Daily Itinerary
Wednesday, April 8 - Sunday, April 12, 2026
Attendees at the Best Buddies Breakaway Camp: Palo Alto are treated to an epic five-day cycling experience from April 8-12, 2026. Set in the mountains of Palo Alto, CA, riders receive the amenities, support, and structure of UCI World Tour team. Join multiple Grand Tours champion Alberto Contador and former UCI World Tour cyclist Andrew Talansky to hone your cycling skills over the course of five days. Each day is a full curriculum with pro tips on climbing, descending, nutrition, group riding skills, and recovery.
Riders unable to commit to our five-day experience should consider joining us for our one-day Best Buddies Queen Stage: Palo Alto.
Day 1
Pro teams know the day before a big race is crucial, and our Camp is no different! Join us for a 22-mile shakeout ride that will take you up the beautiful Sky Londa climb. Experience some manageable climbing with just over 2,000 feet of gain and fun descents while getting familiar with our riding protocols. Plus, our coaches will help you set up your head units to unlock key features like biometrics and navigation!
Schedule
12:00 PM Guest arrival at The Rosewood Menlo Park
12:00 pm – 3:00 PM Garmin Setup and Configuration, Fit Seminar, & Flat and Bike Maintenance
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM 22-mile Shakeout Ride with 1,900 feet of climbing at an easy pace with review of road rules with 5:30 pm Bike service, coaching consult, and fit service
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Welcome dinner with schedule overview and group goals discussion
Day 2
Schedule
5:00 AM – 6:00 AM Meditation / Stretching Session
5:30 AM – 7:30 AM Coffee and breakfast
7:30 AM Rider Meeting
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- A Route: Get ready for an exhilarating challenge on this 61-mile ride which features a thrilling 6,800 ft of climbing, starting with our first categorized climb at mile 5. The highlight of the day awaits with the marquee climb at mile 35—an unforgettable test of your endurance and skill!
- B Route: Covering 50.7 miles and 5,462 ft of climbing, this route includes the fantastic King’s Mountain and Alpine Climb, just like Group A. Although the path varies between the climbs, you’ll still experience a proper day of climbing with 45-60 minutes less saddle time, making it a perfect option for those looking to maximize their efforts!
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Lunch at Rosewood
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Massage and compression therapy with protein smoothies in The Spa
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Garmin Setup and Configuration, Fit Seminar, & Flat and Bike Maintenance
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Dinner at Rosewood
Day 3
Schedule
5:00 AM – 6:00 AM Meditation / Stretching Session
5:30 AM – 7:30 AM Coffee and breakfast
7:30 AM Rider Meeting
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- A Route: Prepare for an exciting day on the road with this ride covering 64.1 miles and an impressive 6,422 feet of climbing. At just 7 miles in, you’ll tackle the breathtaking Page Mill climb, ascending over 2,000 feet in just 9 miles. The adventure continues with the final categorized climb, La Honda, arriving at mile 52—an exhilarating finish and true test of fatigue resistance.
- B Route: Covering 36.4 miles with 4,307 feet of climbing, this route includes the same iconic climbs as Group A but over a shorter distance. The highlight of the day will be the chance for the B group to descend the legendary Old La Honda with our Pro, allowing you to hone your descending techniques in a supportive environment!
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Lunch at Rosewood
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Massage and compression therapy with protein smoothies in The Spa
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Garmin Setup and Configuration, Fit Seminar, & Flat and Bike Maintenance
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Dinner at Rosewood
Day 4 - The QUEEN STAGE
Every Grand Tour has a “Queen Stage,” the route that challenges all, but can break some. This stage will be the longest and most difficult of the five days. There is an extra climb, longer distance, and very little flat terrain on which one can relax. Our team strives to get every Camper through this test, riding stroke-for-stroke, bar-to-bar, and knee-to-knee with the Campers. Every Camper must apply everything learned to that point to simply complete the ride.
Schedule
5:00 AM – 6:00 AM Meditation / Stretching Session
5:30 AM – 7:30 AM Coffee and breakfast
7:30 AM Rider Meeting
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- A Route: “Queen Stage” This challenging 73-mile route features a staggering 8,202 feet of climbing, making it the most decisive and demanding stage of the five-day event. Riders will begin their adventure with the ascent of Kings Mountain just 5 miles in, followed by a thrilling descent that leads to the base of Old La Honda. With over 3,100 feet of vertical gain packed into the first 26.5 miles, and the formidable Tunitas climb awaiting 30 miles later, this route will truly test your durability and climbing prowess.
- B Route: This 43.2-mile route includes 4,580 feet of climbing, ensuring a fulfilling day on the bike. Group B will tackle a moderate 3.3-mile climb up Old La Honda just 3 miles into the ride, setting a solid pace for the day. Later, you’ll encounter the same challenging Tunitas climb, making this a rewarding experience for all participants!
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Lunch at Rosewood
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Massage and compression therapy with protein smoothies in The Spa
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Dinner at Rosewood
Day 5
Schedule
5:00 AM – 6:00 AM Meditation / Stretching Session
5:30 AM – 7:30 AM Coffee and breakfast
7:30 AM Rider Meeting
8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- A Route: Get ready for a fantastic finish with this 57.7-mile ride features just shy of 4,000 feet of climbing as we traverse the stunning San Francisco Peninsula Watershed. Riders will enjoy picturesque views along the coast before turning back inland at Half Moon Bay. It’s the perfect way to cap off an incredible week of cycling.
- B Route: For those with earlier flights, we have a delightful option with this casual 29.6-mile ride includes 2,855 feet of climbing, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery at a relaxed pace. It’s a wonderful opportunity to soak in the last moments of your cycling adventure before heading home.
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Lunch at Rosewood
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Massage and compression therapy with protein smoothies in the Spa
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Check Out and Departure
