|
The Rides
• Where will the ride start?
The start site is E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park located at 3500 Freys
Hill Road, just off Westport Rd., which is just off the Snyder Freeway,
I-265, between, I-64 & I-71, in northeast Louisville, KY. (see
map)
• Can you explain how those routes are handled over
Sat/Sun. In other words are those routes just done on one day or
are they split over two or what? Or do you just ride whatever distance
you want to over one or both days?
The first few paragraphs of this page explain
the rides very well. 
• What time does the century start on Saturday and what
time does the return trip start on Sunday?
Saturday's registration is from 6:30 to 9:30 am. You may leave at
your convenience - however, if you wait too late you'll be out there
all alone. There is no set time for the return trip on Sunday, but,
all riders must leave the school by 9:00 am.
• I sent information about the OKHT to a bicyclist in NY
state who is considering moving to Louisville. He asked why the
100 mile ride takes two days. Is there an easy answer? Heat? Socializing
on the way? Are cyclists in KY in much worse shape than cyclists
in NY?
A-hem! The LBC
boasts numerous centuries (100-mile rides) on its ride schedule
every month, so I think it can certainly claim as many strong athletes
as any other club in any area of the country. But I digress. As
far as the OKHT is concerned, everyone has the option of riding
102 miles in one day if they choose. So, tell your friend to come
on down to Kentucky and take the challenge. Then, during the rest
of the season, he can see how he fares while trying to keep up with
the Mad Dogs, a sub-group of the LBC dedicated to offering a century
ride as often as possible.
• Is there any way to get a map or a cue sheet for the
actual route (the 55 miles) prior to the event?
What? And spoil the surprise! The LBC
does not provide ride sheets prior to any scheduled rides. Unfortunately,
someone might go out alone and get lost or fall down and we might
get into trouble. So, you'll just have to wait and be surprised
with everyone else! But rest assured that you will have plenty of
company and support along the way.
• Is there some way to join you on Sunday? We could drive
from Berea, where we are, to Louisville, if by chance someone happens
to be driving to Bardstown on Sunday morning.
Yes, you CAN! Please be at Bardstown High School by 8:00 am EST.
If you start from Bardstown and head to Louisville, you will have
to make your own arrangements to return to Bardstown.
If you are starting in Louisville, we have added a NEW Sunday One-Day
Ride that starts at Tom Sawyer State Park. Check-in time on Sunday
is between 8 and 9:00 am EST at Shelter #2.
• Is there a mass start to the OKHT? If not, then what
time to the most individuals start?
No mass start for the OKHT. Over a thousand riders hitting the road
all at once would be a few too many. You may check-in and start
the ride on Saturday any time between 7am and 9am. Check-in and
ride start for the Sunday one-day ride will between 8am and 9am.
 •
What is the terrain in Bardstown area? How many rolling hills are
there?
Hills? In Kentucky? How do you like 'em? We've got them long and
winding, short and steep or long, winding, steep and into the wind.
All three routes - 50, 70, and 102 miles - offer plenty of scenic,
rolling hills. None of the hills on the 50-mile route would
fall into the insurmountable category for most novice cyclists (you'll
probably want to hurt me for saying that when you get to Fairfield,
but the SAG at the top of the Fairfield climb should make up for
everything!) The 72-mile ride provides for a few more challenging
hills. But if it's real agony you're after, take on the 102-mile
route and tackle the legendary and challenging Pottershop
Hill. Check out our Riding Tips - they
should help you decide if you're ready.
• What is the time and location for the mandatory Safety
Class for all riders?
You will be directed to the nearest safety class in the gym at Tom
Sawyer State Park on the day of the ride. The class will cover these
basic Safety Tips:
I. Ride on the right side of the road with traffic
II. Ride as far to the right as possible on the road
III. Ride no more than 2 abreast, single file in
heavier traffic
IV. Pass on the left – announce “on your left” as
you pass
V. Quickly get off the road when you stop
VI. Obey all traffic signs and signals
VII. Share the road – don’t back up traffic – be
courteous to cars
VIII. ABC (Air, Brakes, Crank/Chain/Cassette) Quick Check before
riding
IX. Wear an approved helmet when riding
X. Have fun
Top of page
Registration
• When does registration begin on ride day?
