Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This page contains ongoing updated information that is important to anyone participating in El Tour de Mesa. When an update is made, the date will be noted. Please check back for more information as the event approaches.
(1.0) How do I register? (1/1/2019)
(a) Registration is open through Friday, April 5, 2019.
There are two programs: Ride for Free and Pay entry. In the Ride for Free program, you turn in $200 or more in contributions to our primary beneficiary (Marc Community Resources, Inc.). The more you raise, the more you can earn! Or you can simply pay an entry fee to Perimeter Bicycling. The entry fee increases over time so register now!
2019 ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES ON APRIL 2nd.
ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST ATTEND EXPO/PACKET PICK UP. PHOTO ID REQUIRED. Each cyclist is required to pick up his/her own rider packet. This helps assure that all cyclists have an opportunity to attend a Safety/Orientation Meeting to learn as much as possible about the event where important handouts and the most current event information is given. Thank you for your cooperation.
(1.1) How do I confirm my registration?
Check the Registered Cyclists list after you receive your welcome letter. Updated every weekend, this list is posted so you can make sure we have your information entered correctly. Questions? Write Registration or call (520) 745-2033.
Online registrations are immediately sent an email confirming registration.
Paper registrations are mailed a welcome letter via US Mail within two weeks of receipt. If you have not received a welcome letter please contact Registration.
(2.0) Where can I get “full” event info (an Event Manual / Information & Rules Booklet )
At Expo/Packet Pickup. This booklet contains complete information about the event. Learn more about the RULES here Other information in the booklet includes event activities, directions to start lines, Awards and cycling tip. Due to last minute changes, the booklet will not be available until Packet Pickup. In the meantime, please read all updates here and visit our Rules page.
(3.0) Where do I get my packet & timing device? – MANDATORY ATTENDANCE
All registered cyclists must pick up his/her packet, rider number, timing device, t-shirt and other goodies at El Tour Bicycle Expo on Friday, the day before the event.
Photo I.D. required. No pickup option by friends/family. This helps assure all cyclists attend our Safety & Orientation Meeting and receive all important handouts and most current event information. Thank you for your cooperation.
There is NO packet pickup on ride day except for Fun Ride.
Questions? Info
Exhibitors: inquire email: Development
(3.1) Safety / Orientation Meetings
Attendance Highly Encouraged !
FREE Safety/Orientation meetings are held for Tour cyclists to learn about the route and other important event information. Meetings last about 20 minutes and take place each half hour at Expo/Packet Pickup and present important information about route conditions, updated cautions as well as offer safe cycling tips. First meeting is at 10:00am, last meeting starts at 7:30pm.
(3.2) What is Platinum Designation?
This is a pre-qualified designation that allows fast/experienced cyclists to line up in front on ride day. Lean how to qualify and requirements for platinum designation here.. The mandatory meeting for pre-qualified cyclists will be held at Expo/Packet Pickup. Details on the platinum designation page.
(4.0) Dedication
Each year the event is dedicated to a special person who has made significant contributions to the bicycling community. Please visit this link to learn more.
(5.0) Hotel Information
Official Hotels for El Tour de Mesa offer special rates to cyclists and families. Please make your reservations early to insure a room.
(6.0) Medallion Times for All Cyclists
All finishers receive a medallion at the Finish Line Fiesta. Look for the medallion tent in the Fiesta adjacent to the Finish line.
The medallion you will receive depends on the distance you rode and the time you finished. Details HERE.
If you started the 100K (61-mile) and did not finish but completed at least 50K (34 miles), you may receive a 50K medallion.
(7.0) Event Start Times, Locations & Parking
Plan to be at your start line a minimum of 45 minutes before start time. You must start your event at the appointed time, at the appointed place. Late starts violate the terms of permits obtained from local municipalities and interfere with traffic control/plans along the route. Please be on time so that you can take advantage of the event support.
100K (61-mi) event:
Start Time: 6:30am
Location: Downtown Mesa, Az; on Center Street just north of 2nd Street at the Mesa Convention Center: 263 N Center St
50K (34-mi) event:
Start Time: 8:30am
Location: Red Mountain Ranch Elementary School : 6650 E Raftriver, Mesa, AZ . Nearby major intersection: Bush Hwy & E. Thomas Rd.
HOW TO GET BACK TO YOUR START LINE?
If you haven’t made other arrangements, we’ll shuttle you back to the 50K- start so you can get to your car! Details will be available at EXPO and the Info tent on ride day or check out the Maps/Route page for more info.
Fun Ride(s)
Start Time: 11:00am
Location: Downtown Mesa, Az; on Center Street just north of 2nd Street at the Mesa Convention Center
( 8.0) Finish Line
ALL Events finish in downtown Mesa on Center Street north of 2nd Street, adjacent to the Mesa Convention Center adjacent to CycloMesa.
