Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s included on the tour?
A: Your choice of indoor gym or outdoor camping, indoor showers & SHOWER TRUCK at overnight sites, “art” T-shirt, cue sheets & maps, GPS bike routes, online bike routes, SAG support, luggage support, luggage tags, frame number, preride camping, week-long parking, town shuttle bus, pre-Ride party, cool nighttime activities, mechanical support, daily rest stops (fundraiser for local groups), water stops, celebration lunch, marked cycling route, tons of fun!
Q: I'm new to biking, do you offer any help?
For new riders, we offer a unique ‘First-Time Rider’ program. It includes a ride readiness survey before the tour and a training seminar on registration day and followup with you during the tour. To find out more, First-Time Rider Program.
Q: What about bike safety?
A: Your safety on the tour is the upmost importance to us. Bicycles are considered vehicles in Wisconsin and with that comes the responsibility of knowing and abiding by the Rules of the Road. Also check out the many bike safety classes offered by the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin.
Q: What type of bike should you use on the tour?
A: whichever bike feels comfortable. Keep in mind that you will probably be on your bike between 5-6 hours each day. So choose a bike that fits you well and doesn’t cause you pain. If you are unsure if your bike fits you correctly, check with your local bike shop for a bike fit. Along with a comfy ride, get your bike in good mechanical shape prior to the tour. All these items are the ingredients for great tour!
Q: When do your rides fill up?
A: Historically, the tours have filled about a month before the event starts.
Q: How do I register for the tour?
A: You can register for the tour 3 ways:
1) Use the fast and easy credit card online registration or
2) Or print out a paper registration form from the website and send us a check or
3) Or email us at info@bikewisconsin.com or call us at 608-843-8412and we will send out a registration form to you.
Q: What happens if I sign up and then find I can’t come?
A: Two Bicycles and a Map will give you a full refund (less a $80 processing fee, which covers our costs of handling the registration) until May 1st before the event. After that, we commit to the bus company, moving company and others for the costs of your participation. After the refund deadline date, no refunds or transfers can be given. You may, however, sell your spot to someone else. More information about to the Cancellation Policy
Q: Do you have to sign up for the entire ride?
A: No. We recognize that people may have scheduling conflicts , so we allow sign-ups for individual days or combinations of days.
Q: Can I bring my camper on the tour?
A: Autos, busses, trucks, RV’s or camper trailers are allowed to follow the tour provided they purchase and display at all times an On -Tour Vehicle Permit. In addition each person in the vehicle is required to fill out a registration form, sign the waiver and pay a Non Rider Fee.
Pickup the PVS Packet during registration which includes driving directions, (to avoid driving on the bicycle route), and a listing of nearby full service campgrounds.If staying at the overnight site: PVS will not be allowed to park/setup until 12:00 noon. This will allow us time to setup tour equipment and to designate camping and parking areas. We appreciate your cooperation.
Hook-ups are not available at overnight sites. No campfires or grilling is permitted. Observe quiet hours, (no generators), from 9pm to 6am daily.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: No, unless given special permission by tour directors. Email for more information.
Q: What is the Minimum Age Requirement for Minor Children Riders?
A: We welcome minor children riders on all tours. We do require that riders be a minimum of 8 years of age or older at the time of the ride. Safety, state regulations, and practicality are all involved in making this decision. We pride ourselves in offering high quality and safe events. However it is not possible for us to properly accommodate minor children less then 8 years old and abide within the law. In 2006 the State of Wisconsin expanded its booster seat law, dictating the specific seat requirements (type of seat and seat positioning) for all children under the age of 8. The law - Wisconsin Act 106 - states very clearly what type of seat must restrain what age of child. For more information on the Wisconsin booster state law, click here: http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/childcare/certification/pdf/boosterseatlaw.pdf
Q: Can Minor Children Riders bicycle alone on the tour?
A: We welcome younger riders on the tour, and we want to make their safety the upmost importance. We require all riders under 18 bike with biking parent/legal guardian or riding chaperone. Check out the suggestions for cycling with children. Click here
Q: If I ride the bus to the start, do I have to box my bike?
A: No. Our system does not require boxing. The bikes are transported in moving vans by professional movers and protected in transit by furniture blankets. Our moving company developed the system in 1986 and it was so successful that it has been copied by many other rides.
Q: What kind of accommodations are available for sleeping?
A: All tours are camping rides. We stay at schools or other facilities where there are showers and restrooms. Riders have a choice of sleeping inside in the gym or pitch a tent on the grounds. Our experience has been that at least two-thirds of the riders prefer to camp out.
Q: Do you have to sign up in advance to sleep inside?
