Frequently Asked Questions
(And What to Bring!)
FAQs
Q: What’s included on the tour?
A: The tour fee includes primitive camping, showers, T-shirt, cue sheets and maps, SAG support, mechanical support, daily rest stops, marked cycling routes. If you choose the breakfast option you also get breakfast each morning.
Q: What type of bike should you use on the tour?
A: Whichever bike feels comfortable but most people ride road bikes. Keep in mind that you will probably be on your bike 5-6 hours or more each day. So choose a bike that fits you well and doesn’t cause you pain. If you are unsure if your bike fits you correctly, check with your local bike shop for a bike fit. Along with a comfy ride, get your bike in good mechanical shape prior to the tour. All these items are the ingredients for great tour! A tire pump, tubes, and a patch kit and the skills to use them will get you back on the road faster if you have a tire issue.
Q: How do I register for the tour?
A: You can register for the tour by clicking on this logo:
We offer an offline registration service for an extra $10 fee. To download a printable and mailable entry form, CLICK HERE.
Q: What happens if I sign up and then find I can’t come?
A: AMBA will give you a full refund (less a $60 processing fee, which covers our costs of handling the registration) until a date one week before the event. After that, we commit to others for the costs of your participation. After the refund deadline date, no refunds or transfers can be given. You may, however, sell your spot to someone else.
Q: Do you have to sign up for the entire ride?
A: No. We recognize that people may have scheduling conflicts, so we allow sign-ups for individual days or combinations of days. To see registration fees go here.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: No pets are allowed.
Q: Q: What kinds of accommodations are available for sleeping?
A: Primitive tent camping in the park, and electric hook-up sites and cabins for rent. Contact Chewacla State Park to reserve electric hook- sites and cabins. They fill fast and are first come, first served. You also have the option of renting a room in one of the nearby hotels/motels or B and Bs.
Q: I want to stay in motels. Is that possible?
A: Yes. It is up to you to make your own motel arrangements. There are many hotel and motel options in Auburn.
Q: I am staying at a motel/hotel. How do I find out about route changes and event happening at camp?
A: All changes will be sent to you via text message, Or you can call the ride director, Peter Wolf at 334-524-0226.
Q: How do you mark the route?
A: We use a unique arrow and each day is represented by a different color.
Q: When do I have to start bicycling each day?
A: Most people start driving to the start location by 7:00 and are on the road by 7:30 AM. We begin SAG service at 7:30 and set rest stop schedules based on this time. If you start riding later rest stops may close before you get there. If you are held up and still want us to follow your progress, please call Peter Wolf at 334-524-0226.Please realize if you leave too early rest stops and lunch may not be setup yet.
Q: How fast do I have to ride?
A: It’s up to you. Our events are tours and there is no prize for getting to the days highlight first or being number one to camp. Some highlights may not be open if you get there too early. There are many things to do and see on the route each day and you have all day to enjoy them. We want you to experience our area not just ride through it.
Q: Should I let you know if I am going off route or if I am staying at a site longer than would normally be expected?
A: Please do. We want to support you and make sure we don’t take our staff off the road, or away from the rest stops, if you still need the services. If we no longer see people on the road or if we have not had any one at a stop for a long time we may assume you are beyond the service station or SAG vehicle and we just missed seeing you. Your call may free up a volunteer’s time if you feel you no longer need the services. As a courtesy to our support staff we ask that you call if you linger at a site or go off route.
Q: What happens if I have a mechanical breakdown on the road?
A: Flag down a SAG vehicle or call Peter Wolf at 334-524-0226. There are SAG, and official vehicles on the road and parked alongside the route during the event. The support vehicles are cell phone equipped and can communicate with each other in most of the regions we travel in. SAGs have basic tools and pumps and can call a mechanic in case of serious breakdowns.
Q: What does SAG stand for?
A: There are three definitions we’ve uncovered. One is "Support And Gear". Another is simply to “sag,” as in getting tired. And the third is “Support Aid Group.” No one’s sure of the exact origin and which is the correct one but the last meaning is how we interpret it.
Q: I have a cell phone with me. If I see an accident, should I call the SAG Help line?
A: No. Call 911 first. Calling us wastes precious time. We have to get the information from you, which takes time, and then relay it. Errors or confusion can result. Calling 911 direct in an emergency is the quickest and best way to get help. Do call the main communication number on you emergency cell phone number card after first responders have been contacted, and if doing so does not cause the victim harm.
Q: What type of weather can I expect?
A: You can expect daily high temperatures between 70 and 100 degrees. In the evening can drop to 60 degrees. The chance of precipitation is low on average, but it is not unusual to get rain so be prepared.
