This is my first ride with Tour de Troit. Any recommendations?
Yes! First and foremost, make sure you have ridden your bike and that it is in rideable condition. While our events are meant to be social and at a relaxed pace, they are still athletic. We don’t think you need to be in training for them, but we do think you should have logged a few rides this year. Also, the number one reason people get flats is that their tires are under-inflated. Make sure you pump your tires up before the ride! We will have mechanics available before the ride for last-minute fixes, but being prepared is always a plus. On that note, having your own tube and/or patch kit is a great idea - please consider buying a tube from your local bike shop or one of our many bike shop sponsors, before the ride. Again, we will have sweepers on hand to help anyone that gets a flat along the way, but we love people that can help us help them!
What is the route for this year?
Routes have to be approved by the City of Detroit and are published on our website as soon are they are confirmed. You can find and download 2023’s main ride route map HERE.
It is difficult to tour a city as large as ours over the years, especially with such a large group. We look forward to continued opportunities to highlight all of Detroit and include all neighborhoods- even those outside of downtown.❤️
Can you tell me if I'm registered? Or, I can't find my confirmation, can you send it to me?
Fortunately, BikeSignUp makes it really simple to manage your own confirmation and registration. You can view your confirmation on each event page under the “Find a Participant” tab. You can also search your email for the copy that was sent to you after registering. Worth noting: this is why when you are registering, before the process is completed, we ask you to verify your email address. If it is entered incorrectly, you will be unable to retrieve your confirmation and will not receive pre-ride emails.
What happened to the Metric Century?
It came back in 2022! You can register HERE for the 2023 Metric. Spots are limited!
I just found out about this ride and missed the early registration rate. Can you get me in at that lower rate?
Sorry, no. We abide by the rates that we publish in January.
Can I do the ride on roller-blades/a skate board/a long board/a moped/a razor scooter/those cross-country ski training thingies/in a modified radio-flyer wagon/etc?
We’re sorry, but the Tour de Troit is for bicycle riders only. Runners, rollerbladers, skateboarders, moped-ers, cross-country skiers, and radio flyer wagon aficionados are welcome to join us, as long as they ride a bicycle!
Can I ride an E-Bike?
TYPE 3 E-Bikes (with throttle) are not allowed for this event. The TDT is a leisurely ride of 8-12 MPH on city streets. The speed capabilities of the Type 3 E-bike within this ride lead to an unsafe and unmanageable ride situation for both participants and the Police escort. They are also not in alignment with the mission of the organization or the intent of the ride. If you require an Electric-Assist Bike or have any questions on this, please contact us at info@tour-de-troit.org.
Where can I rent a bike?
Our sponsors/friends over at Wheelhouse Detroit can hook you up! You can view the bikes they have to offer HERE and reserve online. They even offer event delivery! Reserve any bike you'd like (depending on availability) for the full-day rate. They include helmets and locks for no additional charge.
What kind of bag can I bring to carry my items on the tour?
Any bag under 7 liters is permitted on our rides. This includes trunk bags, saddle bags (commonly referred to as seat bags), frame bags, fanny packs, and uncovered baskets.
What if I don't know if my bag meets the requirements?
Please do not bring it! If you do, you risk your bag being contained and therein confiscated. Tour de Troit will not be responsible for any confiscated property.
Can I wear headphones while riding?
For safety reasons, we ask riders not to wear headphones en route.
When will the map for this year’s main tour route be released/When can I have a map?
Routes for each event will be uploaded on our web pages and social media platforms as soon as they are confirmed.
>Download the 2023 Main Ride Map HERE
> Download the 2023 Metric Route Map HERE
What time does the main ride start?
9 AM sharp!
When can I pick up my 2023 registration packet?
We encourage early packet pickup: it makes our morning easier and keeps you from waiting in a long line! See below for this year’s locations and times.
Thursday, Sept. 14 | 10 AM to 7 PM | The Block Building at Cass Park - Suite 245, Detroit
Friday, Sept. 15 | 10 AM to 8 PM | The Block Building at Cass Park - Suite 245, Detroit
Saturday, Sept. 16 | 7 AM to 8:45 AM | ON SITE at Riverside Park, Detroit
Can I pick up a registration packet for my friend?
