It is with much regret that the Paul Bunyan Cyclists have decided to cancel the 2021 Tour of Lakes. At the time that the event was scheduled we did not expect another Covid surge, new cases are once again approaching all time highs. Even though cycling is a relatively Covid safe event, given the age of many of our riders we were concerned about bringing large numbers of people, many of whom are vulnerable, together during a surge. All riders who have signed up will receive a full refund of their registration fees.
We are sorry that we could not ride with you this year, and look forward to a time when we can gather again safely.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
We are sorry that we could not ride with you this year, and look forward to a time when we can gather again safely.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
the latest information regarding the tour of lakes will be on our facebook page
If you have questions about the TOL, please read the FAQ's below.
If you would like to email the TOL Czar click here.
If you would like to email the TOL Czar click here.
Lakeland News covered the 2016 Tour Of Lakes. Click Here
This story aired June 6, 2016 and some of the information has changed.
This story aired June 6, 2016 and some of the information has changed.
Route maps
Tour of lakes
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. 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 along with an after party including live music. All registrations before August 10th will a receive T-Shirt, for registrations after August 10th T-shirts 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.
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. 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 along with an after party including live music. All registrations before August 10th will a receive T-Shirt, for registrations after August 10th T-shirts 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, water, sports drinks, plenty of 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 August 10th T shirts are guaranteed. After August 10th, 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 ultralight road machine, your mountain bike, fat bike, gravel rider, single speed, garage beater, just make sure it rides safe.
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, water, sports drinks, plenty of 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 August 10th T shirts are guaranteed. After August 10th, 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 ultralight road machine, your mountain bike, fat bike, gravel rider, single speed, garage beater, just make sure it rides safe.