HOW DOES TOUR DE TURNS "HELP TURN THE CORNER ON LOCAL HUNGER"?
100% of the money raised from the annual ride and walk goes to Loaves & Fishes, Inc., a 501(c)3 food pantry (L&F). In fact, Tour de Turns never touches a dime of the money. L&F receives all money directly from our sponsors and registrations. Tour de Turns does not have any paid staff. We are 100% volunteer operated. If you are interested in joining a committee, we would love to hear from you.
DO I HAVE TO FUNDRAISE TO PARTICIPATE?
No, you can simply register as a PAY registrant for $45, $50 or $55 depending on how early you sign up. However, we would love to encourage you consider the FUNDRAISE registration option as it is only a $5 registration fee and a low minimum fundraise amount of $95. Also, by fundraising you can earn the following awesome rewards: FREE t-shirt, cap, jersey, WAHOO Elemnt Bolt GPS bicycle computer and the top fundraiser wins a WAHOO Kickr!!! See "Register" tab for full details.
WHERE IS PACKET PICK UP?
We offer two different dates and locations for EARLY packet pick up. If you can't make EARLY packet pick up, don't worry as we also offer "MORNING OF" pick up at the Start/Finish. Please see "Schedule" tab on this website for dates and locations.
WHY SHOULD I DO "EARLY" PACKET PICK UP VERSUS WAITING UNTIL "MORNING OF" PACKET PICK UP?
Many people choose to do Early packet pick up because they bought a jersey or other merchandise and want to have it so they can wear it on their ride or walk. Some people come because they want to see and try on the jersey or other apparel before they purchase. We will have remaining available jerseys and apparel for sale at each Packet Pick Up. At a minimum, your package will include: 1) Wristbands for your ride or walk, 2) Bib number for the front of your bike, 3) Ride or walk instructions and tips. Another reason some people pick up Early is because they don't like to be rushed or stand in lines the morning of an event.
WHAT IS THE ADDRESS OF THE START/FINISH?
Please see "Schedule" tab on this website.
WHAT IS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS?
Please see "Schedule" tab on this website.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I'M ORDERING THE CORRECT SIZE JERSEY?
This year we are only offering men's "Race Cut" for sale. If you normally wear a "Club Cut" jersey, we STRONGLY encourage you to order one size larger than you normal wear because they are "Race Cut", so slimmer fit. Women should order one size smaller than they nornally wear in a women's jersey.
I'M NOT SURE WHAT MILEAGE I'M CAPABLE OF RIDING?
Great news! Tour de Turns might be the most flexible ride as it relates "game time" decision making on which distance to ride. We offer 15, 25, 37, 52 and 62-mile routes. The 15 and 25-Mile Routes start at the same time and are on the same route for the first 13 miles. The 15-Mile Route simply cuts off a couple of sections of the 25-Mile Route. At 13 miles, you can make the decision if you want to go only 15 or continue on the 25-mile route. 62-Mile route offer the same flexibility as the 37 and 52/62-mile routes are the same for 37 miles. The 37-mile route finishes at park, so 62-milers can make a "game time" decision if they want to continue for the next 15 or 25 miles.
HOW MANY REST STOPS ARE THERE?
The 15 and 25-Mile Routes have rest stops at 8, 13 and 20 miles. The 37 and 62-Mile Routes have rest stops at 13, 21, 30, 37, 45, 52 and 57. For the walkers, the 4.5-mile route will have one rest stop and restroom at approximately 2 miles.
WHAT IS SERVED AT THE REST STOPS?
Because of COVID-19, we will only offer bottled water and Powerade. Also, we will only offer packaged food such as energy bars and salty chips. We will NOT be able to offer bananas or oranges this year. We hired Start 2 Finish Event Management to help us with this event. They significantly elevated the quality of our rest stops and are going to have them dialed in even better this year!
ARE THERE RESTROOMS OR PORTA-JONS AT THE REST STOPS?
Yes, the 15 and 25-Mile Routes have them at 13, 20 and 25 miles. The 37, 52 and 62-Mile Routes have them at 13, 21, 37, 52, 57 and 62 miles.