Registration times are listed on our Details
page.
• I sent in my registration form and have not received
an e-mail confirmation. I am just checking to ensure that my registration
was received.
We receive hundreds of registrations for the OKHT, and the numbers
increase as the ride date approaches. Please be patient while our
volunteers process the registrations. If you have not received your
confirmation in a reasonable time, you may send an us an e-mail.
• Would you please be so kind as to mail me an application
for the upcoming Old Kentucky Home Bicycle Tour?
Sure! Just send your complete mailing address to The
OKHT Info Center or visit the Registration
page.
• I have my own transportation arrangements. What would
be the registration fee for this Saturday only ride?
There is no fee deduction for having your own transportation arrangements.
The OKHT offers a great price because we work hard to keep the fee
for the ride very low. We feel it is a great value. The fees are
posted on our Registration page.
• What is the cancellation policy? I've already registered
but I'm afraid I cannot make it now.
No refunds are offered after August 19, 2006. Please contact the
Event Director.
• I couldn't find a phone number and couldn't get the registration
form to load - can you help?
If you are having trouble with a PDF file, e-mail the Web
Master,and I'll see what I can do. If nothing else, I can fax
or mail you a registration form.
• We've already pre-registered and wanted to find out if
you will be contacting us about our confirmation and the particulars
about the ride?
All of the particulars you need about the ride can be found right
here on the official OKHT Web site.
• Is there a rider limit to the ride? If we wait until
ride day do we run the risk of missing out due to rider # limit?
We try to limit our ride to 1,500 cyclists
-so register early!!
• Will I be able to register the morning of the ride? I
won't know if I can participate until the day before.
Yes, you may register the day of the ride. However, you can save
$10 by registering by August 19th.
• We were interested in doing the family 1-day ride. How
much for the ride and a t-shirt?
The fees are posted on the Register page.
• Do you have any volunteer opportunities left for the
OKHT? I understand there is a discount on the ride if you help out.
Yes to both, we always need more volunteers,
and you can ride for free. Check
out our Volunteer Page for a list of opportunities or contact our
Volunteer Coordinator.
Top of page
Bardstown
• Could you give me a list of the places to stay in Bardstown?
Sure! Go to our Details page.
• Can you please tell me what time the evening events are
scheduled for?
You can download this year's schedule here
(coming soon). It will also be available on the day of the
ride.
• Does the $40 (discounted price) or $50 cover the overnight
or is there an additional fee?
The price of registration only covers the event (support, queue
sheets, food, drink, entertainment, lunch & breakfast - not
accommodations). You may camp on the grounds of the football field
or in the gymnasium for free. Otherwise, people make their own hotel/motel
arrangements.
• What are the provisions for my bike in Bardstown? Will
you all have a place that it can be stored securely overnight, if
I spend the night in a local motel?
You betcha. Tight as a drum, safe and secure. When you arrive in
Bardstown Saturday just head over to the ride HQ, the
high school. Your bags will be waiting there for you too.
• I assume, by your use of the words "bus route",
that you are referring to the Bardstown bus service? I understand
I would need to use the bus to get from the high school in Bardstown
to the motel where I am staying and also to return on Sunday morning
for the departure to Louisville?
Bardstown doesn't have any mass transit, to speak of. The OKHT folks
contract a very reliable, and friendly, school bus driver for this
free service.
• I'm wondering about transporting camping gear to
Bardstown. I have one large bag.
We have SAG trucks that will transport all of your gear. Mark your
bags and camping gear and load it on the truck come Saturday morning.
• Where could we leave our vehicle in Bardstown on Friday
night so that would not be too far away from the main activities
on Saturday?
