Up For a Challenge? Here’s How to Win the 2022 Tour de BCycle
Join the monthlong Tour de BCycle challenge and visit over 150 bike share stations across Houston.
By Stephanie Bartels Updated September 22, 2022
Join nonprofit bike share BCycle for the monthlong Tour de BCycle challenge.
Holy spokes! It’s time for BCycle’s annual neighborhood challenge, Tour de BCycle. If you think you can visit all (or most) of the Houston BCycle neighborhood bike share stations in October, then join the challenge in exchange for various prizes and serious cyclist bragging rights. Here’s everything you need to know about becoming the next tour champion!
For starters, what is BCycle?
BCycle is a nonprofit bike sharing service in Houston. It’s great for those burgeoning bikers interested in exploring and discovering new bike routes among its 150+ network of bike share stations. Just use the app or website to locate a station and rent a bike. You can either rent bikes as a guest or as a member. Guest rides are $3 per 30 minutes. Members get the first 60 minutes free. When you’re done, check the bike back in at any BCycle station around the city. Tour de BCycle is an annual challenge to visit as many of the company’s bike share stations as possible in one month.
Is registration for Tour de BCycle required?
Yes, registration is required and includes a BCycle membership, an aluminum water bottle (which is rumored to be “kick-ass”), custom-designed badges, and free group rides.
I’m a BCycle member, do I need to register?
Yes, even existing members need to register so they know you’re up for the challenge.
How do I participate in (and win) Tour de BCycle?
Once registered, start visiting as many stations as you can beginning October 1 and throughout the month. You’ll earn a Neighborhood Badge by visiting every station in that neighborhood network. There are 170 possible points to earn. Badge values vary depending on the size of the neighborhood and the number of stations in that area. You can earn bonus badges by tagging an Art Station on social media #TourdeBCycle. Our advice: Ditch your car and save some gas this month for a chance to win.
How many neighborhoods are there?
Prepare for a real tour around Houston because there are 21 possible Neighborhood Badges and a total of 153 stations. Stations can be logged by either checking a BCycle in or out.
Will there be free group rides?
Yes, there will be several free group rides which will qualify for a whole neighborhood badge simply by attending.
Can kids participate in the Tour de BCycle?
The littles will unfortunately need to sit this one out as you must be 18 or older to rent a Houston BCycle.
What are the Tour de BCycle prizes?
Stage 1, 40+ points: A free month of BCycle membership.
Stage 2, 75+ points: A BCycle hat or t-shirt of your choice.
Stage 3, 100+ points: Ride Houston BCycle free for the next year, plus cool merch from local bike shops.
Stage 4, 140+ points: A BCycle dedicated to you, plus merch from local businesses, bars, and restaurants, such as tickets to Rooftop Cinema, a Houston Dynamo game, food and drink coupons, and more.
Finish Line, Tour Champion, 155+ points: Besides ultimate bragging rights, you’ll win a lifetime membership, a “Tour Champ” t-shirt, and more.