Event Details & Route
Registration
Donations/Fundraising
Volunteering
Print FAQ (pdf)

Event Details & Route

1.  Is the route for the 2008 Minneapolis Bike Tour the same as last year?
The route has been modified along the river, and the steep loop around Columbia Golf Course has been eliminated. Maps of the entire course, along with mile-marker maps of the 14 and 37-mile routes, are available online.

2.  Is the Minneapolis Bike Tour a race? Will awards be given to top finishers?
No, the Minneapolis Bike Tour is just that - a bike tour. It is not a race and awards will not be given to top finishers. We want everyone, from novice to experienced riders, to enjoy the beautiful course. For the safety and security of all participants and volunteers, we ask that all participants please keep this in mind during the event.

3.  I am a novice rider. Will this event be too difficult for me?
Absolutely not! We have two courses to choose from - 14 miles or 37 miles. We have fully supported water stops to give you a chance to rest and rejuvenate. Both mechanical and medical support will be provided at every rest stop. Sag vehicles will also be sweeping the course for anyone who needs a break away from a water stop.

4.  Will the course be closed to motorized traffic?
Yes, the course will be closed to motorized traffic; however, there will be some points at which the course will intersect with traffic. At a majority of these places, police and course marshals will monitor and assist riders safely across the road. All riders must obey rules of the road.

5.  When will routes re-open to motorized traffic?
Segments of the route will re-open to motorized traffic at designated times, with the entire course re-opened to motorized traffic at 2:30 pm. Bike Patrols will be following the last riders, and will also have a Sag vehicle behind them. Staff at all water stops will do their best to keep participants informed of the time and distance remaining. Anyone still on the route at 2:30 pm may choose to move off the parkway and complete their ride on the paved trails, or they may choose to have a Sag Wagon transport them and their bikes back to Parade Field.

6.  When does the tour start and end?
Registration will begin at 6:30 am and riders will begin the tour between 7:30 am and 9 am. Riders will be sent off in waves to ease congestion. The event, including the post ride "Aftour" party, ends at 3 pm.

7.  Will there be route support for riders?
Yes. In the registration area, there will be pre-event mechanical support provided. During the ride there is also plenty of support for riders. For the 37 mile course, there are four fully supported water stops to give you a chance to rest and rejuvenate along the way. (For the 14 mile course, one water stop is provided). Both mechanical and medical support will be provided at each of these rest stops. Sag vehicles will also be sweeping the course for anyone who needs a break away from a water stop. There will also be roving mechanical trailers to come to bikers' aide if something should happen between stops. Medical support will be stationed at each water stop, and readily available to get to the site of a medical situation, should one occur. Our goal is to make this ride safe and fun for everyone.

8.  Are helmets mandatory on the course?
Yes. For your safety, all participants are required to wear a helmet during the event. In fact, we encourage you to wear a helmet every time you ride your bike.

9.  Are there any items that are prohibited on the bike course?
For safety purposes, rollerblades, skate boards, headphones, cell phone use and pets will not be allowed on the course. If you need to use your cell phone, we ask that you stop riding and temporarily move off the course.

10.  How can I provide feedback about the tour?
During the event, participants should notify the nearest staff about any concerns, or call 911 in the event of an emergency. There will be an online survey sent out following the event, available to all riders with a vaild email address. In the meantime, participants may also send comments about the event to info@minneapolisbiketour.com or Bike Event Comments, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, 2117 West River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55411.

Registration

1.  How can I register for the Minneapolis Bike Tour?
Registration is limited to 8,000 riders. To get reduced early registration rates, register by September 7th. You can register online, in person at the MPRB Headquarters, 2117 West River Road Minneapolis, MN 55411, or by filling out and sending in a registration form from one of our brochures. The brochure is available online or you may call 612-230-6400 to request one. T-shirts are guaranteed to participants who register by September 5th.
You can also register the weekend of the event. Register on-site at Parade Field (400 Kenwood Parkway, near the Sculpture Garden) on September 13th from 9 am - noon, or September 14th, 6:30 am - 8:30 am.

