AIDS/LifeCycle Training
Prepare for the inspiring 545-mile journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Get VO₂ max tested in Santa Cruz and train with precise endurance zones for this epic multi-day ride.
AIDS/LifeCycle is a seven-day, 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, raising funds for HIV/AIDS services. It's an incredible physical and emotional journey requiring months of dedicated preparation.
The route includes significant climbs (Quadbuster Hill, multiple coastal passes), daily distances of 50-100+ miles, and variable weather conditions. VO₂ max testing helps you build the endurance base needed to ride strong all seven days.
June timing means spring training through variable weather-having accurate zones keeps your preparation on track.
Day-After-Day Endurance Zone: Sustainable power output you can maintain for 7 consecutive days (typically zone 2).
Climbing Power: Zone 3 efforts for sustained climbs without depleting reserves for subsequent days.
Tempo Training: Zone 3-4 efforts to build the fitness needed for loaded touring pace.
Recovery Rides: Zone 1 easy spinning for active recovery between hard training blocks.
AIDS/LifeCycle occurs in early June, requiring serious preparation:
January/February: Initial VO₂ max test to establish base training zones for 16-20 week build.
March/April: Mid-training retest to verify endurance adaptations and adjust zones.
May: Final test to confirm your multi-day endurance capacity and pacing strategy.
Many AIDS/LifeCycle riders train by feel, which leads to going too hard on training rides and not recovering properly. VO₂ max testing solves this:
- Know your sustainable all-day pace (prevents bonking on day 3, 4, 5...)
- Understand when you're truly recovering vs. just riding easy
- Build fitness efficiently without overtraining
- Pace climbs properly to finish strong each day
- Track fitness improvements throughout your training
Santa Cruz is conveniently located for Bay Area AIDS/LifeCycle participants:
- Highway 17 or Highway 1 access from SF and Peninsula
- Similar terrain to training routes (coastal climbs, rolling hills)
- Test on the Wahoo KICKR Bike adjusted to your exact position
- Natural environment with ocean breeze
Many riders combine testing with a Santa Cruz training ride-perfect preparation.
If this is your first AIDS/LifeCycle, VO₂ max testing is invaluable:
- Know objectively if you're ready for the challenge
- Set realistic daily distance goals based on current fitness
- Understand exactly what "easy pace" means for your body
- Build confidence through data-driven preparation
Santa Cruz offers excellent AIDS/LifeCycle training terrain:
- Highway 1 to Davenport: Coastal climbing similar to event terrain
- Bonny Doon Loop: Sustained climbing for hill preparation
- Empire Grade: Long climbs at endurance pace
- Santa Cruz to Monterey: 50-mile training ride mimicking event distances
Fit Evaluations
311 Soquel Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Contact:
Phone: 831-400-9227
Email: info@fitevals.com
Test in Santa Cruz on the Wahoo KICKR Bike. Prepare for the 545-mile AIDS/LifeCycle journey from SF to LA.
Train Smart for 545 Miles
Book your cycling VO₂ max test and prepare for an unforgettable AIDS/LifeCycle journey.
Schedule Your TestRelated Cycling & Multi-Day Events
❤️ Ride with Purpose
AIDS/LifeCycle is about more than fitness-it's about making a difference. But to ride all seven days and fully experience the journey, you need proper physical preparation. VO₂ max testing ensures your training is effective, so you can focus on the cause, the community, and completing this incredible challenge. Every mile counts, both for your fundraising and your legs.