Best Buddies Breakaway Camp: Palo Alto
Attendees at the Best Buddies Breakaway Camp are treated to an epic five-day cycling experience April 8-12, 2026. Set in the mountains of Palo Alto, CA, riders receive the amenities, support, and structure of UCI World Tour team. The camp will feature multiple Grand Tours champion Alberto Contador, UCI Pro rider and IronMan Cam Wurf, and former UCI World Tour rider Andrew Talanksy providing wit and wisdom from his years of international racing experience. Each day is a full curriculum with pro tips on climbing, descending, nutrition, group riding skills, and recovery. All riders are given the option to ride one of multiple route options each day to match your desired level of intensity and skill level. Those hoping for a structured, objective based approach to Camp will have the opportunity to work with our USAC Certified Coaching staff to achieve their performance goals. Prior to arrival at camp, Best Buddies staff will analyze training data of those partaking in this program and provide performance targets and support on key sectors of the days routes. Through focused pre-ride meetings and post-ride debriefs, staff will provide riders with the tools to achieve their goals, and feedback on how to maintain or improve their performance through a holistic approach to training during the week and beyond.
Based out of the Rosewood Sand Hill in Menlo Park, the Camp is supported by Pinarello, IOG Bike Fit and Consulting, the Alternate Route, and a full staff of licensed coaches, Tour de France mechanics, professional chefs, and massage therapists.
This five-star Camp helps to raise funds and awareness for Best Buddies International’s global mission to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Best Buddies Queen Stage: Palo Alto
This epic one-day cycling adventure is modeled after the Queen Stage of the Tour de France. For those who cannot attend all five days of Camp but are still eager to ride, the Best Buddies Queen Stage offers you a glimpse into the Best Buddies cycling experience.
On Friday, enjoy a one-night stay at Rosewood Sand Hill in Menlo Park, with full access to hotel amenities, including their award-winning spa. Relax and unwind before joining professional cyclists, participants and our buddies for a VIP dinner to get you ready to ride on Saturday.
On Saturday, you’ll embark on a challenging route of your choice with breathtaking views, hard-hitting climbs, and exhilarating descents. With two route options, there is an adventure for every skill level. All routes are fully supported with fully catered and luxury health-conscious rest stops every 25 miles. Post-ride enjoy compression therapy, professional massage, and a gourmet luncheon to celebrate your achievements.
Camp Training Rides
Five days of professionally-led rides through scenic mountain roads with pro-peloton style SAG support.
- Ride alongside multiple Grand Tours champion Alberto Contador, Cam Wurf of Team INEOS-Grenadiers and former UCI World Tour rider Andrew Talansky.
- Comprehensive fit evaluation and adjustments by renowned fitter Ivan O’Gorman
- On-site mechanic for pre-ride, on-ride, and post-ride support
- Fully catered and luxury style health-conscious rest stops. Some items include homemade, nutrition-dense rice cakes and bars, chilled fresh fruit, electrolyte drinks, soda, coffee, water, gels, and chilled and scented towels
- A custom Best Buddies cycling kit including jersey, bib, and arm sleeves
- Daily pre-ride briefing, route overview, skills discussion and Q&A with coach over coffee and light breakfast
- Correspondence with coach in the weeks leading up to the Camp to discuss cycling and fitness goals
- Option for one-on-one break-out sessions with a coach throughout the Camp
- Every rider will depart with a general fitness calendar to achieve athletic and lifestyle goals for the year
Nutrition and Wellness
Providing a holistic approach to training with special attention given to rider nutrition and post-training recovery.
- Daily gourmet, nutrient-dense group breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
- Daily post-ride massage and nutrition in the Best Buddies Recovery Room
- Presentations by leading experts in the cycling and fitness industries, including professional exercise physiologists
- Learn how train, race, and recover for optimal performance day-in and day-out
- Cycling focused guided yoga, stretch, and foam-rolling sessions designed to improve flexibility, relieve tension, alleviate sore muscles, and promote recovery
Rosewood Sand Hill in Menlo Park
The Camp package includes a complimentary four (4) night stay at the Rosewood Sand Hill in Menlo Park.
- Complimentary stay at the Rosewood Sand Hill in Menlo Park for four (4) nights.
- Guests will have access to the resort’s five-star spa, pool, and fitness facilities
- Complimentary daily laundry service
Five-Day Breakaway Camp Package
$8,000 One-Time Rider Fee ($4,000 Deposit Due at Registration)
Once registered, you’ll have access to your own fundraising webpage, which you can easily personalize. Your webpage makes it easy for donors to give and for you to ask for and keep track of donations.
We’ll also provide you with fundraising materials, including email and letter templates, posters and step-by-step guides for holding your own fundraising events. And, you’ll have the support of a Best Buddies Coach. Whether you are new to fundraising, or an old pro, we’ve got all the tools you’ll need to not only meet, but exceed your fundraising goals.
Queen Stage Entry
$5,000 One-Time Rider Fee ($500 Deposit Due at Registration)
Get ready for an unforgettable cycling adventure and VIP experience at our inaugural Best Buddies Queen Stage: Palo Alto on Saturday, April 11, 2026
Why We Ride
All funds raised benefit Best Buddies International, the largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people worldwide with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower people with IDD to form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure jobs, improve communication and advocacy skills, and live independently, while also offering support for their families.
The IDD community that Best Buddies serves individuals with IDD and their families. The IDD community includes, but is not limited to, people with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, and other undiagnosed disabilities.
Official Bike Sponsor
