FAQs

Rider Questions

Where does the Tour de Crème start and finish?

All rides start from Mattapoisett Town Beach, 32 Water Street, Mattapoisett.  Arrive early to check in. We’ll have restrooms and bike pumps available.

The rides end nearby at Munro Preserve, next to the Mattapoisett Town Wharf, at 1 Main St. All riders finish through a chute where we’ll check off your number. Please call out your number if it’s not visible. If you’ve got a t-shirt or a fundraising perk coming to you, you can pick it up at the finish. 

Don’t forget, we’ve got a fun post-ride party with food, beverages, live music and free massages.  

I didn’t register in advance. Can I register on Sunday or just ride along? 

No. 

Please understand that the cap is firm and based on the maximum number that we consider safe and manageable. We applied for permission from 7 towns and MassDOT based on 350 participants plus a few volunteer riders. We cannot responsibly accept more riders. 

We encourage you to download the tour maps and organize your own ride at a later date. Same great scenery, same great creameries! You’ll also be welcome to stop at the Country Whip, which is no longer on the tour.  

What do I need to bring?

  • Your bike helmet
  • Water bottle
  • Your bike (check it before the event)
  • Any donations you’ve collected offline.
  • Cash or credit card for refreshments after the ride

When should I arrive at the start?

Please arrive at the Mattapoisett Town Beach starting area 30 to 45 minutes before your tour starts to allow time to check in, put on your number, inflate your tires, and listen to the safety briefing. 

Where do I park?

The Harbormaster requests that we do not park at the Town Wharf.  Limited parking will be available for the first rides at the starting area.  Additional parking is available at the Center School lot at Barstow and Hammond Streets or in the lot on Railroad Avenue, north of Depot Street.  In the unlikely event those lots are full, you may also use the parking lot at the Bowlmor on Route 6.  From these parking areas, you can easily walk or ride to the starting line and from the finish line.

Do I need to wear a helmet?

Yes, all riders MUST wear a helmet when cycling. And listen, it’s important for your safety that you can hear approaching vehicles and other riders–headphones will not be permitted.

Do I need to sign a release?

If you registered online, you digitally signed a release during the registration process. If we processed your registration manually, you may need to read and sign a release at the start. 

Click here to download a PDF copy of the release.  

Will the tour be held in the event of rain?

Yes, the ride will be held RAIN OR SHINE, within reason.  The ride will only be canceled if weather conditions make the roads unsafe for cyclists.  Check our Facebook page for updates if the weather is questionable.

Do I need money for the creameries?

Each creamery on your tour will give a free scoop of ice cream. Beyond that, you are a regular, paying customer.  

Is there a GPS map? 

We’ll have paper maps at the start. See the tour pages if you’d like to study the map in advance, download map PDFs, or see the RideWithGPS routes.

How do I follow the route?

Follow the orange ice cream cones painted on the road. There will be one before, at, and after each turn. If there’s no arrow, keep going straight!  

What if I get lost or stranded? 

We’ve got you covered. We’ll have a support vehicle following the ride and OnTheSpot, a mobile bike shop, on hand to assist you. Call the number on your wristband if you get lost or stranded.   

How long does it take?

You have plenty of time to enjoy the ice cream. We expect most riders to finish by 3:00 pm. For the:

  • 45-mile tour, you have 5 1/2 hours. 
  • 22-mile tour, 4 hours.
  • 9-mile tour, 2 hours.

General Questions

What is the Tour de Crème?

The Tour de Crème is a family-oriented fundraising event sponsored by the Mattapoisett Land Trust and the Friends of the Mattapoisett Bike Path.  It combines cycling through the beautiful SouthCoast countryside with stops for ice cream at local creameries.  There are three different tours — 9 miles, 22 miles or 45 miles — from which to choose.  

How will the proceeds from this fundraising event be used?

All proceeds from the event will be split between two projects that benefit everyone in Mattapoisett and the surrounding area.  The first is a new rail trail connecting Mattapoisett to Marion.  The second is the maintenance and expansion of hiking trails on Mattapoisett Land Trust properties.  

How much does it cost to participate in the Tour de Crème?

The registration fees in 2025 are:

  • $25 (adult) or $15 (under 18) for the 9-mile tour.
  • $50 (adult) or $25 (under 18) for the 22-mile tour.
  • $75 for the 45-mile tour.

Very young riders who travel on a parent’s bike or are towed by a parent need not register.  Just take them along for the ride.  

The registration fee includes 1-scoop of ice cream at the creameries along your route. Ride t-shirts are an add on of $5 when you register; all riders have the option to add on the t-shirt or forgoe it during registration.

Is there a fundraising requirement?

Yes, for most riders. In 2025 all adult participants are required to raise $50. Youth on the 9-mile or the 22-mile are not required to fundraise, though they are welcome to. 

Fundraising is in addition to the registration fee. After registering for the event, you’ll be taken to a fundraising page where you can set up a page to share and ask friends and family to make donations. If you do not meet your fundraising requirement, the card used to register will be charged for the remainder of the required fundraising. 

How do I set up my own Fundraiser?

See the Fundraise page for everything you need to know.

Are there fundraising prizes?

If you raise $150 for hiking and biking trails, we will treat you to a delicious OxCart lobster roll at the party on the day of the event. 

Can I participate in other ways?

If you don’t wish to ride in the Tour de Crème, we would love to have your help running the event.  Please visit our Volunteer page to sign up. Volunteers can fundraise too! Volunteers who fundraise $150 will also be treated to a delicious OxCart lobster roll at the party. 

 

If we haven’t answered your question, please contact us.

 

 

 

 

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