2023 Tour de Guelph FAQ
Q: I know the event starts somewhere on the U of G property? Where, and where do I park?
The start/finish/registration are at the W.F. Mitchell Centre, 150 Reynolds Walk, Guelph, ON N1G 4Z8. To park, come along Gordon, turn east on South Ring Road then north on East Ring Road. Parking will be in P12 on the left. Registration is in the West Gymnasium of WF Mitchell Athletics Centre. Watch for signs.
Q: What do I do when I get to the University?
If you have pre-registered, look for the Pre-registration tables in the West Gym. Go to the table with the letter of your last name. At the table you will receive a rider wrist-band (which serves as your lunch ticket).
Jersey Pick-up, If you fundraised $300 or more, you will receive an exclusive 2019 Tour de Guelph cycling jersey for free! You may have also purchased a jersey. Your jersey will be available for you to pick up at the event if you met this fundraising goal or made your purchase by May 4th. For those that meet the $300 fundraising goal for the free jersey, or for purchases made after May 4th, jerseys will be delivered 4 to 6 weeks following the event.
If you have to register, look for Day of Event Registration signs. First, visit the sign up tables to complete 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 can pay with cash, cheque, or by credit card or eTransfer to info@tourdeguelph.ca. You will be given a rider wrist-band (which serves as your lunch ticket).
ATM Machines are located in the new Guelph Gryphon Athletic Centre (GGAC), immediately to the left of the sliding glass entry doors. The GGAC is located right beside the West Gymnasium, the easiest way to get there is to exit the West Gymnasium and hang a left and walk for about 100m to the glass sliding entry doors.
If you have pledges to hand in, you’ll be directed to the pledge table right next to where you registered.
Note the start time of your ride. Be in the start area at least 15 minutes before the start time.
Q: Where do the rides start and end?
All rides start in just outside the W.F. Mitchell Centre along 150 Reynolds Walk. The area will be well marked.
All rides end back at the start area.
Q: Can you explain the registration fees for individuals and families?
Your registration fee gives you ride support, rest stops with food and water and a BBQ lunch.
Individual prices are charged per rider for families and teams.
Children in Trailers or Tag Along Seats are may register for free on the day of the event. 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.
Q: Fundraising? Really? How do I do that?
This is a fundraising event to support The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital and the Rotary Clubs of Guelph South and Guelph Trillium.
Please see our fundraising page for information on how to fundraise and for information about our fundraising prizes and promotions.
See the About page of our website to learn how the funds from Tour de Guelph are used.
Q: Tell me about the routes.
Please see our Routes & Info page for full details.
Q: Are there time limits to complete the ride?
We estimate that all riders should complete their rides and be back to the University start/finish area safely by 12:30 p.m.
The BBQ Lunch will end at approximately 1:00 to 1:30pm.
All rest stops and expo will shut down by 1:30pm.
We ask that you please choose a route that you feel you can complete by or well before that time. For example, 100k riders starting at 7:30 am must be confident that they can ride at about 20km per hour or faster to make it back by 12:30 p.m. in time for the BBQ lunch.
Q: Are the roads closed for this event?
No roads are closed for the Tour de Guelph. Riders must obey all highway traffic rules including stop signs and stoplights.
Marshals will be at key intersections and crossing points throughout the routes.
Q: 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.
Q: Are there rest stops with food, water and toilets on the rides?
Yes, all routes, except the 5 km and 10 km rides, have full rest stops with food, water and toilets.
Washrooms are located in the Athletic Centre and portable toilets will be outside near the start area.
Q: 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 Tour de Guelph number on your route map 226-979-7626. That is the number for event headquarters.
Q: What do you have to eat?
After you have had a nutritious breakfast at home, you should have full water bottles before starting your ride. All rest stops have water and fruit. There will be coffee and tea available in the start area during the event.
A free BBQ lunch will be available for all riders in the West Gym starting at 11:30 am. and until about 1:00 pm.
Q: Do you need volunteers to help?
Yes! The more volunteers we have helping, the more successful the event. We welcome you, your family, your friends to volunteer. High school students will receive credit for their volunteer hours.
Please see our Volunteers page on our website.
Or, contact our volunteer coordinator at tourdeguelph@gmail.com for further information.
Q: Is the Tour de Guelph a bicycle race?
This is 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 Guelph and the surrounding countryside for a wide range of cyclists, and raising funds for three great causes. Novice riders and small children with their families can ride on the safety of the 5k and 10k loop and more experienced but less active riders can try the 25 km or 50 km rides.
If you are more fit and experienced, you can set out on the 75km or 100km. All the rides will allow you to see Guelph and the surrounding area in a way only possible from the seat of bicycle.
Q: Can I register for one ride and switch to another ride?
Yes you can switch rides. When you arrive at the University, go to the registration table with the letter of your last name and let the volunteers know you would like to switch routes – ask for a route map for the ride you wish to do. If you are moving up to any ride that has an increase in price you will be charged the difference.
Q: Will Tour de Guelph be 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. Dress for the weather and come out for a good time.
Q: Are there any special “rules of the road” when riding the Tour de Guelph?
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 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:
1. slower traffic stays right
2. 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, and debris.
Bike bell – all bicycles are required to have a bell or horn in good working order.
Helmets – In Ontario, every cyclist under age 18 must wear an approved bicycle helmet. Tour de Guelph requires all cyclists, adults and children, to wear an approved helmet.
Ontario has a great guide to safe cycling. Go to http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/bicycle-safety.shtml
Q: What else can we do in Guelph if we come for the weekend?
Check out the Visit Guelph Wellington page to learn about other events, dining, accommodations, shopping or activities to do in Guelph.
Questions on any other matters can be sent to info@tourdeguelph.ca
