CHAPTER 1
Training
Riding 300 miles in four days will require you to complete some substantial bicycle training.
Base training can be done on a spin bike or trainer, but within 3 months of the Police Unity Tour (February), you should be riding on the road at least twice weekly at distances that exceed 20 miles. Within 1 month of the Police Unity Tour, you should be riding at least three times weekly at distances that exceed 30 miles.
Evaluation Rides:
For new members, or those who did not complete all phases of the ride in the previous year, an evaluation ride consisting of at least 30 miles and 1000′ of climbing is required for 2026. Any Ride Marshal can do the evaluation.
Please contact training@policeunitytour.com for assistance with setting up an evaluation ride. The PUT Training/Evaluation form shall be completed upon completion. (Found on Chapter 1 website under Training)
The rider should be able to complete 30 miles in at least a two-hour 20 minute time frame. If you are riding
further than 30 miles, an average pace of at least 13 mph for the duration of the ride is an acceptable level of riding. Please keep in mind that during the tour, you will have days where we approach 100 miles of riding, so successive rides in the same day and consecutive days of riding is also important to add to your training regimen.
All Ride Marshals are required to host a training/evaluation ride.
Marshals should submit to post their ride information on the Chapter 1 website at least 5 days ahead of time. An email contact should be listed requiring anyone needing evaluation to RSVP to the ride.
Equipment checklist prior to May 9th
At a minimum, you should have the following checked prior to the start of the tour:
• Bicycle serviced – within 6 months, or at least two weeks prior to tour.
• Tires & tubes removed and inspected.
• Safety Protection
Helmets – It is recommended that helmets meet Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
Eye Protection – It is recommended that eye protection meet CPSC standards
• Bicycle shoes and cleats (if used) inspected.
• Bicycle fit – ensure bike is adjusted professionally to rider.
A regular supporter of the tour and one of our regular tour bicycle mechanics is Oscar at Bikeland
II in Chatham, NJ. Oscar is highly recommended for bicycle needs and fittings. Marty’s Reliable
Cycle is another one of our bicycle mechanics on the tour now. Both are great! Call Oscar at
973-635-8066 to schedule your fitting. Call Adam from Marty’s at 973-584-7773.
Any questions regarding training and evaluations may be directed to training@policeunitytour.com.
The more you train, the less taxing you will be on Tour Support and the more you will enjoy this very
humbling and awe-inspiring experience.
Training rides will be updated as they are submitted.
TRAINING RIDES
