Frequently Asked Questions
When can I pick up my rider packet?
Registered tandem teams can pick up their rider packets (including any pre-ordered merchandise) on Friday, September 3rd from 1pm-8pm or Saturday, September 4th from 7am-9am
Where and when will each day’s routes start?
Friday
- Any time after 1pm. All routes will start from the Host Hotel
Saturday
- Long Route – Mass Start 9:00 am – start from the Host Hotel west parking lot
- Medium Route – Mass Start 9:30 am – start from the Aspirus YMCA, east side of parking lot
- Short Route – Mass Start 9:30 am – start from the Dells of Eau Claire County Park
- Gravel Route – Mass Start 9:30 am – start from the Dells of Eau Claire County Park
Sunday
- Long Route – Mass Start 9:00 am – start from the Host Hotel west parking lot
- Medium Route – Mass Start 9:30 am – start from Mosinee Elementary School
- Short Route – Mass Start 9:30 am – start from the Lake DuBay Lions Club Park address; overflow parking TBD
- Gravel Route – Mass Start 9:30 am – start from the Mosinee Elementary School
Monday
- Anytime. All routes will start from the Host Hotel
What are the Rest stops open hours?
Check the Schedule of Events page on our website for the most updated hours for rest and lunch stops.
I’m unable to attend, can I get a refund?
Check the Registration Page on our website for the updated Cancellation Policies.
Do I need to select a ride distance and stick with it each day?
The choice is completely yours to ride the distance you would like to do each day.
Will there be any gravel routes?
Yes, we are planning gravel routes each day except for Friday. Please note that gravel routes will include some paved sections.
How is the MTR course marked?
Primarily road paint but there may be some in-the-ground signs.
Will there be route support for MTR?
The route support will be based out of each day’s lunch stops. There will not be any roving support vehicles. If there is an emergency, please call 9-1-1 immediately. There will be a phone number to call for non-emergency assistance.
Will there be rest and/or lunch stops on route?
Yes
Do I need a road tandem bike to participate?
You can ride any type of tandem bicycle you want. The Primary Routes are all paved. The Gravel Routes are a mixture of both paved and gravel roads. We would recommend at least a 35 mm tire width.
Can I ride my single bike?
MTR is a tandem bicycle rally. Yes, you can ride a single bike if you are with another tandem team/couple, i.e., one parent riding a tandem with a child and the other parent on a single bike.
Do I receive a medal by participating?
No, MTR is a tandem bicycle ride — not a race. No participants will be timed on any portion of the routes. There are no Strava segments recorded by MTR organizers.
What happens if it rains?
MTR goes on regardless of the weather. If there is inclement weather (thunderstorms, tornado, lightning, etc.), organizers may delay or cancel the ride(s) on that day. All participants are strongly encouraged to be aware of quickly changing weather conditions and be prepared to take shelter, if necessary.
Are e-tandems allowed?
Yes
Are recumbent tandems allowed?
Yes
Are pull-behind trailers allowed?
Yes
When and how will the routes be published?
Routes will be published on the routes page on MTR website on or before August 15, 2027. Routes will be published as Ride with GPS (RwGPS) files and route maps and cue sheets will be available in PDF format if a participant wants to print on their own (no paper copies will be available at MTR).
Will there be vendors at this year’s MTR?
Yes. See the vendors page on our website for more information.
Will there be educational sessions at this year’s MTR?
Yes. See the educational sessions page on the website for more information.
Where is the host hotel?
Holiday Inn & Suites, Rothschild WI. See the Host Hotel page on our website for MTR 2027 Special Rates. The MTR 2027 Hotel block will be open starting October 2026.
There are many other hotels available in the greater Wausau area. More information at visitwausau.com.
Will camping be available?
Yes. The MTR 2027 preferred campground is the Portage County Lake DuBay Campground. Reservations can be made up to one year in advance — reservation website.
There are other campgrounds in the area. More information at www.visitwausau.com or www.stevenspointarea.com.
Will there be planned social activities?
Yes. See schedule page on our website.
What MTR merchandise will be available?
Yes. See merchandise page on website. New in 2027!!! We will be offering a full bicycling kit including short, sleeveless, and long sleeve jerseys, bike shorts and bicycling bib shorts, and light weight summer sleeves.
Will there be mechanical support / bike shops?
All participants should make sure their bikes are in good working order prior to the event. Yes, we are planning to have mechanical support available at lunch stops on Saturday and Sunday. There are several bike shops available in the Wausau area.
Are there speed limits on the bike trails?
Yes. The speed limit on most area bike trails is 15 mph. Please remember to always be courteous to other trail users.
Are there safety requirements or recommendations?
Yes, helmets are required to be worn on all MTR 2027 rides. We highly recommend that all bicycles have a visible and flashing red taillight.
Some of the county roads can be busier (with car traffic), please ride as far right as possible. Some of these roads have wonderful wide paved shoulders to ride on. Obviously, if there is car traffic, please ride single file in these busier sections. Please follow all traffic laws (stop signs, stop lights, etc.). More information about Wisconsin bicycling laws is available on our website.