Aug
29th – Sept 1st, 2008
Springfield,
Illinois
WHAT IS THE MIDWEST TANDEM
RALLY?
(A PRIMER FOR NEW PARTICIPANTS)
The Midwest Tandem Rally (MTR)
is the largest bicycle tandem event in the world.
The Rally was first held in 1976 in Kokomo, Indiana.
The rally moves every year to a different state in the Midwest United States.
States that have hosted the rally have been Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky,
Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio & Wisconsin,
Past Recent Rallies have had between 750 to 1300 people.
It is held annually over the Labor Day weekend, starting on Friday and ending on
Monday.
During the weekend, Vendors are on hand to provide bicycle related items &
services.
Bicycle Storage is usually provided.
Friday is check in and riders are
provided cue sheets to go on an "Ice Cream" ride (an ice cream stop is
usually along the route). The ride is usually short in distance (15 miles).
Riders are free on their own to ride
the route on their own time frame.
Saturday we gather all the riders for a mass start and leave together typically
at 9:00 a.m.
Cue sheets, maps and directional road markings are provided.
Ride lengths are generally 25-30 miles short, 45-55 medium, and 60 + long
RestStops with food, drink & facilities are along the route and at one stop
Lunch is provided.
Saturday evening dinner is on your own.
During the early evening there are workshops and seminars to attend.
Sunday we gather again for a mass start and leave together typically at 9:00
a.m.
Cue sheets, maps and directional markings are again provided.
RestStops with food, drink & facilities are along the route and at one stop
Lunch is provided.
Sunday evening there is a Cocktail Hour followed by a Dinner Banquet with some
form of entertainment.
Monday there is a ride on
your own with cue sheets and map only, to be started when you want.
Bikes are to be out of Bike Storage by 9:30 am