The Tour de Titan, a University of Wisconsin Oshkosh annual Homecoming event, is bringing cycling enthusiasts to the streets of Oshkosh as alumni, faculty, staff, students and community members join in a family-friendly, eight-mile ride on Saturday, Oct. 13.
The route will begin at the Pollock Alumni House at 11 a.m. and finish at the Tent City pregame celebration on Josslyn Street at the Oshkosh Sports Complex. In concurrence with the Homecoming open house, on-site registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a $10 fee per individual, including a Titan gift bag.
Sponsored by UWO Alumni Relations and the Oshkosh Cycling Club, this fun, social event has been bringing alumni and the UW Oshkosh community together to promote bike-friendly safety since 2009.
Ken Kubiak, a 1977 UW Oshkosh alumnus and president of the Oshkosh Cycling Club said, “The mission is to support and promote safe cycling in the community for all levels of cycling and to encourage the health of our people and the growth and vitality of our sport.”
Along with the cycling club, Oshkosh Cyclery Inc. and the Oshkosh Police Department are assisting with the event.
The police department’s involvement will enhance public safety during the ride. Officer Matthew Harris, a UW Oshkosh 2003 alumnus, will be working directly with organizers to make a safer route by directing cyclists off the main thoroughfares when possible, marking the route with cones to create an unofficial bike lane and placing signs along the route so participants will be able to travel in parking lanes.
The department also will provide squad cars at the “lead” and “follow” positions so that motorists will be alerted to the cyclists, Harris said.
Cyclists will be asked to ride in a “two by two” formation for safety reasons, which will be accomplished by having several leaders corral the groups and by having officers give public announcements throughout the course.
“This event has the potential to combine current students, former students, faculty, staff and community members,” Harris said. “It is a good way to promote a safe, fun event that people of all ages can take part.”
A limited supply of bikes and helmets will be available for rent on a first-reserved basis. To reserve a spot in advance, registration forms must be received by Friday, Oct. 5.
According to Kubiak, advanced registrants will be entered into a drawing to win prizes on the day of the event.
“Prizes also will be awarded for best vintage bike, most unique bike, best decorated bike and best costume,” Kubiak said.
Be sure to join the fun, be creative with decorations and costumes and be ready to put bike-pedal to the metal at this year’s Tour de Titan.
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