Training Programs

Choose the program that has roughly the amount of hours you believe you can complete each week. Typically, for people with limited available time for training due to work and family commitments my recommendation is to ‘’ride as much as you can” each week.

The main rule to follow is to complete the ‘main set’ for each session and just ride easy ‘aerobic’ for any extra additional time you can ride. This might be by adding an extra hour or two on a particular day or performing an extra ride on a day designated as a rest day.

Typically the weekday sessions can be completed indoors but please try and do your best to perform the weekend longer rides outdoors on some hills if possible.

If you are unable to ride for the prescribed duration in the training plan then try to ride as long as possible outdoors and add in some extra duration on an indoor trainer if available. Typically two hours is as long as I would recommend for an indoor session. In this time try to complete the ‘main set’ as prescribed then add some extra time as a ‘free ride’.

Use the hills and group ride features on platforms like ‘Zwift’ or try a platform like ‘FullGaz’ that has video recordings where you can ride climbs like Hotham and Falls Creek that are part of the Peaks Challenge course.

There is great benefit in riding with other people who are training for Peaks Challenge, so I would always suggest joining a ride if you can.

We will do our best to align the training ride session with what is in the training plan. However, If the session does differ then focus on trying to get in the prescribed duration for that week to keep with the progression of volume in the training plan.

The training camp (4–6 February 2022) is a great way to test your fitness and gain some confidence in your ability in the final lead up to the event. The camp caters to all abilities ranging from 13 hour target riders all the way to 8 hour riders.

The camp will help you determine your suitable ‘pace group’ for the event and provides information sessions including nutrition and key course tips. It is a great way to learn all the tips and tricks from experienced riders a month out from the event!

Yes! The weekly training durations are only a guide. If you have the spare time and it’s a nice sunny day get in some extras!

Just be mindful of any key sessions that are in the coming days. Some sessions are about ‘quality’ and focus on making you faster.  Save some legs so you can did deep and gain the benefits of a harder session.

If you need rest… rest.

If your body isn’t up to the challenge of a particular training session, then be smart and rest. You may need just the day off or may be a couple of days to get over a sickness. Taking a break for a couple of days, let the body ‘absorb’ the training and then resume training when you feel better.

Consistency is the key to improving fitness but recovery is just as important so don’t be scared to take an day off here or there. If you do miss a session or two don try and make them up. Just continue on with the program. If you are off for an extended period then start easy and ease back into it with some aerobic riding before you attempt any intense sessions.