FAQs

What day is the ride?
The ride is Saturday evening, August 21, 2010.

What time does the ride begin?
Three ride flights are offered:
A 3.5 mile "Mini-Hoot" at 7:00 pm, an 8.5-mile "Family Flight" at 7:30pm, and a 16.5-mile “Hoot Loop” at 7:30pm.

What time should I arrive?
Festivities begin at 5:30 pm, but the first flight does not start until 7:00 pm. There will be activities, booths, food and music during this time. Come closer to 5:30 if you have not yet registered. Those who register prior to Thursday, August 5th can pick up their NightOwl glow-in-the-dark T-shirt at check in.

Where does the route take me?
The NightOwl Classic winds along the Mississippi River, where you will see spectacular views of the city. Click here for a complete route map. * The NightOwl Classic reserves the right to make alterations to the routes due to unforseen circumstances.

How long will the ride take me to complete?
The 3.5 mile Mini-Hoot starts at 7:00 pm and should take most participants 30 minutes to complete. The Family Flight starts at 7:30 pm and the route is approximately 8.5 miles. It should take most participants about 45 minutes without stopping. The Hoot Loop is an approximately 16.5 mile ride starting at 7:30 pm and should take most participants about 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete without stopping. These times will of course be extended if pit stops are made.

How much does it cost?
Pre-registration: April 1 – August 5 (Free glow-in-the-dark T-shirt)
Pre-registration: August 6 – August 20th at midnight (No free T-shirt. T-shirts available to order.)
Riders age 18+ $30.00
Riders age 8-17 $20.00
Riders and 7 and under are FREE with a registered adult in an approved seat, tag-along or enclosed child bike trailer. Checkout our sponsors and follow us on twitter for deals on ride passes.

Day of Event: August 21, 5:30pm-8:00pm
Riders age 18+ $38.00
Riders ages 8-17 $28.00
Riders age 7 and under are FREE with a registered adult in an approved seat, tag-along or enclosed child bike trailer.

When do I need to register?
Pre-registration begins April 1, 2010. You may pre-register until midnight on August 20th, but only those pre-registering by 5:00 pm on August 5th will receive a free T-shirt. You may also register the day of the ride. Space is limited to 2000 riders per flight.

How do I get a T-shirt?
By being one of the first 500 to register for the NightOwl Classic prior to August 5th at 5:00 pm, you will receive a free glow-in-the-dark t-shirt. T-shirts will be available to order at the event and will be mailed two weeks after.

Am I required to wear a bike helmet?
Yes, all riders and children in tag-alongs are required to wear a helmet for the ride. A limited number of bike helmets will be for sale at the event.

Are bicycle lights required?
Yes, the state of Minnesota requires all night riders to have bike lights according to Minnesota Statutes 169.222.
A limited number of bicycle lights will be for sale at the event.

Who receives the proceeds from this event?
There are a few ways the proceeds are divided:

Some of the proceeds will go to The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities. Boys &Girls Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.
 
Boys & Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow—all while having fun. They are truly The Positive Place For Kids.

In addition, some of the proceeds will go to the Minneapolis Parks board to help maintain our city park system.

It takes a lot of planning, resources and staff to put together an event like this. Some of the proceeds will go to cover these costs.

Is the NightOwl Classic a race? Will awards be given to top finishers?
No, the NightOwl Classic is not a race and awards will not be given to top finishers. We want everyone, from beginner to experienced bicyclists, to enjoy the beautiful ride. For the safety of all riders and volunteers, we ask that all participants please keep this in mind during the event.

I am a novice rider. Will this event be too difficult for me?
No. We have three flights to choose from - 3.5 miles, 8.5 miles or 16.5 miles. We have fully supported water stops to give you a chance to rest and rejuvenate. There will be support staff at every rest stop. Staff will also be patrolling the course for anyone who needs a ride back to base.

Will the course be closed to motorized traffic?
Yes, the course will be closed to motorized traffic; however, there will be some points at which the course will intersect with traffic. At a majority of these places, police and NightOwl staff will monitor and assist riders safely across the road. All riders must obey rules of the road.

