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How long has the Tour des Trees been going on?
This is the 16th consecutive year that the tour has taken place. See http://www.tourdestrees.org/History.htm for a better historical perspective.
What is included in the Tour des Trees for participants?
Once the hard work is done --- preparing for the physical challenge and raising the required $3500 to participate --you just arrange to meet us at the Tour’s origination point and leave the rest of the logistics to the very capable hands of the Tour des Trees support staff.
Specifically the following items are included for all participants of the Tour des Trees beginning on the night prior to the Tour’s departure and ending once we reach our final destination:
All lodging
All meals along the way
Services of experienced support staff
Snacks and beverages during your ride
Van support during your ride and all transfers necessary once the Tour begins
Comprehensive trip information with detailed route profiles and cue sheets
Park and any other entry fees
Baggage transfers
Tour des Trees cycling jersey and wind jacket
Full mechanical support during your tour
Not included:
airfare and
transfers to and from the Tour’s start and end points
replacement tires, tubes and other essentials
bike shorts and other essential personal gear such as sunglasses, helmets, etc.
alcoholic beverages
How long are the daily rides and what are my options if I can’t ride the full distance?
Daily distances vary and a detailed description of the Tour can be found at; http://www.tourdestrees.org/TheEvent.htm , Daily mileage is typically between 60 and 100 miles. The support staff is very aware that riders of all abilities are participating with the common thread being their passion for urban forests. Therefore, we encourage riders to ride as much or as little as they are comfortable doing. For those choosing to only ride a portion of the day’s stage we gladly offer a seat in one of the SAG(Support and Gear) vehicles supporting the Tour. You can also choose to ride only a portion of the full Tour, if you wish, with a fundraising minimum of $600 per day you participate.
What kind of bicycle will I need?
A top-of-the-line machine is NOT required, but you will need a road bike (as opposed to a mountain bike or a hybrid) in good repair that is properly adjusted for your size. If you are flying to/from the Tour’s end points you will also need a box in which to pack your bike for shipment, either as baggage on your flight or via a shipping company. There will be more information about bicycle transport available through the Yahoo group (and on the website?).
How many riders participate in the Tour des Trees?
It varies from year to year but typically there are 70+ riders who participate in the TREE Fund Tour des Trees.
If I am traveling alone but would prefer a roommate will you assign me one?
The majority of our participants travel alone so most probably we will be able to pair you with a roommate). If we are unable to do so you will be assigned a single room at no extra charge to you.
How do I get to the start of the trip? How will I get to the airport at the trip's end?
Details about starting and ending times and locations, airports, origination hotel, and shuttle transfer options will be included in the Tour information broadcast to the Tour des Trees Yahoo Group site. If you wish to make airline reservations before receiving this information, please contact Paul Wood, Tour Director, and he will be happy to assist you. Paul can be reached at pwoodbba@bellsouth.net or 843.886.9365. If you have not signed up for the Yahoo Group and wish to do so, please contact Lynn Day at lday@treefund.org.
500 + miles in a week is a daunting task, should a beginner or recreational cyclists even attempt to participate?
We welcome all levels of cyclists who want to help us spread the word about properly caring for our urban trees. We recognize that 500 miles or more is a sizable challenge for anyone, much less an unseasoned cyclist. As stated previously, there will be a number of support (SAG) vehicles on the route each day and you are always welcome as a passenger at anytime along the way. Please keep in mind that this is a fundraiser for the TREE Fund and is not intended in any way to be a competitive event. You can be assured that within the TdT crowd there will be a number of cyclists that ride a speed comparable to yours and thus you can share the load with new-found friends. And you will be surprised what the energy and enthusiasm of the group will allow you to accomplish!
Can you provide me with assistance for properly preparing for the physical challenge of the Tour des Trees?
Certainly, there are a number of resources available on how to prepare for an event such as ours. First, the Tour Director publishes training advice in letters to the participants twice a month. Next, there are some great articles about training presented by some of the TdT veterans on the website. And last but maybe most importantly, once you choose to be a part of the family of riders you can ask your specific training questions to the audience of fellow participants using our Yahoo Group site.
$3500 is a lot of money to raise. Can you provide guidance or strategies for achieving this?
Just as with training, the staff and your fellow participants are happy to provide guidance. Upon registration for the Tour you will receive a packet that contains not only tips for training for the Tour but also fundraising tips. The packet also includes brochures about the TREE Fund Tour des Trees and business-size cards that you can distribute to potential donors. Once you have registered for the ride, you will also be able to set up a personal webpage and ask for donations via the internet! Anyone who wishes to donate on your behalf will be able to do so through the Tour des Trees website or they may send their donation directly to the TREE Fund office.
What happens if I have not met the minimum amount that I have committed to raise for the TREE Fund?
If the TREE Fund office has not received donations that total the minimum required to participate in the Tour by July 1, 2007, you will be asked to personally pay the outstanding difference or withdraw from the Tour. The minimum amount that you commit to raise on behalf of the TREE Fund is $3,500 if you plan to participate for the entire 7-day Tour or $600 per day for the days you wish to ride. Please note that should you decide to withdraw, any donations received on your behalf will not be refunded to the donors.
How do I register for Tour des Trees?
To register for the Tour des Trees simply click on the link provided and follow the instructions. http://www.active.com/framed/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1423567. Please note that the deadline for registering for the 2007 TREE Fund Tour des Trees is May 1, 2007.
Is there a fee or deposit required to register?
Yes there is a $100 non-refundable fee to register for the Tour des Trees.
How can I get more information?
If you cannot find the information you desire on the webstie, www.tourdestrees.org, you can either contact Lynn Day, Special Events Coordinator for the TREE Fund, at lday@treefund.org or Paul Wood, Tour Director, at pwoodbba@bellsouth.net.
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