This is my first Tour D'Eastside. Any recommendations?
Yes! First and foremost, make sure you have ridden your bike and that it is in rideable condition. While Tour D'Eastside is meant to be social and at a relaxed pace, it is still athletic. We don’t think you need to be in training for this, but we do think you should have logged a few rides this year.
Also, the number one reason people get flats is because 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. 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!
When should I plan to arrive on event day?
If you still need to register or pick up your packet, please come between 7-7:45 AM. If you're ready to ride, plan to arrive between 8-8:30 AM. Our ride leaves promptly at 9 AM.
What does Tour D'Eastside benefit?
The Conner Creek Greenway, which we will be exploring on the ride! The Conner Creek Greenway was initiated by the Detroit Eastside Community Collaborative (DECC) to connect Eastside residents and visitors to the Detroit River. DECC has completed eight of the nine planned miles of path to date. The first phase of the Conner Creek Greenway is the delightful little Milbank Greenway, passing through the abandoned Milbank right-of-way between Van Dyke and Conner near 8 Mile Road. Other completed sections include a mixed-use biking and walking path beginning at Conner Playfield at Conner & Harper and ending at Coleman A. Young International Airport, bike lanes along St. Jean from Mack to Jefferson, and a mixed-use biking and walking path along Conner and Clairpointe south of Jefferson improving Maheras Gentry Park. The vision for the Conner Creek Greenway is to link all the Eastside communities, social agencies, schools, recreation areas, and businesses. For example, a student at Osborn High School could meet her friends at the Lipke Recreational Center, stop at the Warren Conner Shopping District, and continue on to a family picnic at Maheras Gentry Park. A map of the greenway can be found here.
Can I do the ride on rollerblades/a skate board/a long board/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. Rollerbladers and skateboarders and cross country skiers are welcome to join us, as long as they ride a bicycle!
When will the map for this event be released/When can I have a map?
Download the 2023 TDE Route Map HERE.
What time does the ride start?
The ride will take off at 9 a.m. from Mariner Park
When can I pick up my registration packet?
Day-of packet pick-up will only be available onsite, beginning at 7 a.m.
Can I pick up a friend's packet?
Yes. Please make sure you have their ticket confirmation with you, either printed or saved to your phone.
I registered for Tour D'Eastside, but now I cannot attend. Can you refund my money?
As indicated during the registration process and on your ticket, registrations are final and entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Do you have women’s shirt sizes?
Not yet, but it’s definitely a goal of ours! If you are female, we recommend ordering your t-shirt one size lower than you typically wear. A medium-sized woman will probably be happy with a small shirt.
Can you change my t-shirt size?
All registrations are final — so, no. But after the ride, we would be happy to swap your un-worn shirt for another size, if available.
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, and the bars we responsibly have 1.5 beers 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.
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 20 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 seat, it is not necessary to register the infants.
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 24″ wheels to ride.
All children must wear helmets.
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. Email info@tour-de-troit.org with your info.
How can I sponsor Tour D'Eastside?
Sponsors make this event possible! Please email us and we will send you more information. Thanks for considering us!
What happens if there is heavy rain or thunderstorms?
We ride rain or shine! However, during Tour de Troit events there is always the potential for extreme or severe weather conditions (for example: lighting, tornado, 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!