...........
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s included on the tour?
A: The tour fee includes your choice of indoor or outdoor camping, showers, "art" T-shirt or new this year choose a tour cap, safety triangle for you to keep, luggage tags, cue sheets, SAG service, luggage and mechanical support, cool nighttime entertainment, daily rest stop, water stops, marked cycling route and tons of fun!
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 online registration or 2) Print out a paper registration form or 3) Call or email us at 608-843-8412 or info@bikewisconsin.com and we will send out a registration form to you right away. To register click here
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 $55 processing fee, which covers our costs of handling the registration) until a date about six weeks 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 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 dog?
A: Our bus company and schools do not allow pets for health reasons.
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 where there are showers and restrooms. Riders have a choice of sleeping inside 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: Why are a few lights left on all the time in school gyms?
A: State and local fire codes require certain security lighting to be on at all times for the safety of the occupants.
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 Shuttle service (extra fee) that you can use.
Q: How do mark we 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: 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.
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: 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: 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.
