JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — With Labor Day approaching, bicyclists all across the Show-Me State are jumping on their saddles, strapping on their helmets and taking to some of the nation’s finest scenic bike rides. Whether racing for charity, mountain biking in the Ozarks, or just taking a brisk morning ride through an historic neighborhood, Missouri offers a path to suit every rider.
Both on-road and off-road, Missouri cyclists have a variety of options. Missouri plays host to many organized rides for cyclists of all skill levels in the next few months. Here are 10 bike rides for enthusiasts and families alike:
1) Hit the streets from Ste. Genevieve to Cape Girardeau as you Ride the Route two days before the professional cyclists take to the road for the Tour of Missouri. (Sept. 6) www.velogirardeau.com
2) Climb as many hills as your legs can muster as you take part in the St. Joseph Hill Challenge. This charity ride raises money for the SJBC Bikes for Kids at Christmas Fund. (Sept. 19th) www.stjoebikeclub.org
3) Immerse yourself in the challenge of racing down a double-track street, then drop down into a single-track off-road adventure and finally end with a quick run back to the top as you tour the KC Cup Mountain Bike Race. (Sept. 19th-20th) www.heartlandrace.com
4) Listed in Bicycling Magazine as a "Reader's Choice" ride in October, the Missouri Tour de Cape hosts a variety of ride options through the Ozark foothills including a 15-, 30-, 62- or 100-mile journey. (Oct. 3rd) www.tourdecape.com
5) Biking and ribs collide at Kansas City’s Tour de Barbecue. Choose from either the 60-mile or 15-mile course which journeys past many of the famous local barbeque establishments. The ride goes to help benefit Missourians fighting cancer. (Oct. 3) www.tourdebbq.com
6) Hop aboard the Cotton Ramble in Sikeston, Missouri beginning at the historic train depot. You'll weave your way though soybean fields and even past two working cotton gins. (Oct. 10th) www.sikeston.org/CottonRamble.htm
7) Take a tour of the Park Hills-Leadington area, 27 miles east of the Mark Twain National Forest, when you take part in the Pedal the Parkland. Cyclists have the option of a 12-, 15-, 32- or 100-mile ride. Both on-road and off-road venues will be available for this charity event to help benefit the Alzheimer's Association. (Oct. 10th) www.parklandcyclists.com/pedal_the_parkland
8) Bask in the fall foliage and join cyclists of all levels as you make your way through one of five courses at the Carthage Maple Leaf Ride. (Oct. 10th) www.carthagemapleleafride.com
9) Make your way over to St. Charles, Missouri for the Ride the Rivers Century Bicycle Ride. Take in this 100-mile journey as you tour through majestic rolling hills, cruise historic Route 66, pass by the Gateway Arch and make your way across the finish line at the Trailhead Brewery. (Oct. 11) www.trailnet.org/century.php
10) The annual MoBikeFed's Fall Foliage Extravaganza celebrates the colors of fall as area cyclists take to the roads of Holts Summit. Riders will have beautiful routes to choose from, each created for various riding abilities. (Oct. 17th) www.BikeMO.org
Create your own ride, any time, any place. Here are some trails to get your wheels spinning through some of the Missouri trails.
For more information about Missouri or to get a copy of your 2009 Official Missouri Vacation Planner, log on to www.VisitMO.com or call 800-519-4800.
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