A: Register Online or the day of the event
There is no registration via mail.
If you have questions about registration, please call 573-368-2849 or send an e-mail to totoinfo@thedef.org
Q: What are the times for registration and departure?
A: 2007 Ride Schedule:
Friday, September 21
4:00pm - 8:00 pm - Registration at the Centre (1200 N. Holloway)
Saturday, September 22
5:30 am - Registration* Opens
7:00 am - 50 & 100 mile rides begin
8:00 am - 12 & 25 mile rides begin
6:00 pm - Course closed (sunset 7:14 pm)
* We strongly encourage you to pre-register via Active.com, then only a quick check-in is required.
The Tour of the Ozarks is not a race. Bicyclists are encouraged to ride at their own pace and to choose a route that they can complete before 6:00 pm. If you have difficulty finishing your route, our friendly support vehicles will assist you in returning to Buehler Park in Rolla.
Q: Is starting my chosen route on time really important?
A: YES! You Must Start on Time! If you plan to make use of the friendly and helpful rest stops along your chosen route, it is important that you start the route at the stated times: 7:00 for the 50 and 100 mile routes, and 8:00 for the 12 and 25 mile routes.
Our volunteers are asked to stay at the rest stops for a period of time calculated to coincide with riders traveling as fast as 25 miles per hour and as slow as 10 miles per hour. If you are faster than 25 mph or slower than 10 mph we can't guarantee that the rest stop will be open when you arrive. For those who don't believe they can average 10 mph for their chosen course, we suggest that you consider a shorter route. For those who average over 25 mph, we suggest you slow down and enjoy the scenery!
Also, PLEASE carry one of our maps on your ride. Our maps have a detailed line drawing of the route and a detailed cue sheet. As far as we know, the only people who have ever gotten lost on the route are folks who decided against carrying our lightweight custom route maps.
A few years ago we marked the route on the Wednesday before the ride. By the time the ride rolled through Lennox on the following Saturday, the county highway department had resurfaced over one critical turn marker. Two individuals, independently, missed the turn and ended up going far off course. Neither of them had a map.
Q: What is Team TOTO?
A: Team TOTO is a category within the Tour of the Ozarks that encourages participants to get together with friends to increase both fun and contributions. Form a team to represent your business, government agency, military unit, school, club, neighborhood, or family - any group of four or more riders or volunteers can be a team. Team standing will be determined by the total donations of the team.
The top three teams will be recognized with an award. Team members will also be eligible for individual prizes, depending upon their individual contribution.
All you need to do is get together four (or more) riders or volunteers, identify the organization that you represent, and designate a team captain. You must identify: yourself as a team member, your team name, and your team captain before the ride starts.
Q: Is there a registration fee?
A: No. There is no registration fee, but we do require a minimum donation to participate in the ride. Please keep in mind that the purpose of the ride is to raise money to support the Diabetes Education Fund. Donations above the minimum are greatly appreciated and will qualify you for one of the numerous prizes.
The minimum donation, per person, for 2007 is:
| Category Individual Team (4 or more) Tandem |
Before August 22 $40.00 $40.00 $40.00 |
Thereafter $50.00 per person $45.00 per person $45.00 per person |
Q: How are prizes awarded?
A: After the last riders leave and their donations have been entered into the computer, the participants are ranked by donation. The prizes are then assigned to the riders depending upon the value of the prize. The larger your donation, the more valuable your prize. In the past we have given away airline tickets, bicycles, high-end bicycle wheels, bicycle tools and accessories, and stays at bed and breakfasts along the KATY trail.
BIG TIP: Every year there are many participants who donated the minimum amount, but we usually run out of prizes before we run out of minimum donation participants. So, think about this: if you plan to donate the minimum amount, consider putting in a few extra dollars to increase your chance for a more valuable prize.
There is no guarantee on the number of prizes, but the larger your donation, the greater your chance for one of the nicer prizes.
Q: What type of support is provided for the riders?
A: There are ten rest stops along the various routes that provide food, water, and friendly volunteers to assist you and answer any questions that you may have. Radio communication is provided by the Rolla Regional Amateur Radio Society at the rest stops and on the road. In addition, we have volunteers driving support vehicles on all routes to provide assistance to riders in need.
Q: Where is a good place to stay in Rolla?
A: Best Value Inn and Suites (formerly Howard Johnson) is adjacent to the start - finish area at Buehler Park. If you mention the Tour of the Ozarks when making your reservation you will receive a discount. Call 573-364-7111.
Q: Is there anywhere one may shower after the ride before heading home?
A: The University of Missouri - Rolla makes their athletic facilities available to us on the day of the ride. If you would like to take a shower before hitting the road back home you may do so at no charge. The UMR Athletic Building is less than a mile away from the start and finish of the ride and is very easy to locate. There will be a map at the ride headquarters.
Q: What is the benefit of pre-registering?
A: Not only will you shorten the time you will have to spend in line registering for the ride, but you will also be entered into a drawing for a heart rate monitor just for pre-registering! So, pre-register via the Registration button on the navigation bar on the left side of this web page.
Q: How does one know where the route goes?
A: In addition to the map and queue sheet that is given to you at registration, the route will be marked on the street at turning points and with confirmation marks after all turns.
But PLEASE, take a map. If you get off route a map will help you find your way back to the designated route. Our maps are lighter than titanium and more accurate than a cruise missile. They are free and make a nice souvenir - take one!
Driving Directions
Exit Interstate 44 at exit number 184. Drive south towards Rolla approximately one half of a mile. You will see Beuhler Park on your left, turn left on to Fairgrounds Road (just before the Chevrolet dealer) and immediately turn left into the Buehler Park parking lot.