WHERE DO THE CYCLING ROUTES GO AND WILL MY FAMILY/FRIENDS BE ABLE TO SEE ME MULTIPLE TIMES?
All routes stay within a six square mile area in south Charlotte. The routes never travel on Providence Rd, Park Road or Hwy 51. The furthest point from the Start/Finish is approximately 4 miles via road routes or 2.7 miles as the crow flies. This has to be one of the most, if not the most, compact road cycling events in the world. With a little planning, your family/friends will be able to see you multiple times by either taking a short walk or drive from the Start/Finish. Please see the "Route Maps/Viewing Locations" tab on this website for route maps, cue sheets and viewing locations.
WHAT MILEAGES ARE OFFERED FOR THE WALKS?
This year we are offering 3.0 and 6.0 mile routes. Everybody will start together and walk the first 3.0 miles together. The 3-milers finish back at the park and the 6-milers continue on. There is a rest stop and Porta-Jon at the park. On the 6, you will pass Caribou Coffee at approximately 4.5 miles. The 6-milers finish back at the park.
WILL WALKERS SEE THE CYCLIST DURING THEIR WALK?
The walkers cheer on the 15 and 25-mile cyclist at the start and then go do there walking routes. Then they come back to the park to cheer on the cyclist as they finish. Because of the larger quantity of walkers this year, we altered the routes to avoid cross over with the cyclist for safety reasons.
WHAT IS INVOLVED WITH THE KIDS' BIKE RODEO?
This is a first class bike rodeo by Bikin' Dads Adventures. They will set up their amazing course on the shaded basketball court within the park and adjacent to the Closed Loop Course and craft beer garden.
HOW ARE THE ROUTES MARKED AND WILL I GET LOST?
We use a minimum of five Route Arrows on every turn. In the past six years, we have only had a few people say they got lost. They admitted it was because they were not paying attention. We always tell the riders at the start "If you reach Providence Rd, Park Rd or Hwy 51, you are off course and need to back track to the course." If you do get lost and can't find the course, call the Ride Director (this number will be provided in your ride packet) and they will send a SAG wagon to you. Also, because these routes go through residential neighborhoods, chances are you are no further than 200' from a home in a nice area of Charlotte. We also have Bike Marshals riding the course with hi-vis Tour de Turns vest on.
WILL THERE BE SAG WAGON SUPPORT?
Yes, call the Ride Director (this number will be provided in your ride packet) and tell them your location.
WILL YOU HAVE MECHANICAL SUPPORT?
Yes, thanks to the awesome support of Bicycle Sport we will offer full support at the Start/Finish. We will offer minor support on the routes. If you have a major break down on the course, call the Ride Director and they will have a SAG wagon come to you.
CAN WE RIDE OUR TANDEM?
Yes, both riders on a tandem need to register, for liability and services reasons.
CAN I PULL OUR KID(S) IN A BICYCLE TRAILER?
Yes, we will not charge for your kid(s) under the age of three but you must sign a waiver at Packet Pickup for each child. We now (new this year) offer a "Family Package".
CAN I RIDE WEARING EAR BUDS?
No, we discourage anything that may distract you or keep you from hearing other participants or vehicles. This includes cell phones. This ride is about being together and enjoying the beautiful sights and sounds of backstreets cycling!
HOW CAN MY 'NON-CYCLING' OR 'NON-WALKING' FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS PARTICIPATE?
They can cheer you on at the Start/Finish and also see you a few times on the course with very little travel. See "Route Maps/Viewing Locations" tab to plan their viewing. They can also attend our "Under the Shade Trees Festival" at the Start/Finish that includes live music, a craft beer garden and lunch. We will also have a Corn Hole Tournament this year starting at 11:00AM. Beer tickets can be purchased at the park. We recommend they purchase Lunch tickets thru the registration website https://www.bikereg.com/tourdeturns0 Lastly, we can always use Volunteers. Have them register at https://www.bikereg.com/tourdeturns0 and scroll down the page to the Volunteers section.
WHAT IS THE LAST DAY THAT I CAN BE GUARANTEED MY SELECTED T-SHIRT SIZE AND/OR AVAILABILITY?
You must register before 11:45PM on August 14th.
