Frequently Asked Questions About the Tour of Navidad Valley
When is the Tour of Navidad Valley?
A: The 2012 Tour of Navidad Valley will take place on Saturday, April 14, 2012, starting at 8:00 a.m.
Where is the Tour of Navidad Valley held?
A: The start/finish point for the 2012 event will be held at Jordan Ranch, located on FM2238 less than a mile north of Interstate 10 and five miles west of Schulenburg, Texas.
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: The tour has routes of 20, 40 and 70 miles.
What is the fee to enter the event?
A: The entry fee for the 2012 event will be $30; the fee on the day of the race is $35. Children aged 12 and under can pre-register for $15 ($20 on day of the event); Groups of ten riders or more can pre-register at $25 per rider. (There is no group rate available on the day of the event.) T-shirts will be given free to the first 100 people to register.
How do we sign up for the Tour of Navidad Valley?
A:The online registration form for the 2012 event is now available.
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.
The Painted Churches are among of the area's more popular destinations for visitors, and we include as many of them along our routes as possible.
Where can I sleep and unwind close to the event the night before?
A: Jordan Ranch has 21 rooms (including two suites) that will be ideal for event participants who wish to arrive the night before, relax and rise the next morning just feet from the starting line. Roughly half of the rooms were booked for the 2011 event, but based on the response we got from those who stayed and general word of mouth, we expect the rooms to likely sell out this year—so consider booking a room sooner than later.
Other lodging can be found five miles away in Schulenberg. 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. The Executive Inn is also just north of the I-10/77 exit; its phone number is 979-743-4590. The Oakridge Motor Inn is located at the I-10/Highway 77 exit; its number is 979-743-4192. For those with campers, contact the Schulenburg RV Campgound, located two blocks south of I-10 on U.S. 77. 979-743-4388.
Go to www.schulenburgchamber.org for a full list of available hotels. Or you can contact local hotels directly.
What are some of the rules we must follow during the Tour of Navidad Valley?
A: All cyclists should:
· Obey traffic and safety rules as defined by the state of Texas
· 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
We also suggest that all cyclists bring a fully charged cell phone in case of emergency.
What are the conditions of the various roads used in the Tour of Navidad Valley?
A: Good. We do our utmost to make sure that all roads used in the tour are in convenient shape or better for road bikes. All roads will be reviewed for conditions.
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 the 20- and 40-mile routes; 70-milers will have one roughly every 12-20 miles once breaking away from the same routes used by the 20- and 40-milers. 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: For 2012, we will post all routes of the Tour a week prior to the event date to help entrants prepare for where they will go. Also, copies of TNV routes, with written directions and emergency numbers to contact, are included in riders' packets; additional copies will be available if needed. There will be event signage (improved for 2012) and road surface markers.
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 e-mail at raygoose@cvctx.com.
This web site was conceived, designed and produced by Eric Gouldsberry Art Direction, a sponsor of the Tour of Navidad Valley.