Frequently Asked Questions: 2011 Tour de Mississauga

NOTE: The 5th annual Tour de Mississauga will take place on Sunday, September 16, 2012.  See you then!

1.  Can I register for the Tour on the day of the event?

No.  This year, unlike previous years, the cutoff for online registration is midnight on the night of Thurs. September 15th.  We are using a new registration process through the City’s ‘Connect2Rec’ system, which has led to this change.  This year, in-person registrations are accepted at City facilities (e.g. the Customer Service Centre at the Central Library or at any major community centre) if you aren’t able to register online, but the cutoff remains the same to ensure an orderly check-in on the morning of the event, which takes place at Mississauga Celebration Square (our new START/FINISH venue) on Sunday, September 18th.

2.  Why do I have to sign a City waiver?

The Tour is positioned as an “unsupported ride” which means cyclists take responsibility for themselves.  Volunteer Tour Marshals are available to provide assistance and advice, but will not necessarily be with you as you ride and cannot be responsible for your experience beyond providing a map and instructions, and posting signage to mark the Route.  The Route will be checked for hazards and conditions the day before the Tour, and any issues will be announced during the Opening Remarks on the day of the event.  There will be marshals posted at key intersections and other locations as needed.  Peel Regional Police have been informed about the ride but will not be officially involved.  NOTE: Anyone under 18 needs to have a parent or guardian accept the online waiver form on their behalf and accompany them on the ride in order to be registered as a minor participant.  Parents/guardians are responsible for the minors in their care.

3.  Is the route safe for children?

This is for parents to judge.  The ‘Family Ride’ would naturally be most suitable for children. While children may be physically able to complete the 30km route, it is up to parents to assess the conditions while they are on the ride and advise their children as to how to proceed.  All routes have a marked ‘quick-return’ option if you wish to shorten your ride.  MCAC has recommended 10+ years of age for the ride so long as those under 18 are accompanied by a designated adult.  Keep in mind parking lots and registration areas can get quite busy and crowded, so parents please keep your children attended at all times.

4.  May I exit the route before the official FINISH at Mississauga Celebration Square?

Certainly.  As a courtesy, you should let anyone you are riding with know, but all riders are free to complete the Tour at their own pace, and leave or rejoin the Tour at any point.  This is a recreational ride that has been organized to provide cyclists with an opportunity to learn and enjoy new cycling routes in Mississauga.

5.  What will be the pace of the ride, and what if I’m too slow?

We used to break into 3 groups according to speed, but since the Tour has grown exponentially into hundreds of cyclists this is no longer practical.  The good thing is that with this many cyclists you will be bound to find at least a few who are going at your pace.  For the 60km route, a faster group may complete the route in 3.5 hours or less; an average group may come in at around 4 hours, and a  more leisurely group at around 5 hours.  These times include washroom and refreshment breaks along the way.  With exception of the 100km Challenge Road Ride, mid-range groups will probably ride at an average speed of 15 km/hr.  The faster groups will ride at approximately 25 km/hr (slower on public trails).  The leisurely group can set their own speed.  This is not a race and people will probably want to take pictures along the way as well.  There is no “too slow” – just try to ride with a buddy for company, and enjoy the experience.  NOTE: We are keeping the BBQ at the START/FINISH venue — Celebration Square — open until 3:00 p.m. to ensure all riders get to eat at the end of their ride!

Look for these signs the day of the event

6.  Is the route marked?

Yes.  Approximately 200 signs will be posted along the  Routes, with arrows where appropriate, in order to guide cyclists at all key turns and to affirm long stretches.  The signs are unique and display the Tour de Mississauga identifier.  In addition, we will again mark the roads with colour-coded spray paint, as this feature was very well-received last year!

7.  What if I get lost?

We will be riding in groups, which will settle out over the first part of the Tour as cyclists get comfortable with a pace.  As stated above, the Route will be marked with special signs showing the Tour de Mississauga identifier.  All riders will have route maps and written instructions including street names and directions.  But if a rider does get separated from their group, there will be cell phone numbers of Tour Marshals available in the Registration materials you will receive.  ALL CYCLISTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING A COMPASS in order to be able to follow the instructions if they get lost.  And remember, this is Mississauga, and anyone you ask will be willing to help you!

8.  What kind of bike do I need?

A hybrid is best, to enable smooth road riding and the ability to switch to crushed gravel trails on the 60km Signature and 30km Family Rides.  A mountain bike will work fine, but will create more resistance on the road, and may be tiring for some over the longer routes.  Dedicated road bikes are great for the 100km Challenge Road Ride.  Electric-assist bikes are also OK.  All in all, expect to ride comfortably as we will be on roads, paved multi-use trails, and groomed (packed gravel) trails for the Family and Signature Rides.  The Challenge Road Ride is only on paved roadways and it was designed to minimize stops and starts along the way.  In past years, we have had all kinds of bikes traveling all the routes, including tandems, recumbent bikes and bikes with trailers.  In the end it comes down to personal choice.

