Below is a list of the most frequently ask questions, please contact us if you have any other questions.

How early can I register and get on the road?
The registration area will be open from 6:30am to 10am on the morning of the ride. The longer-distance riders will want to be on the road between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. Our rest stops are scheduled based on a 7am earliest start. If you are riding shorter distances you will want to be on the road no later than 9 or 10 a.m. Our rest stops will have staggered times of operation which will be posted in the main pavilion, listed on the route maps and ride schedule.

Can I register on the day of the event?
Yes, It is strongly encouraged that you pre-register, however, the process is straightforward and we would be delighted to have you join us.

Can I use a credit card when registering or purchasing the day of the event?
We accept credit card payments processed through PayPal. You do not need to have a PayPal account to utilize this service.

Can I ride my e-bike at this event?
This event welcomes e-bike riders however, a portion of each of the 3 listed routes is traveled on the North Coast Inland Trail. This trail is part of the Lorain County Metroparks Trails which prohibits Class 3 e-bikes on their trails.

What kind of support will be offered?
We will have drivers covering and positioned along the routes. They will be able to assist with simple mechanical problems and flats only. They will also transport anyone not able to complete the route. First aid supplies will be available for the rider to self-administer. Call 911 for any life-threatening situations.

What are the routes really like?
Mostly flat with some rolling areas. The two longer routes have some modest hills to enjoy – no need to do any gearing changeovers for the tour. The routes are almost entirely on country roads with a few highways needing to be crossed.

Can I buy wine on the ride? Do I have to carry it on my bike?
Yes, you can purchase some wine bottles at each of the wineries if you wish. They take cash, credit cards, and checks. Your wine will be delivered back to the starting area for you. Be sure your name is printed clearly on the bag.

Is it safe to drink wine and ride?
The wine that will be offered to you for sampling at the wineries will be in 1 oz. or smaller portions. These are for tasting so you can make a purchase decision, the same as any wine tasting. How one or two ounces affect you varies per person based on body mass and the amount of food also ingested. We suggest that if you do sample the wine, you also eat plenty of food along with the samples. Hydration is always important on rides like this and extra hydration will help dilute any alcohol in your system. If you are unable to continue with the ride reach out to any of our volunteers and you will be driven back to the start location.

I’m a slow rider: will you close up while I’m out on the road?
The support vans will sweep the routes late in the afternoon; any riders not back by 4pm will be asked to ride in the van. The last rest stop is scheduled to close at 3pm.

I’m new to rides like this. Will the routes be marked?
We use a route marking system unique to this event: a wine bottle with an arrow point to indicate every turn and sometimes to indicate going straight through an intersection. We use the stand-two signs before and one after the turn method. Each of the routes will have a different color. There will be a sign, in the registration area at the start to show you what the route marker looks like. Cue sheets and maps for each route are provided as well. The routes will be together often so you need to be watchful for when your route changes direction, this will always be well marked for you.

The cue sheets and maps show turns and the accumulated mileage for your route. Phone numbers for the support team are provided on the maps. Also, for the riders who use GPS devices check out our Ride With GPS section for what is offered there.

Can I change routes after I have started on one?
Yes and that happens often we’ve learned. Ask at the rest stops where you could alter your plans. In general, anytime you want the shorter route, switch to the GREEN route marker. The tour director will be at the registration area before the ride and can help you plan alternate routes. Often groups who ride different routes will want to know where and how to meet up on the road – that is when you can do your planning.

Do the longer routes just do multiples or are they unduplicated?
We want to make sure you have the best experience possible, so we design each route with your enjoyment in mind. We don’t want you to just take the same route over and over that would be no fun! Every ride is unique, and sometimes you may even meet people from other routes along the way!

Will you have merchandise for sale on the day of the event?
No, merchandise won't be available for on-the-day purchase. To ensure you get what you want, please preorder items when registering online before the event (remember there's a cutoff date for merchandise orders). This way, we can guarantee your items will be ready for you on the event day. We might also have some leftover merchandise from previous years that you can buy.

What happens if it rains?
This is a rain-or-shine event. In the past, we did have some rain and it was less than optimal, but all riders still had a good time. Mid-Summer in Northern Ohio can conjure up all sorts of weather potentially but usually, it is pretty warm: 70s or 80s, and winds will often pick up in the afternoon. Our routes are designed for the usual westerly winds to offer you a bit of a tailwind at the end of your ride.

What about fog?
Due to the dense fog in 2011, we had to exercise caution and delay some riders. We urge all riders to refrain from beginning their rides if they encounter any inclement weather or hazardous conditions.

Are helmets required?
We are absolutely committed to the idea that wearing a cycling helmet is essential. The fact that helmets can reduce the risk of severe cranial damage by 85% in the event of an accident cannot be taken lightly.

If you have additional questions, you can contact the tour team here.