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The event starts at Duncan McIntosh Arena.
Where is that and where do I park?
There is a map on the Tour de Grand brochure and our website www.cambridgetourdegrand.com
The postal code for the Arena is N1R 4S4 to assist you finding the Arena on internet mapping sites and the municipal address is 200 Christopher Drive, Cambridge.
The Arena is located in Churchill Park.
Parking - there is limited parking available in the parking lot at the Arena, at the upper parking lot off the Water Street entrance and on the grass area accessed off of the driveway to the Arena. Please do not park on the ball diamonds or playing fields.
Riders are encouraged to car pool with other riders or ride their bicycles to the Arena.
More Parking Instructions - Click on the Parking link on the Home Page for detailed parking instructions.
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- What do I do when I get to the Arena?
The driveway to the Arena runs off of Christopher Drive. You will be directed to the parking area. The entrance door to the Arena is on the left side (when facing the Arena building). Once inside the entrance door, the Tour de Grand information desk is straight ahead.
Pre-registered Riders
On the floor of the Arena on the right side are the pre-registered riders' registration tables with a sign indicating letters of the alphabet. Go to the table with the letter of your last name since that is where your name will be. At the table you will receive a route map, lunch ticket and T-shirt ticket ( if you were one of the first 1,600 registered riders). If you have a T-shirt ticket, pick up your shirt at the T-shirt table at the opposite end of the Arena before your ride to ensure a better selection of sizes. Although we try and order enough of each size, T-shirts are ordered in advance and sizes cannot be guaranteed.
Note the start time of your ride.
Day of Event Registrations
On the floor of the Arena on the left side are the tables for completing the registration form and waiver & release. Complete and sign the form and take the form and money for the fee to the registration tables adjacent to the sign up tables. You will be given a route map and lunch ticket.
Note the start time of your ride.
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- Where do the rides start from?
- All rides start in the marked start area in the parking lot of the Arena. You should assemble in the start area, 15 minutes ahead of the start time.
- To ease congestion, faster riders will start in groups first and slower riders will leave in groups every 5 minutes during the half hour start time for each ride.
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- Where do the rides start and end?
All rides start and end at Duncan McIntosh Arena.
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- Registration Fees.
Registration fees remain low. We think you get a good deal with nine different routes, ride support, rest stops with food and water, nutritious lunch and an event T-shirt for the first 1,600 of registered riders. The rate for a family of four is a bargain, but it's all about getting you out for a great day of cycling.
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- Can you explain the registration fees for individuals and families?
Up until Monday June 3, 2013, individuals pay $20. A family pays $45. A family can be up to 4 members and not more than 2 adults. If there are more than 4 members in the family, the additional fee is $10 for each additional child age 16 & under.
Children in Trailers or Tag Along Seats are free, but we require the parent or guardian to complete a registration/waiver form including the name of the child or children in the trailer or tag along seat.
No registrations are accepted after June 3, 2013 until the day of the event, Sunday June 9, 2013.
Day of event registration fees are $25 for individuals and $50 for families. A family can be up to 4 members and not more than 2 adults. If there are more than 4 members in the family, the additional fee is $10 for each additional child age 16 & under.
Some examples for early registrations:
2 adults, 2 children - $45
1 adult, 3 children - $45
2 adults, 3 children - $45 + $10 ($55)
2 adults, 4 children - $45 + $10 + $10 ($65)
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- Are the rides on paved or gravel roads?
The 10 km and 15 km rides are on Cambridge-Paris rail trail. It is a hard pack gravel surface.
The 25 km ride is mainly on paved roads or trails, but 2 sections: the Grand Trunk trail; and along Langdon Drive and Whistlebare Road are on hard pack gravel.
All the other rides are on paved roads.
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- Are the roads closed for this event?
No roads are closed for the Cambridge Tour de Grand. Riders must obey all highway traffic rules including stop signs and stoplights.
Police do stop traffic on Water Street (Highway 24) at the adjacent entrance to Churchill Park to allow cyclists to cross to and from the Cambridge-Paris rail trail. Police also assist riders in navigating the left turn at the corner of Ainslie Street and Concession Street.
