What happens if it rains on ride day?
This event is RAIN OR SHINE... so the show goes on even if it rains! Lots of factors go into putting on this event, which unfortunately means we cannot reschedule.
Please dress appropriately for whatever weather Wisconsin throws at us in mid-September... rain, snow, sunshine or clouds!
When does the ride start?
Different routes kickoff at different times; there will be a "mass start" for each kickoff. SAG support as well as traffic control is based off of these start times so please begin your route at the appropriate time for your anticipated route length.
- 66 Mile Route, THE KEG: 9 AM
- 46 Mile Route, THE PITCHER: 9 AM
- 26 Mile Route, THE PINT: 10 AM
- 16 Mile Route, THE SAMPLE: 10:30 AM
When & where is packet pickup?
Registered participants can pickup their rider packets at one of two times:
- Friday, September 17: 6 to 8 PM
- Saturday, September 18: 8 to 10:30 AM
Packet pickup is inside the brewery at TYRANENA BREWING COMPANY located at 1025 Owen Street in Lake Mills.
For those picking up on the morning of the ride, please enter through the FRONT of the brewery and exit through the REAR of the brewery. (Watch for signs!)
Can I register at the ride on Saturday morning?
No. We do not allow "day-of" registrations for this event. If you are not registered but would like to join the post-ride party in Tyranena's Beer Garden, you are welcome to do so!
Can I change my distance after registration?
YES! You are able to change your distance at any time during the ride. All of our routes follow a "main route" until the separate and branch off, heading back to the brewery. If you plan to ride the 46 mile route but decide, during your ride, that you can only do 26 miles, that's totally fine!
You do not have to alert anyone to distance changes after registration.
What is offered at rest areas? And what is a water stop?
All rest areas are manned by volunteers and have portable bathrooms as well as complimentary snacks and hydration for participants. Snacks include things like fresh fruit, cookies, granola bars, etc.; hydration includes both water for filling personal containers and disposable water bottles as well as Gatorade.
Our rest areas are outdoors, normally in a parking area or green space outside of a business. For 2021, each rest area is also located at a local establishment where riders are welcome to purchase a pint or glass of wine, if desired!
A water stop is an unmanned location (no snacks) with water available to refill your personal container or grab a disposable to go. Aside from the water stop on the 66 mile route, they do not have restrooms.
How long do I have to finish my ride?
You should match your skill level and experience to the distance you plan on riding.
If you average 12 mph, the 26 mile route will take you around 2-1/2 hours to finish, while the 46 mile route will take you nearly 4 hours. You can start timing yourself on practice rides to find your average time. Remember, we have a crew that can bring you back to the brewery, if needed, but please select a route that matches your capabilities.
Note: Route support will end at approximately 2 PM.
Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
YES! Registered participants may transfer their spot in the ride to another person UNTIL 11:59 PM ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2020, using RedPodium (our online registration platform).
To do so, simply log into your account, and locate your registration for the Tyranena Oktoberfest Bike Ride. View the details of that registration and you will find a green "transfer" button. Click it and enter the name and email address of the person to whom you wish to transfer your registration. Once you indicate that you understand that this cannot be undone, click submit and you're finished! The person who's email address you entered will receive an email with instructions on how to claim the registration.
Once the registration is claimed and your sub's payment is processed, you will be refunded your original payment amount to the credit card you used to register.
PLEASE NOTE! If the price has increased since you registered, your sub will pay the "new" price (the price that the page is currently charging).
Can I pickup someone else's packet?
No. We require that each participant pickup their own packet, showing a valid photo ID.
Those who do not pickup their packets will be mailed their t-shirt shortly after the event.
Can I get a refund if I can't ride?
No. Registration is non-refundable but can be transferred through RedPodium (our online registration platform) on or before September 6.
When does registration close?
Online registration is open through MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2020. After that time, registration is totally closed. We do not accept day of registrations.
**HOWEVER, anyone registering after Tuesday, September 8, will not receive a t-shirt with their registration.
What happens if I get a flat or can't finish my ride?
It's always a good idea to carry a spare tube and a pump or CO2 on long bike treks. You can prepare for this or any ride by practicing changing a tire prior to the event. But don't worry! We also have you covered!
We provide support along routes with Support and Gear wagons (SAG, for short). If you need assistance, call 920-648-8699 for our SAG dispatcher, who will contact the appropriate driver with your location and bib number. SAG wagons are equipped with basic tools and supplies to assist in fixing your bike and getting you back on the course whenever possible.
In the event that you are unable to finish your ride, due to exhaustion or impaired equipment, SAG wagons can also give you lift back to the brewery (or to the closest rest area, where another staff member or volunteer will assist you).
Please note: SAG support ends at approximately 2 PM.
What if I get hurt or require medical attention?
If you have an emergency or see an emergency along the ride, please call 911 immediately.
Each rest area is equipped with a basic first-aid kit for self-administration. If you are unable to complete the course due to minor injury or exhaustion, please contact the SAG dispatch at 920-648-8699 for a pickup.
Licensed nurses will be onsite, at the brewery, when you return for basic first-aid consultations.
What should I bring with me on the ride?
- Always wear a helmet while riding.
- If visibility is limited, a flashing red light on your bike is a good idea (especially as our event is rain or shine).
- Having a bike mirror is very helpful for seeing behind you, which helps keep you safe on open roads.
- Bike shorts/pants and gloves are highly recommended for your comfort (you can thank us later).
- Bring two bottles; one with water and one with a sports drink to stay hydrated.
- Make sure you have a cell phone for emergencies -- but never talk and ride.
- If you can, bring a friend! Riding with your buddies is safer and more fun!
Can kids participate in the ride?
Short answer is YES! Children and adults under the age of 21 can be registered to participate, however, it must be along with a parent or legal guardian. Anyone under 21, must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times during the event (due to licensing, such is the nature of the law in Wisconsin).
Can friends & family join me at the post-ride party?
YES, we’d love to have them!
If your friends/family would like to eat with you, meal tickets will be available for sale at the event for those not registered ($15/each). You can also pre-purchase an additional meal ticket during registration.
Beer is also available a la carte!
What kind of bikes are allowed on the ride?
Bikes of ALL KINDS are allowed including recumbent, tandem, handcycles, trikes and E-bikes. We also allow bicycles with trailers and child seats.
PLEASE NOTE: All routes are on open roads with vehicle traffic. You should be familiar and comfortable with all your equipment and any attachments. You should also ensure that your bike/equipment is in good working order prior to departing on the ride. SAG wagons and mechanics are only here to perform minor/basic fixes on site.
What does the ride shirt look like?
Riders have a choice (included with their registration fee) of a short-sleeve tee in a wicking material OR a cotton, long-sleeve tee. The 2021 design featured on both shirts looks like this (shown on the long-sleeve, cotton tee):
Additional t-shirts with the 2021 Tyranena Oktoberfest Bike Ride design, as well as sweatshirts and 1/4 zip pullovers, can also be purchased during online registration.
A great big THANK YOU to Creative Pig Minds for designing another awesome ride shirt!
How do I volunteer to help out at the ride?
GREAT QUESTION! WE COULDN'T PUT ON THIS EVENT WITHOUT OUR VOLUNTEERS! Click on the "Register Now" button, select "Volunteer!" (instead of Ride!) and REGISTER to volunteer.
Volunteer opportunities, with times and brief descriptions, are listed and, if you sign up, you can purchase discounted ride merchandise too!
