Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates of the 2027 Tour?
July 18 – 23, 2027. On July 17, check-in starts at 4 p.m. at the Sundance High School.
What are the costs for the 2027 Tour?
Costs for 2027 are not available, but will be similar to those of 2026 listed below.
- Entry fee is $325 plus processing fee.
- Optional meal plan costs: $250 for all dinners and breakfasts; $140 for dinners only; and, $120 for breakfasts only. Save the hassle of finding a meal.
- Extra person fee: $50 (typically a spouse or family, this allows use of overnight facilities)
Can I ride an ebike?
This is not an e-bike tour. We focus on getting from Point A to Point B without motorized assistance. Speed is not a factor at all, so don’t feel you must have an ebike to “keep up.” Go whatever speed you need.
However, we allow Class I pedal assist ebikes. If you can ride your ebike on flat terrain without having to pedal, that bike is not allowed. If the bike has a throttle, it is not allowed. Each individual is responsible for recharging their battery, but indoor charging at our overnight facilities is not allowed due to fire hazard. We will try to have outdoor charging available, but it is not always possible and is not guaranteed. Also, due to the weight of an ebike, not all SAG vehicles will be able to provide assistance, should the need arise.
What is included in the entry fee?
- Luggage transport
- Overnight accommodations – camp outside in your tent or inside at school or similar facility
- Showers
- Restrooms
- Rest stop food and water/Gatorade
- Tour shirt
- Tour souvenir
- Mechanical support at end of day
- SAG pick-up support
- Evening entertainment most nights
- Lots of good times!
What are the overnight locations in each town?
Stay tuned!
Can I join the ride for a few days, rather than pedal the whole 6 days?
No. All riders on the tour must enter the drawing and enter for the week. Because we fill all our slots and have a hefty wait list, we do not allow riders to join us for a few days as a partial rider. If a rider opts to take a day or two off from riding, that is their option, but all riders must register for the full tour.
What if I want to order meals after I already registered?
Go to the BikeSignUp registration site and login with your own email and password. Then go to the “Store” button. From there you can order meals. This option closes two weeks prior to the Tour start.
What if I need to cancel my entry?
Cancellations are allowed, minus a $50 cancellation fee, up to June 15 with the refund by mailed check. The refund does not include processing fees or supplemental insurance through BikeSignUp. There are NO REFUNDS after that date unless you purchase the extra insurance through BikeSighUp. Pursuing a claim through them is on your own. Please don’t ask for an exception since this deadline applies no matter the reason for the cancellation.
Is there long term parking during the Tour?
Yes. Free parking will be available at our starting location.
How much luggage can I bring?
Luggage weight is limited to 50 pounds if you have one piece, or no more than 40 pounds if you have two. YOU load your luggage and also get it to and from the luggage truck from your camping location each day. Soft luggage works best for truck packing and unloading purposes.
Can I wear earbuds or other listening devices when I ride?
No. You need to be able to hear traffic and other cyclists. Enjoy the sound of nature! If bone-conducting or open-ear headphones allow full hearing of traffic and other riders, they are allowed but if a rider can’t hear others there is a real safety risk for the rider and those in the vicinity.
How many riders are in the Tour?
We limit the ride to 250 cyclists. We hold a free drawing in February with riders winning or losing a slot for the event. Those who are unsuccessful are automatically put on the wait list. Riders can form a team for the drawing so that all members either win or lose a slot together. Group size is 6 and applies only to the drawing. There are no formal teams or groups for the ride itself.
Is there an age limit for riders?
All youth riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult when riding. If a young rider needs a SAG ride, the adult must accompany them if the rider is under the age of 16. The best way to ride with a young rider is on a tandem, with the adult in front. All cyclists must be trained to ride competently IN A STRAIGHT LINE on the highways and to be able to pedal the full distance each day. SAGs are available, of course, but their purpose is to assist as needed and not as an expected ride each day.
Can a friend or family join me and tag along in a vehicle?
Yes. We allow non-riders on the Tour. Riders can purchase extra meal plans if needed. If non-riders join us in at our overnight locations, there is a $50 non-rider fee to cover overnight location fees.
Is there mechanical support during the Tour?
Yes! John Berry of Berry Fast Bicycles out of Madison, SD, will join us again with his bike shop on wheels.
Be sure your bike is tuned and ready to go BEFORE you come on the Tour. Bike mechanics will be available at our overnight locations. During the day, it is important that you are equipped to repair your own flats. Carry a tube, repair kit and pump on your bike. The mechanics are available for major repair at the end destination. All repairs are paid by each rider.
What overnight facilities are provided?
We offer both indoor and outdoor camping at all overnight locations. Indoor facilities are typically on a gym floor and outdoor sites are on adjacent green areas. Both modes have close quarters so bring some earplugs and an eye shade since most schools have sources for nighttime lighting that can’t be turned off. Those with RV or some sort of vehicle for overnight sleeping, you are welcome to park in the parking lots. If you prefer hook-ups, please find a suitable RV park in the area.
Those opting for motels must make their own arrangements. The rider is also responsible for getting to and from their motel accommodations on their own (bring a daypack and bike there, leaving your big bag on the luggage truck – at the permission of the luggage truck driver).
Are there any restrictions at the indoor camping locations?
Bicycles are NOT allowed in the buildings and all shoes with non-recessed cleats must be removed. No scooters, long boards, skateboards, or other devices with rollers are allowed in the buildings. Enjoyment of these devices outside must be well away from Tour participant activities.
Are there any designated motels on the route?
No. We have gone through the trouble to do this in the past and then riders opted for different motels.
Can I get a massage during the Tour?
Yes. Arrangements are in progress.
Can I ship my bike ahead of time?
Yes. Information will be provided before the tour.