WHAT IS THE LAST DAY THAT I CAN ORDER LUNCH?
You must register before 11:45PM on August 22nd.
HOW DID TOUR DE TURNS GET STARTED?
The founder and route master, Lane Holbert, was a distance runner since middle school. As he was reaching his late 30's, he proactively reduced his mileage to save his knees, hips and spine from potential damage. To replace some of his cardiovascular work outs, he began mountain biking when trail conditions would allow. One of his good mountain biking friends was also a road cyclist. He kept nagging Lane to purchase a road bike. Lane was hesitant because he thought road cycling looked boring but mostly because of his concern with Charlotte's heavy traffic. After three years of listening to his friend's nagging, Lane finally bought his first road bike in 2004. It turned out road cycling was not boring but after a couple of very close brushes by high speed automobiles and a couple of his friends actually getting hit, Lane stopped riding on thoroughfares and outlying country roads. Since he enjoyed being able to ride out of his driveway and get a great cardiovascular workout with the road bike, Lane started exploring backstreet neighborhood routes in south Charlotte where he lived. He ultimately came up with a 25-mile loop that was 93% inside of neighborhoods and only had one stop light (this is the 25-mile route of Tour de Turns today). His friends that rode the route with him nicknamed it "Tour de Turns". In 2011, Lane was riding 24 Hours of Booty with his oldest son. Because Lane rode 200 miles in the previous year's event, his son set a goal to ride 200 miles. As they were approaching the 150-mile mark, his son said he was going to stop at 150-miles because he was extremely bored of repeating the same 3-mile loop. He then said "Dad you need to start a fundraiser on your route because it is so much fun and never boring". The following year Lane organized the inaugural ride with 57 riders that were mostly friends and family.
100% of the money raised from the annual ride and walk goes to Loaves & Fishes, Inc., a 501(c)3 food pantry (L&F). In fact, Tour de Turns never touches a dime of the money. L&F receives all money directly from our sponsors and registrations. Tour de Turns does not have any paid staff. We are 100% volunteer operated. If you are interested in joining a committee, we would love to hear from you.
DO I HAVE TO FUNDRAISE TO PARTICIPATE?
No, you can simply register as a PAY registrant for $45, $50 or $55 depending on how early you sign up. However, we would love to encourage you consider the FUNDRAISE registration option as it is only a $5 registration fee and a low minimum fundraise amount of $95. Also, by fundraising you can earn the following awesome rewards: FREE t-shirt, cap, jersey, WAHOO Elemnt Bolt GPS bicycle computer and the top fundraiser wins a WAHOO Kickr!!! See "Register" tab for full details.
WHERE IS PACKET PICK UP?
We offer two different dates and locations for EARLY packet pick up. If you can't make EARLY packet pick up, don't worry as we also offer "MORNING OF" pick up at the Start/Finish. Please see "Schedule" tab on this website for dates and locations.
WHY SHOULD I DO "EARLY" PACKET PICK UP VERSUS WAITING UNTIL "MORNING OF" PACKET PICK UP?
Many people choose to do Early packet pick up because they bought a jersey or other merchandise and want to have it so they can wear it on their ride or walk. Some people come because they want to see and try on the jersey or other apparel before they purchase. We will have remaining available jerseys and apparel for sale at each Packet Pick Up. At a minimum, your package will include: 1) Wristbands for your ride or walk, 2) Bib number for the front of your bike, 3) Ride or walk instructions and tips. Another reason some people pick up Early is because they don't like to be rushed or stand in lines the morning of an event.
WHAT IS THE ADDRESS OF THE START/FINISH?
Please see "Schedule" tab on this website.
WHAT IS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS?
Please see "Schedule" tab on this website.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I'M ORDERING THE CORRECT SIZE JERSEY?
This year we are only offering men's "Race Cut" for sale. If you normally wear a "Club Cut" jersey, we STRONGLY encourage you to order one size larger than you normal wear because they are "Race Cut", so slimmer fit. Women should order one size smaller than they nornally wear in a women's jersey.
I'M NOT SURE WHAT MILEAGE I'M CAPABLE OF RIDING?
