Below are some questions that usually come up each year.
What are the dates for the bike tour? Saturday, June 14-Friday, June 20, 2025, are the expected dates. Most participants will arrive late afternoon on Saturday, June 14 to pick up their registration packet, set up their tents (or check in to their hotel), and attend a welcome/info meeting. The first day of actual riding is Sunday, June 15.
What is the cost to register? The 6-day bike tour fee is $499 (includes 6 breakfasts and 3 dinners, daily snacks at rest stops, route maps/turn-by-turn directions, SAG vehicles, showers, entertainment, and campsites, to name a few things.) The 2-day sampler options cost $175 per session.
What is NOT covered by registration? You are responsible for costs such as staying at a hotel, lunches, souvenirs, side excursions, and airfare.
Note: T-shirts are an add on at the time you register, so you can decide if you want a shirt or not. We will have a very limited supply of extras for sale at the event.
Where will the route go in 2025? (see the 2025 ROUTE tab)
The route will be in the Iron Range area of MN next year with overnight stays in:
Grand Rapids (June 14 and 15), Ely (June 16 and 17), and Chisholm (June 18 and 19)
We will be on the Mesabi Trail at least 4 of the 6 days of the 2025 tour.
Is the route a "loop" or a "point to point"? Neither! We are changing up the format and the bike tour will consist of 2-night stays in 3 different cities. Each day will offer a different and unique route. Upon arriving back in camp on the second day in each host city, participants can shower, pack up their gear, and drive to the next host city.
I'm not planning on having a vehicle with me. How will I get from one host city to another? The Mesabi Trail offers a shuttle service for a fee. Also, you may join the Facebook group, "TOMs Chain Gang", and ask other participants if someone would let you carpool with them.
What are the overnight accommodations?
We offer (4) options for where to sleep at night.
How many miles do people typically ride each day? Our goal is to keep the longer daily mileage at least 50-60 miles, when possible. Each day will offer shorter options (~20-35 miles.) The total mileage (assuming one does the longer mileage options) is usually 250-325 miles for the week. However, since we are coming back to camp each day, riders always have the option of shorter routes or NOT riding at all, should they choose. There is even the option of mountain biking in each of the host cities.
Do you offer any discounts? Yes, for anyone bringing youth (ages 22 and under) use the promo code YOUTH for 40% off their registration. For anyone themselves under 40, use the promo code UNDER40 for 20% off of your individual registration. NOTE: Please do not abuse this offer. THANKS!
I may have a partial scheduling conflict. Can I come late/leave early? Yes, and since you will probably have your vehicle, you will have a lot more flexibility. Note: registration fees are NOT pro-rated if you need to modify dates.
When does registration open? Typically, registration opens at noon Central time on February 1 each year. Most years we have reached our capacity within just a few days of registration. In 2024, registration filled up within the first hour.
Can couples or small groups register together? Yes. This year we have added an option for groups of up to 6 people to register together at the same time.
What is the refund/transfer policy? Cancellations done in writing via a time stamped email no later than midnight May 1, 2025 will be refunded the paid registration fee minus $100. Cancellations made after May 1, 2025 will not be refunded at all. We understand that people are signing up months in advance and that things happen, but realize we still have contractual obligations to honor and pay for in advance. Transfers are allowed but only pending OUR approval, as we need to ensure proper waivers are signed, information gathered, etc. to fulfill our legal and liability risk requirements.
We cannot emphasize it enough to please consider purchasing personal "trip insurance."
Do you allow us to bring our own vehicles? This year, because of the new format, we are allowing people to bring their own vehicles. We do encourage carpooling, when possible. No sense everyone bringing their vehicles.
Do you allow non-riders to join? Non-riders are welcomed and encouraged to volunteer for us in the form of an official SAG vehicle driver or at rest stops. See our Help Wanted tab for more information and to apply. Note: Volunteers not only get a free shirt, meals, and our utmost thanks, but they also get a guaranteed slot for a rider.
Are E-bikes allowed? Yes, pedal assist e-bikes (types 1 and 3) are allowed. We simply ask that you be responsible for maintaining a proper daily charge, and for getting from one destination to the other on your own. Our support vehicles are for mechanical and health issues, NOT because one's bike is out of power. We will have a dedicated e-bike charging station in camp. NOTE: There is a $25 (for the week) to use our designated heavier duty generator for e-bike charging, payable upon check in.
How experienced/fit of a cyclist do I need to be to participate in the Tour of MN? Many people that participate in bike tours, like TOM, are just recreational cyclists. However, as with many things in life, practice riding ahead of the event will make for a much better experience. Most days on the TOM, mileage is very reasonable and doable. We would suggest you get to a point, before the actual bike tour, where you are riding 3 times a week (for 4-6 weeks) with some longer rides of 20-40 miles at a time. It also helps to stop by your local bike shop to get your bike tuned up and fitted to your body mechanics.
What happens if I get hurt, sick, etc. and can't finish the rest of the tour? That does sometimes happen, but since you will probably have your vehicle with you in camp, you can more easily make changes as needed.
Will there be a way to plug in CPAP machines overnight? Next year, we are planning to once again offer an area where those with CPAP machines can pitch their tent and plug into a power strip we provide. We will run one of our extension cords into either an outdoor outlet or one of our smaller generators through the night. You will need to bring a short (10-25 ft.) extension cord of your own to plug into our power strip from your tent. This is just our second year trying this, so please be patient and understanding as we continue to explore this new endeavor.
What are the dates for the bike tour? Saturday, June 14-Friday, June 20, 2025, are the expected dates. Most participants will arrive late afternoon on Saturday, June 14 to pick up their registration packet, set up their tents (or check in to their hotel), and attend a welcome/info meeting. The first day of actual riding is Sunday, June 15.
