How to Train for the 2026 Ride to End ALZ

The Ride to End ALZ on October 17, 2026 in Dripping Springs is 40 miles through the Texas Hill Country — beautiful, rolling terrain with enough elevation gain to make a strong fitness foundation essential. Whether this is your first charity ride or you are returning for another year, here is how to prepare smart and arrive ready. Start your dedicated build at least eight to ten weeks out. For newer riders, focus on consistency — getting out three to four times per week and extending your longest ride progressively. By two weeks before the event, you should have completed at least one ride of 30 miles or more at a conversational pace. For experienced riders, use the build to include some tempo work and climbing simulation. Austin and the surrounding Hill Country offer excellent training terrain. Routes through Bee Cave, Lakeway, Wimberley, and Spicewood all provide the kind of rolling climbs that will appear on race day. Fueling and hydration matter more than most riders expect on a 40-mile charity ride. The October heat in Central Texas can be significant, especially for morning starts. Practice drinking on the bike, bring two water bottles, and do not skip the rest stops. Mentally, arrive focused on the mission. Ride to End ALZ is not about race results. It is about honoring the millions of families affected by Alzheimer's disease and contributing to the research that may one day end it. Let that purpose carry you through the hard miles. Are you riding with AANGCC on October 17th? Our team will be there. We would love to share the road with you.