Great news! Tour de Turns might be the most flexible ride as it relates "game time" decision making on which distance to ride. We offer 15, 25, 37, 52 and 62-mile routes. The 15 and 25-Mile Routes start at the same time and are on the same route for the first 13 miles. The 15-Mile Route simply cuts off a couple of sections of the 25-Mile Route. At 13 miles, you can make the decision if you want to go only 15 or continue on the 25-mile route. 62-Mile route offer the same flexibility as the 37 and 52/62-mile routes are the same for 37 miles. The 37-mile route finishes at park, so 62-milers can make a "game time" decision if they want to continue for the next 15 or 25 miles.
HOW MANY REST STOPS ARE THERE?
The 15 and 25-Mile Routes have rest stops at 8, 13 and 20 miles. The 37 and 62-Mile Routes have rest stops at 13, 21, 30, 37, 45, 52 and 57. For the walkers, the 4.5-mile route will have one rest stop and restroom at approximately 2 miles.
WHAT IS SERVED AT THE REST STOPS?
Because of COVID-19, we will only offer bottled water and Powerade. Also, we will only offer packaged food such as energy bars and salty chips. We will NOT be able to offer bananas or oranges this year. We hired Start 2 Finish Event Management to help us with this event. They significantly elevated the quality of our rest stops and are going to have them dialed in even better this year!
ARE THERE RESTROOMS OR PORTA-JONS AT THE REST STOPS?
Yes, the 15 and 25-Mile Routes have them at 13, 20 and 25 miles. The 37, 52 and 62-Mile Routes have them at 13, 21, 37, 52, 57 and 62 miles.
WHERE DO THE CYCLING ROUTES GO AND WILL MY FAMILY/FRIENDS BE ABLE TO SEE ME MULTIPLE TIMES?
All routes stay within a six square mile area in south Charlotte. The routes never travel on Providence Rd, Park Road or Hwy 51. The furthest point from the Start/Finish is approximately 4 miles via road routes or 2.7 miles as the crow flies. This has to be one of the most, if not the most, compact road cycling events in the world. With a little planning, your family/friends will be able to see you multiple times by either taking a short walk or drive from the Start/Finish. Please see the "Route Maps/Viewing Locations" tab on this website for route maps, cue sheets and viewing locations.
WHAT MILEAGES ARE OFFERED FOR THE WALKS?
This year we are offering 3.0 and 6.0 mile routes. Everybody will start together and walk the first 3.0 miles together. The 3-milers finish back at the park and the 6-milers continue on. There is a rest stop and Porta-Jon at the park. On the 6, you will pass Caribou Coffee at approximately 4.5 miles. The 6-milers finish back at the park.
WILL WALKERS SEE THE CYCLIST DURING THEIR WALK?
The walkers cheer on the 15 and 25-mile cyclist at the start and then go do there walking routes. Then they come back to the park to cheer on the cyclist as they finish. Because of the larger quantity of walkers this year, we altered the routes to avoid cross over with the cyclist for safety reasons.
WHAT IS INVOLVED WITH THE KIDS' BIKE RODEO?
This is a first class bike rodeo by Bikin' Dads Adventures. They will set up their amazing course on the shaded basketball court within the park and adjacent to the Closed Loop Course and craft beer garden.
HOW ARE THE ROUTES MARKED AND WILL I GET LOST?
We use a minimum of five Route Arrows on every turn. In the past six years, we have only had a few people say they got lost. They admitted it was because they were not paying attention. We always tell the riders at the start "If you reach Providence Rd, Park Rd or Hwy 51, you are off course and need to back track to the course." If you do get lost and can't find the course, call the Ride Director (this number will be provided in your ride packet) and they will send a SAG wagon to you. Also, because these routes go through residential neighborhoods, chances are you are no further than 200' from a home in a nice area of Charlotte. We also have Bike Marshals riding the course with hi-vis Tour de Turns vest on.
WILL THERE BE SAG WAGON SUPPORT?
Yes, call the Ride Director (this number will be provided in your ride packet) and tell them your location.
WILL YOU HAVE MECHANICAL SUPPORT?
