FAQ
Please note that separate FAQ for our Katy Trail Vacation Tour can be found within that web page.
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
A: Cancellation policies are specific to each individual ride. Click here for details.
Q: Can I buy trip cancellation insurance?
A: Padre’s does not offer this insurance, but it is recommended and is available through a variety of agencies, including:
Q: How does baggage work?
A: Each guest may bring a total of two bags, weighing no more than 40 pounds each, for a total of no more than 80 pounds total, per person. Remember, you’re just bringing your daily gear. Since Padre’s supplies all of your camping gear and towels, you’re really needing very little compared to a non-chartered rider. You should pack your baggage as if you were boarding a plane. Since all baggage goes into a truck or trailer, Padre's cannot transport items not in a bag or case designed for transport. No additional items should be affixed to bags - pillows and sleeping bags must be stowed inside baggage. Additional fees may be assessed for overweight baggage or loose items. Whatever you choose, be sure to pack away your linens each morning. Please be sure to weigh your items before you arrive. If you absolutely need to be over the limit, contact us in advance to make special arrangements.
Q: What do I need to pack, and how does one pack for these events?
A: Everyone has their own specific wants and needs for multi-day cycling events. But we have compiled a list of suggestions from our own experiences, as well as what guests have shared with us over the years. We also offer some packing tips for those who may be overwhelmed. This is not necessarily a complete list, nor do you have to adhere to every suggestion. It is more of a guide to help get you thinking about what to bring, what not to bring, and how to pack it all in your two bags weighing 40 lbs each or less. Click here to learn more!
Q: Where do I shower?
A: Most ride organizers provide easy shower access. Check with each event for details on shower locations. At RAGBRAI, Padre's coordinate shower facilities for you each day. They are typically either on-site, in walking distance, or accessible via shuttle.
Q: Do I need a towel?
A: Padre’s provides you with a new, environmentally friendly, disposable yet durable towel each day. What’s nice about this is that you can use your towel as a maintenance rag each day to wipe down your bike, since you’ll receive a clean, new towel the next evening. They also work well as a fresh door mat for the vestibule of your tent. You may be wondering why not regular linen towels. This is because on most events, it is logistically impossible to launder as many as 150 towels daily. It is often difficult to find laundromats, and the added cost of towels, laundry, and adding staff to manage just the towels would increase our prices. Give these towels a try - you'll be pleasantly surprised!
Q: What size air mattress is provided?
A: Each guest gets one twin mattress. We use Intex air mattresses measuring about 75″ x 39″ x 10″.
Q: Do I need my own linens?
A: Padre’s provides each guest with a twin size air mattress, but items as personal as sheets, pillows, and sleeping bags aren’t something that we provide. Certainly, you’d feel more comfortable with your own bedding, right?
Q: What do I do if I have an issue with my tent or mattress?
A: If you have any problems, just find a Padre’s crew member. We’re all happy to help you with any issues. We top off mattresses at sunset each evening as well, since the air inside them contracts as the temperatures come down. Additionally, handheld air pumps are available 24/7 in our Zone.
Q: When do I have to be out of my tent each day?
A: This depends on the event, but typically, the crew will begin breaking camp by 6:30 am each day, in order to arrive at the next campsite and set up before you arrive. This doesn't mean everyone needs to be out of their tents by that time. The baggage truck will leave as early as possible in order to get to the next town to set camp for you. If you don’t want your gear on the truck yet, place your helmet on your bag outside your tent. We will NEVER load a bag that has a helmet sitting on top. We know that if your helmet is still in camp, then you should be too!
Q: What time do I have arrive in camp each day?
A: There’s no daily check-in with Padre’s. However, if you plan to arrive after dark, be sure you have the proper lighting for your bike. Remember that it may be difficult to see arrows marking your way into town after sunset. Please respect others in camp who may already be asleep.
Q: Do you provide SAG if I have an emergency on the ride or can’t ride the whole route?
A: We don't provide sag support, but guests can call our business phone number for any camp-related emergencies. Any issues while on the route should be directed to the ride sag support.
Q: Can my tent be set up next to my friends?
