Virginia

Q: What is the distance of a century ride?
A: A century ride is a 100-mile bike ride. The Virginia Chapter offers three cycling events throughout the year and the great news is you do not need to be an experienced rider to participate. TNT has many beginners as well as advanced participants. The training program is flexible and can accommodate any level of fitness, and certified coaches are available to help you modify the training program to your needs. We also offer a 71-mile option at some events.

Q: Where and when are the trainings?
A: The training schedule varies for each season and each team. However, you will likely be doing your longer rides with the team on Saturday or Sunday mornings. Your coaches and mentors will assess the needs and wants of the team to decide on training-ride location and days and times. Sometimes the team will enter a smaller race together for a training ride. Throughout the week, you will complete several smaller rides on your own, or you can set up to time to do them with other teammates.

Q: Do I have to purchase my own bike and gear?
A: As a nonprofit, we try to minimize expenses in order to spend as much as possible on the mission. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the participant to supply any equipment needed to complete the event. You will need a quality road or hybrid bike, as well as a helmet and some other gear to make it more comfortable for you. TNT will provide you with a cycling jersey for the event. We also work with local businesses, where we have secured discounts for TNT participants to help reduce your costs. The coaches and mentors also are available to discuss what you will need before you purchase any of the gear. Cycling can be an expensive sport, but you do not have to spend a lot to be a successful and safe cyclist.

Q: Are there resources available to learn about bike maintenance?
A: There is a bike clinic as well as injury prevention and nutrition and hydration clinics during the season. You are also welcome to discuss these topics with your coach or any of our Community Partner stores to create a plan that works for you or to answer questions you may have.

Q: What happens if I can't do all of the workouts on the schedule?
A: You want to aim to do as much of the schedule as you can. Although, the training sessions are not mandatory. The people who have the best experience and are the most successful in our program are those who stick to the schedule as much as possible. If you miss a day here or there due to illness, injury or scheduling, don't worry about it. Talk to your coaches and they will work with you to modify your training schedule.

Q: How do I get my bike to the event?
A: For more local events (such as Sea Gull Century) when participants will be driving to the event, they will need to take their bikes with them to the event. You will need a quality bike rack or should plan for a teammate to take your bike on theirs (several bike racks carry more than one bike). For event destinations that require a plane trip such as El Tour de Tucson and America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride in Lake Tahoe, TNT will arrange for your bike transportation to and from the event. The bikes will be driven there in a truck, and you will pick your bike up when you arrive in the event city. This means that you will not have your bike for the week leading up to your event and the few days following it. When the ride is over, the bikes will be trucked back and you will pick your bike up at the LLS office or another predetermined location.

Q: How do I stay motivated?
A: Attend group trainings so you can get to know your team and hold each other accountable to the training. Going through this experience with a team makes it more memorable and makes you accountable to others. And, don't forget to think about your Honored Heroes! They are blood cancer survivors or patients who will remind you why you are participating in TNT.