Yes! Make sure you have their ticket confirmation, either printed or saved to your phone.
I registered for a ride, but now I cannot attend. Can you refund my money?
All registrations are final and entry fees are non-refundable. You can transfer your registration to another participant up until two months prior to the ride through BikeSignUp.
Do you have women’s shirt sizes?
No, all of our shirts are unisex. We recommend ordering your TdT t-shirt one size lower than you typically wear if you’re looking for something a bit more form-fitting.
Previously, I registered as a group and now I cannot find that option.
Group registration is a feature that allows registrants to create a group. It did not affect how the Tour de Troit communicates with you, your t-shirt, or any other aspect of your registration. The bottom line is that we decided that since group registration was adding nothing to the internal process, it was extraneous. But if you want to organize a group, have at it, or, consider sponsoring the event as a group!
Can you change my t-shirt size?
You are able to change your t-shirt size preference until about three weeks before the event through BikeSignUp. The exact dates will vary depending on each ride. If you missed the cut-off date, after the ride, we would be happy to swap your un-worn shirt for another size at the t-shirt tent if it is available.
Where should I park?
Bagley Mobility Hub - $5 flat rate (~1.5 mile ride to start)
MGM Grand on Michigan Avenue, Level 4 and above (~2.5 mile ride to start)
There is available Street Parking on Fort Street on the North side of the road
PLEASE NOTE: There will be No Parking Available in the Park or along West Jefferson adjacent to Riverside Park.
Where’s a good place to hang out before or after the tour to meet some like-minded cyclists?
Please check out our list of Ride Sponsors! They are the bike shops we go to, the restaurants we eat in, the stores we frequent, and the bars we responsibly have 1.5 beers in before safely riding our bikes home with helmets on.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
Helmets are mandatory.
But…I don’t have one that fits my new hairstyle/matches my fixed gear’s colo(u)rway? Do I still have to?
Helmets are mandatory.
Are children allowed?
The Tour de Troit is happy to welcome families with children to ride with us, but we do not recommend that young children without adequate cycling experience ride the Tour de Troit. All children need to wear helmets and need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All children under the age of 18 can be registered at the student rate. We ask that parents please understand that their children need to have experience riding a similar distance in a group and that they should be on a bicycle that can handle traveling up to 30 miles. The ride is fully SAG-supported, but we do ask that you do not plan on your child being picked up with their toy bicycle a few miles into a ride that they are not capable of completing. If you are riding with a toddler or infant in a trailer or in a child's seat, it is not necessary to register the infant. Children who will be riding a bicycle or trail-a-bike must be registered. If you plan on having your young child ride along on a trail-a-bike, please ensure they have experience riding with you for distances over 20 miles. Children’s bicycles must have at least 20″ wheels to ride the Tour de Troit. All children must wear helmets, including those in trailers, in baby seats, or on tag-a-longs.
What happens if it's raining on the event day?
We ride rain or shine! However, during Tour de Troit events there is always the potential for extreme or severe weather conditions e,g., lightning, tornado, high winds, extreme hot or cold temperatures, blizzards, etc.. Tour de Troit will do as much as we can to make the experience as safe as possible. But if there is severe weather, the event may be delayed as event organizers consult public safety officers. If there is more than a reasonable delay, or if conditions persist, event organizers reserve the right to shorten or cancel the race or ride. Entry fees are non-refundable. Please check the website and your email before the event for any changes or cancellations. If you are already at the event, listen to the announcer about any weather changes that may occur. We go through intensive several month-long planning processes with the city and this event is permitted only for the day it is scheduled.
I couldn't make it to the ride, can you mail my t-shirt to me?
Sorry, but no. You are welcome to contact us and we'd be happy to meet you at our office to pick up your t-shirt if they are still available.
I am interested in joining the attractive, intelligent, successful, forward-thinking group of volunteers that put on this amazing cycling event. How can I become one of these world-changers?
We’d love to have you, especially if you are interested in picking up trash. We’re only half-joking -- we need over 600 volunteers to pull this off! Please email us for volunteer opportunities.
How can I sponsor the Tour de Troit?
Sponsors make this event possible! Please send us an email and we will send you more information. Thanks for considering us!