Yes, thanks to the awesome support of Bicycle Sport we will offer full support at the Start/Finish. We will offer minor support on the routes. If you have a major break down on the course, call the Ride Director and they will have a SAG wagon come to you.
CAN WE RIDE OUR TANDEM?
Yes, both riders on a tandem need to register, for liability and services reasons.
CAN I PULL OUR KID(S) IN A BICYCLE TRAILER?
Yes, we will not charge for your kid(s) under the age of three but you must sign a waiver at Packet Pickup for each child. We now (new this year) offer a "Family Package".
CAN I RIDE WEARING EAR BUDS?
No, we discourage anything that may distract you or keep you from hearing other participants or vehicles. This includes cell phones. This ride is about being together and enjoying the beautiful sights and sounds of backstreets cycling!
HOW CAN MY 'NON-CYCLING' OR 'NON-WALKING' FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS PARTICIPATE?
They can cheer you on at the Start/Finish and also see you a few times on the course with very little travel. See "Route Maps/Viewing Locations" tab to plan their viewing. They can also attend our "Under the Shade Trees Festival" at the Start/Finish that includes live music, a craft beer garden and lunch. We will also have a Corn Hole Tournament this year starting at 11:00AM. Beer tickets can be purchased at the park. We recommend they purchase Lunch tickets thru the registration website https://www.bikereg.com/tourdeturns0 Lastly, we can always use Volunteers. Have them register at https://www.bikereg.com/tourdeturns0 and scroll down the page to the Volunteers section.
WHAT IS THE LAST DAY THAT I CAN BE GUARANTEED MY SELECTED T-SHIRT SIZE AND/OR AVAILABILITY?
You must register before 11:45PM on August 14th.
WHAT IS THE LAST DAY THAT I CAN ORDER LUNCH?
You must register before 11:45PM on August 22nd.
HOW DID TOUR DE TURNS GET STARTED?
The founder and route master, Lane Holbert, was a distance runner since middle school. As he was reaching his late 30's, he proactively reduced his mileage to save his knees, hips and spine from potential damage. To replace some of his cardiovascular work outs, he began mountain biking when trail conditions would allow. One of his good mountain biking friends was also a road cyclist. He kept nagging Lane to purchase a road bike. Lane was hesitant because he thought road cycling looked boring but mostly because of his concern with Charlotte's heavy traffic. After three years of listening to his friend's nagging, Lane finally bought his first road bike in 2004. It turned out road cycling was not boring but after a couple of very close brushes by high speed automobiles and a couple of his friends actually getting hit, Lane stopped riding on thoroughfares and outlying country roads. Since he enjoyed being able to ride out of his driveway and get a great cardiovascular workout with the road bike, Lane started exploring backstreet neighborhood routes in south Charlotte where he lived. He ultimately came up with a 25-mile loop that was 93% inside of neighborhoods and only had one stop light (this is the 25-mile route of Tour de Turns today). His friends that rode the route with him nicknamed it "Tour de Turns". In 2011, Lane was riding 24 Hours of Booty with his oldest son. Because Lane rode 200 miles in the previous year's event, his son set a goal to ride 200 miles. As they were approaching the 150-mile mark, his son said he was going to stop at 150-miles because he was extremely bored of repeating the same 3-mile loop. He then said "Dad you need to start a fundraiser on your route because it is so much fun and never boring". The following year Lane organized the inaugural ride with 57 riders that were mostly friends and family.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE TEMPERATURE ON AUG 24TH IN CHARLOTTE, NC?
The average low is 66.4 and the high is 86.6 degrees. Many people do not realize that temperatures drop off a decent amount by the end of August. The hottest time of the day is 3:45PM, so the average temperature during your Tour de Turns ride/walk will likely be less than 76 degrees since you are starting in the morning. Also, you will get the benefit of abundant shade from large trees along the route in the beautiful established neighborhoods.
The average low is 66.4 and the high is 86.6 degrees. Many people do not realize that temperatures drop off a decent amount by the end of August. The hottest time of the day is 3:45PM, so the average temperature during your Tour de Turns ride/walk will likely be less than 76 degrees since you are starting in the morning. Also, you will get the benefit of abundant shade from large trees along the route in the beautiful established neighborhoods.
