FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
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/Friendship Trays, Inc., a 501(c)3 ("L&F/FT"). In fact, Tour de Turns never touches a dime of the money. L&F/FT 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 IN THIS EVENT?
No, we offer a PAY registration option as an alternative to the FUNDRAISE registration option. Of course, Loaves & Fishes / Friendship Trays, our beneficiary, hopes you will consider the Fundraise registration option with only a $5 registration fee and a very reasonable minimum fundraise amount of $95. See Register page for full details including all of the awesome and valuable REWARDS you can earn.
CAN I JOIN AN EXISTING FUNDRAISING TEAM? or CAN I CREATE MY OWN TEAM?
Yes, when you select the FUNDRAISE registration option, it will ask you if you want to 1.) Join a Fundraising Team 2.) Create a Fundraising Team or 3.) Fundraise as an Individual.
I JOINED SOMEONE ELSE'S TEAM BUT HAVE DECIDED THAT I WANT TO FORM MY OWN. CAN THIS BE DONE? or I WANT TO SWITCH TEAMS. CAN THIS BE DONE?
Yes, to both. You will need to login to your PledgeReg account and click "Edit Your Fundraising Page" and then click "Edit Fundraising Team". It will then give you the option to join another Team or create your own Team.
DO I HAVE TO BE ON A TEAM OR CREATE A TEAM?
No, one of the options is to "Fundraise as an Individual"
WHAT TYPE OF BIKE CAN I RIDE FOR THE EVENT?
A road bike is the best option. We have many people ride their mountain bikes, hybrids, tandems, touring bikes and recumbents. We also have elliptical riders.
CAN WE RIDE OUR TANDEM?
Yes, both riders on a tandem need to register, for liability and services reasons.
CAN I RIDE MY E-ASSIST BIKE?
Yes.
CAN I RIDE MY BIKE WITH A TRAILER WITH MY CHILD?
Yes. Both parent and child must be registered.
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!
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 only go 15 or continue on the 25-mile route. 62-Mile route offer the same flexibility as the 37 and 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.
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 Fairview Rd., Providence Rd, Park Road or Hwy 51 (except 37-milers are on Hwy 51 for 300 yards). This has to be one of the most, if not the most, compact road cycling events in the world. Cyclist will enjoy plenty of shade from the mature trees along the routes. 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.
HOW ARE THE ROUTES MARKED AND WILL I GET LOST?
We use a minimum of five Route Arrows on every turn. In the past nine 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 Fairview Road, Providence Rd or Park Rd, you are off course and need to back track to the course." 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.
WHAT MILEAGES ARE OFFERED FOR THE WALKS?
This year we are offering 3.2 and 5.8 mile routes or you can walk both routes for a total of 9.0 miles. The 3.2 mile route passes Caribou Coffee at approximately 1.75 miles. The 5.8 mile route passes Dunkin Donuts and other restaurants in the Colony/Rea Shopping Center.
WILL THERE BE REST STOPS THIS YEAR?
Yes, the 15 and 25-Mile Routes have rest stops at 7, 15 and 20 miles. The 37 and 62-Mile Routes have rest stops at 13, 22, 37*, 43, 52 and 57 miles.
In addition to the rest stops listed above, at mile 29 is the Arboretum Shopping Center and at mile 35 is Colony/Rea Shopping Center at the corner of Rea Rd and Colony Rd (home of The Lodge: A Sportsman's Grill, Harris Teeter, Jersey Mike's, Dunkin Donuts).
*Mile 37 is Carmel Road Neighborhood Park (start/finish). 62-milers will now follow the 25-mile route.
Please note the last rest stop on the course at mile 57 closes at 2:00PM. All food, drink, beer garden, live music closes/finishes at 2:30PM. DO NOT expect service if you arrive after 2:30PM.
WHAT WILL BE SERVED AT THE REST STOPS?
Because of COVID-19, we will provide bottled water, bottled sport drinks, bananas and packaged food such as energy bars and salty chips.
ARE THERE RESTROOMS OR PORTA-JONS AT THE REST STOPS?
