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Registration Questions: See the registration page
Am I tough enough for ‘de Hood?
The only real way to find out is to give it a try. But before you attempt it, know that the Tour de Hood is a challenging two-day ride including 14,000 feet of climbing over 132 miles. Riders entering the event should have experience riding long climbs and should be well trained enough to complete the 89 mile ride on Saturday and turn around and ride the 42 mile ride the following day. This ride is suggested for riders 15 years and older only.
Are there any training resources for this ride?
The Tour de Hood has partnered with Wenzel Coaching to provide training programs specific to this ride at discounted pricing. Contact Wenzel Coaching and use code Tour de Hood to waive the setup fee on a Wenzel Coaching program.
Will I really be able to outrun the professional racers on Saturday the 17th?
The finishing time for the professional men in 2007 was 3 hours and 54 minutes over the 89 miles of the Wy’East course. With a three hour head start, that means you’ll have just under seven hours to complete the ride without being overtaken by the pro caravan. That’s an average of 12.6 miles an hour, or about an 8 hour century. Keep in mind that you’ll still need to obey the rules of the road.
What happens if the race caravan catches me?
You’ll know the pro race caravan is approaching when you begin to see police vehicles. These vehicles will pull all road traffic – autos and bikes included – to the side of the road until the last vehicle of the race and caravan has passed. You can choose to pull over early in a good viewing spot or wait until the caravan catches you and cheer on the racers, Tour de France style. It may take a good few minutes for a race caravan to pass you. Once the final vehicles pass, you may continue riding again, being careful to stay to the right side of the road in case any race stragglers pass you.
How many races are there on Saturday the 17th?
There will be four official race caravans for the four main race categories, including Pro/Cat 1 men, Pro/Cat 1/2 women, master age men, and category 2/3 men. Each category will have police vehicles and official race vehicles surrounding the race, pulling over vehicles as they pass by. It is possible that you may be overtaken by more than one caravan. You may continue riding after the last official vehicles pass you. Just be careful to stay to the right side of the road so that riders who are still competing may pass you easily.
What kind of food will the ride offer at rest stops?
A variety of high energy foods and drink will be available at each rest station. The Tour de Hood will make every effort to include local food specialties that will satisfy all kinds of riders (including vegans).
What kind of support will the ride offer?
Mechanical support will be provided along the course by mechanics in follow vehicles. Labor for reasonable on-the-road repairs will be provided at no cost for participants, but any needed parts will be additional. Our mechanics will do their best to service any rider in need.
What if I can’t complete the ride?
The ride will be followed by an official sag vehicle that will transport riders to the end point if necessary. Ensure that you’ll be able to finish by preparing as much as possible! See the Preparation Page.
May I have my own sag vehicle?
Non-official sag wagons are not allowed. The roads of this tour are narrow and winding and additional vehicles provide congestion. The ride will be well supported and additional sag wagons are not necessary nor appreciated.
Do I need to wear a helmet?
Yes. Helmets are mandatory at all times on the bike for all participants.
Is this a race?
No. While we encourage riders to ride as strongly as they can and cheer on those riders who will try to outrun the pros on the Wy’East course, this is a tour and not a race. Riders must obey all traffic laws and signs.
For more information contact tourdehood@orangecatevents.com or 541-912-9792.
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