A: Unfortunately, there are several factors that prohibit us from being able to set people up in groups each day. One reason is efficiency, which is our number one goal. We can get camp set up much faster if we're not delayed by organizing tent groups together. Additionally, not everyone orders the same tent type, and we do organize camp by tent types which helps speed up luggage delivery for you. Fortunately, most people spend their time in our Zone area (see next Q&A item). This is where the chairs, shade, snacks, refreshments, and more are found, so simply gather with your group there, and/or make some new friends!
Q: What is included in the Padre’s Zone?
A: Each evening, you’ll find shade, your camping chair, fans, a charging station for your electronics, snacks, and beverages. Each morning, you’ll find coffee, ice, sport drinks, snacks, and other refreshments. There is typically a staff member there too, in case you need assistance or info.
Q: Will I be able to charge my phone and other electronics?
A: Yes! You will be able to charge your electronics until the generator is shut off for the night, after sunset; times vary depending on each event’s specific rules. You will also be able to charge up in the morning, once the generator is fired up to make coffee. Our charging station is capable of charging e-bike batteries and CPAP batteries, in addition to phones, lights, computers, etc. If your e-bike does not have a removable battery, please bring a 50’ extension cord.
Q: What if my bike needs repair?
A: If you can do it yourself, we’ll have a limited set of bike tools. If not, most rides have bicycle shops along the way, with mechanics that can repair most any issue.
Q: Will any meals be included?
A: Although some rides do offer meals, Padre’s does not provide any meals in camp. We do provide complimentary snacks and refreshments in our exclusive Zone, but they are not intended as a meal replacement. Please refer to each individual event to determine if they include any other meals with your ride admission.
Q: Are there any discounts available?
A: We do offer early-bird registration on most events. Sign up early for the best price!
Q: Is there laundry service?
A: We do not offer laundry service. The best plan is to bring enough clothing for the duration of the event. Some guests also elect to wash dry-fit type clothing while showering, when necessary.
Q: Do the tents stay dry?
A: We provide you with a high-quality, well-maintained, Kelty tent. These tents should keep you dry each night, even in the rain. All tents are inspected annually, and we are continually rotating new tents into use to ensure a dry, comfortable experience.
Q: What are the payment options?
A: Please register using a credit card through our online registration. Full payment is due when you reserve your tent.
Q: Where is each camp set up?
A: This depends on the ride. Our locations for most events are pre-determined by the event coordinators of each ride. For RAGBRAI, we personally select the sites when we visit Iowa in the spring. At RAGBRAI, we get you as close to the route and the action as possible. However, the availability of campgrounds in each overnight town determines our location.
Q: How do I know the route into camp?
A: Each event coordinates directions into each town. For RAGBRAI, there will also be clearly posted arrows marking the route into our campsite each day, once you get into town. Just follow the Padre’s arrows. We'll also have Ride With GPS links available for RAGBRAI only.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, animals are not permitted within the Padre’s camping area, including the inside of tents and vestibules. This includes service animals.
Q: Do I have to register with RAGBRAI before I register with Padre’s?
A: You don’t have to register for RAGBRAI before Padre’s, but since we are an official RAGBRAI charter, all Padre's guests must be registered RAGBRAI riders.
Q: Can I ship my bike to RAGBRAI?
A: If you are not using our shuttle service, but want to ship your bike to the start town, you must use one of the official bike shipping companies. Try contacting: www.bikeflightscom.
Q: How do I download RAGBRAI routes to my phone and download them for use offline?
A: Follow the steps below:
- Click the link provided by Padre's under the Navigation section of the important information page.
- When prompted, either log in to your account, or create an account.
- Go back and click the link from step 1 again.
- You may need to wait up to 5 minutes to be accepted as a club member. Once that happens, you'll see this:
- When you click that, you'll see this home screen:
- Click on "More" and you'll see this:
- Click on "Club". You'll then see this:
- Click on Collections. You'll then see this:
- Select BIKE ROUTES - RAGBRAI. You'll then see all of the daily routes:
- Select each route one at a time. For each route, click "Save" then "Download for Offline".
- Once downloaded, you will be able to see them under "Library" in the "Offline" section.