(9.0) Route Closure / End of Event
The course closes at 1:30pm per the terms of our permits for the event. Any cyclist still on the course at 1:30pm will be “SAG’d” to the finish line. No exceptions. All course support including traffic control and aid stations will be discontinued at 1:30pm. Aid station closures along the route are based on the distance from the finish line and the time needed to complete the route by 1:30pm from that location. Route closure includes dismissal of police officers at each of the traffic light intersections along the entire route and breakdown of Aid Stations.
The route map for aid station locations, including individual closure times.
(10.0) Route: where you will be going
ALL cyclists in the main event (both distances) ride on scenic and challenging Usery Pass. Check out the full route map and cue sheets or visit the ROUTE BOOTH at Expo/packet pickup.
(10.1) Route: Aid Stations; Food & Water
There are aid stations every 7-12 miles along event routes serving bananas, oranges and water. At selected stations, cookies and/or pretzels will be offered.
Nutritional/electrolyte replacements are NOT PROVIDED. In the dry Arizona climate, electrolyte replacements are often necessary. If you have a special dietary and/or nutritional needs, please come prepared. To help reduce cramps and muscle spasms, drink plenty of water and eat bananas along the route. Please come prepared.
What should you bring with you? It is strongly recommend that you carry one or two spare tubes, tire levers, tire patch kit and other basic bicycle gear. Carry at least one water bottle, a cell phone, change ($$) and wear a CPSC approved bicycle helmet (required).
Please bring with you any nutrition you will need to complete the ride.
Earbuds in BOTH ears violate event rules. We strongly discourage use of earbuds.
(10.2) Route: Bike Patrol
There will be approximately 30 trained members of Perimeter Bicycling’s Bike Patrol team on the routes helping with minor mechanical problems, minor medical needs and encouragement. If you have a problem flag down a Bike Patrol member- always in bright yellow jerseys or t-shirts. Bike Patrol cyclists are event officials. They are there to help you and help the event be as safe as possible which includes reporting cyclists who disregard rules for disqualification. Learn more about Bike Patrol.
(11.0) Rules: DOUBLE LINE RULE WILL BE ENFORCED !
Violators will be disqualified! For the safety of all El Tour Cyclists, the rule that states cyclists shall not cross a double line WILL be enforced. Police, Bike Patrol and other Course Officials will take rider numbers of violators, who will be disqualified, and who will, as a result of their violation, not receive a finishing time, ranking or a medallion.
Please do not become a DQ statistic! Help El Tour be a safe and fun event for all cyclists. and a respected event by motorists.
PLEASE OBEY ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT DIRECTIVES AS WELL AS THOSE FROM BIKE PATROL AND OTHER EVENT OFFICIALS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION.
(12.0) Results
Unofficial results will be posted at the Finish Line approximately every 45 minutes. At the same time, the results will be posted on our website (baring internet/computer glitches). Tell your friends and family to check your results on their computers or smart phones.
Please review results BEFORE leaving the venue and contact us immediately with any corrections. Results will be published in the May/June issue of Tail Winds newspaper, so be sure to check your results to help in sure they will be in print correctly.
(12.1) Timing Device.
CEP Timing is the Official Timer for the tour. “GUN TIME” is used: start time for everyone in all distances is the same time – when the “gun” goes off. Your finish time is recorded when your chip crosses the finish line.
Handlebar timing device. CEP Timing uses a disposable device which must be properly mounted to your handlebar. This device is the same used worldwide in marathons and cycling events. Recently the system was used in the Boston Marathon where a new world record was set and was used at El Tour de Tucson accurately recording over 7500 fast-finish results. You must mount it properly on your bicycle.
(13.0) The Grand Cycling Awards Ceremony
The Ceremony will be held in the Fiesta area on the stage of CycloMesa on the grounds of the Mesa Convention Center adjacent to the Finish Line. Held in segments throughout the event, the first is at 11:30am. All cyclists, volunteers and friends are invited to attend and celebrate everyone’s accomplishments and cheer on the recipients.
Awards presented include 1st thru 3rd Place in the 100k (61-mi) & 5oK (34 mi) events, Outstanding Volunteer, and Highest Money Raisers awards. Not all awards will be presented on ride day as some must be verified before presentation.
(14.0) Post Event: Comments, Concerns and Issues
We want to hear from you! After the Tour, if you have any issues, comments or concerns, please let us know at the Finish Line (Information Booth) or write info @ perimeterbicycling.com. Your comments are important to us as we are always looking to improve the event.
(15.0) Additional Information
(a) Check back periodically for the latest information
(b) Follow us on facebook
(c) Call El Tour Headquarters: 520-745-2033
(d) E-mail us at: Info
We hope you have a great ride and thank you for your participation and your support of
Perimeter Bicycling events!
