Tour of Navidad Valley, Schulenburg, Texas

Frequently Asked Questions About the Tour of Navidad Valley

When is the Tour of Navidad Valley?
A: The 2010 event took place on Saturday, April 3, starting at 8:00 a.m. The 2011 event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, April 2.

Where is the Tour of Navidad Valley held?
A: The start/finish point for the 2010 event was in Schulenburg at the 10th Frame Bowling Alley on 233 College Street.

Why do you hold the Tour of Navidad Valley in April?  
A: The date of the event is optimal for several reasons. First, it takes place before the arrival of hot weather in the late spring and summer (temperatures in the Schulenburg area average around 75 degrees in early April). Secondly, it is the peak time of year to view the beautiful display of wildflowers that dominate the countryside along the tour routes. Finally, it’s an ideal tune-up for many of the region’s well-known cycling events, including the MS-150 Bike Tour and the Hill Country Ride for AIDS take place later in the Spring.

What is the length of the Tour of Navidad Valley?  
A: Traditionally, the Tour has had 20-, 40- and 70-mile routes. For 2011, we are planning on adding a 10-mile "Mayor's Route" in response to suggestions from locals and cyclists with children who also wish to ride.

What is the fee to enter the event?  
A: The entry fee for the 2010 event was $25 with a free T-shirt by registering on or before March 19; the fee on the day of the race was $30.

How do we sign up for the Tour of Navidad Valley?  
A: An online registration form will be available when details for the 2011 event are completed.

What is the difficulty level of the Tour of Navidad Valley routes?
A: The routes used in the Tour of Navidad Valley share the same type of terrain, which is mostly that of vernal, rolling farmlands. Expert cyclists will find such terrain easily manageable and worthy of a good workout; novice cyclists who ride once a week or less will find the routes ideally challenging and enjoyable.

Will we be able to stop and walk inside the Painted Churches?
A: By and large, yes, though we cannot guarantee that they will all be open on the date of the tour.

We’re planning on arriving in Schulenburg the night before the event. Where do I find information on where to eat, sleep and unwind?  
A: Go to www.schulenburgchamber.org. Or you can contact local hotels directly. The Oakridge Motor Inn is located at the I-10/Highway 77 exit; its phone number is 979-743-4192. The Executive Inn is also just north of the I-10/77 exit; its number is 979-743-4590. The Best Western Schulenburg Inn & Suites, located on the south end of the I-10/Highway 77 exit, can be contacted at 979-743-2030. For those with campers, contact the Schulenburg RV Campgound, located two blocks south of I-10 on U.S. 77. 979-743-4388.

What are some of the general rules we must follow during the Tour of Navidad Valley?
A: We recommend that all cyclists:
• Obey all traffic laws
• Wear helmets
• Any children entered under the age of 13 MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult rider
• Ride no more than two riders side-by-side
• Leave room on the road for auto traffic, especially in blind areas.

What are the conditions of the various roads used in the Tour of Navidad Valley?  
A: Generally good. We do our utmost to make sure that all roads used in the tour are in convenient shape or better for road bikes.

Will the tour routes be mixed in with heavy auto and truck traffic?
A: No. Most of the routes are on farm or county roads and the locals who share the road with cyclists are generally friendly and aware of the event’s presence. The map is published in the local newspaper the week before the event. Regardless of what road you are riding during the event, it’s always wise to stay as safely to the right as possible.

What happens if it rains on the day of the event?  
A: As with most cycling events, There will be no refunds or rescheduling.

Will there be SAG stops at the event?
A: Yes, approximately every 10 miles along each route. Each SAG stop will include water, energy drinks, oranges, bananas, cookies, crackers, pickles, etc. They will also have communciations with chase cars.

Will the tour routes be monitored by volunteers, and how?  
A: Yes, we will have clearly marked vans or trucks with water, first aid kits, bicycle repair items and communications following each route. Chase cars will patrol all routes until the last cyclist returns.

How about maps for the riders?  
A. Copies of each route, with written directions, will be available for event riders at the start. (For 2011, we will add a phone number to the maps to call in case of emergency or if a rider is lost.) Additionally, there will be event signage and road surface markers (if it doesn’t rain).

Who do we contact regarding the Tour of Navidad Valley?
A. If you have any questions about the Tour of Navidad Valley, please contact us by phone at 979.561.8616 or by e-mail at raygoose@cvctx.com