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Things to Get Ready

• Mount Airy Bicycles has donated a free bicycle examination to folks registered for the Tour du Port.  Mount Airy Bicycles will provide free checks and special service and rental rates - just show them your paypal reciept or returned check. Please have your bike professionally checked and your tires properly inflated prior to the Tour du Port.  Click Here to Visit the Mount Airy Bicycle Site.
• Get and wear a properly fitted helmet. This is really important and mandatory!
• Get your bike in shape, using the safety checklist below. Do this in enough time to get to your bike shop for repairs, if you need to, well before Tour Day.
• Start cycling well in advance of Tour Day so that your body is ready for the ride. Out of shape? Maybe you should check with your physician before you begin.
• Bring one or more water bottles or a hydration system. Mount a water bottle cage on your bike, and learn to reach down and drink from it while you are riding, so that you can keep hydrated during the Tour. Fill another water bottle with a sports drink for added energy.
• Pack a rain jacket. The Tour goes on, rain or shine. If we all bring rain gear, it won’t rain!
• Pack a few energy snacks. We will have bananas, snacks, sports drinks and water at the rest stop and at Tour end, but it does not hurt to be self-sufficient.
• Pack a few basic bike repair tools, including a spare inner tube that is the right size for your bike and a pump. Even if you do not know how to fix a flat, it will be easier get help if you have these tools with you.
• Bring personal identification, and some money for phone calls, if you do not have a mobile phone. Pack some sun screen and minor first aid supplies.
• If you are riding with kids, prepare them for the ride, and make a plan; in case we get separated. You may want to establish a contact person whom you both can call. You can also plan to meet at the registration table at The Korean War Memorial. For your reference, our emergency number is (410)960-6493.
• Learn to ride predictably without weaving between parked cars or stopping suddenly. Stay on your left; as you pass others so as not to surprise them or yourself.
   

Six Steps to Safety Check

• Make sure your bike is the proper size. A bike that is too big or too small will be hard to control. When you’re standing on the ground you should have a 1-3 inch gap between you and the top bar.? You will need more room if you are riding a mountain bike.
• Check to see if your bike seat is adjusted to the proper height. When you are sitting on the seat with your foot on the pedal, your leg should be slightly bent. This will help avoid knee strain.
• Make sure you have a reflector on the front and rear of your bike. The rear should be red and should be at least three inches across? Make sure the reflector is pointed straight back to reflect the headlights of cars that are coming up behind you.
• Check your bike chain to make sure it is clean and lubricated. If it is not, take it to the local bike shop for a check up.
• Check your brakes for even pressure. They should make your back wheels skid on dry pavement, but you do not want brakes that stick. Yikes!
• Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
   

The number one concern during Tour du Port is safety.

Please familiarize yourself with bike etiquette before coming to the event.

Here are some basics:

• Tour du Port is held on the streets of Baltimore City. The route is supported but is not closed to traffic. Please ride in the right-hand lane and follow your cue sheet and the directions of ride marshals stationed at intersections.
• Faster cyclists should ride on the left, and slower cyclists should ride on the right. Please ride in a straight line and don't drift from side to side. It is very important to inform children of this and the below rules!
• If a rider is approaching you on your left, he or she will say "On the left!" If they are approaching you from behind on the right, they will say "On the right!" Please listen for this, and also use it if you are approaching someone from behind.
• Experienced riders will either point or shake their hand at glass or other hazards on the ground. If you see someone in front of you doing this, look out for a hazard.
• Stop at stop signs and red lights.
• We must all do our part to share the road. Your cooperation is important.

Be aware of other cyclists around you at all times. Don't make abrupt stops or change direction suddenly.

Do not wear headphones while you bike. The use of i-pods and MP3 devices are not permitted while riding the course.

Please don't talk on your cell phone while biking. Keep both hands on your handlebars.

Ride in a straight line and look to your right and left before making a turn. Someone might be coming up behind you.

Please make sure your shoelaces are tied and any other hanging objects are secured before you begin the ride.

Talk to your children about these rules. Kids will definitely be excited about this ride, and they should follow the same rules as adults.

If your bike breaks down or you fall, keep an eye out for our Ride Marshals —they can also call a vehicle (SAG vehicle) to come pick you up.

In case of emergency: Contact a ride marshal — they're easily distinguishable by their T-shirts. Bring a mobile phone and dial our emergency number – (410)960-6493.

Questions during the event. Tour du Port volunteers will be available at the rest stops to address any problems or questions. Or look for course marshals posted at major intersections. Lost and found will be located at registration.

Stay cool. Bring a water bottle along for hydration.

We will have medical personnel at Tour du Port for immediate medical attention. If you have an emergency, call 911 or ask a ride marshal (stationed at intersections) to call for you.