Traffic marshals are posted at some other intersections in the City of Cambridge to assist riders.
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- Are there signs on the roads for the rides?
Yes, all rides are marked with route signs. Riders will also receive a route map which also contains written instructions, at the time of registration.
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- Are there rest stops with food, water and toilets on the rides and at the Arena?
Yes, all routes, except the 10 km and 15 km rides, have full rest stops with food, water and toilets. The 10 km and 15 km rides, have water and food at the turn around point and toilets are available at the Arena.
The Regional Municipality of Waterloo drinking water truck will be located outside the Arena to allow you to refill your own water bottles. Water jugs will be available inside the Arena. There will be no individual bottles of water available.
Washrooms are located in the Arena and portable toilets will be outside near the start area.
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- What do I do if I need assistance?
If you have a serious medical emergency, call emergency personnel at 911.
If you have a minor medical emergency, or are having difficulty cycling or a mechanical problem with your bicycle, call the number on your route map 519-240-5325. That is the number for event headquarters.
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- Are there time limits to complete the ride?
Yes, there are generous time limits for persons to complete their ride. The time limits are set out on your route map. The longer routes such as the 100 km and 160 km rides are done in two parts, with the first part ending back at Duncan McIntosh Arena. If you are not back at the Arena by the time set out on your route map, you should consider not starting out on the second part or consider reducing the balance of your ride. See the question below on route descriptions. The purpose of the time limits is to ensure that all riders are back at the Arena safely and no later than 4:00 p.m.
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- Can you describe the rides?
The routes for the 9 rides are set out on the website www.cambridgetourdegrand.com under the link Route Maps.
10 and 15 km. Routes Flat trail, Hard Packed Gravel.
The 10 km and 15 km rides follow the Cambridge-Paris rail trail and go south along the trail to a halfway point and then return to the Arena on the same trail. It is intended for novice riders and others who wish to avoid being around vehicular traffic. It is a scenic route along the Grand River. This year, riders who want to get in some extra km can continue further along the rail trail and distances will be marked.
25 km Route. Mostly flat. Two Hard Packed Gravel Sections
The 25 km ride goes north along the bike lane on Water Street, turns right at Ainslie Street and then left at Concession Street. Over the Concession Street Bridge, right at Grand Avenue and continues north along paved bike trails and the hard packed gravel on the Grand Trunk trail, towards the Village of Blair. The rest stop is located in Blair, off of Fallbrook Lane. It is a spectacular property complete with gardens and a lake which you are invited to tour. This rest stop also serves four other routes so you will have a chance to socialize with lots of other riders. From the rest stop, the ride continues along Langdon Road to Whistlebare Road (gravel) to Roseville Road. East on Roseville Road back into the City, south to West River Road, across the Grand River to the Cambridge-Paris rail trail, north on the trail to the entrance to Churchill Park and back to the Arena.
40 km Route. Mostly flat. All paved. NEW ROUTE FOR 2013.
This route, new for 2013, goes east of Cambridge along Clyde Road, south on Shellard Road, east on Morrison Road, north on Sheffield Road and Village Road to the rest stop in Clyde. From there it heads east on Gore Road, north on Wellington Road 35 and west on Concession 2 back to Cambridge. This route is the same as the back section of the 100 km route.
50 km. Route. Mostly Flat
This route goes east of Cambridge toward the African Lion Safari and the Village of Clyde. It then continues north along Wellington Road 35 to a left turn on Concession Road 2. At Townline Road it goes south to CanAmera Parkway back to the City. South along Elgin Street to the Arena. The route is flat and has a rest stop in the Village of Clyde.
60 and 72 km. Routes. Rolling hills.
