A typical Tour combines a mix of urban and rural riding with an emphasis on iconic scenery, historic trees, some challenging cycling and plenty of fun. Daily tree plantings, community events and educational programs for kids keep the focus on urban trees and their care. Our goal is not just to plant trees, but to inspire those we meet to become better stewards of the canopies that shade their lives.

 

What is included with my STIHL Tour des Trees Registration?

• All meals and accommodations beginning with dinner on August 4th and ending with lunch on August 11th, with the exception of dinner on August 5th in Seaside, OR.
• Full participation in the Ride for Research
• Baggage transport
• Full rider support (route notes, SAG vans)
• Mechanical support
• 2 short-sleeved official Tour jerseys
• 1 windshell vest
• 1 pair of cycling shorts (your choice of style)
• 1 pair of arm warmers
• 1 pair of cycling gloves
• 1 short-sleeved official Tour T-shirt
• 1 helmet
• 1 ball cap
• Goodie Bag (includes lip balm, sun-block, stuff bag, among other things)

How do I get myself and my bike to the Tour?

Your travel arrangements are your responsibility. Your expenses may be tax deductible, so keep all of your receipts! A Friday or early Saturday arrival will allow you time to get checked in with the Tour support staff, pick up your gear, label your stuff and still be on time for the Rider Welcome Dinner on Saturday night.

Detailed instructions for travel and bike shipment are included in Paul Wood’s February issue of News from the Tour Director (posted on the Rider Resources page).

What should I pack?

Apparel: Cycling

Tour riders are expected to be “in uniform” (2012 jersey) while you’re on the road or attending public events.

• 3 pairs of cycling shorts
• At least 3 pairs of cycling socks (7 is best)
  • Advice from a veteran: Socks get wet and stay wet. A fresh pair each day is a small luxury you will enjoy. Black ones for a wet day will keep the road grime from staining white ones. A bundle of cheap, short cuffed socks offers this advantage: at the end of the day you take ‘em off your feet, put ‘em on your hands, wipe down your bike, and throw ‘em in the trash. (A. Kittsley)
• 1 pair of cycling shoes
• 2 pairs cycling gloves
• 1 pair of cycling glasses
• 2-3 wicking cycling undershirts
• 1 wind/rain cycling jacket (if you didn’t order the official jacket)
• 1 pair arm & knee/leg warmers
• 1 cycling cap and/or helmet liner
• 1 pair of toe and/or shoe covers

Apparel: “Civilian”

• Casual dress is appropriate for evenings.
• August weather in Oregon is typically dry and mild, but it is best to be prepared.

Accessories:

• Personal Medications
• Camera
• Chamois Cream
• Your pillow, and 2 very distinctive pillowcases
• Cell phone
• GPS (optional but handy)

How do I wash my riding clothes at the end of the day?

Many hotels have a laundry room, pack a Sharpie to mark your gear and share a washing machine at day’s end. OR… use the shower. Wear them in, soap them up, strip and walk on them to agitate. Rinse and hang somewhere…

How should I prepare for bad weather?

• Rain: It will rain. Count on it. Be prepared with a cover for your helmet, Rain-X for your glasses and a jacket. See black socks note above.
• Heat: Drip water through your helmet. Your hair is already wrecked anyway. STAY HYDRATED! And keep an eye out for ice cream shops.
• Cold: Arm and leg warmers are great: they can be “peeled” once you get warm.
• Wind: Best bet for windy conditions is to draft Frazer.

Basic info and guidance on Hydration

How do I keep my energy up between meals?

Energy bars and drinks. There are literally dozens of choices. The best have little to no sugar, and supply complex carbohydrates. Check out Hammer Products – they have a complete line of endurance products. Perpetuem, hammer gel, and other products to supply the body’s needs during all-day endeavors.

How can I minimize rashes and saddle sores?

Butt butter/chamois cream is an external lubricant that reduces friction between you and those pricey shorts. The stuff works, but it can be a bit of a mess. The “shower/laundromat” doesn’t adequately rinse it out. Buy it at your bike shop. The best defense is plenty of seat time before the Tour. Ride often, and ride for as long as you can.

What’s a day on the Tour like?

You will most likely room with the same person all week. In the morning pack your travel bags, drag them to the lobby, and get your breakfast in time to make the rider info meeting in the bike room. Find your bike and air up the tires, fill your water bottles, find your ride buddy, and be ready to ride. Pay attention to timetables, TREE Fund events (you’re expected to be there) and itinerary and safety updates. Wear a watch. During tree planting events and educational events remember that you are an ambassador for the TREE Fund, the Tour and our sponsors. Engage our audiences if you feel comfortable doing that. They want to know why you are involved!

Will there be rest stops along the way?

Rest stops and a lunch break are scheduled each day to keep you hydrated, nourished and ready to ride.

Ride Buddy?

Generally this will be someone you find yourself riding with the first day. Someone who rides the same speed you do. It’s a natural sifting process.

How do I know where we’re going?

Each rider receives maps and route notes, and each day’s ride is reviewed at dinner or breakfast. The route is marked to keep you heading in the right direction and a GPS is helpful. Bring a cell phone just in case and NEVER ride alone. Cell service in rural Oregon is not reliable.

What if my bike breaks?

Our Tour mechanics can handle just about any repair. You are responsible for the cost of items needed to repair your bike. Mechanical assistance justifies buying your savior a beer at the end of the day.

Should I bring anything for my bike?

If you have special wheels on your bike that use bladed spokes or special spokes of some description you may want to have a few with you. Remember the spokes on the rear wheel are different than the front, and there are 2 spokes for the rear, the side where the gears are, and the other side.

You should bring 3 or 4 tire tubes, a patch kit, tire levers (to pry the tire off the rim), an inflator head and 3 or 4 CO2 canisters (16 gram).  (The TSA will confiscate CO2 canisters at the airport, buy ‘em when you land)

What if I can’t ride the whole day?

Naturally the hope is that you can ride most of the way, but if you’re out of gas – the SAG van won’t be! The 2012 Tour itinerary includes some shorter-distance options for the most challenging days. These will be discussed at the daily rider briefings.

Anything else?

It helps to keep the unpacking in the room to a minimum, stay organized, do things the same way each day – it makes forgetting things less likely.

Pre-plan tomorrow tonight (i.e. if you use Perpetuem, mix it the night before so you’re not rushed in the morning. Rushing around – you WILL forget stuff).