interval training classes with focus on hill climbing and skills.
Looking to improve your riding in a fun yet challenging environment? LOOK NO FURTHER.
Velosophy 'Fondo Development’ classes are curated to meet the demands of those looking to train for long distance events with sizeable elevation gains. As the name suggests, we train clients for fondos - our 1st edition of this class focussed on meeting the needs of the Whistler Gran Fondo, the ‘Queen’ of the fondos in Vancouver boasting 120kms of beautiful highway delivering 2700m of elevation gain. Getting riders ready for the demands of an event of that scale has remained at the core of our program ever since. Whether you are looking to do your first fondo or hoping to improve on previous results, we have a group within this program that caters to your needs. Our weekend classes are very different to weekday offerings and much lengthier running up to 4 hours. The program is progressive and builds as you go so we can ensure you are ready for game day. What sets our program apart is that we use a science approach to help you train using power meters and running tests known as FTP tests to help create custom training zones and measure your fitness gains ensuring you are getting the most effective training for your goals! Our rides are a diverse small group affair (max 15 participants per coach) and although we emphasize structured intervals using your unique power zones there is also an equal emphasis on fun and adventure - each package includes an adventure ride or event simulator at the end where we explore how far your fitness has come, e.g, our Bowen Island and Belcarra rides to name a few (although, changes every year).
Our weekend program fosters confident riders with strong bike handling and excellent pack skills - all the essential elements for becoming a great fondo or sportive competitor.
Requirements For all classes:
Road specific bike with gears
Certified 'road specific' helmet
Clip in pedals and shoes
*Note: If you are still learning to clip in, a 1st time rider in, or have no experience riding on the road, or riding bikes in general then we suggest arranging private sessions with one of our coaches before signing up to our group classes.
SPECIFIC FONDO DEVELOPMENT PREREQUISITES:
Attendance of class 1 (The FTP test where we establish your zones)
NEW FOR 2023: TRAINING PEAKS SUPPORT
We are providing Training Peaks support to accentuate the effectiveness of your workouts and to give you workout previews with your custom zones before you get to class, meaning when we start the workout you will know accurately what power you personally should target and for how long, if you forget you just open the phone app and voila! - your personal training targets are there for you anytime.
Training Peaks helps you stay on track when we miss classes eg, public holidays/rain outs - you’ll still get a TP workout sent to you so you can further your progress
Going away and can't make class? No problem! Training Peaks has you there too, you'll have a workout in Training Peaks for you to do at your convenience, no more dropping behind after you come back from vacation. You can load it up your workout into your favourite app to do on an indoor trainer or into your head unit so you can do it outside with guidance.
If this is unfamiliar territory don’t worry, part of our job is to teach you what this all means and how to use it.
After you register we'll send you instructions on how to create a free Training Peaks account and add us as your coach to support you through the season. Here a sample of what a training peaks calendar and workout looks like:
2023 Velosophy WeekEND Classes:
Package Dates: july 15th - August 19th (Package 2 starts in July)
NOTE: No classes on public holidays ( i.e. BC Day Weekend - Aug 5th)
Package Length: 5 Weeks
Day & Start Time: Saturdays 7aM
Start Locations: Included in weekly emails!! - see below.
Class Length: 3-4hrs
Cost*:
Full 5 Pack: $340 gst included
3 Pack: $235 gst included
NO DROP-IN options for weekend packages.
Payments are by E-Transfer, instructions are in registration below
SEATS ARE LIMITED, once we hit capacity, registration will close. To give you some insight, we take max 15 riders per coach and we have a max of 3 coaches per year (sometimes less).
NB****You must complete your package within it's package dates, there are no carry over or credits for unused classes so please purchase appropriately.
PReREQUISITE reminder:
***You must have a power meter; no exceptions; which connects to a head unit (like a wahoo, garmin or karoo)
***Be able to attend class 1 on July 15th
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER REGISTRATION:
Once registered and FULLY paid, you will go into a private email list specifically for this class. You will also receive a welcome email with house keeping and tips on how to use your rider emails.
Every class is preceded by a rider info email, usually sent the Thursday evening before class (to registered athletes only). Every week this email contains the following:
That weeks meeting location - the image is a link that when clicked on will create a google pindrop in google maps to the exact meeting location for your class
A weather report - also an image that links to the weather so you can see what to expect for that day
Strava Map of the workout - again ,this is a link which when opened using a desktop gives you information of our intended route and workout area (sometimes you can even figure out approximately how many laps or repeats we intend to do that week).
To register click the link below, this will lead you to a waiver, every rider must sign this waiver and follow the payment instructions included.