2. How will registration work?
There are two times to check in for the tour. You can attend our pre-event packet pick-up from 9am-12pm at Parade Field on Saturday, September 13th. You can also pick up your materials the day of the race starting at 6:30am at Parade Field. There will be separate lines grouped alphabetically for you to check in at. Also, to streamline registration this year, signing the waiver is part of the registration process and will not be required the day of the event. (Unless you are signing up on the weekend of the event.)

3. How do I get my T-shirt?
When you check-in at registration (either on Saturday or Sunday) you will receive a bib to wear during the tour that will have a T-shirt coupon attached. At the end of the ride, when you go to the “Aftour” party, you can tear the coupon off of your bib and exchange it for a T-shirt.

4. Will I get a T-shirt if I choose to register the weekend of the event?
Quantities are limited, and weekend registration participants are not guaranteed a shirt and/or correct size T-shirt. The best way to guarantee a T-shirt is to sign up by the pre-registration deadline of September 5th.

5.  Does my registration fee include food?
Water and snacks will be provided along the route, and refreshments at the finish. Food and beverages will be available for sale at the Aftour Party.

6.  I signed up for the 14-mile route but I want to switch to the 37-mile route. Can I switch?
Yes, you can change your mind at any time and simply follow the course that you choose on the day of the event.

7. Is there an age minimum to participate in this event?
No. We welcome and encourage participants of all ages on the Minneapolis Bike Tour. However, all participants ages 17 years of age or younger (on the day of the ride) must be accompanied on the ride by a registered adult participant. All participants 17 and under are required to have a participation consent form signed by a parent or guardian.

8.  My wife/husband and I plan to ride a tandem bike. Do both of us need to register for the event?
Yes. The registration fee must be paid for each participant over age five, regardless of the number of bikes used.

9. My child is under the age of 5. Can s/he ride with me as an unregistered rider?
While there is no charge for riders 5 and under, everyone participating in the event needs to register and complete the required event waiver. This is for the safety and security of all participants.

10.  Is my registration fee tax deductible?
No, your registration fee is not tax deductible.

11.  What is the refund policy for registration?
All registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Donations/Fundraising

1.  How will donations be used?
All donations will support the efforts of The Foundation for Minneapolis Parks to support and enhance the Minneapolis park system.

2.  Are donations tax deductible?
All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please work with your tax professional to determine any deductions for which you are eligible.

3.  How do I submit donations?
All donations can be dropped off at Parade Field on Saturday, September 13th, from 9 am - 12 pm, and Sunday, September 14th, from 6:30 am-3 pm. On Saturday, please bring donations to the "Packet Pick Up & Registration" Area. On Sunday, donations will be accepted at either the registration booth or the information booth.

4.  Will all donors receive a donation receipt?
Yes. The Foundation for Minneapolis Parks will mail a donation receipt and thank-you out to all Bike Tour donors.

5.  Do I have to claim fundraising rewards/prizes received on my tax return?
The IRS considers all prizes and awards associated with fundraising events as income. If the estimated market value for the prize is greater than $600, the Foundation for Minneapolis Parks is required to provide you with a Form 1099.

6.  Is my registration fee for the Minneapolis Bike Tour considered a tax-deductible donation?
No. Your registration fee is not tax-deductible as the fee covers your entrance into the event. You are welcome to take part in our fundraising challenge by making an additional donation directly to the Foundation for Minneapolis Parks and/or collecting donations from family and friends. Click here for more information (link to fundraising page).

Volunteering

1.  How do I register to be a volunteer for the Minneapolis Bike Tour?
Many volunteer opportunities are available, from preparing registration packets prior to the event to cleaning up at the end of the day. We welcome individuals as well as volunteers from your office, church, scout troop, garden club, neighborhood, or organization.