Z Tour Bike Ride

Month: March 2020

  • End of March Tune-Up Time

    End of March Tune-Up Time

    It may not seem like it but the riding season is just around the corner. Late March will offer some early riding opportunities and you will want your bike to be ready! While it might not be possible to get your bike to a shop just now, here are some key points to consider for getting your riding season off to a great start:

    Is the drive train in good order? Is the chain clean and well lubed and are the gears and sprockets in good working order?

    Are the tires useable and safe: Check the tread for worn and thin spots.  Look at the sidewalls for cracks, sun damage, or dry rot. If any problems are seen, replace the tires and tubes.

    Check the brakes. Do both front and back brakes work? Do both pads on the front and back grab the rim of the tire? Do they squeak when stopping?

    And finally, inspect the cables for shifting and braking. Are there any frayed ends on any cables? This might require a shop visit or a shout out to a biking buddy. But do check them… brakes are a good thing to have, at times.

    With a few simple tools and access to YouTube, you can order the parts online and do much of the routine maintenance at home yourself.

    Don’t miss these first opportunities to get out and get rolling! It’ll be great for your psyche and your immune system! Get rolling and get registered for the Z Tour!

    We are hoping to see you in Princeton on the third weekend in July for the annual Z Tour weekend! I’m Bill Schnabel, director of this year’s Z Tour, and I approve this message.

  • Social Distancing With Your Bike

    Social Distancing With Your Bike

    Social distancing. Is that a verb?! Yes indeed!

    When so much of the news is negative or about gearing down and closing, now is actually a good time to gear up–and open up–to getting outside and social distancing.

    Spring is arriving in many parts of the country and it’s time to saddle up and ride. The health benefits and germ-fighting properties of a good workout are well known. Everything from fresh air to oxygenated blood is beneficial to your body and mind.

    Working from home? Take a recess. Go for a brisk walk or jog. Ride your bike. If you remember the guidelines about social distance, you can even enjoy the benefits of exercise with a friend or two!

    While social distancing is critical to fighting this newest virus, it doesn’t mean we have to stop moving or living! Get up! Get out! Get yourself and your bike ready for this season. You can improve your mood, strengthen your immune system, refresh your brain, and work toward a goal.

    Register today for the 10th anniversary Z-tour on the third Saturday in July. Give yourself a reason and a target… and get out for some social distancing!

    I’m Bill Schnabel, director of this year’s Princeton Z-tour and I approve this message.

  • Announcing this year’s Adventure Route!

    Announcing this year’s Adventure Route!

    Not for the faint of heart, for the daredevil set, when a plain old metric just isn’t enough… Any of these would describe the Z-tour’s newest adventure route. This challenging 66-mile route features a variety of surfaces and tests of a rider’s skill set. From a gnarly gravel climb, to twists and course changes, to muddy canal path sections, this route has what normal metric centuries do not. Be advised, the route offers a premium of challenges but a minimum of support and “easy out” options. Have your bike set up, your bike handling skills tuned up, and your body geared up for this change of pace route!

    Check it out at this link: www.ztour.org/the-adventure-route

  • Ton’s O Fun Band to play Friday Night before Z Tour

    Ton’s O Fun Band to play Friday Night before Z Tour

    Come “Down on Main” to the Z-tour’s fun early check-in Friday night and get the bonus of a fantastic street concert, great food and drinks, and a friendly hometown crowd.  This year’s concert features Tons O’ Fun Band.  A horn-driven rock band based out of Champaign Urbana. This high energy band has been rocking the midwest for decades and just keeps getting better!


    “The Tons ‘O Fun Band (TOFB) is a product of the renowned Champaign-Urbana, Illinois music scene and has been a mainstay for nearly two decades. TOFB fills the stage with nine talented and experienced musicians including a powerful four piece horn section. While the horns give TOFB its distinctive edge, three lead vocalists creates the ability to deliver a wide variety of classics remembered and loved by young and old alike but rarely produced by others.

    Tons ‘O Fun is led by trumpeter Steve Shaw, and is fronted by Pauli Carman Grammy Nominated, Multi-Platinum Recording Artist, and Lead vocalist of “Champaign,” which had Top 10 Billboard hits in “How ‘Bout Us”, “Try Again”, and “Off and On Love” each of which were preceded by classic music videos reaching top 5 status across the charts on MTV , Vh1, and BET. Rounding out the horn section is Bill Jean on lead trumpet, Jonathan Becket on Saxes and flute and Matt Flynn on trombone. Friends who have been laying it down together for years, the rhythm section consists of Larry Fredrickson on drums, Scott Karlstrom on bass and Stacey Krejci on keyboards and vocals. Sharing front man duties with Pauli is singer and lead guitarist Joe Ingolia.

    TOFB brings its “horn-band” signature sound to venues large and small throughout the Midwest and beyond! This band of brothers has the chops, energy & enthusiasm to truly earn its name Tons O’ Fun!”