A: No. You can make up your mind each day if you prefer.
Q: I want to stay in motels. Is that possible?
A. Yes. We provide a motel list. It is up to you to make your own motel arrangements. If you are staying at motels, we recommend you leave your big bag at the school and take what you need in a smaller bag on your bike to the motels. There is also a Motel Luggage Valet option (extra fee) that will carry and pickup and move all your luggage to your motels everyday. This is a very popular option.
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Q: How do we mark the route?
A: We use paper signs which we attach to wire hoops. We do this for safety reasons. Other techniques like painting arrows on the road surface draw the riders’ attention down to the road, rather than ahead. We believe keeping your eyes focused down the road toward other riders and oncoming cross traffic is much safer than scanning the ground for painted marks.
Q: When do I have to start bicycling each day?
A: It’s up to you. Some people start out as soon as the sun comes up. Others take their time. We ask that everyone be on the road by 9 a.m.
Q: How fast do I have to ride?
A: It’s up to you. Our events are tours and there is no prize for getting to the next town first. There are many things to do and see on the route each day and you have all day to enjoy them.
Q: What happens if I have a mechanical breakdown on the road?
A: Flag down a SAG vehicle. There are SAG, mechanical support and official vehicles on the road and parked alongside the route during the event. They are radio-equipped and can communicate with each other. SAGs have basic tools and pumps and can call a mechanic in case of serious breakdowns. You can also call the SAG Help phone number provided on your cue sheet.
Q: What does SAG stand for?
A: There are two definitions given. One is "Support And Gear". The other is simply to “sag,” as in getting tired. No one’s sure of the exact origin and which is the correct one.
Q: I have a cell phone with me. If I see an accident, should I call the SAG Help line?
A: No. Call 911. Calling us wastes precious time. We have to get the information from you, which takes time, and then relay it. Errors or confusion can result. Calling 911 direct in an emergency is the quickest and best way to get help.
Q: What do I do if severe weather threatens?
A: If you are at the overnight site, immediately take cover in the school building. If you are on the road, get off your bike. Most bikes are metal and can conduct electricity. Seek shelter in a low area. Crouch on the ground. In the case of lightening, trees are not good shelter. Neither are open structures like park shelters.
Q: Is there a Daily Route Meeting?
A: There will be a Daily Route Meeting each evening after supper on the tour. The meeting will have updates on the next day’s route and any last minute route changes.
Q: What is the Family and Friends Emergency phone number?
A: When the tour is in session the Family and Friends Emergency phone number will be checked daily for messages. This phone number will be given out in the Spring newsletter. Please give this number to your family and friends. When we receive a message it will be posted on the daily message board.
Q: How do I keep in touch with family and friends?
A: Join the ride community on Facebook. You can ask a question, see what others are up to, or let your friends know that you’re doing the tour. Plus, you'll get special offers and updates. It's a great way to stay in touch with the ride community between tours! Be sure to stop in during the tour at the computer lab setup in most overnight locations to share your experiences with your family and friends on Facebook. Click here to find the Facebook tour pages.
Q: Where can I go for questions during the tour?
A: An information table will be located at each school. It will be staffed by voulunteers and usually by the local Chamber of Commerces. They will have information about the local town i.e. restaurants, laundry, local sites and other attractions.
Q: How can I get a message to another rider?
A: Message boards will be posted at schools to provide rider information and if you want to post a message to another rider.
Q: Do I need a helmet?
A: An approved ANSI or Snell helmet is strongly recommended. You’re smart to join this tour, we want you to coming back again. Please wear your helmet!
Q: Do you support local bicycling advocacy?
A: Two Bicycles and a Map, Ltd has donated over $33,000 to promote bicycle advocacy in Wisconsin. We are committed to keep biking strong and great in Wisconsin!
Q: Can I get a list of all the riders with their addresses and phone numbers?
A: We have an obligation to respect the right to privacy of our event participants. Some have specifically asked us not to release their names and addresses to anyone else because they don’t want to end up on a bunch of mailing lists. So we don't share or rent riders infromation to anyone.
Q: Why are a few lights left on all the time in some school gyms?
A: State and local fire codes require certain security lighting to be on at all times for the safety of the occupants. Choose a camping site away from outside security lights.
Q: Can I bring my CPAP machine?
A: Yes, CPAP machines are allowed both indoors and outdoors. Bring an extension cord. Let us know during onsite Registration.
"It was a vacation to remember. The memories will be of the smiles not the miles, great new friends that I hope to ride again with.
Thank you Eric & Kathy and each and every volunteer you made my vacation GREAT!," Bob Y. De Pere, WI
