Tour de Victoria
FAQ:
Have Fun!
Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria is a fully supported ride, NOT a race. To ensure everyone has fun on the ride, all riders are responsible to understand how our ride works. Please read through all of the Guidelines and refer to the “How the Ride Works” section in the Rider’s Bible (available pre-event).
Helmets
Helmets are mandatory. Cyclists must wear an approved, properly worn, cycling helmet while riding.
Emergency Vehicles
You must stop, get off your bike and get off of the road for ALL emergency crews and vehicles.
Cycle Safely
Participants have a duty to ride with due care and attention, be in control of their bicycles and leave enough stopping distance at all times. In some sections of the course the forward visibility is limited by terrain and the nature of the course. If you cannot see around the corner you cannot assume the road is clear. Be prepared to stop even on that really fun descent. Don’t be the second victim of an accident in front of you.
Stay to the Right & Rules of the Road
Riders shall stay on the right lane of the road and to the right at all times, never cross the center line, and follow the Motor Vehicle Act of B.C. and the laws of British Columbia. Riders should stay to the right to allow for safety and faster riders to pass, and cannot cross the center dividing, or yellow line while riding on the road. Where there is no yellow line, riders must stay on the right side of the road at all times.
Passing
Riders must pass on the left side of other riders while staying in the right side lane. It is courtesy to give verbal notification that you are passing and to give way when you are being passed.
Official Ride Control
There will be a lead cyclist or vehicle at the front. At no point should you pass the lead cyclist or vehicle. If you pass this vehicle you will be considered out of the event and no traffic control will be provided.
In addition, we have an official vehicle or cyclist at the back of the event called the Lantern Rouge. If the Lantern Rouge passes you, you are considered out of the event. If you fall behind the lantern rouge there is no traffic control provided, aid stations may be closed and signage may no longer be present. Please ride with caution.
No personal support vehicles are permitted on course.
Bike Plate Placement
All riders must mount their bike plate, which includes a timing chip, according to the instructions given.
Under 19 Riders
In support of youth cycling development, we are pleased to offer subsidized registration for all riders age 18 & under for all distances. Pricing will be adjusted to $25 for all distances during registration and you’ll be required to answer additional questions during registration. This excludes the kids ride, which is free!
Youth riders can choose the distance of their choice, but must abide by the following:
160km:
Pre-approval form required. Fill & sign form, send it to [email protected] if you are 18 or under and wish to ride the 160km.
140km, 100km, 60km:
Riders age 16 and older may ride unsupervised
Riders age 15 and under must ride with an adult supervisor at all times
45km, 30km, 15km:
Riders age 13 and older may ride unsupervised
Riders age 12 and under must ride with an adult supervisor at all times.
All riders age 18 and under must have their waiver signed in person by a parent/guardian at Rider Check-In
Emergency Contact
Riders shall carry ID, an emergency contact number and information regarding medical conditions.
Phone Calls and Headphones
Riders may not make phone calls while riding. Headphones are not permitted in our event.
Cell phones may be carried for emergency purposes. If you must use your phone in an emergency, pull over and dismount your bike to use your phone.
Non-Standard Bicycles
All bicycle types are allowed. However, at the discretion of Tour de Victoria staff, non-standard bicycles, including but not limited to: tandems, recumbents, handcycles, and electric assisted bicycles, may be required to start at the rear of the group.
Please exercise caution when riding with a group as the majority of riders may not be familiar riding with non-standard bicycles.
Trail-a-bikes and bikes with trailers or child seats are permitted to ride, however, they must start at the rear of the group. Riders who are bringing their child on their bike using a trail-a-bike, trailer or child seat must sign a waiver at Rider Check-In for each child that will be participating with them.
Note: All bicycles must have at least one brake.
Aero Bars
The use of aero bars is not allowed.
No Littering!
Garbage and recycling receptacles are available at all aid stations and start and finish lines. Please hold on to any garbage you have until you reach one of these locations.
Medical Disqualification
If our medical staff finds you medically unfit to ride you will be pulled from the event.
Nudity and Hygiene
No public urination. Please respect our neighbors. If you must answer the call of nature, do so out of the public eye. Port-a-potties and toilets are provided at all aid stations and start and finish lines.
Etiquette and Decorum
Treat volunteers, event staff, spectators and fellow riders with kindness and respect.
Changes to the Course
The organizer reserves the right to alter the course at any time due to unforeseen circumstances, and at their sole discretion for unforeseen cause. This includes, but not limited to, police order, municipal authority, natural disaster or weather conditions. In these circumstances, no refunds or special consideration can be accommodated.
Breaking the Guidelines
We have put a lot of thought into developing our guidelines and have made every effort to keep them simple to follow and easy to understand. These guidelines help to ensure riders’ safety, enjoyment of the ride and the safety and enjoyment of Tour de Victoria staff, volunteers and spectators. Disobeying any of the Tour de Victoria guidelines will result in any, or all, of the following, in no particular order:
A verbal warning and education of our guidelines.
A loud warning and a stern look.
Removal from the event and instantly neutralized.
HELP MAKE IT A SAFE RIDE. DON’T FORGET, RULE NUMBER ONE IS TO HAVE FUN!
It’s a Ride, not a race.