FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
HOW DOES THE TOUR DE TURNS "HELP TURN THE CORNER ON LOCAL HUNGER?"
100% of the money raised from the annual ride and walk goes to Nourish Up. Tour de Turns doesn't 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?
The short answer to that is no. However, we hope you will consider raising money for Nourish Up to help stem the unfortunate tide of food insecurity in our community. We urge you to participate in a way that you're comfortable with because 100% of any amount you raise will go to a great cause.
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.) Do Not Join a Team. If you choose to join an existing team, your options will appear and you can make your selection.
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 scenarios. You will need to login to your RaceRoster 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.
DO I HAVE TO BE ON A TEAM OR CREATE A TEAM?
No, you can choose 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 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 CHILD IN A TRAILER?
Yes, but both parent and child must be registered.
CAN I RIDE WITH EAR BUDS/HEADPHONES?
No. We discourage anything that may distract you during your ride. This is an OPEN COURSE event, meaning there will very likely be cars, and other riders on the course. It's important to be aware of your surroundings. Plus, this ride is all 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 you can make a "game-time" route selection. We offer 15, 25, 37, 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. The 62-mile route offers the same flexibility as the 37 and 62-mile routes are the same for 37 miles. The 37-mile route finishes at the park, so 62-milers can decide to stop or continue.
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 at the traffic light crossing at Arboretum Shopping Center). This has to be one of the most, if not THE most, compact road cycling events in the world. Cyclists enjoy plenty of shade from the mature trees along the routes. With a little planning, your family and friends can 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 more detailed information.
HOW ARE THE ROUTES MARKED?
We use a minimum of five Route Arrows on every turn. 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 backtrack to the course."
WHAT MILEAGES ARE OFFERED FOR THE WALKS?
We offer 3.2 and 5.8 mile routes. 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 WATER STOPS THIS YEAR?
Water stops are throughout all courses with water, sports drinks, bananas, and packaged food such as energy bars and salty chips. 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.
ARE THERE RESTROOMS OR PORTA-JONS AT THE REST STOPS?
There are Porta-Jons at the Start/Finish in the park. The 37 & 62-mile riders will have Porta-Jons at 37 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?
You will get a commemorative TdT 2025 event T-shirt, custom TdT bib number.
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.
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 workouts, 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 with 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 THE TOUR DE TURNS "HELP TURN THE CORNER ON LOCAL HUNGER?"
100% of the money raised from the annual ride and walk goes to Nourish Up. Tour de Turns doesn't 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?
The short answer to that is no. However, we hope you will consider raising money for Nourish Up to help stem the unfortunate tide of food insecurity in our community. We urge you to participate in a way that you're comfortable with because 100% of any amount you raise will go to a great cause.
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.) Do Not Join a Team. If you choose to join an existing team, your options will appear and you can make your selection.
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 scenarios. You will need to login to your RaceRoster 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.
DO I HAVE TO BE ON A TEAM OR CREATE A TEAM?
No, you can choose 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 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 CHILD IN A TRAILER?
Yes, but both parent and child must be registered.
CAN I RIDE WITH EAR BUDS/HEADPHONES?
No. We discourage anything that may distract you during your ride. This is an OPEN COURSE event, meaning there will very likely be cars, and other riders on the course. It's important to be aware of your surroundings. Plus, this ride is all 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 you can make a "game-time" route selection. We offer 15, 25, 37, 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. The 62-mile route offers the same flexibility as the 37 and 62-mile routes are the same for 37 miles. The 37-mile route finishes at the park, so 62-milers can decide to stop or continue.
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 at the traffic light crossing at Arboretum Shopping Center). This has to be one of the most, if not THE most, compact road cycling events in the world. Cyclists enjoy plenty of shade from the mature trees along the routes. With a little planning, your family and friends can 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 more detailed information.
HOW ARE THE ROUTES MARKED?
We use a minimum of five Route Arrows on every turn. 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 backtrack to the course."
WHAT MILEAGES ARE OFFERED FOR THE WALKS?
We offer 3.2 and 5.8 mile routes. 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 WATER STOPS THIS YEAR?
Water stops are throughout all courses with water, sports drinks, bananas, and packaged food such as energy bars and salty chips. 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.
ARE THERE RESTROOMS OR PORTA-JONS AT THE REST STOPS?
There are Porta-Jons at the Start/Finish in the park. The 37 & 62-mile riders will have Porta-Jons at 37 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?
You will get a commemorative TdT 2025 event T-shirt, custom TdT bib number.
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.
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 workouts, 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 with 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.