There will be Porta-Jons at the Start/Finish in the park. On the 15 and 25 mile route, there will be a Porta-Jon at mile 13. The 37 & 62 mile riders will have Porta-Jons at 37 and 52 miles as well as the options listed below.
Also, you can use restrooms at restaurants in the Arboretum Shopping Center (mile 29) and Colony/Rea Shopping Center (mile 35).
WHERE IS PACKET PICK UP?
See "Schedule" page for dates, times, location and detailed Site Map.
CAN SOMEONE ELSE PICK UP MY PACKET FOR ME?
Yes.
WHAT DO I GET IN MY PACKET?
At a minimum, you will get a custom TdT plastic bib number, wristbands for your specific event and a lunch wristband (if you selected a lunch). If you bought merchandise, bought raffle tickets, signed up for VIP or ordered an extra lunch ticket, those will be in your packet too.
WARNING - for those that sign up after July 10th, we cannot guarantee your jersey or bibs will be available at packet pickups. For those that sign up after July 30th, we cannot guarantee your t-shirts will be available at packet pickups.
WILL I BE ABLE TO REGISTER THE MORNING OF THE RIDE / WALK?
Yes, we will have "On Site" registration from 7:00AM to 9:00AM at Carmel Road Neighborhood Park.
WHAT IS THE ADDRESS OF THE START/FINISH?
Please see "Schedule" page on this website.
WHERE DO I PARK?
See "Schedule" page on this website for detailed Parking map.
WHAT IS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS?
Please see "Schedule" page on this website.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I'M ORDERING THE CORRECT SIZE JERSEY?
This year we are offering the men's in "Race Cut" and the women's in "Club Cut" fit. For those ordering the men's jersey, we STRONGLY encourage you to order one size larger than you normally wear unless, of course, you are familiar with race cut's slimmer fit.
WILL THERE BE SAG SUPPORT THIS YEAR?
Yes. Also, know that you are usually less than 3 miles form the start/finish at any time on your ride/walk and you are almost always 200' feet from a house door bell. You are almost always in neighborhoods, so never remote.
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.
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/Friendship Trays, Inc., a 501(c)3 ("L&F/FT"). In fact, Tour de Turns never touches a dime of the money. L&F/FT 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 IN THIS EVENT?
No, we offer a PAY registration option as an alternative to the FUNDRAISE registration option. Of course, Loaves & Fishes / Friendship Trays, our beneficiary, hopes you will consider the Fundraise registration option with only a $5 registration fee and a very reasonable minimum fundraise amount of $95. See Register page for full details including all of the awesome and valuable REWARDS you can earn.
CAN I JOIN AN EXISTING FUNDRAISING TEAM? or CAN I CREATE MY OWN TEAM?
Yes, when you select the FUNDRAISE registration option, it will ask you if you want to 1.) Join a Fundraising Team 2.) Create a Fundraising Team or 3.) Fundraise as an Individual.
I JOINED SOMEONE ELSE'S TEAM BUT HAVE DECIDED THAT I WANT TO FORM MY OWN. CAN THIS BE DONE? or I WANT TO SWITCH TEAMS. CAN THIS BE DONE?
Yes, to both. You will need to login to your PledgeReg account and click "Edit Your Fundraising Page" and then click "Edit Fundraising Team". It will then give you the option to join another Team or create your own Team.
DO I HAVE TO BE ON A TEAM OR CREATE A TEAM?
No, one of the options is to "Fundraise as an Individual"
WHAT TYPE OF BIKE CAN I RIDE FOR THE EVENT?
A road bike is the best option. We have many people ride their mountain bikes, hybrids, tandems, touring bikes and recumbents. We also have elliptical riders.
CAN WE RIDE OUR TANDEM?
Yes, both riders on a tandem need to register, for liability and services reasons.
CAN I RIDE MY E-ASSIST BIKE?
Yes.
CAN I RIDE MY BIKE WITH A TRAILER WITH MY CHILD?
Yes. Both parent and child must be registered.
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!
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 only go 15 or continue on the 25-mile route. 62-Mile route offer the same flexibility as the 37 and 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.
