Here’s a typical schedule for the traditional route of the Buddhist Bicycle Pilgrimage. We have variations and innovations every year, but this gives a good overview.
There are rest stops for liquids and sustenance every 15 to 20 miles. A gear truck hauls your tent and luggage and brings your bike back when the pilgrimage ends.
“Support and Gear” (SAG) vehicles patrol the route while you ride, and come to your aid if you get lost or have a breakdown.
Riders are as self-sufficient as possible. You carry basic tools, repair your own flat tires, and bring your water bottle. You should be in good physical shape with the intention to complete the ride on your own power.
Saturday
We begin with Saturday check-in, meditation and a talk.
5:30 am Volunteers arrive at Spirit Rock.
6:00 Cyclists arrive at Spirit Rock
- Drop off food donations and baggage
- Prepare bikes, go to registration
6:30 Bell Rings, gather for brief meditation and announcements
Dharma talk and orientation
7:45 Bell rings – relaxed riders depart
8:00 Bell rings – majority of riders depart
We ride from rest stop to rest stop, and then stop for lunch and a talk.
Rest stop – 14 miles – Hicks Valley Road
Rest stop – 30 miles – Altman family farm in Bloomfield
11:30 Lunch – 50 miles – Stone Creek Zen Center
12:30 Dharma talk
1:30 Blessing of the bikes and departure
Rest stop – 64 miles – Westside Elementary School
Rest stop – 80 miles – Asti Road pullover
Arrive KOA campground – 84 miles – Showers, swimming, appetizers, yoga, QiGong. We sleep overnight at the campground.
3:00 – Riders begin arriving.
5:30 vegetarian dinner
7:15 dharma under the stars
Evening Meditation at Campground in prior year
Sunday
5:50am quiet bell, we wake up for a early morning (optional) meditation
6:30 hearty breakfast
7:40 Monks chanting as bicycles depart
Rest stop – 14 miles – Rock Shop
10:00 – 32 miles – City of Ten Thousand Buddhas. Tour, meditation instruction, lunch
Rest stop – 36 miles – Lion Park
Arrive Abhayagiri Monastery – 54 miles – Showers, tours, photos. At our final destination, we sit for the ending ceremony and afterward get on our bus to be taken back to our starting point. We only have snacks on Sunday evening (no meal provided).
4:00 to 5:00 Dharma talk, chanting, giving thanks, closing ceremony
4:45 cleanup, lost & found, saying goodbye
5:15pm departure of charter bus
8:00 Arrive Spirit Rock – return to where we began and know the place for the first time. Collect bikes and gear, and head for home!