Twin Cities Bike Tour Frequently Asked Questions
*Prices below only reflect advanced registration – see day-of-ride pricing
In order for us to keep the ride fun and safe here’s some important information about purchasing the right ticket. Make sure you scroll all the way down through eventbrite to see all the tickets and merchandise options.
How much does it cost?
Each route costs is slightly different. This is generally based on the additional supplies and resources we need for longer routes. We do our best to make sure our rides aren’t not cost prohibitive but also help financially support our organizations mission and initiatives across the state. Full details available on the registration page when live, but rates for adults range from $10-$50 for advanced registration. BikeMN members get a $5 discount off registration.
Are the routes capped or have different check-in times?
Yes! We do our best to keep the trails as uncongested as possible. In this spirit each route has a different check-in time. Please respect our efforts here by only checking in at the time stated in your registration.
Are the routes hard/hilly, and how long will it take me to finish?
We try to offer routes for everyone. Some may find even our shortest routes challenging depending on their abilities/experience and some may find our longest routes easy. For a 46 mile ride, if a rider travels an average of 12 mph and spends 20 minutes at 4 different rest stops it would take them 3 hours and 50 minutes of ride time plus 1 hour and 20 minutes of rest stop time for a total of 5 hours 10 minutes. So if you checked in right away at 7:30am for the 46 mile route you would be finished by 1:40pm. Some riders will go considerably faster and take more time at rest stops and others will go slower and take less time at rest stops. Regardless we do ask riders pay attention to the start/end times of rest stop operations and note that SAG service ends at 3pm sharp so we can relieve our volunteers.
How far is it between rest stops?
For the 46 Mile Route:
Rest stop #1 – Twin Cities in Motion (Mile 7)
Rest stop #2 – Lake Phalen (Mile 15 / 8 miles from #1)
Rest stop #3 – Dual Citizen (Mile 24 / 7 miles from #2)
Rest stop #4 – Venture Bikes (Mile 34 / 9 miles from #3)
Finish: Wabun Park – 11 miles from Venture Bikes
So what are the rest stops hours? – please plan to check-in at a time that matches your needs for rest stops and pace of ride.
NOTE: You can begin riding any time after you check-in!
The ride ends at 2:30PM – All SAG support and finish area refreshments will end at this time.
Wabun Park Start/Finish: 7am-3pm
Twin Cities in Motion: 8am-11am (46 Mile Route Only)
Lake Phalen: 8:15am-12pm (46 Mile Route Only)
Dual Citizen: 10am-1pm (46 Mile Route Only)
Venture Bikes: 8:15am-1pm (this rest stop serves both the 20 mile and 46 mile)
Bread & Pickle: 8am-11am (20 Mile Route Only)
Loons Coffee: 10am-11am (Short Route Only)
What about day-of-ride registration?
You’ll always save by registering in advance but day of ride registration will be available via cash or card.
- 46 Mile Route (if not sold out) $60.00
- TCBTwenty $40
- Short Route $15
ETIQUETTE – SAFETY – FUN!
Etiquette – A little courtesy goes a long way.
- Faster riders are more than welcome to ride in the road adjacent to the trail routes if they’re comfortable. No roads are closed to automobile traffic. IMPORTANT NOTE ON-ROAD ROUTES ARE NOT PHYSICALLY MARKED – MANY PLACES (shepard Rd./etc) WE DO NOT RECOMMEND – make sure you download the ride with GPS links if you want navigation.
- Faster riders should be patient/courteous with slower and especially younger riders. Please wait until it’s safe to pass and give warning whenever possible via audible “on your left” or ringing bells.
- Remember to follow all bicycle traffic laws and set a good example for other riders.
- Remember that trails are open to the general public and many are designated for two-way travel. Don’t clog intersections and keep your eyes ahead of you to watch for oncoming trail traffic.
- Respect and appreciate volunteers and partners. Everyone is trying to put on a great Twin Cities Bike Tour and as a first year going into both of the Twin Cities we know there will be somethings to improve on.
Safety – In addition to following the aforementioned bicycle laws, practicing good safety habits will keep you and your fellow Twin Cities Bike Tour riders safe.
- Always follow the direction of one-way trails – do NOT ride against traffic.
- Make sure your bicycle is in good working order. An ABC quick check can go a long way to prevent incidents stemming from mechanical issues. Carry a correct sized spare tube with you even if you don’t know how to change a tube so a Ride Marshal or rest stop mechanic can assist you. Don’t know what size to get? Head to your local bike shop with your bike and they’ll assist you.
- Make sure YOU are in good working order. Take a few bike rides leading up to the event. Know your pace and stretch before and after riding.
- Wear a proper fitting helmet. Even when exercising great caution, serious crashes can still occur. Mitigate the risk of serious injury by protecting your brain.
- The forecast always calls for unpredictability when it comes to Minnesota weather. Remember that roads are the most slippery just as it begins to rain and days with exceptional heat will require more hydration and more rest periods, but recall that the Twin Cities Bike Tour rolls day or shine except for the most extreme weather.
Fun – The key to getting many of us on our bikes for the first or 1000th time is Fun!
- Decorate your bike
- Wear a fun costume
- Crank up the tunes
- Bring the family, friends, neighbors and co-workers and start a new fall Twin Cities tradition!
Dude, where do I park my car? Is there transit?
If at all possible we encourage both riders and volunteers to bike to the event. Even parking a mile away and biking to the start will help reduce automobile congestion at the beginning and end of the ride. Both Northrup Elementary (4315 S 31st Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406) and Keewaydin Elementary (5209 30th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55417) have each allowed our riders to park in their lots and are only a two miles ride to Wabun Park. You’ll also find there is lots of parking in the nearby neighborhoods as well north of the park. PLEASE NOTE: Much of the immediate parking around Minnehaha Park and Wabun park are paid lots.
You can also get on the Blue Line light rail at Fort Snelling park-and-ride and get off at the 50th and Minnehaha station. Only 1/2 mile to Wabun Park.
DO NOT PARK AT THE VETERANS HOME
Where do the proceeds from the event go? All Routes Lead to a More Bike-Friendly Minnesota
Rides like this cost a lot to put on even with the help of many gracious sponsors. But all of our proceeds raised from the Twin Cities Bike Tour directly contributes to improving walkability and bikeability in communities across Minnesota. The ride benefits the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit – federal tax ID number is 41-1719332). Thank you for your support!
Get Riding Today
Check out some of the areas the tour will cover in Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
