Frequently Asked Questions
A: Good question. Due to the distance and relative flatness, this route is perfect for first time tour riders and families. It is recommended that you and anyone riding with you go for some test rides of similar distance before the tour, especially for those riding the 25 mile distance.
Another good thing to do, is to make sure your bicycle is in safe, working order. Any of the bike shops that are partnering with the CCBA should be able to do a safety check, tune up, and any necessary repairs.
You will need a bicycle helmet to ride in this tour. If you don't have one yet, or yours is worse for wear, this is another thing that will be easy to remedy at one of the bike shop sponsors.
Q: Can I bring my children? Is there a youth discount?
A: Bike Walk CT is working to make this a very family friendly event. There is a generous youth discount. Children riders or walkers under the age of 18 can register for $15 all the way up to the day of the event. The one limitation for safety reasons is that each child must have an adult chaperone that is also participating in the tour. An adult can chaperone multiple children.
The child participant also needs to have a parent or legal guardian sign the waiver. Those registering children online, will need to sign a hard-copy waiver the morning of the event.
Children brought along in child trailers, child seats, and strollers can attend free of charge with their registered adult.
If at any time during the event you misplace a child, alert one of the nearby tour officials or volunteers. To make this scenario even less likely, we suggest matching shirts, creative helmet decorations, or the technological solution - cell phones.
A: The State Employee parking lots will be open to tour participants, free of charge. More details on the location of the available lots will be posted soon.
Make sure to arrive early, since there will be road closures due to the tour route.
If you live nearby, the easiest thing might be to ride to the tour start directly from home. You'll see a lot of cyclists out on tour morning doing just that.
Q:Is this a race? How fast is the pace?
A: This is most definitely not a race. The average pace of the tour will be no greater than 15 mph and limited by the lead vehicles.
Riders will be started in waves and can ride at their own comfortable pace. We want everyone to have enough time to take in all of Hartford.
There will be a cutoff at the 10-mile / 25-mile tour split. Anyone coming through the split after the generous cutoff time will be directed to the 10-mile route instead of the longer 25-mile route. The cutoff time is set by a minimum average pace of 6 mph.
Q: I need directions to Bushnell Park
A: Here's a link to directions to Bushnell Park - LINK.
Q: My bike is a mess. What do you suggest?
A: Visit one of the bike shops listed as tour sponsors. They can do a safety check, tune up, or any necessary repairs.
If you are looking for a new bicycle, I'm sure they could help out with that too. Make sure to come to the bike shop with a rough idea of what type of riding you would like to be doing, and they'll be able to find a bike that fits your needs.
Q: Where can I stay in Hartford?
A: Staying downtown is very convenient and makes tour morning that much easier. You'll also have the opportunity to sample the tasty restaurants the night before the event.
Here are some hotel options for staying in Hartford - LINK
Q: What restaurants do you recommend?
A: Downtown Hartford has oodles of dining options. Check out the Hartford Courant for restaurant listings and reviews.
Q: I want to learn more about Hartford. Where can I find more information?
A: Here is a link to a very informative and photo rich website put together by the Hartford photographer, Karen O'Maxfield. - LINK
Don't forget to check out this website listing upcoming events in Hartford - www.hartford.com.
Here is a link to the Hartford Convention and Visitor's Bureau. Make sure to read up on the "Star Shuttle" - the free downtown shuttle bus.
Q: What happens if there is bad weather?
A: The bicycle and walking tour is rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, check the website or call 860-727-0050.
Q: Will there be rest stops and water?
A: There will be several rest stops along the route. At a minimum there will be water at the stops, some of the stops will have snacks.
A: Bike Walk Connecticut is state wide bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organization that sponsors Bike to Work and works to make the bicycling and walking safer and more prevalent throughout Connecticut. Bike Walk Connecticut serves racing cyclists, bike commuters, and recreational cyclists and pedestrians.
The registration fee for the Discover Hartford Tour is discounted for Bike Walk CT members and there are combination registration / membership packages available. Your support of the Bike Walk CT ensures the return of the Discover Hartford Tour. Membership and donations also further Bike Walk CT's bicycle and pedestrian advocacy efforts at both regional and state levels.
Q: How do I register for this great event?
A: Its easy to register. There are both online and print & mail options for registration. - LINK
Make sure to register early to take advantage of the pre-registration discounts and to secure your spot in the tour.
Q: How can I contact Bike Walk Connecticut?
A: You can contact the Tour Event Coordinator here. If you have a general question email bikewalkct@bikewalkct.org , call 860-727-0050 or write:
Bike Walk Connecticut
P.O. Box 270149
West Hartford, CT 06127-0149
Q: Are volunteers needed? How can I help out?
A: Of course we need volunteers, thanks for asking! If you fill out a volunteer form we'll try to make the best use of your abilities and available time. As a volunteer run and member driven organization, we appreciate your help. You keep the wheels spinning!
If you can't commit to volunteering, here are three easy ways to help out to make this tour a success.
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Register to ride. Don't forget to bring your family.
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Tell 5 of your friends about this great event.
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Join or make a donation to Bike Walk CT. Bike Walk CT brings you this event and also is doing a heck of a job with bicycle and pedestrian advocacy at the regional and state level.
Q:Is there a route map for the tour?
A: There will be a map available online sometime in August