What is the cost to register? The 6-day bike tour fee is $499 (includes 6 breakfasts and 3 dinners, daily snacks at rest stops, route maps/turn-by-turn directions, SAG vehicles, showers, entertainment, and campsites, to name a few things.) The 2-day sampler options cost $175 per session.
What is NOT covered by registration? You are responsible for costs such as staying at a hotel, lunches, souvenirs, side excursions, and airfare.
Note: T-shirts are an add on at the time you register, so you can decide if you want a shirt or not. We will have a very limited supply of extras for sale at the event.
Where will the route go in 2025? (see the 2025 ROUTE tab)
The route will be in the Iron Range area of MN next year with overnight stays in:
Grand Rapids (June 14 and 15), Ely (June 16 and 17), and Chisholm (June 18 and 19)
We will be on the Mesabi Trail at least 4 of the 6 days of the 2025 tour.
Is the route a "loop" or a "point to point"? Neither! We are changing up the format and the bike tour will consist of 2-night stays in 3 different cities. Each day will offer a different and unique route. Upon arriving back in camp on the second day in each host city, participants can shower, pack up their gear, and drive to the next host city.
I'm not planning on having a vehicle with me. How will I get from one host city to another? The Mesabi Trail offers a shuttle service for a fee. Also, you may join the Facebook group, "TOMs Chain Gang", and ask other participants if someone would let you carpool with them.
What are the overnight accommodations?
We offer (4) options for where to sleep at night.
- pitch your own tent in our group campsite (no charge)
- use our tent porter service ($300 for the tent; up to 2 people to share the tent)
- reserve a room at one of our partner hotels we have a block of rooms reserved
- stay at a different hotel/motel, B&B, owner rental, friend/family's house, etc.
How many miles do people typically ride each day? Our goal is to keep the longer daily mileage at least 50-60 miles, when possible. Each day will offer shorter options (~20-35 miles.) The total mileage (assuming one does the longer mileage options) is usually 250-325 miles for the week. However, since we are coming back to camp each day, riders always have the option of shorter routes or NOT riding at all, should they choose. There is even the option of mountain biking in each of the host cities.
Do you offer any discounts? Yes, for anyone bringing youth (ages 22 and under) use the promo code YOUTH for 40% off their registration. For anyone themselves under 40, use the promo code UNDER40 for 20% off of your individual registration. NOTE: Please do not abuse this offer. THANKS!
I may have a partial scheduling conflict. Can I come late/leave early? Yes, and since you will probably have your vehicle, you will have a lot more flexibility. Note: registration fees are NOT pro-rated if you need to modify dates.
When does registration open? Typically, registration opens at noon Central time on February 1 each year. Most years we have reached our capacity within just a few days of registration. In 2024, registration filled up within the first hour.
Can couples or small groups register together? Yes. This year we have added an option for groups of up to 6 people to register together at the same time.
What is the refund/transfer policy? Cancellations done in writing via a time stamped email no later than midnight May 1, 2025 will be refunded the paid registration fee minus $100. Cancellations made after May 1, 2025 will not be refunded at all. We understand that people are signing up months in advance and that things happen, but realize we still have contractual obligations to honor and pay for in advance. Transfers are allowed but only pending OUR approval, as we need to ensure proper waivers are signed, information gathered, etc. to fulfill our legal and liability risk requirements.
We cannot emphasize it enough to please consider purchasing personal "trip insurance."
Do you allow us to bring our own vehicles? This year, because of the new format, we are allowing people to bring their own vehicles. We do encourage carpooling, when possible. No sense everyone bringing their vehicles.
Do you allow non-riders to join? Non-riders are welcomed and encouraged to volunteer for us in the form of an official SAG vehicle driver or at rest stops. See our Help Wanted tab for more information and to apply. Note: Volunteers not only get a free shirt, meals, and our utmost thanks, but they also get a guaranteed slot for a rider.
Are E-bikes allowed? Yes, pedal assist e-bikes (types 1 and 3) are allowed. We simply ask that you be responsible for maintaining a proper daily charge, and for getting from one destination to the other on your own. Our support vehicles are for mechanical and health issues, NOT because one's bike is out of power. We will have a dedicated e-bike charging station in camp. NOTE: There is a $25 (for the week) to use our designated heavier duty generator for e-bike charging, payable upon check in.
How experienced/fit of a cyclist do I need to be to participate in the Tour of MN? Many people that participate in bike tours, like TOM, are just recreational cyclists. However, as with many things in life, practice riding ahead of the event will make for a much better experience. Most days on the TOM, mileage is very reasonable and doable. We would suggest you get to a point, before the actual bike tour, where you are riding 3 times a week (for 4-6 weeks) with some longer rides of 20-40 miles at a time. It also helps to stop by your local bike shop to get your bike tuned up and fitted to your body mechanics.
What happens if I get hurt, sick, etc. and can't finish the rest of the tour? That does sometimes happen, but since you will probably have your vehicle with you in camp, you can more easily make changes as needed.
Will there be a way to plug in CPAP machines overnight? Next year, we are planning to once again offer an area where those with CPAP machines can pitch their tent and plug into a power strip we provide. We will run one of our extension cords into either an outdoor outlet or one of our smaller generators through the night. You will need to bring a short (10-25 ft.) extension cord of your own to plug into our power strip from your tent. This is just our second year trying this, so please be patient and understanding as we continue to explore this new endeavor.
HoursM-F: 5 - 9pm
|
|
address4120 St. Marks Dr, Minnetonka, MN 55305
|