite bed and breakfasts, the Cottage Grove Inn.  With one big climb and some rolling hills, this ride will be a leg burner no doubt.  Make a weekend of it and book a room with some wine tasting after your ride!

CENTRAL

Route: SLOw Out and Back
Distance: 27.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,357 ft
Difficulty: *-** (Novice – Beginner)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32050656

Just as this ride suggests, it should be taken slow in both directions!  Enjoy the views of San Luis Obispo as you get some quality miles in that should be easy and fun. Swing by the Firestone Brewery when you’re done and get yourself a well-deserved cold one.

Route: Fresno Refresher
Distance: 37.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,333 ft
Difficulty: ** (Beginner)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32058791

A Team Central Valley Favorite, this out and back starts and finished at The Bike Shop in Fresno.  The ride takes you up to Millerton Lake while giving you views of the San Joaquin River.  Get an early start to beat the heat and if you’re feeling a little hot you can always jump in the lake for a refresher!

Route: Pasadena PedalFest
Distance: 41.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,481 ft
Difficulty: ** (Beginner)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32011323

This ride starts off rolling then turns into a twelve-mile climb.  Pave yourself up so you’ve got the extra matches to burn on the way down.  This loop is all about fun in the last third with a steady downhill all the way to Velo Pasadena.  Be sure to stop in at the infamous Bike Museum and catch a glimpse cycling’s past winners and champions.