Training Notes

Welcome to the Rotary Club of Townsville Central’s  Banish the Black Dog Bike Ride for 2012.

In this our fourth year, and to assist people in their preparations for the big event, the Ride Committee has formalised an agreement with the Big W Townsville to Cairns Bike Ride Committee to allow our riders participate in their training. Similar to previous years, their training is primarily aimed at new riders that need to establish their cycling capacity (to ensure that their ride is a pleasure – not an ordeal), and past riders that have had their bikes in mothballs since last year.

To past riders of all abilities- you will be more than welcome on these rides. Your experience and capacity to encourage and pass on your experience is highly valued.

The training schedule has been designed to assist in building a sound endurance base. Such training works most efficiently at a moderate level of physical exertion and for that reason “Distance as Fast as Possible” is not part of the training philosophy.

Accordingly, cardio fitness and leg strength training has not been given a high priority in the programme. However, an amount of work of that nature is often beneficial if run in parallel. Additional sessions may be arranged if there is sufficient interest.

In past years they had also run core body strength sessions. Whereas this is an important aspect of preparation for long rides, there had been little interest previously. This fact usually manifested itself as lengthy queues of aching bodies waiting for the masseuses at the end of each day enroute to Cairns.   Similarly, additional sessions may be arranged if there is sufficient interest.

We recommend that new riders don’t leave their training to the last weeks before the ride. Because the training rides progressively build, late starters do have the capacity to hinder others from getting the most out of their training. It is not intended to leave anybody behind on the training outings.

For those who have not been physically active for some time or are new to bike riding or maybe “ain’t no spring chicken no more” we would recommend you checking with your physician before proceeding. Although the organisers attempt to undertake most training at moderate exertion levels, there are times when maximum effort and some discomfort are required.

Please ensure that your bike is well maintained and in good condition (particularly tyres and brakes) before starting rides. A service by a professional bike mechanic is highly recommended.  It may also be useful to read the “Beginners Riding Tips” and other tips and articles that will be progressively posted on this web site as the ride date approaches.

Hope you enjoy your ride preparation and ultimately your ride to the Burdekin.