FAQ
This is my first Tour de Troit. Any recommendations?
Yes! First and foremost, make sure you have ridden your bike and that it is in rideable condition. While the TdT is meant to be social and at a relaxed pace, it is still athletic. We don’t think you need to be in training for this, but we do think you should have logged a few rides this year.
Also, the number one reason people get flats is because their tires are under-inflated. Make sure you pump your tires up before the ride! We will have mechanics available before the ride for last-minute fixes, but being prepared is always a plus. On that note, having your own tube and/or patch kit is a great idea. Again, we will have sweepers on hand to help anyone that gets a flat along the way, but we love people that can help us help them!
I’m torn between the 30-mile tour and the Metric Century. Which should I choose?
If you’re an avid road biker, used to riding regularly more than 30 miles at a time, and are comfortable navigating the streets of Detroit with a map, pavement markings, other cyclists, and SAG support, join us on the Metric Century! Hybrid bikes are also appropriate if you are comfortable riding them over a longer distance. Please do not sign up for the longer ride if you have not ridden a longer distance in some time, if you are uncomfortable riding at your own pace, or riding alone for a period of time. There are two metric century groups: one at a 12 to 16 mile per hour pace and one at a 16 to 20 mile per hour pace. Please choose appropriately depending on your ability level and training.
The main Tour de Troit ride, at approximately 30 miles, we believe is for all cyclists with a bicycle in good working order and recent experience riding distances of approximately 10 miles or more. It is a slower ride, police escorted, through the streets of the city and we do keep the group together. If you do wish to bring a road bike and intend to ride fast, please sign up for the Metric Century.
The Metric Century option is sold out. Can you squeeze me in?
We’re sorry, but our insurance is set at 250 riders maximum for each of the Metric Century ride and we agree with that restriction. We take safety very seriously, and it is difficult to keep even 250 riders together in a group on an un-closed route, let alone 260, or 275. We have to draw a line somewhere, and we hope that you understand and decide to ride the 30-mile route this year instead.
But…but….my father/girlfriend/co-worker signed up for the Metric Century and I want to ride with him or her!
We’re very sorry, but we are firm in our cap of 250 riders. It would not be fair to let in one or two people and not others. It’s always a bummer when a concert or sporting event sells out, but it happens! We hope that you will consider riding the 30-mile route.
The price went up $5 from 2012! Why?
First and foremost, we believe the TdT offers an excellent value when compared to other similar events. Each rider receives a t-shirt; pre-ride coffee and carbs; an apple, granola bar and Vitamin Water at the rest stop; and two beverages (beer or non-alcoholic) and the choice of two satisfying food options after the ride.
The specific reason the price was raised between 2012 and 2013 was that the addition of a closed course doubled our infrastructure (police and barricade) costs between 2011 and 2012. This is a fund-raising ride, and we would like to be able to contribute back into the community once we are done. This increased cost was not put into our 2012 budget since it was an unknown. Now it is in the budget and a $5 price increase seemed fair and relatively painless. We truly do believe that the event is a deal!
Can I do the ride on rollerblades/a skate board/a long board/a razor scooter/those cross country ski training thingies/in a modified radio-flyer wagon/etc?
We’re sorry, but the Tour de Troit is for bicycle riders only. Rollerbladers and skateboarders and cross country skiers are welcome to join us, as long as they ride a bicycle!
When will the map for this year’s tour be released/When can I have a map?
Unfortunately, due to insurance requirements and the requirements of the DPD, we cannot release tour route maps to you early.
But..but….I have some very special reasons why I need this map?
Unfortunately, due to insurance requirements and the requirements of the DPD, we cannot release tour route maps to you early.
What time does the ride start?
The 30-mile ride will take off at 9 a.m. and the metric centuries will ride at 7 a.m. (12 to 16 MPH pace) and 8 a.m. (16 to 20 MPH pace).
When can I pick up my registration packet?
We will send out an email to all pre-registrants with detailed info about packet pick-up opportunities the week prior to the ride. We encourage early packet pick-up: it makes our morning easier and keeps you from waiting in a long line!