Saturday night's activities will be at Spalding Hall in Bardstown,
at Xavier and Fifth Streets.
• Can you suggest some sights worth seeing in the area?
Visit the Old Kentucky Home while in
Bardstown, or for more ideas see the Bardstown
tourism Web site. Also, the OKHT committee has arranged for
some great rates on tours in the area. Check here
for more details.
• Where in Bardstown does the tour end on the first day?
Spalding Hall in Bardstown, located at the corner of Xavier and
Fifth Streets. Your bike will be safely stored overnight at Bardstown
High School next door. Shuttles will be running every 20 minutes
or so to take you to and from your hotel on Saturday evening and
Sunday morning.
• Send me a list of hotels and numbers in order make a
reservation for the overnight stay in Bardstown, Ky.
Those things are covered on our Details
page.
Top of page
Preparation
• I am interested in riding this tour, but have never done
a tour with a SAG truck before. Are there more specific details
on what you're allowed to bring? I'm also interested in the routes,
as I've just gotten back into bicycling this summer and want to
make sure I can actually do this!
Bring whatever you'll need to wear Saturday evening and also for
the ride back. We'd suggest you bring casual clothes for Saturday
night and some fresh riding clothes for Sunday, plus a toothbrush,
some cash, and - oh, and don't forget the sunscreen! As for the
routes... check out the ride link.
• I am currently 20 weeks pregnant, but I exercise regularly
and have in the past competed in mini-tris. I have never done a
ride like this, but was wondering if it was okay for me to join
and what your recommendation was as to which ride to do.
Consult your doctor regarding any physical
activity! I would not recommend that you do this ride
given the fact that you have never done one before. It is a very
challenging ride and not for the beginner cyclist. You have to deal
with hills, traffic, other cyclists, wind, heat, humidity, etc.
The hills may elevate your heartrate for longer than your doctor
may wish for being 20 weeks pregnant. However, if you and your doctor
decide you can ride, I would recommend doing the minimal distance
on Saturday (which is 52 miles) and back on Sunday for 55 miles.
Once you commit to the ride and are on the
course, unfortunately we do not have the manpower to SAG you in.
• Will camping be permitted Friday night at the park? Or
is there a camping location close to the start of the ride?
Primitive camping is available on Friday night prior to the ride.
There is a restroom open at the shelter, but no shower facilities
until the building opens at 6 am on Saturday morning.
If you want more information about camping, please contact the recreation
department at Tom Sawyer State Park.
• Any idea how long it generally takes (slow) riders to
do the 55-mile course? The farthest I've done is 33 miles and there
weren't many hills. I'm sure I'd be at the very back of the pack.
My running doesn't seem to be helping me much with biking (of course,
I'm a slow runner, too)!
Depends on how many times you stop to drink, eat, socialize, etc.
The OKHT is a social event as much as an athletic one. The typical
LBC cyclist can probably finish a 50-mile ride in about 3-4 hours.
I'd say a slower rider, taking advantage of the many sag stops along
the OKHT, should count on about 5 hours. The sag stops offer not
only snacks and drinks to revive you, they also offer a variety
of entertainment and the opportunity to socialize with the many
other cyclists on the ride. You can sign in as early as 6:30 am,
and you have all day, so just come on out, pick your own pace and
have a great time.
• Do you know of anyone returning by automobile Saturday
after riding to Bardstown?
You might want to subscribe to our automated forum, the KyCycList,
and try to find someone you could share a ride with.
• Is there a map explaining the route for the 55
mile trip this year? Also, are there a lot of hills on this route?
I am just trying to figure out if I am in good enough shape to ride
this year!
We do not release the exact course until the day of the ride, but,
we can tell you that this is a challenging ride. Plenty of rolling
hills.
• How far is the Louisville International Airport to the
park, and how would you recommend traveling - public transportation,
or would we need to take a taxi? I'll have too much luggage to get
onto my bike and ride from the airport.
