Cost: The cost for BAM is $265 per person and the cost of the optional boat cruise on Pelican Lake is $20 (limited to the first 90 registrants.) The tour registration fee includes four nights camping, four breakfasts, four lunches, three dinners, admission to the Lakes Area Bluegrass Festival, brewery tour (limited to the first 90 registrants), baggage transport to each night's destination, maps, SAG & mechanical support and all the scenery and fun you can pack in! All other fees are on your own. Registration closes June 30.
Mileage & Terrain: Mileage will range from 60-75 miles/day on paved roads with some riding on paved trails. The terrain in this area is gently rolling. The tour is best suited for cyclists of intermediate ability and above.
Ride Details
About the Ride: BAM is a loop tour that begins and ends in Park Rapids, Minnesota. Meet Wednesday evening, August 22, for packet pickup, and begin your bicycling adventure on Thursday, August 23. The tour is limited to 275 people, which means no waiting in long lines for food, restrooms, etc.
August 23-26, 2012
Thank you
to our partners
Minors on BAM: BAM has established a ride policy which limits the ride to persons 16 years of age or older. Riders 16-17 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult during the ride, preferably their parent. A medical release form for each rider 16-17 years old must be signed by his or her parent or guardian. The minor must have the form in his or her possession at all times during BAM. Without the release form, there could be a delay in any necessary medical treatment.
Pet Policy: While we're sure Rover would have a great time on this ride (as will you, we hope), unfortunately for safety reasons, he/she will have to resort to stories and photos, as pets are not allowed. Riders with pets on the ride will be asked to leave the ride, with no refund of registration fees.
Camping: This is primarily a tent camping tour, with limited hotel options available (see below.) Camping is at local parks, schools, etc., with showers nearby.
Getting to the Ride: Park Rapids (ride start) is located on Hwy 71, about 3.5 hours from the Twin Cities, 3 hours from Duluth and 2.5 hours from Grand Forks, ND. Driving directions will be distributed to all registered riders prior to the tour.
Luggage Transport and Support: A vehicle will transport your luggage each day to the next overnight town. Campers are allowed two soft-sided bags, limited to 35 lbs each, and hotelers are allowed one soft-sided bag, limited to 35 lbs. Please be sure all items fit inside your bag(s); no tie-ons please.
SAG support will be provided and is for people who have mechanical issues that cannot be repaired on the road or are injured. SAG support will not be available as a transport mechanism for tired riders. Please be prepared to bike the distances indicated on the 'Routes' page.
Motel Lodging: For those of you who prefer indoor lodging, there are a limited number of motel rooms available in each city. The motels may be 1-3 miles from the camping location so additional bicycling may be necessary depending on the location of meals or any activities the towns plan. The cost of motels is not included in the registration fee and it is your responsibility to make your own reservations. Click here for a list of BAM hotels/motels. Be sure to make reservations at these properties, as these are the only locations that luggage will be delivered to/picked up from. Be sure to mention you are with BAM.
Food: Three meals per day will be provided, starting with breakfast on day 1 (Thurs, Aug 23). Lunches will be served on the road at the halfway point or later each day. Only breakfast and lunch will be provided on the last day (Sun, Aug 26). Meals are healthy, delicious and plentiful and are served by a combination of local community/civic groups, caterers and restaurants.
Supported rest stops are not part of this ride; however, there are opportunities every 15-25 miles to stop in small towns to rest and grab something to snack on from convenience stores, ice cream and coffee shops, & cafes.
Cancellation Policy: All cancellations received on or before July 31 will be refunded the full trip fee less $30. Cancellations received after July 31 will forfeit the entire trip fee; however, your registration may be transferred to another rider. All cancellations must be received in writing via postal mail (see 'Contact Us' page for mailing address) or email. Please send any refund requests or registration changes to bambiketour@gmail.com.
Mechanical support will also be provided--thanks to Penn Cycle--so all you'll need to do is ride your bike! Penn provides the service; however you'll need to pay for parts, etc. Please be sure to have your bike tuned up before arriving on the ride.