These routes are also the first sections of the 100 km and 160 km routes respectively. The routes go south of Cambridge on Branchton Road to the Village of St. George. Turn right at Highway 5, cross Highway 24 at the stoplights and then continue west along Blue Lake Road. At East River Road, turn right to the Village of Glen Morris. In Glen Morris turn left across the Grand River bridge to Spragues Road. Turn right at Spragues Road and then left at Wrigleys Road to the first rest stop. After the rest stop, turn right on Dumfries Road #47. At Greenfield Road, the 60 km riders continue straight and the 72 km riders turn left to the Village of Ayr. This section that the 72 km riders do is the 12 km difference in the routes. Continue along Dumfries Road #47 to Roseville Road. Take a short left-right jog to Whistlebare Road and then continue to Dickie Settlement Road. Left on Dickie Settlement, right on Old Mill Road, right on Blair Road, right on Fallbrooke Road to the second rest stop. Back to Blair Road and south towards the City of Cambridge. In the City, continue to Cedar Street, turn left and cross the Concession Street Bridge. Turn right on Water Street, south to the stoplights at Myers Road, left on Myers and right on Christopher Drive, back to the Arena
100 km Route. Rolling hills.
This route is made up of two sections. For the first 60 km section read the description of the 60 km and 72 km routes. The second 40 km section is the same as the 40 km route - see above.
160 km Route. Rolling hills.
This route is made up of two sections. For the first 72 km section read the description of the 72 km route above. The second section starts off from the Arena in the same direction as the 50 km route and the second section of the 100 km. route. After the rest stop in the Village of Clyde, the 40 km, 50 km, 100 km, and 160 km routes continue north on Wellington Road 35 to Concession Road 2. At this corner, the 160 km riders go right. Everyone else goes left. There will be an additional rest stop for the 160 km riders in this next section. The 160 km route goes east along Concession Road 2 to Concession Road 7, left on Concession Road 7, over Highway 401 and left to Wellington Road 34. West on 34 to Sideroad 20, right on Sideroad 20 to Concession Road 4, left on Concession Road 4 to Roszell Road, right on Roszell back to Wellington Road 35, south on 35 to Concession Road 2. At this intersection you are back where the 50 km and 100 km riders have turned so you follow their route back to the Arena.
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- What do you have to eat?
After you have had a filling breakfast at home, you should have full water bottles before starting your ride. All rest stops have water, cookies and fruit. All rest stops have portable toilets. The first rest stop for the 60 km, 72 km, 100 km and 160 km riders has water, cookies and fruit. The second rest stop for these riders has water, cookies and fruit. The rest stop in the Village of Clyde has water, cookies and fruit.
The Coffee Peddler will have coffee, tea, hot chocolate, fruit drinks and snacks available for sale at the Arena during the event.
A free lunch will be available for all riders at the Arena starting at 11 a.m. Lunch consists of a variety of breads, cold sliced meat, tomatoes, sliced cheese, lettuce, cucumbers and similar fixings. Vegetarian options are available. In addition, there are juice boxes, fruit, cookies and potato chips. Food will be available until 4:00 p.m. after which time, volunteers will begin cleanup.
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- Do you need volunteers to help?
The Cambridge Tour de Grand attracts more than 2,000 riders and the more volunteers we have helping, the more successful the event. We welcome you, your family, your friends to volunteer. Check our website www.cambridgetourdegrand.com for volunteer job descriptions and how to volunteer.
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- Is the Cambridge Tour de Grand a bicycle race?
Definitely not a race. All riders must adhere to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act including stopping for stop signs and stoplights and riding not more than two abreast on all roads and in single file on busier roads. The purpose of the event is to provide a safe enjoyable day of cycling through Cambridge and the surrounding countryside for a wide range of cyclists. Novice riders and small children with their families can ride on the safety of the rail trail and more experienced but less active riders can try the 25 km, 40 km or 50 km rides. If you want to push the distances you can go for the 60 km and 72 km rides.
If you are more fit and more experienced, you can set out on the 100 km and 160 km routes. If you overestimate your fitness level or cycling ability, even these routes will allow you to consider whether to continue when you get back to the Arena after completing the first sections. All the rides will allow you to see Cambridge and the surrounding area in a way only possible from the seat of bicycle.
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- Can I register for one ride and switch to another ride?
Yes you can switch rides. When you arrive at the Arena, go to the registration table with the letter of your last name and ask for a route map for the ride you wish to do. You will also get a lunch ticket and T-shirt ticket. ( if you are one of the first 1,600 registered riders).