Quite a good distance on a bike with or without luggage. Contact
Louisville's public bus service - Transit Authority of River City
- TARC, @ 502-585-1234, for scheduling information and inquire about
their Bikes-On-Board service. Otherwise, we suggest that you take
a taxi.
• Thinking about riding and wanting to know how fast the
rides will be before making up my mind on the route I would like
to do.
You can ride as fast as you'd like or as slow as you'd like, as
long as you get in before dark. Check out our Riding
Tips for suggestions on preparing for the ride.
• Just wondering if they are an at your own pace
or do you have to keep up a certain speed. I would rather do a longer
distance but I am not that fast.
Nope. Take it at your own pace (but we want you in before dark!).
You can start as early as 7am, so the distance is not really the
issue. Every pace imaginable will be available. Your pace and the
number of times you choose to stop at SAGs to indulge in fruit,
entertainment and socializing will determine how long it takes you
to finish the route you choose. Show up, pick a pace and enjoy!
If you follow our RidingTips, you should
be fine.
Top of page
Food
• Will there be options for vegetarians at the provided
breakfast, SAGs, lunch, and the optional pasta dinner? If not, would
you recommend we pack our own?
Sag stops provide peanut butter, bread and fruit. All meals will
have vegetarian options available.
Top of page
OKHT
Souvenirs
• Has the design of the t-shirts & jerseys been finalized
yet?
The 2007 OKHT Jersey design will be available very soon. Please
check back. The complimentary T-shirt design will available for
viewing soon as well.
• Will long sleeve tee shirts be available for purchase
the day of the ride?
No. We have found that they don't sell too well. But we will be
offering a women's sleeveless jersey option in 2006!
• Don't recall a choice of sizes offered for the complementary
t-shirts. Is this an option?
There is a choice of sizes listed on the registration form. Only
pre-registered riders will be guaranteed a t-shirt in their size.
• I'm wondering if we can view this year's jersey online?
I would like to send in my application.
The 2007 OKHT jersey design will be available soon. Please check
back.
Top of page
Etcetera
• I was on the ride Sunday and heard your plea for volunteers.
I'm sure I won't be able to do both days, and wanted to offer whatever
services I might be able to help with on one of the days. I'd like
to ride one day - guess it doesn't matter which - and would be glad
to help out the other day.
Thank you!!! That's exactly what we love to
hear. Check out this page for
details on volunteering.
• I just noticed that (last) year's OKHT ride (was) scheduled
for September 7, which (was) Rosh Hashanah, a Jewish holy day. I
don't know if any of the organizers care about this, but they might
want to keep these things in mind in scheduling future rides.
Yes, we are aware that the OKHT sometimes coincides with Rosh Hashanah.
The OKHT traditionally takes place on the second
weekend of September because a number of other popular rides occur
in the weeks preceding and following that weekend. We want everyone
to have the opportunity to participate in all of the wonderful mass
rides that take place in the autumn.
• Will I get directions to the starting point in Louisville?
How hilly are the routes? Are there other options for dinner on
Saturday night, local restaurants?
All of these details are covered elsewhere on this Web site. Spend
a few minutes reading the Rides and Details
pages.
• How many riders do you anticipate on Saturday & Sunday?
Well, 2004 was a record-breaking year for the OKHT – approximately
1300 riders. The maximum number of riders
allowed is 1500.
• I currently live and ride in Elizabethtown but will consider
riding with the LBC. How do I get in touch with membership?
Contact us at www.louisvillebicycleclub.org
to sign up or you can renew your LBC
membership on-line at Active.com. If you'd rather do it the
old-fashioned way, print this membership
application and mail to:
Louisville Bicycle Club
P.O. Box 35541
Louisville, KY 40232-5541
Or, when all else fails, e-mail our secretary.
Top of page
Home / OKHT
News / The Rides / Time
Trial / Details / Register
/ FAQ / Riding Tips
/ Sponsors / Volunteers
/ Contact Us / Links
Problems with this site? Contact the webmaster
|
