9 Things You Need To Know Before Attending the Tour de Summerlin
The Tour de Summerlin is one of the most exciting traditions in the Summerlin area. This annual event consists of three long-distance bike races for competitors to enjoy. Whether you’re a first-time rider or an experienced veteran, there’s a race length that’s perfect for everyone. Before race day comes, it’s important to prepare for this athletic endeavor. To help you get ready for the big day, our staff put together this list of nine things you need to know before attending the Tour de Summerlin.
Make Sure To Register Ahead of Time
If you’re planning on participating in the race this year, you need to register before race day. There is a $20 charge to register, but since the race is a charity event, all proceeds go toward a good cause. Registering secures your spot in the race and ensures you’ll receive your informational packet in time for the event. If you have a friend or family member who needs help registering, the event organizers allow you to register on their behalf. Late registration is also available on April 22, 2022, if needed.
Get Familiar With the Race’s Route
Whether you plan to attend the race as an observer or as a contender, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the route before the day of the event. Understanding the Tour’s path can help you set a good pace to finish with your best time. There are three different race lengths, so participants can choose to ride 20, 40, or 80 miles. With even the shortest race clocking in at 20 miles, understanding how to pace yourself is key to completing the event. As an observer, learning the route can also ensure that you don’t miss any of the action.
Keep an Eye on Weather Conditions
While the Summerlin weather is typically very conducive to exciting outdoor activities, it’s still important to stay updated on any changes. If it’s going to be hot, make sure you drink enough water to stay hydrated throughout the day. You should also wear clothes that are breathable so that you don’t overheat. If it looks like it could rain, or if it’s uncharacteristically cold on race day, then you should prepare with warmer clothes. You might also want to wear waterproof or moisture-wicking clothes so you don’t end up soaked.
Tune Up Your Bike
Since the race could take multiple hours to complete, you want to make sure your bike is in top condition before race day. If you aren’t experienced with repairing your own bike, take your ride to a local bike shop to have a professional tune it up for the event. Before race day, you should test your brakes and double-check that your seat is secure. You might also want to make sure the tread on your tires hasn’t worn down too much.
Practice Riding in Big Groups
Even if you are an experienced biker, you might not be used to riding in large groups. Before race day, you should practice what it’s like to bike in a large pack with other participants. Getting accustomed to riding in a big group will help you bike more confidently amid the excitement of race day. If you aren’t sure how to practice, you could reach out to some friends or even some of the other participants in the Tour de Summerlin who also want to practice.
Prepare Your Gear the Night Before
The night before the race, you should set out all the gear and equipment that you plan on bringing. In addition to planning what athletic clothes to wear while riding, consider packing a spare outfit to change into after working up a sweat during the race. It’s easy to forget something the morning of the race, so setting everything out the night before is a good way to ensure you bring all your important gear. If you aren’t sure what to bring, consult some online guides or ask an experienced friend. Using a checklist is another good way to make sure that you remember everything.
Eat Normally Before the Race
It’s not uncommon for racers to switch up their meals on the day before the race. You might be tempted to prepare some special foods to get your body ready for the big day, but in most cases, it’s better to just eat how you usually do. You don’t want to switch up your intake on the night before the race in case your body doesn’t adapt well. Eating the types of food your body is already accustomed to will help you avoid any unpredictable performance issues on the big day.
Create a Plan For Your Kids
During the race, any children under the age of 15 need to be accompanied by an adult. If your family is participating in the event together, then you need to plan to be with your kids at all times on the course. Before race day, it can be helpful to plan checkpoints where you and your family can regroup in case you get separated. If you plan on participating in the race without your children, then you might want to explore some of the fun local activities for them to enjoy while you take part in the event.
Make Plans for After the Race
Since the Tour de Summerlin begins and ends in the downtown area, you might want to make some plans for after the event concludes. Heading to one of the tasty local restaurants to celebrate can be a great idea. Downtown eateries will be crowded, so plan ahead with a reservation so you’ll have a place to refuel after the race.
These are just a few tips for attending the Tour de Summerlin event. What do you think about our list? Do you have some awesome tips that you want to share? If so, please let us know so we can keep your ideas in mind for the next time we make a post about the Tour.