When will routes re-open to motorized traffic?
The course will reopen to motorized traffic at 10:30 pm. Park Police will follow the last rider. All riders must depart no later than 8:00 pm or they will be on their own. Staff at all water stops will do their best to keep participants informed of the time and distance remaining.

Can my children come?
Yes, but we encourage children, families and less experienced riders to take the3.5 mile or the 8.5 mile ride. Children under the age of 7 are free with a registered adult in an approved seat, tag-along or enclosed pull-hide, but will still need a waiver signed.

Where do I park?
Parking is available at the ramp behind St. Anthony Main. Street parking is also available around the area. Parking rates vary.

Will there be bike racks available?
Yes. We will have bike racks available, but they are limited and first come first serve.

What time will the ride end?
The 3.5 mile ride will take about 30 minutes. The 8.5 mile ride will take about 45 minutes. The 16.5 mile ride will take about 1.25 hours.

Will there be water and bathroom facilities available?
Yes. This year we will have even more pit stops available along the route for bathroom breaks and refreshments.

What if my bike breaks down along the route?
We will have bike mechanics that will be available along the route to help anyone who may have problems with their gear.

Is there a party after the ride?
There will be food and drink specials at the bars of St. Anthony Main, where many NightOwl classic participants gather. Show your wrist band to receive special after party offers.

Are helmets mandatory on the course?
Yes. For your safety, all riders are required to wear a helmet during the event.

Are there any items that are prohibited on the bike course?
For safety purposes, rollerblades, skate boards, headphones, cell phone use and pets will not be allowed on the course. If you need to use your cell phone, we ask that you stop riding and temporarily move off the course.

Can I bring my dog?
No, for safety reasons there are no pets aloud on the course.

How can I provide feedback about the tour?
During the event, riders should notify the nearest staff about any concerns, or call 911 in the event of an emergency. The Staff at NightOwl Classic is very interested in your input, comments or suggestions and they are greatly appreciated. Our goal is to provide an exciting , scenic and fun-filled ride. Please send any comments about the event to info@nightowlclassic.com or NightOwl Classic, 758 Grand Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105

How can I register for the NightOwl Classic?
Registration is limited to 2,000 riders per flight. To get reduced early registration rates, register by midnight on August 20th. You can register online, or by calling 612-238-3930. Those registering prior to 5:00 pm on August 5th will receive a free NightOwl Classic T-shirt to be picked up the day of the ride. You may also register at the event. Registration begins at 5:30 pm and runs up until the last ride at 8:00 pm.

How will registration work?
There is no event packet to pick up. You will sign a waiver if you register online, or when you register the day of the ride. Those who registered by August 5th at 5:00 pm can pick up their free NightOwl Classic T-Shirt upon checking in.

Does my registration fee include food?
Water and snacks will be provided along the route, and refreshments at the finish. Food and beverages will be available for sale at the NightOwl Start/Finish

I signed up for the 8.5-mile route but I want to switch to the 16.5-mile route. Can I switch?
Yes, you can change your mind at any time and simply follow the course that you choose on the day of the event.

Is there an age minimum to participate in this event? If my child is under age 7 do they need to be registered?
Yes. The minimum age is 8 years. However, riders age 7 and under are free with a registered adult in an approved seat, tag-along or enclosed child bike trailer. However, everyone participating in the event needs to register and complete the required event waiver. This is for the safety and security of all participants. All participants ages 17 years younger must be accompanied on the ride by a registered adult participant. All participants 17 and under are required to have a participation consent form signed by a parent or guardian.

My wife/husband and I plan to ride a tandem bike. Do both of us need to register for the event?
Yes. The registration fee must be paid for each participant over age five, regardless of the number of bikes used.

Is my registration fee tax deductible?
No, your registration fee is not tax deductible.

What is the refund policy for registration?
All registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

What if it rains?
The NightOwl Classic will take place rain or moonlight and all registration is non-refundable. The only exception would be in the case of severe weather, such as frequent lightning, strong winds, etc.

Who produces the NightOwl Classic?
The NightOwl Classic is produced by mod&co and SRO Productions.