The deadline for registration for the training series and ordering training series apparel has passed.

Cinderella Training Series 2012

The Mission of the Fremont Freewheelers Bicycle Club (FFBC) Cinderella Training series is:

"To teach women to safely ride a bicycle in a group setting and to help them develop the skills needed to successfully complete the Valley Spokesmen Cinderella Classic or Cinderella Challenge rides."

The Cinderella Classic is 100 kilometers, while the Cinderella Challenge is closer to 100 miles; both are women-only bicycle rides organize by the Valley Spokesmen Bicycle Touring Club.

Who is the training for?

Our Cinderella training is for women of all riding levels, from beginning to experienced riders. For 2012 we have three training series to choose from - "Classic" Training Series, "Let's Climb!!" Training Series, and "Challenge" Training Series. When you register for the training we ask that you pick a training series and an initial group within that series. Changes can be made within the first few weeks of training if a rider feels like they're too fast or too slow for their chosen group.

What's involved in the training?

All three Cinderella training series consist of an ORIENTATION and BIKE RODEO (attendance for both is mandatory!), followed by TEN TRAINING RIDES (plus a makeup ride with the graduation party). Each ride will build on the skills and strength you built the week prior, becoming progressively longer and more challenging as the training series continues. Build strength, endurance, confidence, team riding, and mechanical skills with encouragement and technical tips from other women! The schedule for all the ride series with start times, meeting locations and links to route sheets (when available) is on our Cinderella Training Routes web page.

What's the difference between the three training series?

The "Classic" Training Series is right for you if you are comfortable on your bike, can ride 10 miles, and are eager to learn how to ride on the road and in a group. We will provide at least 2 ride leaders for each group of 15 - 20 riders. All classic groups follow the same Classic Routes with the primary differences between the groups being pace (speed) and cycling experience. Classic groups are:

Pink - A new cyclist, or a rider with limited experience riding in a group or on the road with traffic. Riders in this group tend to be more comfortable going at a slower pace, or this training series may be the first introduction to group and traffic riding skills. Pace on the flats will start at 8 - 10 mph and increase as the series progresses.
Violet - A beginner/intermediate cyclist with some experience who prefers a slightly faster pace than the pink group. Pace on the flats will start at 10 - 12 mph and increase as the series progresses.
Blue - An intermediate/advanced rider who is comfortable riding on the road with traffic, exercises on a regular basis, and may have already completed her first 100k. Pace on the flats will start at 12 - 14 mph and increase as the series progresses.

NEW FOR 2012: The "Let's Climb!!" Training Series series is right for you if you are an intermediate cyclist looking for some extra climbing. This series will cover many of the climbs in the Challenge series at a slower pace with fewer overall miles. Pace on the flats will be 10-14 mph increasing as the series progresses. We will provide at least 2 ride leaders for each 15-20 riders in this series. This group is a great choice for riders who are considering a hilly metric later in the Spring or a move to the Challenge series for 2013.

The "Challenge" Training Series is right for you if you like riding, are in shape to ride 35 miles in about 3 hours, and want to gain or improve your group riding skills. By the end of this series you will be ready to tackle the 100 mile option to the Valley Spokesman Cinderella Century. There is a 45 rider limit for this series and we will provide at least 1 ride leader for each group of 10 - 15 riders. The Challenge Routes have signifigantly more climbing and distance than the classic routes, with the primary difference between the two challenge groups being pace. For 2012 the Challenge 1 series will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays. The Challenge 2 series will only be offered on Saturdays. Challenge groups are:

Challenge 1 (slower pace) - An intermediate/experienced rider who is open to ascending and descending steep hills, has experience riding in a group and in traffic, and is interested in training to complete a 100 mile ride. Pace on the flats will start at 14 - 18 mph and increase as the series progresses. This group will have a slower pace on the hills than the Challenge 2 group.
Challenge 2 (faster pace) - An intermediate/experienced rider who is open to ascending and descending steep hills, has experience riding in a group and in traffic, and is interested in training to complete a 100 mile ride. Pace on the flats will start at 15 - 20 mph and increase as the series progresses. This group will have a faster pace on the hills than the Challenge 1 group.

How do I participate in the training series, and ride the Cinderella Classic or Challenge?

REGISTRATION FOR THE TRAINING SERIES IS NOW CLOSED!

To participate please complete the following steps:

Register for the FFBC Cinderella training series of your choice at Active.com starting December 1, 2011. Club membership is required to participate in the series (FFBC 2012 Club dues are included in the registration fee).
Choose a group based on your cycling fitness level.
Read the Rules of the Road to familiarize yourself with our training rules and the Recommended Gear list if you have any questions about what to bring on your rides.
This year the Cinderella Classic and Challenge rides are scheduled for Saturday, March 31, 2012. Sign up with Valley Spokesmen as soon as possible to have a Cinderella Century registration form mailed to you to sign up for the Cinderella Classic or Challenge (this is a separate entry fee from the FFBC Cinderella Training Rides). Sign up now!

NOTE: Registration forms are usually mailed by the Valley Spokesmen Bike Club the first week in February. This ride sells out quickly, so make sure you mail back your completed registration form as soon as it is sent to you. Please note: this is a separate registration and a separate fee from the FFBC training series.
Once you've signed up for the training series it's time to dust off your bike, dig out the lycra and start riding! If you're itching to get out before the training series starts there are a number of pre-training rides to choose from in December. These rides are a great way to get started especially if you're nervous about the training series in January or just want to get some miles in your legs. Details of the pre-training rides are available on the FFBC December Ride Calendar.
Print out a copy of the appropriate route sheet before each ride (based on your chosen training series).
Show up with a smile on your face for orientation/rodeo/first ride on January 14th.

Important links:

Cinderella Training Tips

Cinderella Safety Classes

Class 1 Cinderella Syllabus
Class 2 Any Ride, Streets or Paths
Class 3 Small Streets
Class 4 Large Roads
Class 5 Intermediate Group Riding
Class 6 Braking
Class 7 Climbing & Descending
Class 8 Rural Roads

Training For Your First Century Podcasts (from TheFredCast.com)

Part 1 (about halfway into the podcast)
Part 2 (about a fifth into the podcast)

Contact Information

For questions or more information about the series please contact Joyce Tanaka or Lori Sommer.

Joyce Tanaka
510-703-2675
notes4jt@gmail.com

Lori Sommer
510-693-8624
lorimsommer@gmail.com

Experienced riders who have previously completed the Training Series may participate in 2011 as volunteer ride leaders if positions are available. If you are interested in participating as a ride leader and have questions, please contact Vicki Timmons at 510-589-7356 or cinderella-training-coordinator@ffbc.org.

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	Join FFBC Cinderella Facebook group to share photos and comments throughout the training series.