9.  What if I need repairs en route?

All riders will be given the cell phone numbers of Tour Marshals in the event of any emergency.  Some Tour Marshals will be carrying tools to make minor repairs.  Cyclepath bike shop is expected to be available at the Tour start to do bike check-ups.  MBS Tandems will be available with en route of the Family Ride with free emergency repairs where needed.  Serious break-downs en route will require the cyclist to be picked up.  Please ensure that you have a cell phone and numbers you can call if you are unable to complete the Tour.

10.  What clothing should I wear?

Be sure to wear layers.  We will not conduct the Tour if significant chances of thunderstorms are forecast.  A bike carrier or backpack to hold clothing items and energy foods would be useful.  You will be riding for a few hours, and need to be prepared for varying conditions.  Cycling gloves are also recommended.

11.  Do I need to wear a helmet?

Yes.  While the Ontario law only requires those under 18 to wear helmets, this is a City-sponsored event and the MCAC is trying to set a good example for cyclists in the City.  Wearing your helmet not only makes sense, but sends a great message to everyone who sees us en route.

12.  What about cycling shoes, since some parts of the route may require walking?

In 2009 we included a ‘bike portage’ of the Rattray Marsh since cycling is not allowed in this conservation area.  This year, the 30km and 60km routes may require some brief walking over a bumpy 100m section of the Etobicoke Creek Trail, and on 2 or 3 steep sections of the Trail.  Mountain bikes with clipless pedals and cycling shoes should be fine.  Usually the mountain bike shoes offer a bit more flex and comfort when walking.  The cyclist should evaluate how safe they feel while walking in cycling shoes.  Road bike riders in cycling clip shoes may wish to use the alternate routes provided to bypass gravel areas that may require walking in spots on the 30km and 60km routes.  Tour de Mississauga organizers recommend the 100km Challenge Road Ride route (remember, there is a ‘quick-return’ option) for those with tires only suitable for paved roadways.

13.  I would like to purchase a technical tee (t-shirt) at registration but I prefer not to use a credit card.

From the Connect2Rec FAQ - I don’t feel comfortable using a credit card over the internet to pay for my T-shirt.  Can I still use the system to register?
You can make a payment to your account in person at the Customer Service Centre at the Central Library or at any local community centre.  Once the credit is applied to your account, you will be able to register and the cost of your T-shirt will be deducted from the balance.  You must ensure you establish a sufficient balance to cover the cost of your T-shirt as payment in full in Connect2Rec is required to successfully complete the registration transaction.  NOTE: Tour Registration itself is FREE, but you must order your optional T-shirt at the same time (if you want one) when you register.

14.  Will there be SWAG [Stuff We Acquire Gratis or Stuff We All Get]?

Yes, and we are currently working on a compact and waste-free SWAG card that will include all the freebies, specials and deals from our Sponsors.  NOTE: Tour Registration and the BBQ is also FREE again this year.

15.  How come there are not any free T-shirts offered for early registrations this year (2011)?

Two reasons: First, the souvenir shirts offered in 2011 are a higher quality moisture-wicking fabric instead of a “plain old” cotton t-shirt.  These technical tees come at a greater cost, yet MCAC is able to offer them at the price of a regular t-shirt.  Secondly, the new Connect2Rec ordering system presents a delay for anyone who doesn’t yet have a PIN.  It just wouldn’t be a fair measurement of who really was the first to register!  All in all, these technical tees will look and feel great when you wear them.  At only $12 per shirt and with guaranteed sizing, MCAC encourages you to pre-order one of these fine shirts when you register online.  Sporting our new logo, the tees can be worn for all kinds of activities.

16.  What about food and washroom breaks?

Washroom locations are marked with a “W” on the route maps, including all public washrooms that will be open.  In addition, there are several coffee shops and stores along the way for ‘emergencies’.  We are never far from civilization, and it is expected that groups who ride together on the Tour may well agree to stop along the way to refresh.  Tour Marshals will recommend stopping points in the Opening Remarks at the start of the event.  MCAC is making plans to provide free coffee and hot chocolate at the registration.  Don’t forget the free BBQ at the end of the Tour, at the new Celebration Square.  Riders are advised to bring a mounted water bottle on their bikes, to tote a reusable cup for beverage breaks along the Route, and to pack a power bar or two for a quick nutritional pick-up as needed.  The 2011 Tour will have a refreshment stand at Wildwood Park in Malton with free lemonade for the Signature and Challenge Ride cyclists.

17. What is the bike ‘Portage’? (2009 Tour de Mississauga)

In order to highlight one of the ‘hidden gems’ in the City, Tour organizers were excited to give riders the experience of the Rattray Marsh.  No cycling is allowed on the Rattray Trail, and so we must walk our bikes through this environmentally sensitive area.  There is no need to carry the bike, it can be rolled, and for the most part the trail surface is packed gravel or a boardwalk.  There is also a wood-chipped section.  The walking portion will take 6-8 minutes, affording a wonderful view of the Marsh that can only be experienced on foot.  An alternate route is provided for those not wishing to ‘portage’ their bike.

REMINDER: Other people will be out on the multi-use trails,  and all cyclists should be respectful of others while walking or riding their bikes on the public trails.  PLEASE STAY TO THE RIGHT ON ALL PUBLIC TRAILS.  Having a bicycle bell or horn is a safe and friendly way to alert other trail users as you come up behind them.