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!
Can I have a T-Shirt?
If you register online before September 7th, your registration includes a T-shirt. If you register after that date, there will be a number of T-shirts available for purchase on site on the day of the ride.
But, I meant to sign up before the 7th. I mean, I just found out about it. I mean, my dog ate my laptop and I couldn’t register in time. Can I have a T-shirt?
If you register online before September 7th, your registration includes a T-shirt. If you register after that date, there will be a number of T-shirts available for purchase on site on the day of the ride.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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?
Entry fees are non-refundable. Entries are, however, transferable to another person, but it the original registrant’s responsibility to provide proper documentation for packet pick-up.
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 25 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.
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.