I registered for the Tour, but now I cannot attend. Can you refund my money?
All registrations are final and entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
I registered for the metric century, but now I want to ride the 30-miler. Or, I registered for the 30-miler and now I want to ride the metric century. Can you switch my registration?
Sorry, no, all registrations are final. What we recommend is posting on Facebook or a comment on our website and swapping your tickets with someone else that will be attending the TdT.
Do you have women’s shirt sizes?
Not yet, but it’s definitely a goal of ours! If you are female, we recommend ordering your TdT t-shirt one size lower than you typically wear. A medium-sized woman will probably be happy with a small shirt.
Tell me about Group Registration.
Group registration is an Eventbrite feature that allows registrants to create a group, say “The Smith Cyclists” or “Ford Roadies” or whatever you like! When registering, you can “join” a group. This is purely for fun and does not effect how the Tour de Troit communicates with you, your t-shirt or any other aspect of your registration. Therefore, if you don’t join your group when registering, don’t worry! We can’t add you to the group after you’ve registered, but you can still be a part of your un-official group in a purely un-official capacity….just like everyone else!
Can you change my t-shirt size?
All registrations are final — so, no. But after the ride, we would be happy to swap your un-worn shirt for another size, if available, at the t-shirt tent.
Where’s a good place to hang out before or after the tour to meet some like-minded cyclists?
Please check out our list of Ride Sponsors! They are the bike shops we go to, the restaurants we eat in, and the bars we responsibly have 1.5 beers in before safely riding our bikes home with helmets on.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
Helmets are mandatory.
But…I don’t have one that fits my new hairstyle/matches my fixed gear’s colo(u)rway? Do I still have to?
Helmets are mandatory.
Are Children allowed?
The Tour de Troit is happy to welcome families with children to ride with us.
All children need to wear helmets and need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All children under the age of 18 can be registered at the student rate.
We ask that parents please understand that your children need to have experience riding a similar distance in a group, and that they should be on a bicycle that can handle traveling 30 miles. The ride is fully SAG-supported, but we do ask that you do not plan on your child being picked up with their toy bicycle a few miles into a ride that they are not capable of completing.
If you are riding with a toddler or infant in a trailer or in a child seat, it is not necessary to register the infants.
Children who will be riding a bicycle or trail-a-bike must be registered. If you plan on having your young child ride along on a trail-a-bike, please ensure they have experience riding with you for distances over 20 miles.
Children’s bicycles must have at least 20″ wheels to ride the Tour de Troit.
All children must wear helmets.
Who is the Tour de Troit?
The Tour de Troit has been organized and produced by various individuals and organizations since its incarnation in 2001, when it was founded by Ed Potas and Mike Kiewicz. In 2013, it evolved into a stand-alone not-for-profit, tasked with the following mission:
The mission of the Tour de Troit is to promote and encourage bicycling and bicycle safety through education, public events, collaboration with community and government organizations and support for non-motorized infrastructure. The Tour de Troit, the city’s largest cycling event, raises awareness of biking as a mode of transportation and publicizes the growing greenways network in the City of Detroit and all of Southeastern Michigan. Tour de Troit also produces and supports other events that promote a healthy lifestyle and city.
The day-to-day operations of the Tour de Troit are handled by co-directors Vittoria Katanski and Kelli Kavanaugh. The Board of Directors is Bil Lusa – Wireless Approval Consultants – Board Chair; Kenneth Cockrel, Jr. – Detroit City Council; Amber Hunt – Quicken Loans; Brian Hurttienne – The Villages CDC; Lisa Nuszkowski – Wayne State University; Phil Riviera – Detroit RiverFront Conservancy; Steven Roach – Miller Canfield; Todd Scott – Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance; and Sommer Woods – Sommer Solutions, LLC.
I am interested in joining the attractive, intelligent, successful, forward-thinking group of volunteers that put on this amazing cycling event. How can I become one of these world-changers?
We’d love to have you, especially if you are interested in picking up trash. We’re only half-joking. Email info@tour-de-troit.org with your info.