Tour de Hood Frequently Asked Questions
For registration questions, please see the Registration page
QAm I tough enough for ‘de Hood?
A
The only real way to find out is to give it a try.
But before you attempt it, know that the Tour de Hood is a challenging one day ride including extensive climbing.
This ride is suggested for riders 15 years and older only.
Riders entering the event should have experience riding long climbs and should be trained enough to complete the two rides.
See the preparation page for readying yourself for the ride.
QAre there any training resources for this ride?
A
See the preparation page for details.
QIs this a race?
A
No. The Three Summits Challenge will be a timed ride this year, but neither day is a race. While we encourage riders to ride as strongly as they can and cheer on those riders who will try to outrun the pros,this is a tour and not a race. Riders must obey all traffic laws and signs.
QWill I really be able to outrun the professional racers?
A
A large percentage of the TDH riders in 2012 were able to complete the course in time for the first racers to finish.
Most were caught on the final climbs and were able to pull over and enjoy the race as it passed, continuing with their own ride in only a few minutes.
The finishing time for the professional men in 2012 was 4 hours and 13 minutes over the 91 miles of the Three Summits course.
With a three to three-and-a-half-hour head start, that means you’ll have up to 7.5 hours to complete the ride without being overtaken by the pro caravan.
That’s an average of 12.3 miles an hour, or about an 8 hour century.
Keep in mind that you’ll still need to obey the rules of the road.
QWhat happens if the race caravan catches me?
A
You’ll know the pro race caravan is approaching when you begin to see the lead vehicle and police vehicles.
These vehicles will pull all road traffic – autos and bikes included – to the side of the road until the last vehicle of the race and caravan has passed.
You can choose to pull over early in a good viewing spot or wait until the caravan catches you and cheer on the racers, Tour de France style.
It may take a good few minutes for a race caravan to pass you. Once the final vehicles pass, you may continue riding again, being careful to stay to the right side of the road in case any race stragglers pass you.
QHow many races are there on Sunday’s 3 Summits course?
A
There will be six official race caravans for the main race categories. Each category will have official race vehicles surrounding the race, pulling over vehicles as they pass by.
It is possible that you may be overtaken by more than one caravan. You may continue riding after the last official vehicles pass you.
Just be careful to stay to the right side of the road so that riders who are still competing may pass you easily.
QWhat kind of food will the ride offer at rest stops?
A
A variety of high energy foods and drink will be available at each rest station.
The Tour de Hood will make every effort to include local food specialties that will satisfy all kinds of riders.
QWhat kind of support will the ride offer?
A
Mechanical support will be provided along the course by mechanics in follow vehicles.
Labor for reasonable on-the-road repairs will be provided at no cost for participants, but any needed parts will be additional.
Our mechanics will do their best to service any rider in need.
QWhat if I can’t complete the ride?
A
The ride will be followed by an official sag vehicle that will transport riders to the end point if necessary. There will be a designated sag vehicle for the ride as well as for the Mt Hood Cycling Classic race that will also be available to pick up Tour de Hood riders.
Ensure that you’ll be able to finish by preparing as much as possible! See the preparation page.
QMay I have my own sag vehicle?
A
Non-official sag wagons are not allowed.
The roads of this tour are narrow and winding and additional vehicles provide congestion.
The ride will be well supported and additional sag wagons are not necessary nor appreciated.
If your travel companion would like to be there for you during the ride, we encourage you to register them as an official volunteer for the ride.
QDo I need to wear a helmet?
A
Yes. Helmets are mandatory at all times on the bike for all participants.
QI’m traveling from out of town to ride the Tour de Hood. Where should I stay?
A
The home base of the Tour de Hood is in Hood River, only one hour away from Portland, Oregon and the Portland International Airport.
Because the event’s starts and finishes are close to several mountain-side and riverside communities, all kinds of lodging can be found nearby, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and lodges.
Check out the Lodging page to find your accommodations.
QIs there camping available for this event?
A
There are numerous campsites along Highway 35 within 20-30 min access to both days’ courses.
QMy spouse/significant other/girlfriend/boyfriend/mother will be traveling with me to the event. Is there anything for her or him to do while I’m riding?
A
Absolutely! Your companion is more than welcome to experience the event as a volunteer at one of the rest stops or as part of the Mt Hood Cycling Classic.
If volunteering isn’t in the cards, check out the Hood River Valley and all that it offers: http://www.hoodriver.org/
For more information contact joanie@breakawaypromotions.com