Q: What do I do if severe weather threatens?
A: If you are at the overnight site, immediately take cover in shower facilities. If you are on the road, get off your bike. Most bikes are metal and can conduct electricity. Seek shelter in a low area. Crouch on the ground. In the case of lightening, trees are not good shelter. Neither are open structures like park shelters.
Q: Can I get a list of all the riders with their addresses and phone numbers?
A: We have an obligation to respect the right to privacy of our event participants. Some have specifically asked us not to release their names and addresses to anyone else.
Q: Is there a Daily Route Meeting?
A: Typically, we don’t need meetings but if route change info or other information or announcements need to be relayed, we will do so via text message. Changes are also relayed via markings on the road. We will try to update the online maps before the days ride.
Q: What is the terrain like on the ride?
A: The Auburn area is in the piedmont region (transition between mountain and plains) of the Appalachian Mountains and exhibits rolling terrain with some harder climbs. Do not expect a flat ride as some days have fun ups and downs. Most veteran riders have no trouble with the terrain but some will tax you.
Q: If family and friends back home need to contact me, how do they do so?
A: Since most people have their own phones now this is not as critical as it used to be. For those that want an avenue for friends and family to contact them on the ride but either don’t have a cell phone or want a back up contact plan, please have them call the main AMBA number (334-524-0226) and we will get the message to you. Please have them relay your sleeping arrangements; have then tell us if you are staying onsite or at a nearby hotel/motel. If you are staying in a motel or hotel, make sure they know which one so they can tell us.
Q: Where can I go to get questions answered during the tour?
A: Call Peter Wolf at 334-524-0226.
Q: Do I need a helmet?
A: An approved ANSI or Snell helmet is required.
Q: What else should I bring?
A: See the list on this page!
Q: What about bike safety?
A: Your safety on the tour is of upmost importance to us. Bicycles are considered vehicles in Alabama and with that come the responsibility of knowing and abiding by the Rules of the Road. Also check out the many bike safety classes offered by the League of American Bicyclists.
Q: If I am not riding do I have to register?
A: Everyone must register for the event, if you are riding or not. For safety reasons and accountability, we ask that everyone fill out a registration form and sign a liability waiver. Every registered person receives a wristband that allows access to functions and give us a clue of who is with the ride.
Q: Can I volunteer?
A: Volunteers are welcomed and appreciated. As a reward for volunteering AMBA offers a $50 per day discount for each day you volunteer. These arrangements must be made before the first day of the ride. Contact Peter Wolf at pwwolf5757@gmail.com or call 334-524-0226.
Q: Is someone available to assemble or help me assemble my bike and break it down?
A: Please contact James Bros Bikes, 1199 S Donahue Dr, Auburn, AL 36832 Phone: (334) 821-0555 OR Trek Bicycle Auburn, 1775 Opelika Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Phone:(334) 329-5004
Q: As a participant on AMBA, I drive myself to the remote start each day. Why do you use this model? Why not start at camp?
A: In the past we had all folks start at camp. Because there are only two ways to leave the park, participant rode the same roads multiple times and grew bored with these sections. People wanting shorter distances would miss out on the feature for the day since the highlights are at the apex of the long rides. We experimented with having the shorter distance riders do a remote start and all preferred this option and none minded the drive. One lady said it gave her a chance to see more of this beautiful part of the state. Then we found the number of riders doing the longer distances diminished significantly, some days only one or two did the longer runs. As a compromise we added some distance to the shorter rides while still using remotes starts. This gives participants variety each day, allows all to visit the interesting and historic sites, and allows us to better serve the riders with rest stops and SAG service.
What to Bring:
• Bike Helmet (a must!)
• Business type cards with contact information
(gives you a quick way to connect to new friends met on the ride)
• Cycling gloves
• Towels and wash cloth
• Tent
• Sleeping pad
• Sleeping Bag
• Tire pump for on the road
• Spare tubes and repair kit
• Two large water bottles, or a hydration pack, or both
• Working flashlight
• Bike lock and cable
• Cycling shorts and jerseys
• Cycling shoes
• Off bike clothing
• Personal medication
• First aid kit
• Insect repellent
• Identification for on and off the bike
• Medical insurance card
• Sweat headbands
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Swimwear
• Rain Gear for off and on the bike
• Ear plugs for sleeping
• Toilet paper
• Kleenex
• Money
• Pillow
• Toiletries
• Sunglasses
• Binoculars
• Fishing Poles and Tackle
• Golf Clubs (there are some great courses nearby!)
• A Bike
and.... be sure to bring your appetite!
