Frequently Asked Questions: Tour de Mississauga

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

Yes.  There will be a registration table at the J.C. Saddington Park parking lot where you can receive materials and sign a waiver if you haven’t already registered online.  We encourage online registrations in order to have enough copies of materials on hand (riders may need to share a map, for instance, if we run out).

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, but there are no posted spotters en route.  Peel Regional Police have been informed about the ride but will not be officially involved.

NOTE: Minors cannot sign the waiver, and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in order to be registered on the Tour.  Anyone under 18 needs to have a parent or guardian sign the waiver form and accompany them on the ride.

3.  Is the route safe for children?

This is for parents to judge.  While children may be physically able to complete the 20km Short Route (50 km Long Route NOT advised), it is up to parents to assess the conditions while they are on the ride and advise their children as to how to proceed.

4.  May I exit the route before the official FINISH at J.C. Saddington Park?

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 plan to break into 3 groups according to speed: the fast group may complete the route in 3 hours or less; the middle group may come in at around 4 hours, and the more leisurely group at around 5 hours.  These times include washroom and refreshment breaks along the way.  The middle (and largest) group will probably ride at an average speed of 15 km/hr.  The fast group 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.

Look for these signs the day of the event

6.  Is the route marked?

Yes.  Approximately 200 signs will be posted along both the Long and Short 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.

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 on the Safety Sheet (to be handed out at 9:00 a.m. Registration).  ALL CYCLISTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO BRING A COMPASS in order to be able to follow the instructions if they get lost.

8.  What kind of bike do I need?

A hybrid is best, to enable smooth road riding and the ability to switch to gravel trails.  A mountain bike will work fine, but will create more resistance on the road, and may be tiring to ride over the 50km route.  Only a small percentage of the Long Route (5%) is on unpaved surfaces.  Dedicated road bikes are fine for the Route, with by-passes provided in the route instructions for gravel areas, should cyclists be concerned about narrow tires or high-performance bikes being damaged.  Expect to ride comfortably as we will be on roads, paved multi-use trails, and groomed (packed gravel) trails.

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.  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 rain is forecast.  The Rain Date is Sunday, September 27).  A bike carrier to hold clothing items 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 require walking?

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.

13.  What is the bike ‘Portage’?

In order to highlight one of the ‘hidden gems’ in the City, Tour organizers are 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 Rattray Trail and other 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.

14.  Will there be SWAG [Stuff We Acquired Gratis]?

Yes, until supplies run out.  Sponsors’ coupons, the City’s Trail Map, an MCAC armband and other freebies will be included.

15.  How do I get a free T-shirt?

The first 50 on-line registrants are guaranteed a free T-shirt.  Colour is yellow.  After that, it is first-come, first-served on the Day of Registration (starts at 9:00 a.m. at J.C. Saddington Park).

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.  Tim Hortons will be providing free coffee at the registration.  Don’t forget the free BBQ at Port Credit Memorial Park (which is very close to the end of the Tour).  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.