Registration and Routes

Can we register at the event?  -- Yes.  Registration and check-in will be at the Yakima Chamber of Commerce (Yakima Ave and 9th Street) from 3pm to 9pm on Friday May 25th, 2007.  Saturday morning registration and check-in will at the convention center on Yakima Ave and 8th Street from 7am to 9am.   Mass Start will assemble starting at 8:30 for a 8:50 welcome and 9:00 am start.

Is there anything special to keep in mind?  -- Note:::   Wine Country is notorious for Goat Heads, also known as puncture vine (not a good thing for bicycle tires).  Please pack a couple of spare tubes and if you have gator skin, armadillo, or some other puncture resistant tire, all the better.

I have also heard that the routes, especially Sunday's routes take us over some VERY NON-TANDEM FRIENDLY terrain. -- We are not sure where this rumor is coming from, but it is not credible.  At the time of receiving this commentary the routes are known only to a small team that has developed the routes.  Note our Group Health Yakima Ridges Century ride definitely includes terrain not recommended for tandem routes.  Route details will be released soon, but they are very appropriate routes designed specifically for NWTR 07. They will be tandem friendly, and will offer appropriate options for shorter and longer routes with breakstops approximately every 15 miles or better.

Accommodations

Where can we camp?  -- Our Camping facility will be at Eisenhower High School. Participants may set up their tents on the lawn or park an RV in the parking lot. Advanced registration is not necessary. Please purchase your weekend camping pass for $20 per team at the registration packet pickup and check-in. The Eisenhower location does not have electrical hook ups.  Check the KOA or Yakima Sportsmans Parkfor additional options that have electrical service;

Wineries

Can we stop at the wineries along the route?  -- Of course, our Saturday routes will immerse riders in the Rattle Snake Hills area of the Yakima Wine Country.  The Rattle Snake Hills Wineries enthusiastically anticipate your arrival.  We will transport your purchases back to Yakima for pickup Sunday afternoon.   Note safety of our riders is our primary concern and we ask you to use your judgment when tasting and riding.  Our support teams will assist riders back to the start line if necessary.

Clothing

Who is producing the Jerseys, what are the sizes?  -- Voler is producing the Jerseys.  The Race cut is a tighter cut than the Club cut.  In my experience the Club cut is more popular than Race cut.  Note the sizing chart would put me between a medium and a large, yet I prefer a large to extra-large. I believe I have heard most people say add a size to the sizing chart.  http://www.voler.com/products.aspx?CID=1&PID=1

Meals and Break Stops
 

What's to eat at the Break Stops?  We try to incorporate a variety of bicyclist friendly and local foods into our break stops.  We are also incorporating products from our sponsors..  email us in advance of the ride if there is something you would like to suggest.  

For quick answers to any questions not addressed here email us: YakimaRides@yahoo.com