FAQs

Check back frequently as some details are subject to change based on resource availability. 

When and where do we pick up packets on Friday evening and Saturday morning?

Packet pickup is in-person in Tabor, IA. Check back for the exact  location update. Pick up is from 1pm-6pm Friday night and Saturday morning from 7:15am-7:45am.

What is in my packet?

Packet content: Map, wristband, house tour information, daily schedule, emergency contact list, inclement weather contingency plan. Bathroom map

What do I get with my registration?

Registered riders will have wristbands for access to Grab and Go Breakfast both Saturday and Sunday and Dinner Saturday night. Registration also includes primitive camping at Cold Springs, IA and gear transportation and SAG support.

Where can I park while I am on the ride?

Tabor will allow parking Friday night until Sunday afternoon. The Underground Railroad Bike Ride event and those affiliated are not responsible for vehicles parked overnight. 

When and where is breakfast served Saturday and Sunday? 

Grab and go Breakfast will be in Tabor in the park on Saturday and in Cold Springs on Sunday. 

Where is lunch?

Lunch is on your own. On Saturday, Red Oak, IA cemetery will have a good will donation lunch and provide historical information and performances or you can explore local eateries, such as Williams Recreation Parlor (boasting cold beer and the best burgers), Buck Snort, or other quick eats in town! 

Dietary options?

There will be vegetarian options with included meals. Please email coordinators if any dietary concerns to see if accommodations can be made. 

Where will we be camping?

Friday night tents will be set up in Tabor City Park. Saturday we will camp in Cold Springs State Park one mile South of Lewis. 

What are the benefits of camping?

Friday night Tabor welcomes us by sharing their history and exploring the town. This will be a time to get to know other riders. Experiencing historical tours of the town and the Todd House are foundational to the experience of the Iowa Underground Railroad ride. Tours of the Hitchcock house and the town of Lewis, IA will be on Saturday afternoon and evening. Cold Springs campsite will provide opportunities for camaraderie and fellowship, recovery, and experiential activities. 

Can I fish at Cold Springs? 

Iowa fishing licenses are required. For more information, visit the DNR website.

Are there showers? 

Cold Springs campsite has 4 showers and 2 more showers are located in the Lewis Fire Station. More showers will be assessed based on number of registered riders. 

What should I pack? 

Bring gear for cold and warm weather, tent, sleeping gear, bike equipment including extra tubes, helmet, lights, and of course, your bicycle and clothes! General bike riding packing list based on your unique needs should be considered. A broader list will be emailed out within a week before the event. Pack according to your own needs and check the weather!

Are there hotel options?

Nearby reservations can be made on your own. Glenwood and Red Oak Iowa have hotel options within a 40-minute drive from Tabor. Atlantic, IA has hotels 10 miles from Lewis/Cold Springs Iowa. 

Can I camp with an RV?

Cold Springs has RV camp spots for first come first serve for an additional cost. Let us know if we can help with arrangements! 

Inclement weather?

Check here for our inclement weather plan will be available in packet. Any other weather, we ride! 

 Can I come as a support person and still have access to food and activities? 

Support people can come and pay their own way at the local sites.

 How long is this ride?

This UR Ride is about 68 miles one way

 Can I ride part of the event? 

Individuals can ride part of the day and are responsible for their own transportation to their vehicles. 

 Where does the route take riders?

Riders will leave Tabor and go through Essex, stop over in Red Oak, pass through Elliot, Griswold, into Cold Springs. Lewis tours include the Hitchcock House, the Heritage Center, dinner at the community center, and more! 

Will there be SAG?

There will be SAG for those who cannot complete the ride. SAG will take them to the final destination of the ride day. For non-standard bicycles, SAG can take riders to their vehicle to go pick up their bike (tandem, trikes). 

Can I register without the jersey?

Yes, the jersey is an optional purchase. A limited number of jersey’s will be available for purchase at the event. 

 Will you ship my jersey? 

Not in advance of the ride.  If you don’t pick up your jersey and can’t make the ride, we will make arrangements to ship it to you.

 How do the jerseys fit? (more info to come)

 What is the cancellation Policy?

Full refund for the ride will be issued 30 days prior to the ride. No refunds will be issued after this time. Registration can be transferred to another person with notification. Jersey’s cannot be refunded.

What are the COVID recommendations?

We follow the CDC and IDPH Recommendations listed below:1. Vendors are encouraged to follow CDC guidance related to Cleaning and Disinfection for Community Facilities, including frequent cleaning and disinfecting of all high-touch surfaces.2. The ride encourages and provides supplies to allow for frequent hand washing and hand sanitizing for employees and the public.3. The ride reminds employees and members of the public to stay at least 6 feet away from others.4. Please do not attend if you currently have symptoms or have been around anyone with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis in the last 14 days.5. If an employee or a member of the public becomes ill while at the facility, ask them to share that information with management, leave the facility, and then call their health care provider. If it is an emergency, call 911 and let them know the emergency may be COVID-19 related.6. Participants, volunteers, and employees should consider the use of cloth face coverings (when practical) if staying at least 6 feet away from others is not possible.

How do I sign up?

Registration is closed.