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 Fairview Rd., Providence Rd, Park Road or Hwy 51 (except 37-milers are on Hwy 51 for 300 yards). This has to be one of the most, if not the most, compact road cycling events in the world. Cyclist will enjoy plenty of shade from the mature trees along the routes. 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.
HOW ARE THE ROUTES MARKED AND WILL I GET LOST?
We use a minimum of five Route Arrows on every turn. In the past nine 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 Fairview Road, Providence Rd or Park Rd, you are off course and need to back track to the course." 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.
WHAT MILEAGES ARE OFFERED FOR THE WALKS?
This year we are offering 3.2 and 5.8 mile routes or you can walk both routes for a total of 9.0 miles. The 3.2 mile route passes Caribou Coffee at approximately 1.75 miles. The 5.8 mile route passes Dunkin Donuts and other restaurants in the Colony/Rea Shopping Center.
WILL THERE BE REST STOPS THIS YEAR?
Yes, the 15 and 25-Mile Routes have rest stops at 7, 15 and 20 miles. The 37 and 62-Mile Routes have rest stops at 13, 22, 37*, 43, 52 and 57 miles.
In addition to the rest stops listed above, at mile 29 is the Arboretum Shopping Center and at mile 35 is Colony/Rea Shopping Center at the corner of Rea Rd and Colony Rd (home of The Lodge: A Sportsman's Grill, Harris Teeter, Jersey Mike's, Dunkin Donuts).
*Mile 37 is Carmel Road Neighborhood Park (start/finish). 62-milers will now follow the 25-mile route.
Please note the last rest stop on the course at mile 57 closes at 2:00PM. All food, drink, beer garden, live music closes/finishes at 2:30PM. DO NOT expect service if you arrive after 2:30PM.
WHAT WILL BE SERVED AT THE REST STOPS?
Because of COVID-19, we will provide bottled water, bottled sport drinks, bananas and packaged food such as energy bars and salty chips.
ARE THERE RESTROOMS OR PORTA-JONS AT THE REST STOPS?
There will be Porta-Jons at the Start/Finish in the park. On the 15 and 25 mile route, there will be a Porta-Jon at mile 13. The 37 & 62 mile riders will have Porta-Jons at 37 and 52 miles as well as the options listed below.
Also, you can use restrooms at restaurants in the Arboretum Shopping Center (mile 29) and Colony/Rea Shopping Center (mile 35).
WHERE IS PACKET PICK UP?
See "Schedule" page for dates, times, location and detailed Site Map.
CAN SOMEONE ELSE PICK UP MY PACKET FOR ME?
Yes.
WHAT DO I GET IN MY PACKET?
At a minimum, you will get a custom TdT plastic bib number, wristbands for your specific event and a lunch wristband (if you selected a lunch). If you bought merchandise, bought raffle tickets, signed up for VIP or ordered an extra lunch ticket, those will be in your packet too.
WARNING - for those that sign up after July 10th, we cannot guarantee your jersey or bibs will be available at packet pickups. For those that sign up after July 30th, we cannot guarantee your t-shirts will be available at packet pickups.
WILL I BE ABLE TO REGISTER THE MORNING OF THE RIDE / WALK?
Yes, we will have "On Site" registration from 7:00AM to 9:00AM at Carmel Road Neighborhood Park.
WHAT IS THE ADDRESS OF THE START/FINISH?
Please see "Schedule" page on this website.
WHERE DO I PARK?
See "Schedule" page on this website for detailed Parking map.
WHAT IS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS?
Please see "Schedule" page on this website.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I'M ORDERING THE CORRECT SIZE JERSEY?
This year we are offering the men's in "Race Cut" and the women's in "Club Cut" fit. For those ordering the men's jersey, we STRONGLY encourage you to order one size larger than you normally wear unless, of course, you are familiar with race cut's slimmer fit.
WILL THERE BE SAG SUPPORT THIS YEAR?
Yes. Also, know that you are usually less than 3 miles form the start/finish at any time on your ride/walk and you are almost always 200' feet from a house door bell. You are almost always in neighborhoods, so never remote.
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.