Note the time for the start of the ride you are doing.
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- Is the Cambridge Tour de Grand held if it is raining?
Yes the Tour goes rain or shine. If there is a major downpour we will delay the start of the ride until the weather improves. If there is severe lightning, the start will be delayed until the weather clears. The Tour has been held every year since 1998 and some of those have had some rain so dress for the weather and come out for a good time.
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- I see there are Event T-Shirts, Cycling Jerseys and Socks. What is the story?
The first 1,600 registered riders will each receive a new and improved lightweight, quick-dry technical T-shirt. You also have the option to purchase in advance the Cambridge Tour de Grand original cycling jersey manufactured by Louis Garneau. Cycling jerseys must be ordered in advance before the date specified on the order form to have them available for pickup at the Tour de Grand. Jerseys can also be ordered the day of the Tour. Delivery is 8 - 9 weeks. Check out the picture of the cycling jersey on our website.
Cycling Socks. New for this year are the original Tour de Grand cycling socks manufactured by Louis Garneau. Check out the website for a picture of this inexpensive, stylish cycling sock.
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- Are there any special "rules of the road" when riding the Tour de Grand?
All riders must obey the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. Under that legislation, bicycles are considered vehicles and so the Act applies. This means that riders must stop at stop signs and stoplights. A rolling stop is not permitted. Failure to do so could result in a set fine of $85.00 and a $20.00 Victim Surcharge fine.
Because bicycles usually travel at a lower speed than a car or truck, there are two rules of the road to which cyclists must pay special attention:
- slower traffic stays right
- slower traffic must give way to faster traffic when safe and practical.
In Ontario there is not a specific section which prohibits riding two abreast but the provision dealing with slower traffic giving way to faster traffic would require a cyclist in a situation with traffic in both directions on a two lane road, to move to the right, preferably in single file, so as to allow the faster traffic to pass safely.
When passing other cyclists, always pass on the left and verbalize your intentions. (e.g. "Passing on your left" or "On your left").
Inform other riders of potential road hazards such as potholes, gravel, debris etc.
Bike bell - all bicycles are required to have a bell or horn in good working order.
Helmets - every cyclist under age 18 must wear an approved bicycle helmet. The Cambridge Tour de Grand requires all cyclists, adults and children, to wear an approved helmet.
Ontario has a great guide to safe cycling. Go to www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/cycling-guide
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- What is our Helmets for Kids Program?
Although the Cambridge Tour de Grand bicycle ride operates as a not for profit event, any proceeds are used to fund our Helmets for Kids Program. We work with the Cambridge Neighbourhood Associations by supplying at no cost, children's bicycle helmets. To date, we have supplied over 800 helmets and have participated in several bicycle rodeos where the helmets are distributed after proper sizing and children are taught bicycle safety with the assistance of the Waterloo Regional Police Services.
This program is made possible with the assistance of Mike Hetherington of Grand River Cycle, one of our major sponsors, who has acquired helmets for the program at very low prices from Giant and Bell. If you wish to know more about the Helmets for Kids Program, contact Val Millen at vdmillen@rogers.com or Don Pavey at pavey@sympatico.ca
This year the Kiwanis Club of Cambridge generously donated funds to enable the Neighbourhood Associations to acquire a Bike Rodeo Kit which will be used by all Associations to stage a complete Bike Rodeo for the children in their areas.
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Weekend in Cambridge. What Else Can We Do?
Visit our website www.cambridgetourdegrand.com and go to the Weekend in Cambridge icon in a box on the right side of the page to see suggestions on how you can have a whole weekend of activities in our beautiful City.
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- Rider Safety Handbook
To help you have a safe day of cycling at the Cambridge Tour de Grand, we have prepared a Rider Safety Handbook with hints on what you need to remember to be safe . The Handbook deals with topics such as hydration, eating, sun exposure, weather, illness, safety requirements, group ride safety and handling injuries. The Handbook can be found on the Cambridge Tour de Grand website by clicking on the box on the right side of the Home Page "Rider Safety Handbook".
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- Where can I get additional information?
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