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Tour of lakes

Lakeland News covered the 2016 Tour Of Lakes.  This story aired June 6, 2016
Click Here

the latest information regarding the tour of lakes will be on our facebook page

NOTE: This is a new Facebook page (as of January, 2019).  The new page is just for the Tour Of Lakes.  Please LIKE the new Facebook Page
Register for TOL 2020
April 29, 2020:
It is with great regret that the Paul Bunyan Cyclists Club is canceling the 2020 Tour of Lakes.  Due to the current pandemic we cannot guarantee the safety of our riders and volunteers.  We have decided to refund entry fees for this year’s event.  All riders will receive a refund of registration fees paid to Paul Bunyan Cyclists.  There is a small fee per rider charged by Tempo, our registration provider, which covers their costs that will not be refunded.  
We hope to see all of you next year at the 2021 Tour of Lakes.  We wish all of you the best in these tough times, stay safe and enjoy the ride


If you have questions about the TOL, please read the FAQ's below.
​If you would like to email the TOL Czar click here.

maps

Map of 'short' route
​Map of 'long' route

The Tour of lakes

The Tour Of Lakes scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2020 has been canceled. 

Here is a map of TOL parking in downtown Brainerd.  Please use the lots outlined in yellow if possible.

For updates on TOL we suggest Liking us on Facebook.  All current information will be posted here also.

Experience the beautiful Brainerd Lakes area as you ride past lakes and forests on low traffic rolling to flat terrain. An occasional hill can be found as well.  Our tour promises an abundance of beautiful scenery, fresh air, terrific rest stops and a different route each year. The "Tour of Lakes Bicycle Ride" is a one day recreational ride for cyclists of all abilities.  IT IS NOT A RACE.

 The "Tour of Lakes Bicycle Ride" is a not for-profit bicycle tour hosted by the Paul Bunyan Cyclists Bicycle Club.  Any surplus revenues are used to promote safe cycling in our community. The ride is held rain or shine.

We offer two route choices of approximately 35 and 66 miles.  We do not have a registration deadline, but, registration fees are lower for early registration, save money and sign up soon.  Registration is not refundable.  Both routes are well marked and fully monitored by support vehicles to aid in emergency situations.  Due to the large number of participants, priority will go to those with serious problems.  Riders and their equipment are expected to be in good condition.  As on all other rides, cyclists should carry tools, a pump and a spare tube.

Check in will start at 6:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 a.m. Riders are permitted and encouraged to start as soon as possible after check in.  All riders should be on the road by 8:00 a.m. These start times should allow most riders to return to the start area by mid-afternoon.  All riders must plan to be off their respective routes by 3:00 p.m.  The last rest stop will close at 2:30 p.m. and official course support will end at 3:30 p.m.  T-shirts are handed out upon completion of the ride.  All registrations before May 1 are guaranteed a T-Shirt, for registrations after May 1 T-shirts are not guaranteed, they will be provided if available.  

We are greatly concerned about the safety of our participants.  All riders must obey the rules of the road, watching out for others as well as themselves.  Our tour is mostly on public roads, and we must cooperate with other users.  We require the use of an ANSI approved helmet by all entrants.

We are known for the quality, variety and quantity of the food at our rest stops.  Plan to be pleasantly surprised!

There will be an after party following the ride with a band, food and drink available from local businesses.  So after you pick up your t-shirt stick around, hear some great music, and enjoy downtown Brainerd's great local businesses.

tol faq

1.  What time is the ride?
A.  Registration opens at 6, riders can start any time between 6 and 8.  

2.  Is it a race?
A.  Absolutely not, ride at your own speed, ride safe, if you want to ride fast best to start early.  

3.  What should I bring with me?
A.  Water, whatever clothing you need for the weather, spare tube, and the tools to change a tube, or CO2 kit if you choose, basic tools for minor repairs, whatever snacks you need between rest stops.

4.  Where do I park?
A.  Parking is provided in large public lots just west of registration, around the Crow Wing County Courthouse and jail, and in a city parking lot, watch for the signs.  Do not park on the street near registration, on either Laurel or Front Streets between 6th and 8th, or on 7th Street between Front and Norwood.  We need those spaces open for local businesses and residents.
Click Here for a map

5.  Are there rest stops?
A.  Yes, two on the long route, one on the short route, water, sports drinks, food, and bathrooms are provided.

6.  What do I do after the ride?
A. Check out the free concert, have dinner, or drinks at our local restaurants, visit downtown Brainerd's fine shops.

7.  Where do I register?
A.  In the parking lot between Sage on Laurel and Hockey house on Laurel Street.

8.  What if if rains?
A.  The ride goes on rain or shine, dress for the weather, you will not melt.

9. Do I get a T shirt?  
A.  Yes, as long as you register before May 1 T shirts are guaranteed.  After May 1, we cannot guarantee a T shirt.  Plan to pick up your T-shirt upon completion of the ride.

10.  Can I register late?
A.  Yes, late and same day registration are an option this year, but they cost more. Save money by registering early, but, if you need to be flexible and do not want to decide until the last minute you are welcome to ride.

11. What type of bike do I need?
A.  Whatever you want to ride as long as it is in good riding condition, bring your ultralite road machine, your mountain bike, fat bike, gravel rider, single speed, garage beater, just make sure it rides safe.