Fun and achievable, Janet's programmes will help get you up to speed not just on fitness and bike skills, but also with practicalities such as bike set-up, clothing and other gear.

Janet's weekly training plans are easy to follow and build steadily to keep you on track and ensure you’re ready to embark on your biking adventure. Spliced through them are top tips and tricks for improving your skills so you can ride safely and have fun.

'Look after your body and set time aside to stretch.'

'When riding your bike look where you want to go, not where you shouldn’t go...your bike will follow your eyes.'

'Light hands, heavy feet!'

We’re kicking things off with three Great Rides – the Timber Trail, Otago Central Rail Trail & Alps 2 Ocean – with more programmes to come. Download the programmes below and then print them out or use them on your device.

Timber Trail Training Programme – Janet’s eight-week plan will get you ready to ride through majestic forest and across lofty suspension bridges.

Otago Central Rail Trail Training Programme – prepare for New Zealand’s original Great Ride in just five weeks with Janet's sure-fire plan.

Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail Training Programme – prepare for New Zealand’s longest Great Ride in twelve weeks with Janet's detailed plan, including what you need to take for this memorable adventure.

More about Janet Stark

Janet has been crazy about bikes from a very young age after she discovered it was a lot quicker (and more fun) than walking. Since then she has ridden to kindergarten, school and university, and ridden for pleasure too!

Setting up a women’s riding group at her local bike club ignited a passion for sharing the joys of cycling. Janet is now an accredited Cycle New Zealand Cycle Coach, gaining qualifications as a Cycle Skills Instructor, Mountain Bike Guide & Coach, and a Senior Assessor Mentor for Skills Active (ITO) Aotearoa.

Janet says, ‘As a coach and educator, it is my goal to help you on your own cycling journey – getting you on your bike and loving it!’

Visit Janet Stark's website here.

Read more about the Timber Trail.

Read more about the Otago Central Rail Trail.

Read more about the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.